Herbert "Skip" Munson, Jr.

May 27, 1944 - February 26, 2024

Bellingham, Washington - Skip Munson was a big man with a big personality. He was a master of the mixed metaphor, with a penchant for old trucks, and a passion for jazz music, poetry, and car racing. The delight and responsibility of family, and his connection to friends, were what motivated Skip. He was at times philosophical, funny, and cantankerous, and always much loved.

Skip was born in Bellingham to Herbert and Dorothy Munson. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Pleasant Valley with his older brother John and younger sisters Diane and Marsha, in close proximity to a large extended family. Skip went to school in Custer, and graduated from Ferndale High School where he excelled in basketball and track. He attended Western Washington University before volunteering for military service in Vietnam, where he did two deployments as a Navy Seabee. Skip valued hard work and was a proud union man. He worked as a fisherman, pile buck, and tree trimmer, and had a long career as a longshoreman on the Seattle waterfront.

After living and working in Seattle for many years, Skip moved back to Whatcom County for his retirement. He loved to host barbecues for the family and hold court in his garage, directing chores and projects. He is survived by his cherished family: children Jennifer Schofield, Larissa Mansfield (Mark), Josh Munson (Sarah), Sara Thompson (Aron), Elsa Mansfield (Steve); grandchildren Levi, Bjorn, Eliot, Kai, Lavender, Marcelino; sisters Diane Joy (Dan), Marsha Donalson (Sterling); sister-in-law Katherine Munson (John); and his many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. Skip was preceded in death by his granddaughter Lia Julian, his son John Morgan Munson, and his brother John Munson.