Sequim Strongman Dead at 27

Click the image to see photos of Marunde competing in the sirloin challenge. 

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I relay the news that one of the Northwest's great gentle giants, Jesse Marunde, passed away Wednesday at the age of 27 after collapsing at the end of one of his typically strenuous workouts. Marunde, who visited the Wedgwood Broiler this past April to take part in the Weekly's 72-oz. sirloin challenge, competed in World's Strongest Man competitions around the globe and was regarded as one of the sport's up-and-comers. When he wasn't competing, he operated a gym with his wife, Callie, herself a well-respected bodybuilder and personal trainer. Marunde's funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 1) at Sequim Community Church.

While Marunde's death would be incredibly tragic in and of itself, it's doubly so considering he and Callie gave birth to their first child, Jessica, last month (Jesse also had a 9-year-old son from a previous marriage). Having only gotten to know Jesse via e-mail correspondence and through our lone Wedgwood eat-off, I was nonetheless honored to have made the acquaintance of such a kind, generous, and hard-working young man. His daughter can grow up knowing that her father impacted the lives and hearts of many, including this humble scribe. We'll miss you, Jesse. You were one of the good guys.