Advanced Archive Search >>
Buzzer Beater

Sequim Strongman Dead at 27

Posted July 27, 2007 at 5:38 pm by Mike Seely

jesse.jpg
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.

Topics: Atlas Balls

Permalink | Comments (1)

Slideshows >

More Slideshows >>

Now Click This

National Features >

  • City Pages

    Michele Bachmann, Unmuzzled

    You don't need to read Sarah Palin's book to hear the ravings of a mad woman.

    By Matt Snyders

  • Miami New Times

    Pimp Daddy

    The rise and fall of a chubby sex-cult leader.

    By Natalie O'Neill

  • Riverfront Times

    Babe 'n' Arms

    Tom was a hot-tempered cross-dresser with a garage full of guns--and then he became Rachel.

    By Nicholas Phillips

  • Dallas Observer

    The Fight for Texas

    Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison are locked in a battle over the soul of the GOP. They're also running for governor.

    By Sam Merten

Seattle Weekly Classifieds

Classifieds

Employment

Rentals

Services

Seattle Weekly: About Us | Privacy Policy | Jobs at Seattle Weekly | Advertise | Free Seattle Classifieds | National Advertising | RSS
Village Voice Media: Village Voice | LA Weekly | OC Weekly | SF Weekly | Dallas Observer | Houston Press | Phoenix New Times | Minneapolis City Pages | Cleveland Scene | Miami New Times | Westword | Riverfront Times | Nashville Scene | The Pitch | New Times Broward-Palm Beach
Copyright © 1998-2009 by Village Voice Media. All rights reserved.