— from Sheriff Ron Krebs —
San Juan Island Fire Chief Steve Marler in an undated photo.
We at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office would like to send out our condolences to the family of Chief Steve Marler and to his extended family and co-workers at the San Juan Island Fire Department.
Tonight this county lost a member of our family. Steve was a kind, gentle, giant of a man with a huge heart and a great sense of humor. His loss will be felt by all of us for years to come.
You are gone but never forgotten, Steve.
Thank you for your service.
[Editor’s Note: Chief Marler has been San Juan Island Fire Chief since 2007. He was recently returned from a mainland hospital to the island where he wished to spend his last days.]
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Steve has been a great leader in San Juan County. We have felt his sturdy, calm presence over on Orcas Island and have been blessed with his leadership and grace. Thanks Steve for raising the bar in our profession. You will be missed and surely only fond thoughts of you sharing your time with all of us.
Our hearts go out to Steve’s family.
Clyde Duke.