“Mr. Lion”, Hall of Famer Jake Maberry dead at 86

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The Lynden High School Gymnasium was renamed "Jake Mayberry Gymnasium" in 1983 in honor of the legendary basketball coach. It is now commonly known as "The Jake" throughout the county and the state. Photo: KPUG/Brian Vanderpol

The Lynden community has lost another sports icon. Hall of Fame Lynden High School basketball coach Jake Maberry died Sunday at the age of 86. According to the Lynden Tribune, a family member confirmed Maberry’s passing.

Maberry, known as “Mr. Lion”, passed away one day after the death of Lynden High School Hall of Fame football coach Curt Kramme.

Maberry, a member of the Washington Coaches Hall of Fame, compiled a 521-176 record over 29 years of coaching. During his 27 years at LHS, Maberry directed the Lions to four state championships in 1961, 1962, 1967 and 1981. He led Lynden to 16 league titles and 9 Northwest District championship titles.

According to the WIAA, Maberry held the state record for most victories until 1989, six years after his retirement.

Maberry’s legacy lives on. The Lynden High School gym was renamed Jake Maberry Gymnasium in 1983 and is known throughout the county simply as “The Jake”. Maberry’s family berry business, “Maberry Packing Inc.” is a mainstay in Whatcom County.

(KPUG – Doug Lange)

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