December 6, 1990 — March 30, 2019

Justin Ray Hagerty was born, raised and died on Vashon Island. A true Sagittarius, he was optimistic about life and always up for adventure. At 6’2” and 180 lbs., Justin was a strong man with a gentle soul. With his beaming smile and positive attitude, everyone wanted to be his friend. He was well-loved in the community. Justin was a steady-Eddie kind of guy, always on time, rarely missing a day of work or school.

Justin recently celebrated seven years as lead diesel mechanic with Hitachi in Seattle. His cohorts agree that Justin was a born mechanic who enjoyed his work and helped his team get the job done with ease. He commuted daily on his Honda African Twin motorcycle early in the morning, worked long hours, and returned to work on his projects at his home in the woods of Frog Holler. Justin helped his friends with their projects and was always willing to lend a hand to others in need.

Justin replaced his Toyota 4Runner’s engine with a Mercedes diesel engine, personalized it and drove in the Vashon Strawberry Festival car show last summer. Justin loved to take his 4Runner wheeling in the Mud Bogs on Vashon and on Tahuya State Forest Trails. Justin’s other vehicle projects include his family-owned 1975 Ford F-150 truck with a Cummins diesel engine and Z40 Datsun.

He also had a passion for boating and liked to fish, crab, shrimp, squid and swim. Since he was a small child, Justin boated and sailed with his father and sister. This past year, he purchased his third boat, a Sea Ox, and was excited to take his friends for rides around Puget Sound.

A goal-oriented person, Justin had many skills including welding, woodworking, building and explaining how things worked. He loved the trees, skiing, snowboarding, being in nature and eating healthy. Justin loved his life and the people in his life. With his positive attitude, generosity and tender heart, he was also brave, caring, artistic, helpful and humble. We will miss his big hugs and infectious laugh with his cute smirk.

On March 30, 2019, Justin took his new boat out to attend the PBR bullriding event at the Tacoma Dome. Returning at night, Justin was in a boating accident near Dockton Marina which took his life.

Justin Ray Hagerty is survived by his mother Susan Pitiger; father Richard Hagerty; stepfather Joe Allison; sisters Shawna Pitiger and Jasmine Hagerty (Elric Baker); niece Stori Johnson; long-time partner Maria Hamper; and canine companion Rocco.

Please join us for a remembrance of Justin. This will be held at the Sportsman’s Club on April 20, 2019, at 1 PM, 19720 Singer Rd. SW, Vashon, WA.

Please bring a photo to leave with the memory book.