Loyd Wheaton, a long-time Vashon Island resident and business man, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Nov. 12. He was 81 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, seven daughters and 15 grandchildren.

Loyd is described by those who knew him as a quiet, gentle man who worked hard and was proud of his labor. He and Kathy, in business together for 50 years, were the purveyors of several enterprises on Vashon until they opened their nursery Kathy’s Corner in 1971, boasting thousands of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, indoor plants and more.

What Loyd said he liked best about gardening was that everything he planted would last for years after he was gone.

There are no services planned.