There was a man who towered above us. He stood tall with arms opened wide. He offered a hug to friends old and new. He had a smile and always a rhyme with everyone he met. He made you feel like you had known him forever, even if it was your first encounter.

Jason Lindburg, known to many as Stretch, came into this world on March 2nd of 1973. While born in Missoula, in 1989 Jason's family made their way west to settle within the community of Newport.

Jason was a welcome addition to Newport High School. He didn't have a passion for basketball, as most would assume, but he made many little athletes thrilled by having a giant coach them in soccer. Jason was slowed down for a while when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but he got through surgery, recovered, and charged off to Moscow to experience College Life. Without question, Jason enjoyed college. Gaining knowledge to feed his eager mind, and mastering some skills that would serve him so well throughout his life…Frisbee Golf, Hacky Sack and the table game known as 'Quarters'.

Next on Jason's agenda, learning the trade of laying hardwood floors. He traveled around for a jaunt installing gym floors, then made the move to go solo. This led him back to Newport, a great gift to our community.

Upon returning, Jason dedicated himself to caring for his ailing dad, Rick. It was rare that you saw Jason without his dad in tote ensuring Rick lived every day with dignity and grace.

Choosing a career in flooring seemed a bit puzzling, with his towering physique and documented hatred for math, but Jason conquered it and his talents brought warmth and joy to many homes, not only with his beautiful hardwood floors, but with his one-of-a-kind creations.

Jason charged at life, as if he were on a mission. Collecting intel from books, podcasts, travels, and the vast interactions with every human he encountered. His favorite exercise was stretching his imagination. He looked at everyday tasks as adventures and was a proud founding member of the Easily Amused Club. It was a baffling scene when having a 6'7" man come tromping down the streets of Newport on stilts, but that was just the chosen mode of transportation for Jason that day. His favorite subject of debate, 'non' religious banter. This would usually digress into speaking like a Muppet or Yoda, to defuse the heated conversation. It was truly an experience when you would catch Jason on a 'Talk Like a Pirate' rum night, or a 'Southern Gentleman' whiskey night. Absolutely impossible to keep up with such shenanigans, but so silly, outrageous goodness.

Jason always had hands, arms and legs ready and willing to help anyone in need, or to use them in crazy wrestling matches, food fights and Sharpie marker wars. Using his sharp wit, he conjured up Kelly's Wednesday Night Trivia. He packed the house entertaining the masses for many years with puzzles, riddles, music and laughs. MC for Drinks and Drags…of course! Run laps for Relay for Life...on stilts! Always a yes for supporting our community.

He played a more intimate role in people's lives standing proudly as 'Reverend'. Many couples were united in marriage by Jason performing their vows, each in a custom Stretch fashion. He also stood as Reverend to bring those together who had lost loved ones. With his kind and open heart, he spoke to comfort them.

Jason had a gift of dismissing all the nonsense. He cared not about someone's background, nor judged any person for their beliefs. He was just truly curious about the inner workings of people and took the time to engage fully, making every individual feel heard.

Jason spent a lot of time over the last couple of years romping around the woods, rafting rivers, playing with his adopted pups and working on his home for him and his wife, Peyton. He was finally taking some time to build some beautiful creations for his home.

It is impossible to encompass the life of Jason Lindburg. He was a best friend, brother, son, uncle, husband, and a forever piece of everyone's heart.

Jason is survived by his wife Peyton, his Mother Carol, his sister Mary and his nieces Charlie and Ruth. Preceded in death by his father Rick Lindburg.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jason at Newport High School on January 13th at 1 pm, followed by continued celebrations at Kelly's Bar and Grill afterward.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com