Friendship, family, and quality customer service were seemingly the most important aspects of Burien barber Jerry Talmage's life.

Talmage had many loyal customers over his 50-year career as a barber in Burien.

His son, Jay Talmage, said his father created a "friendly atmosphere, [and was] social and not afraid to tell his stories about his family and friends.

"But he wasn't just all talk and no work, he cut hair in a timely manner and didn't ask for much from his customers."

Jerry Talmage passed away on Oct. 10, peacefully, according to his son, in his home attached to his barber shop.

Gerald DeWitt Talmage was born on Jan. 31, 1930.

He is the youngest of three boys. His older brothers, Edward and Darwin, were in World War II and were stationed at Pearl Harbor the day it was attacked.

Jerry grew up in West Seattle and went to West Seattle High School, where he played baseball. He then joined the Naval Reserves and worked for Boeing.

His true love, however, according to Jay, was his barber shop.

At his shop, he would share stories about his family and his favorite activities with his customers.

One customer, Joe Hermle, a retired pharmacist, said Jerry was a very health-conscious man who loved hiking and swimming.

Hermle began going to Jerry's Barber Shop about 18 years ago when he was working for Safeway as the head of their Northwest pharmacies and says Jerry was "always trying to help people."

"He was very concerned about his customers," said Hermle.

Hermle also says he used to joke with Jerry about being old, because Jerry was a whole month older than him.

Jerry loved to show photos of his family, especially his two granddaughters, Lulu, 12, and Hannah, 14.

Jay says he loved to spoil his granddaughters. He says his father loved to hike, bike, swim and had many traditions.

"Every Fathers Day the family went hiking and then went out to dinner for Indian or Chinese food," Jay recalled.

Jerry was very much a people person, no matter what their age, race or culture.

"[He] embraced many cultures and befriended many [immigrants] new to Burien to include his neighbors at Ronney's Market and a single mom from Mexico who lived in apartments behind his home in Burien," said Jay.

Jay says he has so many fond memories of his father when he was growing up.

"Since my parents were divorced and I lived with my Mom, every Monday I would spend time with my Dad. I have many memories of Mondays with my dad, since this was his day off as a barber," Jay said. "Mondays with Dad ranged from baseball practice, going to movies, and attending tours at different places such as Boeing, Gai's Bakery, and the Rainier Brewery."