SEQUIM – Sizing up Jesse Marunde from a distance, you might think him unapproachable.
He was a second-place finisher in the World’s Strongest Man competition and a force to be reckoned with in numerous other strongman contests from Sequim to Zambia – a professional athlete whose prowess put him on television screens on several continents.
But Marunde, who collapsed and died Wednesday evening after a workout, was anything but aloof, friends say.
Though just 27, he had become a mentor to young men and a cheerleader for middle-aged women as they worked to become more fit.
An outpouring of love and sadness, in the form of bouquets, candles, cards and hundreds of postings on Marunde’s Web forum (www.marunde-muscle.com) has not stopped since the news of Marunde’s death.
After a candlelight vigil Thursday night drew at least 100 people to Marunde Muscle, his personal-training gym in Creamery Square, mourners continued to bring flowers and write words of sympathy to Marunde’s widow, Callie, and their 6-week-old daughter, Jessica Joy.
John Allen, a close friend, opened two bank accounts, in the hope that others will contribute toward Marunde’s family’s living expenses and to the education of both Jessica and of Dawson, Marunde’s 8-year-old son, who lives with his mother in the area.
