It is with heartfelt love that the family of Dr. C.W. "Buzz" Ely Jr announces his passing.  Buzz was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 19, 1939.  He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1962.  During his residency he was drafted and served 2 years in the Navy.  Buzz spent his 28-year medical career as an OB/GYN physician, specializing in infertility and practiced in Birmingham, MI, Jackson Hole, WY, and Anacortes, WA.

Dr. Ely came to Jackson in 1978 and was the only OB/GYN in town taking over the practice of John Crenshaw who was retiring.  While in Jackson, Dr. Ely shared his specialized experience in infertility with numerous couples in the valley and surrounding western Wyoming communities.  He created the first sperm bank in Jackson donating all the equipment needed to get it started, as well as, opening the town's first adoption agency.  He also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce.  He left the valley in 1986 moving to Anacortes, WA in the Pacific Northwest where he continued practicing until finishing his career in 1993.

Upon his retirement, Buzz started the REMAX reality in Anacortes and served on the Island Health Board of Commissioners for 18 years, guiding the hospital through some challenging times.  He was awarded the "Spirit of the Island" award in 2016. Buzz is survived by his wife Betty-Anne Ely, and their 5 children (and spouses), Anne (Terry Merritt), Allison (Jeff Barnett), Janean (David Jolly), Andy (Tina) Ely, Kelsey (Shawn Johnson), as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  A Celebration of Buzz's life is being planned for his birthday on January 19, 2023, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Anacortes at 2 pm, with a reception immediately following. The family is grateful for the full life that Buzz led and the many he served along the way.

To share memories of Buzz, please sign the online guest register and bookmark this link for easy return visits: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/buzz-ely