Browse obituaries: 540 records found

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Martin (nee Swanson), Anne Margaret Friday, 20 Aug 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Born in Seattle on Sept. 2,1929, Anne grew up near Green Lake and graduated from Roosevelt High School, where she served a term as editor of the student newspaper. As a girl she enjoyed Green Lake swims, neighborhood baseball, English-style horseback riding and the companionship of her miniature pinscher, Pepper.
She studied piano with UW professor Edith Woodcock and served as accompanist for Seattle’s University Congregational Church youth choir, which undertook a national tour while Anne was in high school.
Anne’s parents were Alice and C. Arthur Swanson (she a first-grade teacher and he a freight agent for the C & O Railroad). Anne’s first job came young—she worked at a neighborhood drug store’s soda fountain and also at the Shop of China on University Way. Growing up, Anne was close to her Spokane aunts, Lillian Anderson and Mabel Wahlstrom, to her Swedish-immigrant grandmother, Anna Wahlstrom, and to family friends Manda Larson and Ruth Gregory. All of these special people who helped to shape Anne’s life preceded her in death.
Upon entering the University of Washington in 1947, Anne pledged Alpha Phi, transferring to what is now the University of Montana two years later, where she continued her Greek affiliation and graduated in 1951. She began college as a journalism major but ultimately graduated with an English and education degree.
In 1951 she married her Montana sweetheart, James Scott Martin, a college baseball player who drove a Model A and whose Phi Delta Theta fraternity pin she had been wearing for some time. She and Jim had five children born in various parts of the country as Jim’s career with J. Neils Lumber Co. (later St. Regis Paper Co. and Champion International) took them to Libby, MT, Tampa and Jacksonville, FL, Maine, Tacoma and Vashon. They also lived in Minnesota. In Tampa, Jim had a home office and Anne served as his secretary, learning to operate a teletype machine.
Anne had been an only child and therefore greatly enjoyed mothering her own large family. Adventures with that family included a backyard skating rink and springer spaniel puppies in Minneapolis and a cross-country car-and-train trip from Tampa to the Seattle Worlds Fair, via Bull Lake, MT, in 1962. For that trip she sewed matching summer outfits for the kids (she was accomplished at most of the needle arts). A later family adventure was a cruise to the Bahamas in 1966.
A talented and well-trained writer, she was often drafted by her churches or PTAs to work on their publications, and during the years when some of her children were competitive swimmers typed many a heat sheet for swim meets.
She enjoyed gardening and birds and was a great lover of dogs. Anne lived in Tacoma from 1966 to 1973 and returned to the Northwest in 1985. Her home was on Vashon Island for the next 25 years. There she hosted grandchildren for summer beach visits, blackberry picking, and dinners out of her vegetable garden.
Anne was a thoughtful citizen and a quietly literate, cultured, softspoken, generous person. Her handwritten letters, whether Christmas cards, condolence notes, thank-you notes or birthday cards to children or grandchildren, were gems of eloquence and, frequently, humor. She liked crossword puzzles and had many answers even in her last year.
She will be dearly missed by all of her surviving family members, who include: husband Jim, of Vashon Island, daughters Jamie Martin-Almy, Tacoma, Elizabeth Anne Martin, Seattle, and Caroline Alice Matter, Vashon; sons Scott Arthur Martin, DDS, of Redmond, and Gregory Frank Martin, Vashon; grandchildren Michaela, Tyler, Benjamin, Megan, Meredith, Mari´sca, Cazimir, Bohdin, and Kiryk; daughters-in-law Diane Martin, Redmond, and Amber Mozeleski, Vashon and sons-in-law Jim Almy, Tacoma, and Joe Matter, Vashon. Anne is also survived by cousins in Spokane.
Anne’s wishes were that memorials be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Services will be private. Arrangements by Island Funeral Service.
Visit our online guestbook at www.islandfuneral.com.

(paid obituary)

Baker, William Henry Saturday, 31 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

William Henry “Bill” Baker, age 81, of Renton, died peacefully at his home on 31 July 2010 following a courageous battle with heart disease and cancer. Bill was a long time commercial fisherman and worked for Boeing as a wind tunnel calibration technician for 40 years. He was a graduate of South Kitsap High School; a life member of the Quartermaster Yacht Club and the Boeing Retired Aero Tunnel Society (RATS). He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Irene of Renton; sister Lea Simington of Oregon, brother Van Baker of Sitka Alaska and five children: Michael Baker (Rocky) of Orcas, WA; William Baker (Sharon) of Eagle, ID; Theresa Baker (Pat Pound) of Tacoma; Sharon Johnson (Chris) of Bothell, Maureen Kosir (Kevin) of Renton; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. At his request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers Bill asked that donations to the American Heart Society or the American
Cancer Society be made.
(paid obituary)

Ivery (Plumb), Katherine Jane Friday, 30 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Katherine Jane Ivery (Plumb) born November 1912 died on July 30th 2010. Katherine, known by all her family and friends as Kay, last lived in Montreal with her daughter. Kay is best remembered for bringing a Fire House from Everett to build her home in Burton.
Kay worked for Muscular Dystrophy Association for many years. She was also a very active in the Vashon Pony Club and the local Democratic Party. Kay was
survived by her three daughters Sue, Robin and Pam and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held in Montreal.
Her
family requests that any donations be made to the local animal rescue or to Vashon Pony Club one of Kay’s most loved passion which she enjoyed to her
last days.

“When it’s over I want to say: all my life I was the bride married to amazement. I was the bride groom, taking the world into my arms.”
– Mary Oliver
(paid obituary)

Redwolf, Patricia Birgen Saturday, 24 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Mother, friend, scholar, activist and nonprofit wiz Patricia Marie Birgen of Vashon, Wash. passed away peacefully at home on July 24. “Trish” was born in Puyallup, Wash., on Jan. 25, 1967 and grew up around South Seattle. She graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way in 1985 and studied at Evergreen State College before completing her baccalaureate studies in anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley.
Driven by a passion for justice and tolerance of all cultures and faiths, Trish traveled through Europe and the Middle East on peace missions, narrowly escaping a kidnapping in Greece in the early 1990s. She protested in some of Seattle’s most infamous peace marches, including a Jan. 1991 Gulf War demonstration that closed operations at the Federal Building. Trish adopted the name “Redwolf” from a Native American healer who gave her the name: “red” for her fiery hair and passionate spirit, and “wolf” as a strong, courageous protector. Trish possessed a deep spirituality and connected readily with animals and the natural environment. Resourceful, she took pride in her former vegetable garden and in 2006 raised two pigs that fed her family for a year. She spent part of 2009 on a Washington coastal sabbatical with her twins in which the three camped for an entire summer; she told friends it was a precious gift of time well spent.
Trish worked several years in human resources for Immunex (later Amgen) and left the corporate world to help the nonprofit sector in what would become her consultancy, Redwolf Strategies. Trish’s tenacity and care positively impacted such local concerns as Home Alive, Lambert House, Treehouse, SEEDS, AHOPE, The Backbone Campaign, Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, Heartstrings, and Sustainable Tourism on Vashon, and many more. She authored many nonprofit trade journal articles.
Although in recent years her health diminished, Trish’s spark burned bright. She was proud to co-captain Vashon Island People with MS (VIPMS) and helped raise thousands of dollars for the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Greater Northwest Chapter, and powered through the 2010 WalkMS in Seattle with her twin boys in April. She also recently made two cherished trips to Portland.
Trish is survived by her three sons, Kashka “Kyle” Birgen, twins Tristan Conner Birgen and Quinn Sean Birgen; mother, Rebecca Marie Folkes; father, Patrick Joseph Birgen; brother, Michael Birgen; half brother, Will Folkes; stepsisters, Danette Folkes Reuff and Deanna Folkes; and a huge network of loving friends on Vashon, Seattle and the Northwest. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m., at the Gold Beach Community Club, 26004 Gold Beach Drive SW, Vashon. In lieu of flowers, please give to the “Estate of Patricia M. Birgen” benevolence fund at any U.S. Bank branch to help with the upbringing expenses of her twin sons.

DeLoach, Mark Benson Saturday, 24 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Mark Benson DeLoach was born on Aug. 16, 1963, in Lake Charles, Louisiana and died July 24, 2010, on Vashon Island, where he had lived for the past three years.

He leaves behind his daughter, Anabella Stout DeLoach, his father, Thomas DeLoach and his wife, stepmother Syble Baguer DeLoach, his brother David DeLoach, his parents-in-law Dan and Gayle Bator, and myriad friends across the country. He was predeceased by his wife Dana Engstrom DeLoach and his mother Margie Plunkett DeLoach. We are all sadder than we say about the unexpected loss of our dear Mark. A memorial service was held Sat., July 31, at the Presbyterian Church on Vashon.

Mark lived a passionate life. He was particularly devoted to Bella and to the rest of his extended family, including the wonderful family into which he married. He was in love with his USC Trojans (where he earned his PhD) and Dallas Cowboys (Mark spent much of his growing up years and early professional life in the Dallas area). He described himself as a fairly good debater while a student at UT-Arlington, but everyone else described him as an amazing debate coach and mentor at USC, Northern Arizona University, and the University of North Texas, where he was a tenured professor and an advocate for his students and for debate. He left UNT to become a principal with Leadership Research Institute, first working from Connecticut and then from Washington State, and he was among the most valued and respected in his firm. His strong sense of care for others led more than one friend to describe Mark as “the best man they had ever known.” It also led him to volunteer work at Vashon Youth & Family Services, where he as an active board member. Contributions can be made in Mark’s name to VYFS (via their website: www.vyfs.org; or send a check to PO Box 237, Vashon, WA 98070).

Those of us who knew him were as passionate about him as he was about us. We valued that he was at once rough around the edges and also kind and sensitive. We loved his sense of travel and adventure coupled with his intense love of home and community. We respected his incredible generosity and his commitment to others. Mark had a way of getting into people’s hearts and staying there. We will miss our son, our father, our brother, our friend.
(Paid obituary)

Schmidt, Mark Wednesday, 21 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Mark Schmidt died in his home on Vashon on July 21, 2010. Mark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 12, 1947. He grew up in a close knit family in Minot, North Dakota. Mark served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and, after his military service, moved to the Seattle area. He became a parent in 1968 and was close to his son, Alan, his entire life.
Mark received a BA degree in 1978 from Seattle Pacific University and worked for King County and Seattle City Light in Accounting and Computer Administration. Later he had his own landscaping business. Mark moved to Vashon around 1980 and built his own home here. He was generous, spirited, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved fishing, camping, and building things. He was also active in community theatre and appeared in numerous plays on Vashon over the years.
Mark was preceded in death by both of his parents, Huck and Lorraine Schmidt, and his brother Dennis Schmidt. Mark will be deeply missed by his partner/wife of 28 years, Thea Vernoy of Vashon, his son, Alan Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, and his sisters: Karen Teagle of Harrison, North Dakota and Kathy Schmidt of Lakeville, Minnesota. His loss is also felt by many friends on the Island and in the Seattle area.

A memorial service will be held at the
Vashon Land Trust building on Saturday, August 28, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
(paid obituary)

Mooney, Edmund Wednesday, 21 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Edmund Mooney, beloved father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully July 21, 2010. Ed, the third of eight children, was born to Harry and Zula Mooney on May 29, 1916 in North Platte, Nebraska. At the age of just 12 years, he left home and made his way west to Idaho where he learned his trade of “fixing anything”. He eventually met and married his wife of 65 years, Florence Assendrup and they raised five beautiful children, settling on Vashon Island: Donna (O’Brien), Craig, Keith, Dean and Marilyn.
Ed and Florence were surrounded by many wonderful and supportive friends on the Island where Ed made his living farming and working for K2. They were active members of St. John Vianney and St. Patrick’s church – where Ed spent many a Sunday cooking his special “hot cakes” for the parish pancake breakfasts, ushering, putting together the annual salmon bakes and doing anything the church needed by way of tractor. Ed and Florence also loved to spend time golfing and socializing with their friends at the Vashon Island Country Club and were long time members of the Tacoma Elks Club where they spent many evenings dancing until wee hours of the night with their dear friends Jim and Dorothy (“Dot”) Neal.
Ed cared for everyone. It was not uncommon for people in hard times to have fresh meat and garden vegetables from his farm left on their doorstep. He was readily available to help with any need of farming or heavy equipment and it was not uncommon for people to just drop by the house to see him. Ed will be remembered by Islander and visitor alike for his fresh corn sold at the monument on Monument Road. He kept the honor system of payment and even left his profits/change out there. He figured if he wasn’t paid, or someone took his cash, they needed it more than he did.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Zula, his brothers and sisters, his wife, Florence and his son Dean. He leaves behind his children, 9 grandchildren, 2 ‘adopted’ grandchildren (Craig and Anina Terry) and several great grandchildren who love him dearly and yet are thankful for the great length of time God allowed him to spend with them. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, July 31st at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
(Paid obituary)

Layhon, Michael Monday, 19 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Michael N. Layhon, 57, a long-time Island resident and man of mystery, passed away July 19, 2010 at his home in Onyx, California.
Mike was born, November 25, 1952, in Seattle Washington, son of Michael and Margaret Layhon. He grew up on the northend of the Island and attended Vashon public schools. Mike was an avid reader and student of history. He later received a masters degree from the school of hard knocks.
A quiet, kind and thoughtful man, Mike’s work career often reflected the choice of the road less traveled. He was quick to defend the underdog and Mike often became the spokesperson for those whom he felt, had no voice. When necessary, he was not opposed to the use of civil disobedience.
With a gregarious personality, wicked sense of humor and a penchant for a good old-fashioned practical joke, it was not uncommon for Mike to occasionally fuel the fires of the local rumor mill.
As a brother and a friend, Mike was much loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of remembrances or donations, it is suggested that if you can, please; help a stranger, talk with your neighbor, hug your mother, father, sister, brothers, husband, wives, and children and get a sense of humor.

(Paid obituary)

Petriello, Bartolomeo Sunday, 18 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

October 12, 1920 to July 18, 2010
Born in Cassano Irpino, Avellino Italy, Bartolomeo, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 89. He was the 5th of seven children and the last of his surviving brothers and sisters.
After completing his education, Bartolomeo apprenticed in his chosen art of custom tailoring. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Italian army during WWII. He spent six years in the army, three of which were spent in North Africa as a U.S. prisoner of war. He married his wife of 63 years, Mariannina Mongiello on September 18th, 1947. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1952 and settled in New Jersey, later followed by his wife and three children.
A long time custom tailor, he enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to opera and classical music, soccer, gardening, and keeping up with current events. He moved to Vashon three years ago to be closer to his immediate family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mariannina, sons Salvatore (Rebecca) Petriello of Edmonds, WA and Donato (Lynne) Petriello of Cobble Hill, B.C, daughter MaryAnn (Warren) Beardsley of Vashon, WA., 10 grandchildren (including Christopher and Brett Beardsley of Vashon) and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved sons Michael and Joseph.
Funeral services were held on Saturday July 24th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Vashon Island. Memorial donations can be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church or to the Vashon Health Center.

(paid obituary)

Morgan, Robert Friday, 16 Jul 2010

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Vashon-Maury Island, WA

Robert F. Morgan of Vashon WA passed away on July 16, 2010, in Seattle. Like most things in his life, Bob chose the time and the place and did it his way. His passing was peaceful with children and grandchildren at his side.
Bob was born in Aberdeen, Wash., to William Earl and & Vera (Vammen) Morgan. He attended Weatherwax High School and W.S.U. He also served in the Army during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Bob married Patricia Attridge of Chehalis, Wash. in 1948. They made their home in Seattle, Alaska, and later, Vashon Island.
After WWII, Bob became involved in the salmon canning business in Alaska. He would go on to build his own salmon cannery and freezer operation in Cordova AK. He soon became an early innovator in a variety of seafood processing and marketing practices, as well as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. during the Regan administration, and a legend in the industry.
Bob or “RF” to his friends, “Dad” to his children and “G-man” or “Pop” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, had a big heart, an engaging sense of humor. He was much loved and will greatly be missed.
The Church was an important part of Bob’s life. His children and grandchildren would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude for all of the support and prayers that were received from The Church of the Holy Spirit and the Vashon Community.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Holy Spirit on Vashon Island. The service will be held Friday July 23rd at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Pat & Bob Memorial fund c/o
The Church of the Holy Spirit
15420 Vashon Hwy. S.W., Vashon, WA 98070.
(Paid obituary)

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