West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
Family and friends are remembering Elmer E. “Buzz” Watson, who died last weekend. This remembrance is shared by his daughter, who says they wrote it together:
Elmer Earl ‘Buzz’ Watson, 95, died July 30th, 2016. following a long life well lived.
He is survived by his son, Gary Watson (Deborah) and granddaughter Kristina Watson (Brock Towler) and great grandson, Miles Towler, grandson Michael Watson (Gillian), and daughter Rebecca Watson (Darwin Nordin). He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Roeder (her children, Catherine, Cristine, Eric, Aaron) of Bellingham.
Buzz, son of Rachel and Elmer Watson, and great-great nephew of Ernest Watson of Whidbey Island fame (1886 historical house still stands as a B&B in Coupeville), grew up on a 120-acre dairy farm in Sumas, Washington, during the Depression, where he learned how to milk, and avoid being kicked by, a cow.
When not doing farm chores, or riling his sister Dorothy, he spent a lot of time hunting & fishing in the nearby woods & streams. Once or twice a year, his family ventured to the big city – Bellingham – to see the sights. When he was 17, the family sold the farm and moved to Bellingham, where he attended Western Washington College of Education (now WWU) for two years before moving to Seattle to work for the Western Electric (Ballard) phone company for a brief time. In 1941, he joined the Marine Corps, completing his flight training in Eastern Washington and Corpus Christi, Texas, where he graduated as Second Lieutenant. After meeting at a friend’s wedding in 1943, he wooed and married Jacque Lee Crawford in just one week. They honeymooned on the train, en route to North Carolina, and on the night they arrived, not able to find a room in a hotel, asked a police officer if they could spend the night in jail. After finding a home in Morehead City, NC, he received advanced flight training in preparation for active duty in WWII. He served 4 1/2 years as Captain at Midway Island, where he flew a B-25 Mitchell.
Personal highlights included shooting skeet with actor Robert Stack in Hawaii, and fishing off the islands for tuna. Following the war, he served 14 years in the Marine Corps Reserves, and was honorably discharged as Lieutenant Colonel in 1960. His military service was followed by several post-war jobs, gas station attendant, bread truck driver, bank teller at Bellingham National Bank – anything to make ends meet. He then worked for 35 years as a public servant – Deputy Collector for the Internal Revenue Service – and later was promoted to Supervisor of the Bellingham IRS office. He was feared but fair, finding creative ways for people owing tax to pay what was owed to the government (or as he liked to say owed to their neighbors).
Following his retirement from the IRS, he worked part-time as a real estate agent and enjoyed driving clients around and sharing stories about Whatcom County. Following his divorce from Jacque in 1972, he was awarded custody of his daughter Rebecca (unusual for that time) and was a single father for 4 years before marrying Josephine Durnan in 1976 (they divorced in the late ’80s).
He lived in Bellingham (rented an apartment from beloved friend Cheryl) until suffering a stroke in 2012, which brought him to West Seattle, where he lived at Daystar Retirement Village, to be closer to his daughter who cared for him until his passing.
According to him, he was the best fisherman in Bellingham, and enjoyed many fishing trips with friends near Point Roberts, Stuart Island, and off Vancouver Island. He especially enjoyed the fishing trips to Alaska with son Gary, and to HiHume Lake in Canada with daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Darwin. He enjoyed golfing (was a huge Fred Couples fan) and watching the Mariners (when they were winning). A personal friend of Senator Scoop Jackson, he was (and undoubtedly still is) a yellow dog Democrat, and enjoyed seeing Barack Obama elected twice. He was also happy to see Hillary Clinton be nominated as the democratic candidate for President this year. He loved to cook (a foodie before it became trendy), made a mean apple pie and was always asked to barbecue the salmon for friend/family gatherings. Later in life, one Thanksgiving weekend, after a brief introduction by Darwin and Rebecca, he took up painting and produced many beautiful landscapes. He loved his family very much, and was very grateful for all their love, and proud of all their many accomplishments.
His family is saddened by his passing but is grateful that he had the courage to find his own path to a dignified end, and is finally at peace. The family thanks Daystar Retirement Village, Synergy HomeCare, & Kline Galland hospice for their support. At his request, there will be no memorial service. In his honor, please consider a donation to your favorite environmental organization, preferably dedicated to river or ocean conservation efforts – oceanfdn.org, wecprotects.org, marine-conservation.org, tpl.org. Also, don’t forget to vote!
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather Friday to celebrate the life of Lis Rudolph. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:
Elisabeth R. Rudolph (Gabler), born December 11, 1965, was in a fatal accident on July 16, 2016, and died on July 17th.
She is survived by her loving family: her husband, Scott Rudolph, and her children Cole, Cooper, Christopher, and Audrey. Also mourning her loss are her parents Jack and Idella Gabler and brothers Jon and his family, and Jim and Steve.
Lis graduated from Sealth High School in 1983 and Seattle Pacific University. Lis was an honored employee of the Seattle Fire Department’s FMO Division. A celebration of Lis’s life will be held Friday, July 29th, 2016, at Shorewood Foursquare Church at 7 p.m., 10300 28th Ave SW.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lis Rudolph to Shorewood Foursquare Church (for the school), World Vision, Antioch Adoptions, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or directly to Scott and Lis’s family/children through Seattle’s Bravest Charity (a licensed 501c3 charity), earmarked for Lis Rudolph’s family.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A funeral Mass is planned next Wednesday for Muriel “Mert” Pearson. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:
Muriel Pearson, 90, went to Heaven on July 6, 2016. She was born in St. John, North Dakota on May 7, 1926, the eldest child of Willie and Anna Garceau.
Muriel came out to Seattle in 1945 and rented a house with 3 of her sisters in White Center. She worked several clerical jobs over the years; one of them at Boeing. She met, then married Keith “Bud” Pearson on September 15, 1950, in a double wedding with her sister Lorraine and her husband Harold Foster at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Later, Bud and Mert would co-own what was formerly Digby’s Tavern in Morgan Junction from 1973 to 1981. Once they retired, they moved to Lake Limerick in Shelton and again to Sumner.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Pearson, his wife, Lisa Pearson and her grandchildren, Amelea, Stephan, and Grace and great-granddaughter, Samantha of White Center, as well as her daughter, Kimberly Ann Pearson, and her grandchildren, Darby and Hannah Kenyon of Sumner.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith “Bud” Pearson and her sisters, Doris Gardner, Aurora Skeleton, Juliette Pearson, and Neoma Jones as well as her parents and many other Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Her funeral mass will be at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Sumner, Washington, next Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 10:30 am.
There will be a small one hour reception at St. Andrew after the funeral mass.
Muriel Pearson will be buried next to her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1:15 pm.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Maxine Bundy, who died last month at age 100, will be remembered at a service on August 5th. Here’s the tribute her family is sharing with the community now:
Maxine F. (Davenport) Bundy
August 30, 1915 to June 26, 2016
Mom was born Frances Maxine Plant on August 30, 1915, in small-town La Grange, Missouri. She would be the second of five children. At the time she was born, her father was in Montana working on a ranch. When he received the news, he hopped on a train and headed home to see his new baby girl. Maxine’s dad, always searching for the perfect job to support his growing family, moved them to Montana, where Mom spent some of her childhood years. From there, the Plant family moved to the Pacific Northwest. They lived in and around Seattle, primarily Rainier Beach.
Mom attended Emerson grade school and graduated from Franklin High in the class of 1934. Following high school, she attended comptometer school and went to work for Bell Telephone and Telegraph as a service rep. She met and eventually married Follin Davenport in December of 1940. In 1946, daughter Nancy was born and in 1949, son, Michael. Mom’s focus for the rest of her life would be the lives of her children and their families. She made sure that her children had all the opportunities she and Follin could afford. That included ballet lessons, ski lessons, music lessons, and more. She was active in the community as PTA president at Schmitz Park Elementary, Welcome Wagon, West Seattle High School Ski Club, Girl Scout co-leader, Cub Scouts and finally Fiorini Ski School. Many may remember our mom as having worked at Russell’s Jewelers.
Mom enjoyed the out of doors. She camped, skied, hiked, tried her hand at golf and even did a bit of fishing. She enjoyed hunting for wild blackberries and mushrooms with her sisters. Mom was a great seamstress, making clothes for herself and her daughter. She was always the consummate homemaker. Her home was always very neat and clean.
Follin passed away in 1985. In 1993, Maxine married Bill Bundy, a former neighbor. Throughout their 16-year marriage they enjoyed life and each other. They traveled widely, served in their church, entertained, and spent time with their families.
When Bill passed, Mom moved to Bridge Park, and for the next seven years she lived an active single life. She enjoyed the company of two special groups of ladies there and at church who supported and looked out for one another.
Mom has been described as warm, sweet, lovely, stylish, unique and indeed she was. As her children, we always knew her to be there in times of need, a companion and a good listener. She was a caring and able caregiver who was there through broken bones, measles, bee stings and more.
It should also be said that our mother was an avid Seahawk supporter.
Maxine is survived by her son, Michael Davenport (Nancy), her daughter Nancy Bringolf (Rick), seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Phyllis Keithly, of Yuma, Arizona.
A memorial service is planned for August 5, 2016, at 2 pm, West Side Presbyterian Church, West Seattle.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial service for Rick Herzog, 67, is planned Wednesday at Hope Lutheran. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:
Born January 28, 1949 in San Jose, California, Rick left us June 13, 2016, after suffering a sudden heart attack at West Seattle Golf Course.
A proud graduate of West Seattle High School (’67), Rick earned his BA from Concordia University, in Seward, Nebraska. His career began with the Washington State Ferries, before later retiring from the University of Washington.
It was while working a Seattle-Winslow ferry run that he would meet his wife of 30 years, Diane; they were married August 15, 1974, and later moved to Lake Forest Park in 1981. An avid golfer throughout his life, Rick was surrounded by many lifelong friends, in the neighborhood where he grew up, and playing the game that he loved. He will be missed.
Preceded in death by his parents Fred and Jan, and wife Diane, Rick is survived by his son Nate, son Morgan & daughter-in-law Allison, sister Deborah Bessette & brother-in-law Steven, brothers-in-law Dave Drain, Dennis Drain & sister-in-law Marsha, Dale Drain & sister-in-law Tina, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services to be held Wednesday, July 6, 2 pm at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A celebration of the life of Marshall M. Eaton is planned in West Seattle on July 16th. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:
Marshall McHugh Eaton
December 12, 1941–June 8, 2016Lifelong West Seattle resident; died at the VA hospital on June 8 from the effects of acute myeloid leukemia.
Marshall was born at Swedish hospital to Florence and Robert Eaton. He attended Gatewood, Madison, and West Seattle High, and graduated from South Seattle College. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carol Ann; sons Kevin Doyle (Yvonne) of Cheyenne, WY, and Mark Eaton; daughters, Ann-Marie Oliver (Danny) and Marguerite Eaton; three grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his brother Bill Eaton and sister Roberta Miller, loving nieces and nephews, longtime friends Elmo Lewis and Dennis Johnson, and many other dear friends.
He was a loving and devoted family man, and will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, love of cars, and ability to fix just about anything. The family wishes to thank the VA hospital, doctors, nurses, and staff for their care, kindness, and support shown to Marshall since his diagnosis. There will be a Celebration of Life for Marshall, July 16 at 2:00, at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 3050 California Ave. SW, in West Seattle.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, or any veterans’ charity.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Three memorial and celebration events are planned next week for Paulina D. Megale Beard, whose family is sharing this remembrance:
Heaven just got a whole lot better.
Paulina Domenica Megale Beard (“Nonni”) 90, of Seattle, passed away June 22, 2016 at home, surrounded by family.
Paulina was born in Coos Bay, Oregon to Italian immigrants Joseph and Domenica Megale on December 25, 1925. She went to high school at Marshfield High in Coos Bay and went on to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Oregon. Paulina married Thomas Beard on October 22, 1953, and lived in Oregon before settling in Seattle.
While raising her six children, Paulina worked full time as a Dental Hygienist until she retired after 52 years at the age of 79. She had such a loyal following of patients that she was deemed “PB Only” as most patients would insist on only seeing her for treatment.
Aside from her children, Paulina was most proud of her Italian heritage. At the age of 5, her family moved to Reggio Calabria before permanently moving back to the States when she was 9. She traveled often to visit family in Italy, many times bringing her children along in an effort to keep the families meeting up generation after generation.
Paulina enjoyed a stiff Manhattan, traveling, making big Italian dinners for family and friends, and she could play a mean game of gin rummy. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family both near and far.
Paulina is survived by her sister Eleanor (Owen) Murphy (Worcester, MA); brother Dr. Joseph Megale, Jr.; daughters Celeste Beard, Mary (Joel) Halpin, Josann Boever, Paulina (Steve) Elliott, and Celine (Stefan) Leigland; son John (Roxanne) Beard; six grandchildren Brigitte Halpin, Thomas Boever, McKinley Beard, Olin Leigland, Finn Leigland, and Tanner Beard; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Paulina is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Dr. Domenic Megale.
All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. Ti amo, Mamma.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Providence Hospice of Seattle and Swedish Palliative Care for their overwhelming support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle. Condolences may be left in Paulina’s online guestbook.
Rosary will be held at Holy Rosary Parish, West Seattle on Thursday, June 30th at 5 PM. Funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Parish, West Seattle on Friday, July 1st at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Holyrood Cemetery, Edmonds. Celebration of life will be held Friday, July 1st at 5:00 PM at Rainier Golf & Country Club.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather on June 18th to celebrate the life of Mark Moore, 62. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared with the community:
Mark Edward Moore, 62, of Seattle, passed away on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 with his loving wife, daughter, and son at his side.
Mark was born on August 3, 1953, to Elna and Dean Moore. He was the youngest of the couple’s four children.
He was a graduate of West Seattle High School and in 1979 married his wife, Susan Geary. Mark and Susan had two children: daughter Danielle, who was born in 1980, and son Kelsey, who followed in 1982.
For over 2 decades, Mark worked for Kings Command Food Inc., where he held multiple positions. Mark was a sports enthusiast. He was a die-hard Seattle sports fan and loved to watch the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics play. And on sunny weekends, you could often find him playing 18 holes at Foster Golf Course.
He was preceded in death by his father Dean and his sister Susan.
He is survived by his wife Susan Moore, daughter Danielle Ellis, son Kelsey Moore, mother Elna Brown, brother Douglas Moore, sister Cheryl O’Brien, and granddaughter Holly Ellis. Mark was a loving husband, father, son, and friend, and will be greatly missed.
Please join us to celebrate Mark’s life on Saturday, June 18th, between 1 pm and 4 pm at the White Center Eagles, located at 10452 15th Ave SW.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather next Monday to remember John W. Sisson. Here’s the notice they’re sharing with the community:
John W. Sisson, beloved husband and father, passed away at home in his sleep May 25th.
He was born in Minnesota in 1932. He was the son of Frank and Ruth Sisson. He spent a 35-year career in public service as an auditor for the General Accounting Office. He loved horses, boats, camping, reading, dogs, sports cars, WWII aircraft, and especially his family. He would always make time for his family.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, June 6th, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7000 35th Avenue SW in West Seattle.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to either the Union Gospel Mission or the Seattle Humane Society.
Please visit his memorial web page here.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather on June 5th to celebrate the life of Renee Rundle, 79. Her family is sharing this tribute, remembering her as a woman of “many talents”:
Renee Marion Amundson Rundle passed away peacefully on April 28, 2016 after a valiant battle with multiple illnesses.
She was born in North Dakota on February 11, 1937 to Julia and Gerhard Amundson. While she was still quite young the family moved to Seattle, Washington. Renee attended West Woodland Elementary School, James Monroe Middle School and graduated from Ballard High School in 1955. She married Clayton Rundle in 1956 and they welcomed their daughter Michelle into their family in 1968.
She graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Washington. Throughout her career she worked for PR firms including Bernhagen & Associates and Ehrig & Associates. She also was the Editor for the Alki News. Most recently she worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle.
Renee had many talents. In her younger years she was an accomplished majorette, a member of the Ballard High School and All City Band, and on her high-school yearbook staff. Later in life she pursued many interests including traveling, sailing, playing on a softball team, and studying the universe, meditation, and art. She loved writing and poetry and dreamed of having her poems published. She was also passionate about her community and not afraid to speak up if something needed to be addressed, as she often did for Alki. Though her physical health limited her at times, her spirit was strong and she was always seeking and open to new adventures.
Renee is survived by her daughter Michelle Rundle, sisters Gwen Cleveland (Arne) and Janet Woodfield (Ed), and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Please gather with us to celebrate her life at 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 5, in the Fellowship Hall of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 2400 NW 85th St, Seattle. Per her wishes, please also come dressed in brightly colored party clothes. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in her honor are welcome.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather June 18th to celebrate the life of Rick Lauffer. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared with the community:
West Seattle resident Erich “Rick” Robert Lauffer passed away on May 8, 2016, following complications from pneumonia.
Rick was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on January 20, 1956, the son of the late Florence B. and Erwin M. Lauffer. He is survived by his life partner of 40 years and wife Lucy Woodworth and beloved son Eli Lauffer. Rick is also survived by his siblings Erwin A. “Stuffy” (Linda Kensicki), Judith Touré (Roy Briere), Peter, Timothy (Kim), his brothers-in-law, Mark (Randi) and Paul (Lisa), and 14 nephews and nieces.
Rick studied art and literature at Western College of Miami University in Ohio, where he and Lucy met. They spent several happy years in Cincinnati, where he worked for Instant Replay Film and Video Productions as a 3D animator.
Rick was a talented artist who expressed his creativity in multiple mediums. Some of his art may be found at his website. There, he wrote, “An artist’s eye transfers to any tool once mastered.”
In 1991, Erich, Lucy, and Eli moved to Seattle. Rick worked as a 3D animator with Pinnacle Post before becoming a freelance artist and later a co-owner with Lucy in their motion graphics business, Lucy Woodworth Design. But his greatest joy came from his family and his role as Eli’s father. He treasured their time together.
Family and friends are welcome to stop in to remember Rick at a memorial celebration of his life on Saturday, June 18th between 2 pm and 4 pm at Duos Lounge, 2940 SW Avalon Way in West Seattle. There will also be a memorial in his hometown of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, on Saturday, August 6th. Donations in Rick’s memory may be made to NAMI Seattle.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends are remembering Carla de Vrieze, who died last week at 43, and sharing this announcement with the community:
Carla Y. de Vrieze passed away May 16, 2016, surrounded by her family.
Carla was born October 6, 1972, in the Netherlands. Moving to the US as a young child, she lived with her family in Arlington and Winchester, Massachusetts, attending Winchester High School and High Mowing School in Wilton, NH. After earning her Associate’s Degree from Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts, Carla moved and spent a few years in Chevy Chase, Maryland, before settling in West Seattle, near her brother’s family, in 1999.
Carla’s creativity and passion for the culinary arts were an important part of her personal and professional life; in cooking for others, she found joy. Carla was preceded in death by her father, Theo de Vrieze. She is survived by her mother, Joan de Vrieze, her brother Martin de Vrieze (Heather), and nephew Jake de Vrieze, all of West Seattle. She is also survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins around the country and the world.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SANCA, the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts, an organization which brings joy and inclusion to so many children of all abilities (674 S. Orcas Street, Seattle 98108 or sancaseattle.org/support/give-today).
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather June 18th to celebrate the life of Raymond W. Tofteland, who died a week ago. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:
Raymond (Ray) Wayne Tofteland died peacefully in his sleep May 8, 2016 in Seattle at the age of 51 from complications of renal disease.
Raymond was born August 7, 1964, in Minot, North Dakota, to Lawrence (Larry) and Eileen Tofteland. His family moved to Seattle in 1968. He attended Arbor Heights Elementary School, Denny Middle School and graduated in 1983 from Rainier Beach High School. He married his high-school sweetheart Melissa Whipple in 1991, and rejoiced when their beloved daughter Ashlee was born in 1994. While Raymond and Melissa divorced in 2005, they remained good friends. As his health declined, he moved in with Melissa and Ashlee, who took care of him.
As a boy, Raymond started earning money by mowing lawns. After graduating, he worked for La Mexicana making tortillas. In 1989 he started working at the Jefferson Square Safeway in West Seattle. Many years later, he transferred to a University District Safeway. He was on medical leave for the past two years, but was a Safeway employee for 27 years.
Raymond loved to fish (especially at Ilwaco), camp, go on road trips and barbecue. He spent many happy hours teaching Ashlee to make a campfire and to fish. He loved hanging out with friends and family around campfires, on his sister’s boat or just at home.
Raymond was preceded in death by his father Lawrence (Larry) Tofteland. Left to mourn are his daughter Ashlee Tofteland; his mother Eileen Tofteland; his ex-wife Melissa Tofteland; his brother Mark Tofteland; his sister Melissa (Missy) Speer-Tofteland; his nephews Gabe, Levi, and Luai; and his nieces Tara, Amanda, Jameila, and Sophia.
Letters of condolence may be sent to the Toftelands at 10441 57th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98178.
A celebration of life will be held June 18th in Olympia. Please call or text 206-913-7148 for more information or check Facebook for the “Celebration of Life for Raymond Tofteland” event.
Raymond’s last wish was for his remains to be taken to North Dakota, where his father is buried. Please consider donating to help make this final trip with his daughter a reality at gofundme.com/raymondtofteland
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial is planned May 15th for Mike Foster, whose family is sharing this remembrance:
Michael Dale Foster, 62, passed away in his sleep on April 19, 2016. He was born September 28, 1953, in Seattle, the eldest child of Harold and Lorraine Foster. He is survived by his parents; his brother Jeff Foster and niece Amanda; his sister Sue Foster and his nephews Matthew and Mark; and his daughter Kara Foster.
Raised in White Center, Mike attended Holy Family School, Kennedy Catholic High School, and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1972. Shortly after high school, Mike went to work in Saudi Arabia for Crowley Maritime. He would talk of that time as one of his greatest adventures.
He married Rebecca Connor in September of 1982 and had a daughter a year later on December 19, 1983. He would say that was his next greatest adventure: Being a dad.
They rented a house in Highland Park, Mike was friends with all his neighbors and would always have a helping hand if needed, working on bicycles, cars, or anything else in his garage. In 1996 he was divorced, but always lived near his daughter and his parents.
He worked for Sears Roebuck as a warehouseman for most of his career and recently retired from Bartell Drugs as a warehouseman.
He loved camping at Lake Trask with his family, he was constantly reading, and he would do anything for his family and friends. With a goofy grin and a big heart, he will be missed by so many.
His memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 15th, from 4-8 pm at the White Center Eagles, located at 10452 15th Ave SW. It will be a potluck event and the family asks that any donations in his name be given to the White Center Eagles.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends are remembering Lola Sugia Tebelman, who also touched many lives with her music:
Lola Sugia Tebelman, 90, died peacefully April 19, 2016 at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle.
Lola was born July 17, 1925, in Seattle, to Assunta and Philip Sugia. She attended Franklin High School and at an early age began a career as a vocalist in many prominent Northwest bands, orchestras, and jazz combos. (Her 1960 45-rpm record “Blue Tears/ Weathervane” was recorded at the West Seattle home studio of Seattle’s then-top audio engineer, Joe Boles, on Admiral Way in West Seattle.)
In later years, she attended business school and worked at the University of Washington until she retired.
Lola touched many lives with her presence, her creativity, her talent and her love of family. She enjoyed opera, jazz and classical music, fine arts, gardening, Italian cooking, journalism, reading non-fiction, writing plays, stories, and lyrics. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a special joy to her life!
She is survived by her two daughters, Maia Santell and Pamela Tebelman; her granddaughters, Mikela Aramburu, Gina Aramburu, and Lisa Tebelman; two great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
At her request no service will be held. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 97353, Tacoma, WA 98497.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Lola’s end-of life wishes, a memorial-gift donation to Seattle Area Feline Rescue would be a lovely expression, as she was an avid cat lover and animal-rights activist.
Please share memories and condolences on our online guestbook for Lola.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather this Friday to celebrate the life of Joseph C. Harris. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared today:
Joseph Claude Harris, age 75, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 16th. He is survived by his wife Sue, his children Sean (Courtney Harris-Campf), Colleen, Becky (RJ Masters), Marianne (Patrick McGah), and CJ, 5 granddaughters, and his brother, John Harris.
Joe was born and raised in West Seattle, attended Holy Rosary School, O’Dea High School, and Maryknoll Seminary. He later earned an MBA from City University. Joe and Sue met through their work with the CYO Summer Camps and after their wedding they lived as the caretakers at Camp Cabrini.
Joe was a proud father to his five children, often driving kids around the city for activities, teaching them to play cribbage, and supporting them in their endeavors. He devoted many years of service to the Catholic Church in parish ministry, school and parish finances, and researching demographics of the Church around the country. Joe was a regular volunteer at Holy Rosary, suggesting that Fr. Mallahan start the endowment fund, serving on various committees, and helping with the plans for Lanigan Gym. Joe loved running, biking, hiking, and playing basketball. He will be greatly missed.
The celebration of his life will be at Holy Rosary Church on Friday, April 22nd at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fr. Mallahan Endowment Fund at Holy Rosary School.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial service is planned April 30th for Dr. Catherine Ann Orsi, whose many achievements included serving West Seattle as a naturopathic doctor. Here’s the remembrance family and friends are sharing:
Catherine Ann Orsi passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 14, 2016, after fighting a brave five-year battle with brain cancer.
Conceived in her father’s native homeland of Italy, but born in Corvallis, Oregon on March 9, 1958, she was the first child of Vincenzo and Margaret (Atwood) Orsi. She is survived by her mother, Margaret, her siblings; Lewis, (Kathy), Barbara, and Stephen, her nephew, Nick, her niece, Kate, and her ex-husband, Chelo Winfred Schal. Her beloved father, Vincenzo, preceded her in death in 1972, and her American grandparents Hulda and Harlow Atwood, and her Italian grandparents Luigi and Olimpia Orsi.
Catherine grew up in Albany and Corvallis, Oregon. While attending Oregon State University, she pursued her late father’s profession, and in 1983 received a degree in civil engineering. After graduation she married fellow engineer Phillip Wurst, but were divorced after a few years. Her engineering career started with the U.S. Forest Service in Ashland, Oregon. Later she accepted an engineering position for City Light, in Seattle, working on landfill-closure projects. She was one of the few women in that field at the time.
Through mutual friends, Catherine met and married Chelo Winfred Schal in 1995. They made several trips to Europe visiting his family in Germany, her family in Italy, and explored her maternal roots in Finland. Catherine and Chelo divorced in 2005, but remained lasting friends.
With a lifelong interest in scuba diving, Catherine was a volunteer diver at the Seattle Aquarium for over 18 years. Her other aquatic pursuits included sailing, kayaking, and swimming. She dreamed of becoming a mermaid.
During a period of illness, she became disenfranchised with Western Medicine and sought help through naturopathy. This journey led to her midlife career change. She enrolled at Bastyr University, where she received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 2003. She opened her own practice in her beloved West Seattle, serving many local clients. Catherine maintained her medical practice until being stricken with cancer in the spring of 2011. Many of her clients, business associates, and friends in West Seattle remember her passionate and thorough attention to detail in her practice through her participation in a local chapter of BNI (Business Network International).
Proud of her Italian-American heritage, she obtained dual citizenship, volunteering for many years with the Festa Italiana celebration. She remained active in the Italian-American Association, and was a devoted member of her church, Plymouth United Church of Christ Congregational in Seattle.
After developing cancer and despite significant obstacles, Catherine filled her intervening years with love, many joyful activities, and personal connections with family, friends, clients, including many here in West Seattle. Although she was unable to continue her Naturopathy practice, she forged on with her connection to, and advocacy for a life of healing through support groups, online communities, and friends until her death.
One of her favorite activities was dancing in her many colorful outfits. It was while walking to a dance class on December 22, 2015, when she fell from brain cancer. It is her joyful and passionate pursuit in the beauty of colorful dance, and aquatic life that is how we will remember her. Dancing and grooving at the least provocation.
Her memorial service is planned at 1 pm Saturday, April 30th, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, and is open to the public. In lieu of flowers, her family requests offerings be directed to her remembrance project. People can donate on PayPal using catherineremembranceproject@gmail.com, or mail checks to “Catherine Remembrance Project” care of Lew Orsi, 10617 NE 30th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
It’s “more than an obituary,” declared the subject line for the e-mail that began, “A neighborhood icon has recently passed away. He (and his huge, friendly dog) always walked the streets and so many people knew him — if not by name — and will miss his presence and be wondering what happened to him.” So this is in memory of North Admiral resident Jake Ellis Couch, gone at 83:
This sad news comes after a very long struggle with health problems that peaked on March 24 when Jake agreed to go to Virginia Mason Hospital. Tests showed massive damage to his heart and other organs from a silent heart attack some time ago. He was able to enjoy a few days visiting with family and friends while receiving excellent care from the hospital staff until his death on April 2.
Jake was from a proud fourth-generation West Seattle family. His great grandmother came north from California in 1902 in a covered wagon and settled on Gatewood Hill. He grew up in the North Admiral neighborhood and attended Lafayette, Madison, and West Seattle High, graduating in 1950 when he volunteered for service in the Korean War. Jake was a devoted family man who worked for Seattle City Light Underground, enjoyed skiing, the cabin he built near Crystal Mountain, the farm in Duvall, wood carving, and socializing with north Admiral neighbors while walking his dog.
We are so grateful to friends and family for concern and support. Your presence in our lives has given us the gift of joyful memories. No flowers please — remembrances can be made to your favorite charity.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Family and friends will gather tomorrow at The Mount to remember Marie Loken. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:
Our beloved mother Marie M. Loken passed away on March 26, 2016 at the age of 93. She was born on August 22, 1922 in Seattle to Charles and Marie McIntosh. Mom was the eldest of three sisters and spent her youth in Ballard and spent many a Sunday on her grandparents’ farm on Vashon Island. She was a 1941 graduate of Holy Angels High School, where she received a diploma from Holy Angels Academy School of Music in addition to her high school diploma. At 17, Mom could play concert level piano pieces and never lost her love of playing her piano. After high school, she worked at Federal Way High School as a secretary and then worked as a typesetter for Sears Roebuck catalogue department in the old Sears building on 1st Avenue. Shortly before World War II, she met the love of her life, Roger, at a local dance school. They wrote to each other throughout the war, and while he was overseas he asked her to marry him. 69 years later they were still together until his death last year.
She moved to Kettle Falls to help Roger embark on his teaching career. While they were building a house, Marie endured harsh winters and summers raising her babies, all born about a year apart. She returned to Seattle in 1958 and resided in West Seattle for her remaining years. After raising her six children she returned to Sears and worked as a typesetter with the same people that she had worked with when she was 19. Through the years Marie was Roger’s right hand and greatest supporter through his teaching and real estate endeavors. Mom loved to travel and she took trips with her husband and family to Europe and Hawaii and the Oregon Coast. Reading mysteries and watching her classic movies were some of her favorite pastimes. When it came to gardening, she could grow anything from a cutting. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler, bowling a 300 at one point. The last of the great card senders, she maintained correspondence with her friends from Kettle Falls for over 60 years and never let a holiday or birthday go by without sending a card. She was a Red Cross Volunteer and a longtime member of Holy Rosary and Guadalupe parishes.
She is preceded in death by her husband Roger and her grandson Mac Branom. She leaves behind her six children: David Loken of Everett; Joan Perryman of New Mexico; Catherine Hunter of Des Moines, WA; Robert Loken of Seattle; Roberta Jackowski of Seattle; and Karen Coffey of Portland; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 9:30 am on April 7th at Mount St. Vincent Chapel. Graveside services will be held at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services – West Seattle. Please share memories of Marie on our online guestbook.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
The funeral and reception in memory of Mary H. Anderson are planned for April 16th at The Mount. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Mary H. Anderson, “Mimi” to her family, was born in Seattle in 1919. She died March 17 at Providence Mt. St. Vincent after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary and her beloved brother Bill, who preceded her in death, grew up in First Hill neighborhood. She attended Holy Names Academy and the Cornish school of the arts.
In 1946, Mary and her husband Frank Novak moved to West Seattle with their new baby Christine. The first thing she did was join Holy Rosary Parish, where she was a member for 70 years.
In 1976, Mimi married her true love Roger Anderson, who had two grown children of his own, Laurienne and Carver Anderson.
Mimi and Rog were married for 30 years and they lived and loved it thoroughly. Together they enjoyed traveling, bridge games, quiet nights reading and watching the ferryboats, family events, his wonderful sense of humor and her fabulous gourmet meals.
Mary leaves behind treasured friends and family, only child Christine Evens, grandsons Patrick and James Allen, Charles Evens (Lanna) and great grandchildren Andrew and Fae. She also leaves her wonderful nephews John and Phil Hendry, great nephew Troy, great nieces Sasha and Shannon and special friend Kathy Oczkewecz who she called her adopted daughter.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Providence Mt. St. Vincent Foundation, or her favorite charity National Animal Society.
Funeral mass will be in the Chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle, Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the dining room, all are welcome. Please share memories of Mimi on our online guestbook.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Friends and relatives are remembering Olga (Mitchell) McEwing, and wanted to share this with the community:
A long-time West Seattle resident, Olga McEwing died peacefully following a short illness on March 10, 2016, at age 96.
Olga was born on February 7, 1920. She emigrated to the United States from England with her parents Joshua and Ellen, and a younger brother, John, in 1927. She was a very generous person and cared a lot for others. She enjoyed music, gardening, and liked making the best pumpkin pies.
She was preceded in death by her husband James McEwing, 1919-1978.
Olga will be missed by The Kenney residents, the Schau and Matalone families, as well as many others, and will remain in our hearts forever.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A memorial gathering for Lorraine Mary DeTonancour Hope is planned on February 27th. Here’s the remembrance that her family is sharing:
Our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma passed away peacefully at home on February 4th at the age of 87. She is survived by her daughter Judy Maus-Carson (Matt), sons Robert Hope (Lori) and Curtis Hope (Stephanie) and by 7 grandchildren (Jessica & Jon, Andy & Katey, and Kim, Kelli, & Christopher) and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Norman Hope.
Lorraine grew up in Montana, where she was the belle of the ball – Anaconda High’s cheer queen, a softball player, and a National Thespian. After moving to Seattle with her best friend, she met and married the love of her life. “No and Lo” settled in Alki/West Seattle, where they raised their family and remained the rest of their lives.
Mom/Grandma/Lorraine went through life at full speed – she loved singing & dancing, entertaining & cooking, vacationing & sun-tanning, gambling, playing cards & bingo, spoiling her kids & grandkids, cheering for her sports teams, reading & making up words, painting & beach walking… She was happiest when loving on and laughing with family and friends and was fortunate to live much of her life that way.
A short service and reception will be held at Salty’s on Alki on Saturday, February 27th, at 11 am.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
A celebration-of-life gathering is planned next month for longtime West Seattleite Amelia “Amy” Beard Walker. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Amy went to her rest on February 1, 2016, at Highline Medical Center, at the age of 90.
Born on November 23, 1925, to Charles Grosvenor and Elizabeth Cooper Beard, in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee, she married Thomas L. Walker Jr. in 1943, sharing life for 69 years, until his passing in 2012. They lived throughout the United States, wherever his career in aircraft and missile engineering took them. She worked in various public school systems, and completed her working career as the Director of Administrative Services and Assistant to the Executive Director, Goodwill Industries of Seattle.
Amy was active in the West Side Wheelers square dance club, the West Seattle Garden Club, Washington Arboretum, West Seattle Rock and Gem Club, and was a Member/Secretary for Toastmasters of West Seattle. She served on the Executive Board of the West Seattle Daystar Retirement Village and was a Daystar Ambassador, welcoming and assisting new residents. An active member of her church, she served as a reader for the 14th Church of Christ Scientist of West Seattle. She led a pro-active life, touching the lives of so many others in a positive, lasting way.
Amy is survived by her children; Carolyn Gabrio (Bob), Eileen Meling (Lee), Thomas Walker III (Toni), and Lawrence Walker (Rosario); seven grandchildren; Kristin Pottsmith (Chuck), Janice Belding, Jacqueline Walker, Marcella Bolen (Dan), Brian Walker (Andrea), Leah Walker, and Jamison Walker, and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held by her family at Daystar Retirement Village, 2615 SW Barton Street, on March 26th, 2:00 pm; after which a private family scattering of ashes will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite Veterans’ charity.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
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