Walter M. Higgins Jr. passed away September 3, 2009 of Pancreatic cancer.  He was born June 27, 1918 in Washington D.C. to Major Walter M and Frances Merydith Higgins. Grew up in Rockville, MD and graduated from Columbia Tech Institute in Architectural Design & Drafting. He joined the U. S. Navy December 8, 1941 and served 4 years at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington D.C. In 1949 he moved to the west coast and through the United Methodist Church was involved in the opening and administration of a new retirement facility, Willamette View Manor, in Portland, Oregon.  In 1955 he became the Executive Director of the visionary project to build a retirement community in Southern Oregon.  Rogue Valley Manor, Medford, Oregon opened in 1961.  In 1970 he joined the staff of Wesley Homes, Des Moines, Washington and retired as their Executive Director in 1986.  He and his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Jane Cruickshank, who survives him, have lived in Wesley Homes since 1989.
Walt kept the Des Moines librarians active as a passionate reader, was an avid handyman, boater, Eagle Scout, Rotarian, and member of the American Clan Gregor Society.
His loving and proud family also includes Walter M Higgins III (Jacqueline) Reno NV; Susan Nicol (Scott) Portland OR; Alison Bryant (Stuart Ono) Woodinville WA; Jane Fredricksen (Jim) Mercer Island WA; 9 grandchildren, 9 gr grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held, Thursday, Sept 10, 2 p.m. at Logan Hall, Wesley Gardens, 815 S. 216th, Des Moines, WA. Memorials may be made to Circle of Concern, Wesley Homes, 815 S. 216th, Des Moines, WA  or Hospice Services, Group Health Foundation, 320 Westlake Av N., Suite100, Seattle, WA  98109.  Visit an online guestbook at www.bartonfuneral.com.

Pamela E. Klatt  passed away at her home in Kenmore, WA on August 31, 2009, after an eighteen month battle with lung cancer.

Pam was born on March 6, 1946 to Robert and Dorothy Klatt, and was goddaughter of Senator Henry M. Jackson.  Spending her childhood in Everett WA, Tillamook OR, and Seattle, she attended Cascade and Shoreline High Schools; Shoreline Community College; and University of Washington, majoring in English literature/sociology.

She married Ron Ehlenberger on March 16, 1995 in the Waipio Valley of Hawaii.

Pam had a diverse professional career.  In her 20’s she booked rock and roll bands and was a  co-owner of Far West Entertainment.  Later she was a product manager for the development of communication equipment for the handicapped and other electronic products.  In her late 30’s Pam changed direction and began working in the field of environmental planning, by 1991 was the head of the Environmental Sciences Division of Harza Northwest.   In 1999, Pam opened the Washington State office of Meridian Management Inc. of Anchorage, AK.  In 2001—she founded Meridian Environmental with her friends and colleagues Eileen McLanahan, and George Gilmore. She remained as President of the company until taking leave at the end of June.  She was a past Northwest Hydroelectric Association board member.

Pam is survived by her husband, Ron Ehlenberger of Kenmore.  Her daughter Kandice Kelly of Seattle.  Her brother Rob Klatt and wife Michelle of Renton and her two sisters, Debra Klatt and Erin Klatt and niece Kayla of Perth, Australia; stepmother Anne Griffiths, also of Perth; son-in-law Mark Enebrad and wife Lynn, grandsons Colby and Conner (who always brought joy to her life) of Buckley.  Goddaughter Stacey Stanford of Everett.

There are many nephews, nieces, and cousins across the country, including Beverly Lasecki of Waukasha WI, Kathleen Hockmuth of Reno NV, Gary Anderson of Arroyo Grande CA, and Jim Klatt of St. Louis MN.

Pam is preceded in death by her brother Ricky Klatt and her mother and father.

A  private celebration of her life with friends and family will be held in early October.

Special thanks to Virginia Mason Clinic for the superior and dignified medical care that helped extend her life and to Providence Hospice of Seattle for the care, support and guidance given to both Pam and her family.

Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in her name.

Nobuko (Ann) Ferree passed away on August 25th after an 8 month battle with cancer at the age of 77.

Born and raised in Yokohama Japan, Ann immigrated to the US when she married MSGT George Ferree in 1957.  As the wife of a military man, she had to learn quickly how to stand on her own two feet because he was often deployed elsewhere.  It was with her strength, stubbornness and pure determination that made it possible for her to succeed in accomplishing anything she put her mind to.

Ann was known as a spunky old lady who found the joy of “working out” in her retirement years.  She even learned how to “swim” at the young age of 74!
There wasn’t a day that she wasn’t attending some sort of exercise class and enjoying the company of her friends at the Columbia Athletic Club.  Her one regret was that she never learned to snow ski. However, she did enjoy the Mariners even when they were losing.

A bright spot during her illness, was to know that President Obama was elected as our 43rd president.  A change in our history that she felt lucky enough to witness!

She is survived by her three children; Larry Ferree, Cammy Budd and Linda Jones as well as three grandchildren; Bailey Metz, Jaclyn Porad and Jacob Porad.

Donald Eugene “Don” Cella was born July 1, 1927 and died August 21, 2009.  A lifelong Washington State resident, he was born and raised in Seattle, lived at the time of his death and for many years previous in Sammamish/Issaquah, and died in Kirkland. For over 50 years of his life he was the owner and operator of Washington Landscape, and in that role was responsible for landscaping many prominent local properties. He is survived by Marlene, his wife of 45 years, and his daughter Amy.

Fiercely independent, he was proud to be his own boss.  He loved life, his family, nature and beauty in all its forms.  He never held a grudge.

Having served in both the Army Air Corp and Navy during WWII, Don’s remains were interred at Tahoma National Cemetery on August 28, 2009.  He will be missed deeply.  Donations in his name may be sent, in lieu of flowers, to Evergreen Healthcare Foundation (MS-5), Hospice Services, 12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland, WA, 98034.

William C. (Caleb) Walker, III

Bill passed away at home in Redmond, WA on August 21, 2009. He was born on September 16, 1943 at Ft. Benning, GA.

Bill’s family moved to Minnesota in the 1950’s where they found their mutual love of boating on Lake Minnetonka. He built his first sailboat when he was 16, and never lost his passion for sailboats, trading up for bigger and faster ones.

His class graduated early from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point NY in time to sail to Viet Nam in February 1967 (to deliver rice). He sailed around the world 4 ½ times using celestial navigation.

He began his career in the marine insurance industry after returning to shore. He lived in Los Angeles until he joined an insurance company in Seattle. Bill later went into business for himself, managing three companies until the collapse of the Russian economy. He joined Commonwealth Insurance Company in 2002 as Senior V.P. and created the marine insurance division. He retired in 2004, following a debilitating stroke.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (his soul mate and high school sweetheart), son John W. (Kim) Walker and granddaughters Katelyn and Sarah Walker of Los Angeles, CA and beloved cats Jack and Spike. He was predeceased by his parents William C. Walker, II and Miriam (Mim) Walker.

We would like to thank the members of the Redmond Fire, EMS and Medic One who have consistently provided prompt, compassionate care since September 2004, especially last Friday. We would also like to thank the Redmond Police Department and Chaplain for helping Barbara get through last Friday morning as well, as well as Barbara’s good friends at Physio-Control.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations (checks only) on his behalf to either:

Redmond Aid Car Fund, c/o Debbie Gentry, 8450 161^st Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052 (established in the 1980’s for donations to enable the department to purchase specialized EMS equipment to improve delivery of emergency services to our community).

Redmond Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund, P. O. Box 2493, Redmond, WA 98073 (established by the local firefighters’ union to allow donated funds to help them reach out to needy members of our community during some very difficult times that they may be experiencing).

You are invited to a “Celebration of Life” Friday, October 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Boulevard NE, Lake Forest Park, WA.

Louie was born Dec 2, 1924 to William and Jenny Pappas. He died Aug 16, 2009 in Renton where he was a lifetime resident. He worked as a custom furniture upholsterer. His interests and hobbies were many and included building WWI airplane models, model railroading, puppet making, miniature dollhouse building and woodcarving. He was a PFC in the 401st Bomb Group in England during WWII. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gus and Ted and sister Mary Paulson. He leaves Vivian, his wife of 62 years; children Vicki (& Norm) Miskin, Steve Pappas, Lora (& Joe) Shannon, Sandy Frank, Linda (& Gary) Stallman and Lonnie Pappas. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grand children; 1 great-great grandson; his brother Sam; sister Olympia; and 10 nieces and nephews. There will be private interment at Tahoma National Cemetery.

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ROBERT C. (BOB) LONE
Bob was born at 8:12 PM at St. Luke’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington on October 21, 1940. He passed away at age 68 at 12.50 AM on August 12, 2009 at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington after a yearlong battle with cancer.  He was raised in the Seattle area, except for the period of 1948 to 1953 when the family resided in Richland, Washington. After returning to Seattle, his family, along with relatives and friends, became very involved in boating.  Many weekends were spent on the waters of Puget Sound crabbing, clamming and salmon fishing.
Bob graduated from Ballard High School in 1959 and that November he enlisted in the Navy for a four year period. While in the service, he received training in electronics. He was then stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier where he performed elevator maintenance and related electronic duties.  His duty took him to places such as Brazil, Chile, Peru, The Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.  Bob returned home from the service in November of 1963.  
After his first niece was born, Bob became known as “Uncle Bob” to all who knew him well for the remainder of his life.   After a brief respite from the service, he worked in the grocery business.  In February of 1967, his career in telephone communications began.  His duties included installation services, acting supervisor of training, supervising course development for Washington and Oregon, and supervising the Test Center in Renton.  He finished his career as a cable foreman.  Bob retired from US West in the spring of 1991 at age 50.
During Bob’s 24-year career with the phone company, he was an avid salmon fisherman.  He spent many weekends fishing at Point No Point Resort in Hansville, Washington.  He would also make numerous trips to Sekiu (on the Strait of Juan de Fuca) fishing with many friends and relatives, including his brother Doug.   In 1973, he became active in the Poggie Club.  This club was established in 1932 and consisted of sports fishermen dedicated to providing charitable services.  During his 25 year tenure with this organization, Bob proudly served two years as President of the Seattle Chapter.
Bob’s marriages did not last. He moved to Point No Point Resort on a full-time basis once he retired in 1991.  He lived there until he was diagnosed with cancer in the late summer of 2008.  Initially he fished almost every day that the weather allowed.  In one year alone, he recorded 270 salmon caught.  Bob ate very little fish, so family and friends were always happy when he had a good outing.  In the mid-1990s, he began expanding his fishing destinations.  There were trips to Tillamook, Oregon and to Cape Muzon near Ketchikan, Alaska.   His favorite trips of all were his annual trek to Sitka, Alaska.  These Sitka trips started in 1995 and continued every year through 2008.   Bob had two lifelong beloved fishing buddies who joined him on most of his fishing excursions throughout the years.  They were Terry Skinner, who preceded him in death in 2008, and his cousin Jim Lone, who survives him.  Bob loved to socialize and made many cherished friends at the “Point” over the years.
Bob’s other passions during retirement were feeding and watching birds from his home, which was a 33’ travel trailer.  He also read and educated himself thoroughly on US History, starting with the discovery of America.  He developed a profound knowledge of this subject and was able to discuss any aspect at a moment’s notice.  He said he had completed reading over 2,000 books relating to this subject alone.  He was particularly interested in all of the US wars and conflicts.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Donald M. Lone and Doris E. Lone.  Uncle Bob is survived by his loving family; brother Doug and sister-in-law Adele; his adored nieces; Lori, Lisa, & Kristina; two great-nieces, Nicole and Natalie; two great-nephews, Daniel and Connor, and three cousins.  His extended family and many friends will also miss him greatly.  Bob chose to be cremated with his ashes to be spread on the waters at Point No Point.  The family wishes to thank the staffs at Cascade Cancer Center, Aegis Assisted Living and Evergreen Hospice for their compassion and loving care during the final stages of his life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to Evergreen Hospice, 12822 – 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA  98034, where a Memorial will be held on August 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM.  Please post your memories of Bob on this website. Thank you.

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On August 3rd, 2009, Karen Louise Goldstein passed away in Kirkland, WA. She was a New
Year’s baby, born January 1st, 1967 to proud parents Gloria and Roy Schulz and siblings
Bill, Ron and Diane. Karen attended Juanita High school and went to Germany as an exchange
student in her junior year. Karen graduated from the University of Washington and Seattle
Pacific University. While at the UW, Karen enjoyed being a member of ZTA sorority. She
went on to work in the medical profession. She loved her job at Evergreen Hospital and
inspired all whom she worked with. Karen recently celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary
to her beloved husband Tim. They shared a passion for travel and experienced the world
more than many dream possible. They were blessed with the birth of their beautiful
daughter Nicole eight years ago, the love of her life. Karen was loved by so many and will
be missed by so many. She is an angel now in heaven, at peace, without pain.

The Karen Schulz Goldstein Memorial Lecture Fund has been established to endow an annual lecture series in Karen’s honor in recognition of her career and dedication to promoting diabetes education.  Karen was an active member of the Washington Association of Diabetes Educators (WADE) and the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group.  The promotion of diabetes care and education were very important to Karen.  This annual lecture series will ensure that Karen’s passion for the promotion of diabetes care and education will continue and be available to others who share her passion.

If you are interested in donating to this Fund, you can make a check to WADE which is a not-for-profit organization.  If you write “Karen” in the memo line, your donation will be directed to this Fund.  All donations are tax deductible.

Rosella Craig

Rosella F. Craig, 94, longtime resident of Bellevue, WA passed away peacefully at her home on July 31st.  She was born on March 2, 1915, the youngest of eleven children.  She grew up in Hand Country, SD, graduated from Redfield High School in 1933, and married Roland J. Craig February 7, 1934.  They made their home in Tulare, SD prior to moving to Kennebec, SD in 1942.  They relocated to Bellevue, WA in 1955, where she lived until her death.

Rosella and Roland have five sons: Bill, Jim, Pat, Mike and Kevin; and four daughters: Carmen Miller, Mary Kerb, Fatima Craig and Karla Kinsella.  She was preceded in death by her husband Roland, son Patrick, and granddaughter LeAnn.  Although primarily a mother and homemaker, Rosie worked at Newberry’s and Fredrick and Nelson.  She volunteered at Residence East, a group home for the mentally challenged in Bellevue, for more than a decade.  She was nominated for Bellevue Citizen of the Year in 1984. She cared for many children and also many elderly people–most younger than herself.

In her younger years she was very athletic and enjoyed softball and horseshoes.  She loved children, bowling, Bingo, crafts and parties.

She was “Grandma Rosie” to many, including 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Carol Slawson 1934-2009

Carol passed away on July 16th at her adult family home after a five year battle with Alzheimer’s. The family wishes to give special thanks to the care givers at Grace Adult Family Home who have given Carol such loving care over the past four years.

Carol was born and raised in Spokane, one of three daughters of Jack and Helen Slosser. Carol graduated from WSC in 1956 and began a teaching career in Seattle that lasted over twenty four years.

A parent of two of Carol’s kindergarten students wrote these words recently:
“…I remember the first time I met Carol. I visited her kindergarten classroom to see if
she was the right teacher for my daughter. I fell in love with her immediately. I was so
thrilled that my daughter would be with Carol. She was obviously a loving, encouraging,
creative teacher. I know for a fact that my son is the person he is today because of
Carol’s encouragement. He started school being very unsure of himself and somewhere
during his time with Carol, he became self-confident and a school leader. I miss her
terribly now that she is gone. She will be in my thoughts forever…”

Devoted to all children, Carol helped raise two children with her husband, taught kindergarten, was a Brownie Leader, a Cub Scout Den Mother and an
active teacher/leader in her church Sunday school. Her children will always remember her wonderful ‘theme’ birthday parties when they were growing up.

Carol is survived by her husband Tom, son Keith, and daughter Julie. Soleil, daughter of Keith and Hillary, is her only grandchild. Carol’s sister Eleanor lives in Southern California with her family.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Lutheran Church 2650 148th Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA on Thursday, August 6th at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to Seattle Public Schools or the Alzheimer’s Association in her name.

Born Dorothy Elizabeth McReynolds in Rice, WA on March 25, 1920. Passed away peacefully at home in Bellevue on June 12, 2009.  A talented gardener, avid beachcomber, mushroom-hunter, dancer and gracious hostess of many lively parties and gatherings, she will be missed dearly.  Her Fourth of July picnic was a neighborhood tradition for many years and her door was always open.  Family and friends were always greeted with laughter and, often, a bowl of her special clam chowder.

Dorothy is survived by sons John E. and William J. Garrott, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, and siblings Gertrude, Edith, Richard and Irene. Preceding her in death were her parents, Maynard and Viola, and sister Margeurite.

While in Superior, AZ with her sister Margeurite, Dorothy met and married William W. Garrott. They raised their 2 boys in Kent, WA. She later married Charles Hayes. Kent remained her home until 2007.

Her energy was amazing – working as an accountant into her 70’s, she still managed to maintain a tremendous flower garden so extensive and lovely that strangers would stop and ask to look around. When the sun went down she would head to The Golden Steer for a night of dancing. People much younger may not have kept up with her.

One of her great joys were trips to the ocean at La Push, WA where she gathered shells and other materials for the endless craft projects she created.  At her express request, her ashes will be scattered at her beloved ocean and no funeral services will be held.

An informal celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on 9/12/09 from 1-4pm at 2580 152^nd Ave NE, Redmond  WA. All are welcome. If you have a special memory to share, please bring it along, the family would love hearing it. For details call Cindy Garrott at 425-289-8454.

My mom, Beulah Thompson, passed away in her sleep Weds July 8,2009. She was 91.  Mom was known for her positive and cheerful attitude.  She embraced all friends and animals who came into her world.  Mom had a passion for learning. Even in her last months she was trying to master the Chinese characters and poetry which fascinated her.  Mom was first a great mother and wife.  Her work varied from factory worker,to  commercial art to business.  The common thread in her life was art.  She created her life like a great portrait.  The canvas was filled with details and sketches of the future vision. Her strength was in her relationship with God who was LOVE.  She lived her life infused with her belief in God and his mighty power.  Mom was born in Barre, Massachusetts,went to high school in Pasadena,Ca.  Went to Art College in Pasadena.  Married my dad in 1941.He passed away 12 years ago.  Mom became the GirlScout leader for me when I was a child because our town had none.She sewed beautiful prom gowns for me when I was in highschool.  She was active in leading Alanon for over 10 years and helped many young women. During retirement she mastered new skills.  She learned to play the organ. Mom also became skilled with stained glass art.    She and dad lived in norhtern California most of there lives.Mom served as a pastor in her church in Oroville,Ca for 3years, until they moved to So.California again. Mom was ready for adventure at the snap of your fingers.  Mom and Dad spent many happy hours at their favorite summer place,lake Almanor,camping and fishing.  They always shared their catch with other campers.  I remember when  I was 3-4 years old,my brother,Don(ED)Thompson,would come home from the Navy with his buddies.  Mom & Dad would make a big BBQ in our backyard.  All our friends were always welcome.  Mom enjoyed her grandchildren—Craig Thompson, Brian Thompson and was always interested in their accomplishments.  She was happy when granddaughter, Jana(Richter)Hughes went to college in Chico,and they could have dinners together. She had a very special connection with grandson, KenRichter,too.  It all started with StarWars and expanded to anything of science or sci-fi.  My mother was the youngest of 6 children and family life was very important to her.  I learned many lessons from her.  She has been an inspiration for how to live well and to die well. I love her so much .Sincerely,Carol