Linda Parks Jackson

Linda was born February 9^th, 1952 in Seattle, WA and was the middle of five children.  Her family moved to Seldovia in 1966 where her father was a commercial fisherman.  She graduated from Seldovia High School in 1970.  Linda and Ole married on April 30, 1972 and lived in Seldovia until 1981 at which time they moved to the Everett area where they raised their two children.  She attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle where she refined her natural artistic abilities. 

In the 90’s, she worked at the Lynwood Nordstrom Rack for several years and most recently, co-owned and operated the Rushlight Candle Company with her best friend, Cathy Seville.  Linda’s greatest love was being with her family and friends whether that was a family trip to Hawaii to visit her parents, a get-together with ‘the girls’ to celebrate a birthday or a barbeque with the whole gang in the backyard.  Linda loved her husband, son and daughter beyond measure and their love for her was returned in kind. She was a beautiful woman with a stunning smile; she put on many delicious and hilarious parties and was a fabulous cook; she had a lightness of spirit and an infectious laugh.  She will best be remembered for her warmth, kind heart and love of life.  She drew people to her like a magnet … her friends adored her.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her parents, Jack and Rosie Parks of Pukalani, Maui, HI, her brother Tom and his wife Marcia Parks, sister Sue Parks, and brother Mike Parks and his partner, Sue Beck, all of the Seattle area and sister Jackie and her husband Bruce Coffelt of St. Johns, MI.  She was the aunt of Tricia Parks-Alseth, Jeff and Joe Parks, Ryan Parks, all of the Seattle area, and Jared and Malia Coffelt of St. Johns, MI.  She will be greatly missed by the Jackson’s close circle of friends: Cathy and John Seville, Cindy and Tim Callahan, Robin  and Danny Warren, Frank and Chris Kashevarof, and their beloved family pets, Auggie, Bubba, Boggie and Roxy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Caden Gordon Chapin

Caden Gordon Chapin
 August 29, 2005 – April 10, 2009

Caden Gordon Chapin, age 3, of Kirkland, died on April 10, 2009 at Children’s Hospital in Seattle.  He was born August 29, 2005 in Bellevue, WA. Caden was loved dearly by family and friends who will always cherish their time with him. Caden loved playing with his doggy, cars, reading books, and spending time with his family and many friends.  He touched the lives of others in both joy and sadness.  His smile and enduring strength will be remembered forever.
 
Caden was preceeded in death by his siblings Sarah and Brennen.
 
Caden will be deeply missed by his parents, Randall and Jane, his brother Jordan and  sister Megan, his great grandmother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many devoted friends.
 
Thr Rosary, vigil and viewing will be at Sacred Heart Church on Monday April 20th at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 21, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9460 NE 14th Street, Bellevue.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle.

A memorial fund has been set up in Caden’s name.  You may make donations to:

Children’s Hospital Foundation

In memory of Caden Chapin

To benefit the Medically Complex Child Service

PO.Box 50020

Seattle WA 98145

Please sign the on-line guestbook below.

Marie Magdalen McCullough was born to Frederick and Anna Young in Pottstown PA on May 13, 1921. She was the youngest of 6 children … an apple cheeked, tom-boy, farm girl named after her father’s sister, Mary. She was raised in rural NJ and graduated Salutatorian from Haddonfield High School in 1938. On May 30, 1942 she married the love of her life, Chet E. McCullough. They later lived in Palmyra, NJ and raised 4 children; Barry, Gerry, Mike and Patty.

She worked at Esterbrook Pen, RCA, Macmillan Publishers, and most notably as a cashier – hostess at Villari’s Milmarian Restaurant. She was active in Sacred Heart PTA, served as president of the Woman’s Democratic Club, and held the position of municipal court clerk and tax collector in Palmyra.

She retired to Kent, WA in 1986 and became involved with the Kent Senior Activity Center enjoying frequent hikes and trips. She was a mentor at Kent Elementary School, was involved in the Parenting Plus program, and chaperoned many field trips. She knitted and crocheted 100’s of items (hats, scarves and leggings) for the homeless in South King County through Knit-It-All and made hats and blankets for babies at the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent. She was involved with Holy Spirit Church as a Grief minister and Eucharistic minister.

Due to a debilitating medical condition, she spent the next 5 years as a resident at Stafford Suites and then as a resident of East Hill Elder Care. She died peacefully in the arms of God at Valley Medical Center on March 27, 2009.

Her greatest gift to us was her mother’s love … it was bottomless and never-ending, so naturally her last words to each of us as children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren was “I love you”.

She is survived by a sister Helen in Palm Coast, FL; her four children: Barry and his wife Barbara of Middleton, DE; Gerry and her husband, Bob of Lowell, OR; Mike of Silver Spring, MD; and Patty of Elkton, MD. Her grandchildren include Brenda, Brian, Jody, Bevin and Megan and her great- grandchildren are Genia, Kay-Leigh, Kieran, Krystelle, Teddi-Anne and Delilah.

A memorial mass will be held at 10am on May 13 (her birthday) at Holy Spirit Church in Kent followed by a reception. Remembrance donations in her name can be made to any Catholic charity or church.

When my life here is over,

And I escape this earth,

I’ll go back to my God,

For Him to judge my worth.

Buy no flowers for me.

I’ll not see nor smell them there.

Just say a prayer for me,

When you think of me and care.

And think of me real often,

Especially when your day

Is filled with fun and gladness;

Remember me that way.

By Marie M. McCullough

January 1989

FRANK A. ABERTE

Born to Louis and Frances Alberte on June 17, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York.  Passed on March 20, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Frank served in the U.S. Navy as commissary man from 1953 retired in 1972 as Chief Petty Officer.  He served all over the globe including Keflavik, Iceland where he met his loving wife Gerda.  The two married September 23, 1962.  After his service in the Navy Frank worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections as food service manager from 1972 until his retirement in 1991.  Following his retirement from Department of Corrections, Frank worked for food service at children’s hospital for 5 years. Before the conclusion of a lengthy career Frank was regarded by all who knew him to be funny, intelligent and extremely kind and generous.  He is survived by his wife Gerda, sons Frank D. Alberte  and Gernot Kraft, devoted sister Lois Bachonski and her husband Eddy of Old Bridge, New Jersey.  Grandson Gernot  Kraft, Jr., two nephews Stan Bachonski and Jesse Bachonski, two grand nieces Brooke and Gianna Bachonski and countless friends.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations maybe made to VFW.

Robert Alton Turple

Bob was born May 29, 1933 in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington to Ransford and Helen Tu7rple.  He passed away on March 15, 2009 after a 2 year battle with cancer.  He graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1951 and attended Washington State University, earning a degree in Civil Engineering in 1955.  He completed advanced engineering studies at the university of Washington and graduated from the Engineer Officers Basic Course at Ft. Belvior, VA in 1957. 

He entered the US Army as a 2^nd Lieutenant and proudly served his country in Vietnam.  After his Army discharge he joined the US Corps of Engineers retiring after 40 years.  During this time he traveled extensively for the Corps, working in such countries as Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Western Europe and the United States.  He always returned to Redmond Washington after a project was completed; before heading off to a new adventure.  During his working years he learned to fly and earned a private pilot’s license. 

In retirement he enjoyed growing crops on his land in Redmond and raising trees for forestry planting.

He leaves a brother, Ellsworth (Patricia); sister, Irene Dooley (Jim) and numerous nephews and nieces.  Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009

At 11:00am at St Jude Catholic Church in Redmond. Interment will be at Cedar Lawns Cemetery in Redmond.

His independent demeanor will be missed.

Rodena Whitaker

July 10, 1943 – March 15, 2009

In her own words…

 Each of you knows how much I have loved gardening through the years.  You also know the joy I found in watching my flowers bloom and seeing birds and other animals enter my gardens.  I love flowers best when they are growing and blooming not in  man made arrangements.  In the future I ask that when you see a garden, a flower, a bird or other wild animal which catches your eye please remember a good time we have shared.  I will treasure always all the good times and memories we have shared.  Bert and the girls will see my flowers bloom each year as our extensive rhodie and azalea collection which surround our home usher in spring and summer.

I remember each of you fondly as I enjoy each day to the fullest.  I ponder with curiosity the events to unfold during these times of historic changes in our country and the technology of the future.  I feel the love and support of my family and friends of many years.  I hope you will continue to give Bert and the girls the same in years to come.

MS has touched my life and other family members of Bert’s and my generation.  By nature of the disease our daughters and grandchildren and extended family generations to come could face this life changing condition.  If you feel you must do something following my death please consider a donation to the MS society to help find a cure for MS.  Such a donation could be the one that saves one of our loved ones from an MS diagnosis and battle.

I enjoyed each moment I had with a joyful heart.  We laugh often here.  Remember the good things, enjoy the little joys of life.  I am at peace and savored each moment.

Fondly,

Rodena

Helen Eleanor Kronblad was born August 23, 1908 in  Coeur’d Alene, Idaho.  She graduated from  Coeur’d Alene High School  in 1926.  In 1929 she graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Spokane Washington.  This was followed by private duty nursing in Spokane and general duty nursing at the Wardner Hospital in Kellogg, Idaho.

Helen Eleanor Kronblad entered the University School of nursing in 1932 and graduated in 1935 as a member of Sigma Epsilon, and allied medical honorary for women.

She became a member of the Seattle Health Department in 1935 and retired February 1, 1970.  Her assignments in the Health Department included public health nurse in the Well Child Clinic, first supervisor of the South Office, Supervisor in the West Seattle Office, public health nurse at Lee House for Senior Citizens, public health nurse in the Central District and in the Tuberculosis clinic.

She was the first public health nurse hired by the Health Department who had a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, others at that time had public health certificates only.  She was one of the nurses who helped to establish civil service for nurses employed by the city.

During World War II she served with the Army Nurse Corps and attained the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.  She was assigned to Sea Duty and made nine trips in the Pacific and ten trips to Europe.  Her last army assignment was that of Chief Nurse on the Alexander M. Patch, sailing out of New York to Bremerhaven, Germany.  Most of her Army career was in the Army Occupation.

During her life she traveled extensively visiting 59 countries throughout the world.

Helen Eleanor Kronblad was a member of the American Nurses’ Association and the American Association of University Women.

In retirement, she returned to the University of Washington and earned second bachelor’s degree, this time in English Literature.

As a member of the Army Reserves, she was retired the Honorary Army Reserve.

Our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Jon Andrew Bjorklund went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 4^th, 2009.

Jon, or “Andy” as many who knew him, was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 28, 1938. He was adopted by the most loving mother and father from the Cradle Society in Evanston, Ill. Marion and Edward Bjorklund took him to his new home in St. Paul, Minnesota at the age of 10 weeks, and then moved to Seattle in the early 1940s.

Andy attended Cleveland High School, class of 1957.  He spent two years at Whitman College in pre-med, then transferred to University of Washington and graduated from the school of Pharmacy in 1963. He worked for Fred Meyer Pharmacy for 34 years before suffering a heart attack in 1993 and retiring from the company.

Andy and Wilma were married in June of 1962.  They had two daughters, Heidi Lynn and Erika Alice. Heidi was Andy’s “little miss sunbeam” and Erika was his “missionary daughter” and both girls he adored.  He is survived by his wife Wilma, Heidi and Erika, and 4 grandchildren; Crystal Alice (21), Kimberly Nicole (l9), Katie Rose (16),  and Justin Andrew who is 13. He is also survived by Pat Hellekson his sister-in-law, his brother-in-law Terry Hellekson, his niece Nicole Owen and her twin daughters, Angelique and Victoria.  Andy had two sons-in-law. Robert C. Hanscom III and Waylonn Leon Hollis. Rob was always so helpful and mindful of Andy’s needs and brought such joy to him, watching sports or going on road trips as a family was such special times for him. He didn’t meet his second son-in-law until recently, but enjoyed many long phone conversations with him.  He is a wonderful addition to our family.

Andy and Wilma were able to travel the United States as he loved to drive long distances at a moments notice. They took many trips to see their youngest daughter who attended school in Louisiana, as well as taking his 2 oldest granddaughters on spontaneous trips to the Oregon beaches, California and anywhere he could take a nice long drive. 

Andy’s first love was the Lord Jesus Christ. He truly loved the Lord with all his heart and soul. God gave him the ministry of Apologetics. He so enjoyed sharing Jesus with others, especially children. Andy had a sweet and gentle spirit as a Christian, but never lost the twinkle in his eye when it came to teasing. He was so adored for his loving, funny ways.  He can never be replaced. 

His other hobbies were hunting, fishing, skeet & trap shooting, ham radio (KC7KD), CB radio (“Pistol Pete“), gardening and football.  He belonged to many clubs including; Ducks Unlimited, Armature Trap Association, Paine Filed Gun Club, and The Rhododendron Society.  His favorite pastime, however,  was studying God’s Word.  In his last few years, Wilma and his dear friend Gary Scott read the Bible to him, as he could no longer attend church services outside of the home.  He found such comfort in all of God’s Word and was always amazed at how much more he could learn as God revealed to him the things he wanted Andy to know.

Due to his health, the past five years Andy had to spend most of his time in bed at home where Wilma and his care giver, Kimithy McManus and several other wonderful caregivers were able to try and give him the quality of life that he so deserved.  He was truly blessed by the love of friends, neighbors, family and Group Health Palliative Care medical staff who made it possible for our family to have him with us for so many years.  Andy passed away at Evergreen Hospice, in the care of wonderful nurses, doctors, aids and in the company of his family as he took his last breath here on earth. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday March 14^th, 10:00am at the Sahalee Golf & Country Club.  The address is:  21200 NE Sahalee Country Club Drive, Sammamish WA 98074.  The club requests no blue jeans, please.

Ronald (Jim) Lippincott

1930-2009

Jim was born in Seattle on June 3, 1930 and passed away with his loving family by his side. On February 27, 2009 he suddenly ended his battle with cancer.  Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Jim attended Ballard High School and grew up in the Ballard area where he met his wife of over 50 years. He served in the US Marine Corps. during the Korean War.  Jim raised his family in Edmonds and upon retirement moved to Snohomish. 

Jim enjoyed his family, the outdoors, his home and yard. Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed and always loved.

Lorne Allen Grant of Silverdale, WA. passed away on February 20, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. Born to Isabelle and Lorne Allen Sr. in Bathurst, New Brunswick Lorne settled in the Kingston New York area in 1971.  With the aid of Lawerence Maxwell Sr. of WGHQ AM radio in Kingston Lorne got his start working the beat as a beat reporter covering such stories as current events in Saugerties, NY and the original Woodstock festival. Upon completion of his brief stint at the radio station he landed his feet on the tugboat Bronx 6 as a deckhand for Bronx Towing in New York. Lorne enjoyed a successful career in New York Harbor and the Hudson River having also worked for such companies such as Morania, pushing hot asphalt and other petroleum cargoes until he was hired as skipper aboard the Hudson River Dayliner. He served as Captain on the Dayliner until the vessel went into dry dock for renovations to become the dinner vessel New Yorker. After Dayliner went in for conversion he moved west and eventually landed a job as a US Navy Harbor Pilot at the Long Beach Naval Station in California. During his career with the US Navy Lorne had handled such vessels as USS Missouri BB-36, USS Ranger CV-61, and laterally the SSBN submarine fleet at Bangor Washington where he was relocated after the Navy Station at Long Beach had closed.

 While living in Silverdale, Washington Lorne was well known in the local community for his unique personality and keen interest on anyone who crossed his path. He was very active in the community with activities such as Crosby Days, Whaling days and other local parades where he would enter his antique Jeep’s.

Lorne is survived by a wife Wei Grant of Silverdale WA.  brother John William Grant of Calgary Alberta, Sean Everett Grant of New York, Ryan Patrick Grant of Seattle WA. and Lorne Matthew Grant of Hemet, Ca.  An Irish memorial service was held in Silverdale at his home with close family and friends. His final resting place will be in Bathurst, New Brunswick.

Gloria Traylor

January 28, 1960 – February 14, 2009

 Remembrance with Love

Gloria Traylor was born in 1960 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to John Traylor and Vivian Blakeney Traylor. Mr. and Mrs. Traylor met at the medical facility when Mrs. Traylor was providing nursing care to Mr. Traylor’s father. Gloria Traylor passed last week at 49 years of age.

Gloria attended Daniel Boone Elementary, Alexander Graham Bell Junior High, and Morris High school, all in San Diego where she was raised. She earned her Ward Clerk Certificate from San Diego City College.

She was always a happy person with a ‘profound gift of gab’ to Gloria no one was a stranger for long. She possessed the skill to make others feel at home and supremely comfortable. Gloria was a sincere and honest friend to the friendless, and everyone else as well. She had a heart of gold, and was over abundant with generosity.

Gloria was first married to Darrell Beal where they resided in Hawaii. At her time of passing, she was married to Arthur Calvin.

Gloria Traylor’s life revolved around her: family, daughters Vivian and Diamond and sons Gregory and Cedric, and the apple of her eye her grandson Martavion. She is succeeded in life by loving members of her family Vivian Blakeney Traylor, brother John Jr., sister Lisa, and her children.

She was preceded in death by father John Traylor Sr. and her brother David Traylor.

Gloria will be lovingly remembered forever by those who loved her and those she loved.

♥

DON’T CRY FOR ME, I JUST GOT A CHANGE OF ADDRESS

 Please be advised that I have moved.  I received a call the other day from God, and he informed me that my new home was completed.  I know that my mansion needed some finishing touches and that Jesus Christ had to inspect it and give me approval. On 14 Feb 2009 he let me know that my mansion was complete and that I could move in.  So, He told me go ahead and changes my address.  Well, my new home is finished and what a sight to behold.  It is located on a exclusive estate area behind a beautiful pearly gate.  Of course you know the streets are paved with gold and everyday is Sunday, just like you have been told. Trees of fruit grace my garden here I can walk and talk with my Master with out a worry or care. There is peace here, joy, happiness and no pain or heartache, strife or discontent, only sweet serenity.  I can dine at the Master’s bountiful table and listen to a heavenly choir. And best of all, my heavenly Father is here in all glory: and oh yes, I have my own designer here who has fitted me with my very own white robe and my very own wings.  I could go on and on about my new home, but instead I am going to pray that you get to move here yourself one day.  My new address is 100 Heavenly Circle, New Heaven, New Earth 24-7 24-7.  

PS.
 I don’t’ have a telephone, but you can always call on God.  If you don’t know his number, read your Bible; it is listed on every page.

Janet (Fields) Marks Fowler

October 7, 1925 – February 13, 2009

Janet Marks Fowler

On Friday, February 13, 2009 Dorothy Janet Marks Fowler, known to her friends as Janet Marks of Guyandotte, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior after suffering from congestive heart failure.  She died holding the hands of her beloved children Gary Marks and Bobbi Lynn Marks Goad at the Evergreen Hospice Center of Kirkland, Washington.  As in her life, Janet’s death was filled with grace, love and holy humility.

 Janet was known for her quiet, caring spirit and her incredible artistic talent.  Always giving and never expecting anything in return she loved unconditionally.  Many will remember her paintings on the picture window of her Bridge Street house in Guyandotte every holiday delighting those who passed by.  An original mural by Janet still graces the Guyandotte Public Library’s Children’s Section.  She also created many oil paintings, made doll clothes, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls to give to children, arranged flowers for school and church and had time for always being a loving housewife; cooking daily meals from scratch and making sure her children and husband had all of their needs met.  She never complained once and continually found joy in her life’s work.  And although she didn’t always get the respect and love she deserved in return, she forgave unselfishly and loved unconditionally without a second thought.

 She had a strong Christian faith and was devoted to her church.  This faith never wavered and she died without and fear end even gave joy in that moment with her peaceful smile and tight hand squeezes.

 At her church she would bake rolls for dinners and provide decorations for the tables.  She was constantly creating and giving.  She was a member of First Guyandotte Baptist Church and later joined Seventh Avenue Baptist Church of Huntington, WV.  Later in life both she and her husband, John, worshipped privately at home; faithfully observing communion and regular prayer and bible study.  She would welcome anyone into her loving care following the teachings of Jesus.  There is one known instance where she gave the coat off her back to a young woman who was cold, poor and in need.  She only admitted this when the coat was noticed missing.  Janet followed the Gospel of Jesus without ever having to show her faith to anyone.  Her life was the example of Christ.

 Born in New Boston, Ohio, she was the second daughter of the late Ora and Walter Fields of Lesage, WV.  She married John J. Marks Sr. and celebrated 57 years together before his sudden death in July, 2003.  She is survived by three sons, John J. Marks, Jr., Robert S. Marks, both of Huntington, WV, Gary A. Marks of Bothell, Washington, and one daughter, Bobbi Lynn Marks Goad of Huntington, who was her grandchild and adopted by John and Janet when she was young after abandonment by her parents.  Bobbi’s friends affectionaltely know Janet as “Gran”.  She was also known as “hotrod Gran” for her humerous “peeling out” of school parking lots to look cool for Bobbi’s friends.

 She spent the last few months of her life happily living in Gary’s home near Seattle, Washington, who gladly cared for her until she was lovingly entrusted to the physical care of Evergreen Hospice.  She spent two days in the Hospice facility in room number 13 before going to her reward on Friday, February the 13^th.  She always had a sly, playful sense of humor!

 Over the years Janet remained in touch with her childhood friend, Dr. Nolan Fowler, well known historian, athlete and constitutional scholar.  Dr. Fowler was Professor of History at Tennessee Technical University in Cookeville, Tennessee.  They knew each other from a very young age when they attended the one room school house at Nine Mile Road in Lesage, WV, where Nolan was a fellow student, neighbor, friend and mentor.  In their later years, after the passing of their spouses, Nolan and Janet became companions for one another and married on Valentine’s Day, 2005, and she pulled up roots and moved to Cookeville, Tennessee.  Dr. Fowler Passed away on October 6, 2008, just one day before Janet’s 83^rd birthday.  They had a wonderful relationship in their later life.

 Janet would light up the room with her smile whenever she would see one of her friends or loved ones.  She was especially fond of her Nephew, Walter Michael Zulandt, currently of Baltimore, MD, whom she also “adopted” as her own son after his mother’s passing.

 Janet Marks Fowler is now among the saints in heaven having regained her memory after a long bout with dementia.  Her memory clear and pain relieved, she smiles upon all her friends and children with that wonderful humble and self sacrificing spirit of unselfish love.  She will be greatly missed.

 There will be a memorial service for Janet to be held at Seventh Avenue Baptist Church this Spring.  Announcements for this service will be made through church contacts or by contacting Gary Marks via email at garymarks@verizon.net.  Her cremated remains will be interred next to her husband, John, at the family cemetery plot in Rome, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Evergreen Hospice Center, Kirkland, Washington, or their local Hospice in Janet’s name for the support of elderly people dying without regular care and support of loving children or spouses.

Phyllis Dena Poirier passed away peacefully at Brentwood Family Home in Marysville, Washington on February 4, 2009 at age 92.  Proceeded in death by her husband Len, brothers Jim, Len and Del and sister RubyAnn.  She is survived by her sister Shirley, her sons Jack and Jerry, grandchildren Renee and Jeff, great-grandchildren Katie, Tanya, Jessie, James and Allison. 

Born in Romsey County, North Dakota on December 19, 1916, she led a full and interesting life.  Living in North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Michigan and Arizona. She was devoted to her family and her many friends.   All of us who were lucky enough to have her in our lives will miss her but never forget her.  She wanted all of her family and friends to receive the following:

TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVED ME

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love.  You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness…

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a time that we must part

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and say

    “Welcome home!”

NEIL TAYLOR WILLIS

Born: November 21, 1931

Died: January 22, 2009

Celebration of Life: February 21, 2009, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Neil is survived by his wife Marsha; his children, Emily Willis, of Lake Stevens, WA, and Orlo Willis (Trish); and his two grandchildren Jacoy and Garrett Willis of Kenmore, WA. He is also survived by his sisters Margie, Doral and Lora Lea and numerous nieces and nephews.

Neil grew up in a family of musicians and loved good music.  He served his country in the Korean War in the 1950’s.  He was a carpenter for over 45 years.  He loved hunting, fishing and any activity that would take him outdoors.  He loved poetry and this particular poem was special to him:

“To Those I Love” by Isla Paschal Richardson:

If I should ever leave you

    whom I love

To go along the Silent Way,

    grieve not,

Nor speak of me with tears,

    but laugh and talk

Of me as if I were

    beside you there.

(I’d come—I’d come,

    could I but find a way!

But would not tears and grief

    be barriers?)

And when you hear a song

    or see a bird

I loved, please do not let

    the thought of me

Be sad…For I am

    loving you just as

I always have…

    You were always so good to me!

There are so many things

    I wanted still

To do—so many things

    to say to you…

Remember that I

    did not fear…It was

Just leaving you

    that was so hard to face…

We cannot see Beyond…

    But this I know:

I love you so—‘twas heaven

    here with you!

I will always remember my dad as John Wayne. He had the look. He had the walk. He had the voice. My dad was the toughest man I’ve ever met. He endured pain and hardship his whole life and did his best not to let it show. I never saw my dad cry. I always knew I could count on him. There was never anything he wouldn’t give me or do for me. My dad was a strong disciplinarian and he kept me out of trouble in a time when it was easy to cross the line. He taught me the meaning of honor and duty and that a man’s word is his bond. He taught me how to survive in the wilderness and to love and appreciate the outdoors. My dad was a master carpenter and he taught me how to build things, but more importantly, he taught me to figure out and appreciate how things are built. My dad taught me how to fix most things mechanical or structural and he showed me how to improvise when things didn’t go just right. I will forever remember what my dad smelled like; sawdust, leather and gasoline. Thanks for everything, Dad. I love you. Orlo.

He loved nature, spending time watching birds, and the changing of the seasons. However, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. Many thought of him as gruff, but those of us who knew him best knew him to be generous, and loving.  He taught me how to work hard and how to look at a thing, and be able to understand how it works.  He bestowed a love of horses to me at a young age. He could tell you anything you wanted to know about a horse, its lineage, its breed, color, etc.  He also imparted a love of the outdoors to me.  The experience of hunting with him every year turned into a love of hiking and hunting out that perfect “shot” (photo). We didn’t always do things the same way, but everything he taught me extended or expanded to a skill or love of my own. Rest in peace Daddy… love you, Emily

The family deeply appreciates the love and care given to Neil by his doctors, Dr. King and Dr. Kraemer; their staff and Evergreen Hospice.

Robert “Bob” A. WRAITH

Born on January 27, 1933, Bob passed away at home in the arms of his family on January 26, 2009 following a courageous 15 year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bob was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a long time teacher and football and basketball coach at Renton High School.

Bob attended South Kitsap High School and graduated from Valley City (ND) State University. He served in the Air Force in the Korean War and later in the Army Reserve. He was a Drill Sergeant and was especially proud of his service in the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Bob spent most of his 30 year teaching career at Renton High School before retiring in 1989. He coached football at Renton from 1964 to 1986 and was an assistant coach on Renton’s back-to-back State championship basketball teams in 1966 and 1967. Bob later coached football at Mercer Island High School from 2003-2007 and Juanita High School in 2008.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Signe; his three children Steve (Jane) Wraith, Shannon (Peter) Van Oppen, and Michelle (Larry) Greene; his grandchildren Stephanie and Ben Wraith, Ross Dillingham, John, Dorothy, Lizzy and Mark Van Oppen, and Tiffany, Patrick and Rosie Griffus; and his great grandchildren Donavin, Haley, Alex, and Alissa.

A service in Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 3:00 on Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue, with a gathering to follow. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Henry Kaplan Research Fund (Swedish Cancer Institute), 1221 Madison St., Suite 200, Seattle.