Knue, Jean Marcellus
Jean Marcellus Knue passed away peacefully Oct. 2, 2003, joining Bonnie his wife of 50 years.
Jean was one of nine children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Knue in Lawrenceburg, Ind., July 22, 1926. He met and married Bonnie Bash on Oct. 18, 1952, in Edmonds, Okla. They moved to Washington in 1962, where he began working for the Navy Exchange. He retired as the warehouse manager in 1982.
Jean?s passions in life were his kids, horses and 4-H. He and Bonnie were the founders of Spots and Saddles 4-H Club of Island County. He also enjoyed making toys, RV?ing and going out to dinner with friends and family. He was also a member of the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge No. 2362.
Jean?s sister Rita Knue of Lawrenceburg, Ind., and his children, Tim Knue and wife Ricky of Conway and Bev Kesselring and husband Jerry of Maple Valley survive Jean. He also has two loving grandchildren, Paul and Mark Knue, both currently attending Washington State University.
Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Oct. 6 at St. Augustine?s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. Ronald Belisle as Celebrant. The Rites of Committal followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
Johnston, Richard Henry
Richard Henry Johnston died peacefully on the morning of Oct. 1, 2003. He was born Sept. 25, 1917 in Tacoma. His family moved to Kirkland when he was one year old. He married Dorothy M. Albert in 1942 and had two children, Maren Jensen-Metcalf and Kenneth Scott Johnston, both of Whidbey Island.
He worked for the Boeing Co. for 30 years as a master mechanic in automotive, but also had a business of his own, selling moorage at his own dock in Houghton (later annexed to Kirkland). He enjoyed restoring, selling and simply enjoying boats. He and his family lived on the shores of Lake Washington for over 30 years, and spent most vacations on the water in their Blanchard Dream Boat named the ?Antares? after a nautical star.
He was a volunteer fireman and policeman for the town of Houghton for many years, and took pride in his involvement in the community. He loved to square dance, had a beautiful singing voice, and a sense of humor that he was known for by many. He loved to regale anyone who?d listen, with a good tale from the past.
He had been a part of Whidbey Island since he was a child, traveling here by boat to fish and camp. He became a permanent resident almost 30 years ago.
He?d been a loving partner to Lois Thayer for the last 16 years of his life. Feeling that he?d finally met a true soul mate, they traveled and fished their way up and down the coast from Baja to Alaska.
He is survived by his beloved Lois; his two children, Maren and Scott; and four grandchildren, Olivia Teal Asplund of Piedmont, Calif., Nicolas Wren Metcalf of Seattle, Cassie Amanda Johnston and Travis Richard Johnston, both of Whidbey Island.
Special thanks to the entire team at Hospice of Whidbey Island, who made it possible for Dad?s peace and comfort the last three weeks of his life.
Services will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland, across from Island Athletic Club on Highway 520. Arrangements are under the care of Visser Funeral Home in Langley.
Phillips, Clarence Eugene 'Gene'
Clarence Eugene ?Gene? Phillips, 71, of Oak Harbor, died Sept. 30, 2003, at his home, following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Phillips was born April 11, 1932, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Clarence Vascar Phillips and Margaret Jane (Gamble) Phillips. As a child, Gene moved with his family to Richmond, Calif., where he attended school. During the Korean Conflict, Gene entered the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in England, where he met Edna Brett. They were married in Richmond, Calif., on July 26, 1953. They were residents of Pinole, Calif., where Gene owned and operated Pinole Foreign Car Repair. In 1977, Gene moved with his wife to Orcas Island, where he became owner-operator of Gene?s Foreign Car Repair in Olga. He enjoyed cars, motorcycles and RVing with his wife.
Gene is survived by his wife, Edna, at home; three children, son Donald Gene Phillips and wife Debra of Pinole, Calif., and daughters Denise Gail Hendrix and husband Robert and Diane Irene Geragotelis and husband John, all of Oak Harbor; nine grandchildren, Jeff and Dean Phillips of Pinole, Calif.; Jeremy Hendrix and wife April, Michael Hendrix and Jacey Geragotelis, all of Oak Harbor; David Hendrix of Kirkland; Melissa Hendrix of Renton; Brittany Geragotelis of New York City and Amy Geragotelis of Tucson, Ariz.; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Connor and Trevor Hendrix; one brother, Ralph W. Phillips of Rodeo, Calif.; also, one sister-in-law, Irene Reeves of Desert Hot Springs, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.
In keeping with Gene?s wishes, services will be private for family only. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, through the MAC Clinic at Whidbey General Hospital, or to Friends of Home Health Care, P.O. Box 400, Coupeville, WA 98239. Arrangements and cremation under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.
Robertson, Richard R.
Richard R. Robertson, 83, died Sept. 29, 2003, at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville. He was born Dec. 22, 1922, in Rawlins, Wyo., to Peter S. and Leta M. (Alcorn) Robertson. He was raised in California, where he graduated from high school.
Richard entered the Navy during World War II, where he served as a fighter pilot aboard the escort carrier USS Lunga Point. He worked most of his life in mid-management for Southern California Edison Company. Richard and his wife Betty moved to Oak Harbor upon their retirement in 1981.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Betty. His son Larry and daughter-in-law Mome of Ontario, Calif., and grandson Bret and a stepson John and stepdaughter Willo and his beloved cousin Betty of Atascadero, Calif., survive him.
Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.
Byrd, Joy May
Joy May Byrd, 74, died Sept. 28, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. She was born Jan. 5, 1929, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Roy Ellsworth and Mary Augusta (Miller) Roberts.
Joy was raised in Redondo Beach, Calif., and graduated from Redondo Beach High School. At the age of 17, she was married to Johnny Ray Byrd. She and Johnny raised three children. As an Army family, Joy and Johnny traveled the world. The military sent them to Germany, France, Guam and Korea, as well as across the United States.
Joy obtained her certificate as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Following Johnny?s retirement she returned to Bellevue Community College and received her license as a registered nurse (RN). She worked at Swedish Hospital, Seattle, for 15 years in the maternity ward.
Joy moved to Whidbey Island 13 years ago to be near her sister, Happy. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, needlepoint, reading, puzzles, trains and bears. Most of all, she enjoyed her family.
Joy is survived by her husband Johnny at the family home, Coupeville; by two children Margot Susanna Rowland of Auburn and Keith Martin Byrd and his wife Deborah of Bellevue. Two brothers and one sister survive her: Dick Roberts of Bellevue, Pat Roberts of Lake Almoner, Calif., and Annie Harbuck of Redondo Beach, Calif. Seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive. One daughter Linda Rae Wilcox and two sisters, Dorothy Hathaway and Gladys "Happy" Street, and one brother Roy Roberts preceded her in death.
Private family services were held at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, on Sept. 30, with Mr. Keith Martin Byrd officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.
Griffin, David Edward
David Edward Griffin, 83, longtime resident of Oak Harbor, died Sept. 26, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Griffin was born in Athens, Ala., on Sept. 24, 1920, to Albert Griffin and Mamie Suanna (Sinyard) Griffin. He was raised in Athens, where he graduated from high school. At age 20, David entered the U.S. Navy, and served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. His duty stations included NAS Sand Point, NAS Klamath Falls, Atlanta, Ga. and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, where he retired as a chief petty officer. Following his retirement from the Navy, he entered civil service as a fireman for NAS Whidbey Fire Department, retiring as fire chief in 1974.
Aug. 4, 1996, David married his longtime friend and companion Sharon Ann Riksen. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.
David is survived by his wife, Sharon, at home in Oak Harbor; two daughters, Dawn Michelle Phipps of Oak Harbor and Marcella Cheetah of Seattle; two sons, Ronald Griffin of Oak Harbor and Albert Griffin of Clearwater, Fla.; one sister, Elizabeth Aldridge of Athens, Ala.; one brother, Villard Griffin of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; also, numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jewell Leopard.
A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Cmdr. Fred H. Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret.) officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Washington, 10323 S.E. 13th Place, Bellevue, WA 98004-6726. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.
Jenkins, Fern
Fern M. Jenkins, 93, died Sept. 26, 2003, at Careage of Whidbey. She was born Aug. 12, 1910, in Ogden, Utah, to Clarence and Mary Larsen.
Fern and her husband Richard moved to Oak Harbor from San Diego in 1982. She had worked as a hairdresser and later she was employed by McKessen Drug Company. Richard died Aug. 21, 1992.
Fern is survived by her brother, Guy Larsen of Fort Collins, Colo.; two nieces, two nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.
Thompson, Norma
Memorial services for Norma F. Thompson will be held Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003, at 2 p.m., at Summerhill Retirement Center, Oak Harbor with the Rev. Mary Boyd officiating. Norma F. Thompson, 75, died Sept. 25, 2003, in Oak Harbor. She was a longtime resident of Oak Harbor and Coupeville.
Thompson, Norma
Memorial services for Norma F. Thompson were held Sept. 28, 2003, at Summerhill Retirement Center with Pastor Mary Boyd officiating. Norma died Sept. 25, 2003, in Oak Harbor at the age of 75. She was born July 3, 1928, in Bakersfield, California to Perl and Laura McCumpsey Pierson.
Norma was raised in Bakersfield, where she graduated from high school. She was married to James Thompson. James was a career Navy man and she followed his military travels. The Thompson family ended up in Oak Harbor, where Jim eventually retired.
Norma worked for many years as a cook, working at the Seagull Restaurant and Coupe?s Caf? in Coupeville, as well as Island County Jail. She also worked as a cook at the Fort Casey Campus of Seattle Pacific University, working for the Marriott Corporation. Norma and Jim moved to Port Townsend for three years. Following Jim?s death, Norma returned to Whidbey. For the past few years, she had been a resident of Summerhill.
Norma was a member of the Daughters of the Nile. She enjoyed boating and she and Jim fished the waters of Alaska. She was also an avid bowler at Ebey Bowl for many years.
Norma is survived by two children: James Michael Thompson of Everett and Susan Shaw and husband Charles of Coupeville; and by two brothers, William Pierson of Arroyos Grande, Calif., and Dr. James Pierson of North Hollywood, Calif. Five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive.
Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel. This obituary is on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.
Jacobson, Carl
Carl A. Jacobson, 77, passed away Sept. 23, 2003, at his home after a short illness.
He was born March 12, 1926, in Michigan. Jake, as he was known to his friends, spent a good part of his working life in Alaska as part-owner of a general store, a commercial fisherman, a big game guide and a partner in Whaler?s Cove Lodge. He loved to grow rhododendrons and teach people to fish.
He was preceded in death by a brother, a sister and a son, Carl A. Jacobson III.
He is survived by his wife, Marguerite, or Peg; two daughters, Chris Aubertine and Viccy Schroder; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Following a brief service, his final resting place will be the national cemetery at Sitka, Alaska. A memorial scholarship is being established at the Whidbey Island Campus of Skagit Valley College for a student interested in horticulture.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Carl Jacobson Memorial Scholarship fund at any Whidbey Island Bank.
Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.
