Wilson, Vaughn Sunday, 22 Oct 2006
Vaughn Wilson, 73, of Oak Harbor, passed away Oct. 22, 2006, at Enso Hospice House in Freeland after a short battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 20, 1933 in San Diego.
He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, he worked at NAS Whidbey, retiring in 1986, and was a member of the FRA Branch 97 in Oak Harbor.
He is survived by his close friends of 43 years, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Nelson.
Private interment
will be at Tahoma National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.
Mills, Glade M. Monday, 02 Oct 2006
Glade Mills passed away Oct. 2, 2006 at the age of 80. He was born in Clarion, Penn., April 7, 1926. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy to begin a 20-year career that brought him and his wife Ruth, sons Tim and Terry and niece Deborah, to Whidbey Island in 1954.
In the early ‘60s he started Mills Motor Repair, selling boats, motors, chainsaws and fishing gear.
Glade joined the Masons in 1952 and achieved the degree of Master Mason in 1953. One of his greatest pleasures was to see the faces of the children as he marched in the parades as Dumbo the Elephant with the Nile characters. He was also active with the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve and VFW.
The love for the great outdoors was the reason he stayed on the island. “Everything is within a couple of hours away, elk, bear, moose, deer, and all types of fishin’. What more could a guy want'” In his later years, Glade started hunting with a camera. He lived near a bluff overlooking Penn Cove where the fin, fur and feather inhabitants would put on a show every day. Eagles, quail, rabbits, ducks, the occasional coyote, and even several wandering whales. He found great joy in the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Service vessels and stations included: USS Wasp, NACMC Philadelphia, DE 205, Moffet Field, USS Boxer, NAF Oppama, Japan, VEP 62, Jacksonville, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, MCAS, El Toro, Heavy Attack Squadron 4, NAS Whidbey.
In the spring of 2002 Glade received a medal from the president of the Republic of Korea. The accompanying letter read as follows:
“Dear Veteran, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, I would like to offer you my deepest gratitude for your noble contribution to the efforts to safeguard the Republic of Korea and uphold liberal democracy around the world. At the same time, I remember with endless respect and affection those who sacrificed their lives for that cause. We Koreans hold dear in our hearts the conviction, courage and spirit of sacrifice shown to us by such selfless friends as you, who enabled us to remain a free democratic nation. The ideals of democracy, for which you were willing to sacrifice your all 50 years ago, have long become universal values in the new century and millenium. Half a century after the Korean War, we honor you and reaffirm our friendship, which helped to forge the blood alliance between our two countries. And we resolve once again to work with all friendly nations for the good of humankind and peace in the world. I thank you once again for your noble sacrifice and pray for your health and happiness. Sincerely yours, Kim Dae-jung.”
Dad will be buried at sea with full military honors.
Westerdyk, Dorothy Muller Wednesday, 18 Oct 2006
Following a brief illness, Dorothy Muller Westerdyk died at the family home in Crescent Harbor on Oct. 18, 2006, with her family at her bedside. At Dorothy’s request, no services will be held.
Dorothy was born Aug. 27, 1916 to Antone W. and Minnie B. Muller at the family farm in Crescent Harbor in the home still owned by her son Antone. She attended Crescent Harbor Grade School and graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1934.
Dorothy briefly attended business college in Seattle. On June 18, 1938, she married Glenn B. Westerdyk. From that union, a son Antone (Tony) and daughter Mary K. were born. In 1942, the family moved to Edison, Wash., where they farmed until 1949, when they moved back to Crescent Harbor to manage the family farm. After the farmland was purchased by the Navy in 1942, all the buildings were moved up from the shores of Crescent Harbor to their present location.
Dorothy’s life was dedicated to her family. After the death of her husband Glenn in 1986, she and son Tony continued to operate Westerdyk Livestock Hauling, making weekly trips to the Marysville Livestock Auction to haul and buy and sell livestock. The highlights of her day were accompanying Tony on his morning cattle-feeding rounds and working with Mark K. in the garden at Crescent Harbor.
Dorothy is survived by her son Antone W. Westerdyk, daughter Mary K. Westerdyk, daughter-in-law Cheri D. Westerdyk, granddaughter Samantha L. McMurdo, and great granddaughters Peyton and Rhygan McMurdo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antone and Minnie Muller, two brothers, Albert Muller and Baby Boy Muller, and husband Glenn B. Westerdyk.
Remembrances may be made to a favorite charity. Burial will be in the family plot at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
Hulswit , Peter G. Thursday, 27 Dec 2007
Peter G. Hulswit, 92, a 50-year resident of Oak Harbor, died Dec. 27, 2007, at Providence Hospital in Everett. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 31,
2 p.m. at Oak Harbor High School, Parker Hall. A complete obituary will appear in a future issue of the Whidbey News-Times.
Plisek, Donna Lee Monday, 24 Dec 2007
Donna Lee Plisek of Freeland was born to Claude Vernon and Kathleen Florence (Welch) Proctor on Aug. 8, 1952 in Mount Vernon, and she entered into rest with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Dec. 24, 2007, at her home in Freeland with her loving family at her side.
Private family services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Affordable Burial & Cremation Services, LLC of Mount Vernon. Cards of condolence may be sent to Donna’s family in care of the funeral home.
Johnson, Aldon Sunday, 23 Dec 2007
Aldon Johnson, 97, died at his Langley residence on Dec. 23, 2007, following an extended illness.
Mr. Johnson was born in Dix, Neb., on July 17, 1910, to John and Pearl (Bennett) Johnson. At the age of 25 he and his brother and father headed West to find a new life on Whidbey Island. After the family became settled they were able to save enough money for a train ticket so that his mother could join them.
Aldon married Tudy Patzwaldt in Everett on August 29, 1938, and the two made their home on South Whidbey Island for their entire lives. The two enjoyed traveling together, rockhounding, attending the “Breakfast Round Table” at the Clover Patch and the South Whidbey Senior Center. Tudy preceded in death on June 20, 2001.
During Mr. Johnson’s many active years of employment, he often was found working more than one job at a time. During these years he had been employed as a projectionist at the Clyde Theatre, an auto mechanic at Clyde Motors, and as an electrician at the Lake Washington Shipyard in Kirkland during World War II. He also farmed, raising turkeys and chickens, he logged, drove school bus and made cabinets. For most of his working years he could be seen driving the lumber truck for Burke Lumber Company in Langley.
Even as busy and involved as he was, he always had time to go hunting if the opportunity arose. He enjoyed hunting deer, elk, pheasant, chuckers, and quail, but what he enjoyed most about the hunt was the companionship with his hunting buddies.
After his wife Tudy died, Mr. Johnson continued with and looked forward to each meeting of the “Breakfast Round Table” and each visit to the South Whidbey Senior Center.
He is survived by his two children, Larry Johnson and his wife Joie of Henderson, Nev., and Linda Parks and her husband Don of Redmond; three grandchildren, Seth Parks and his fiancé, Erin Moore, Lori Otis and her husband, Ron, and Jena Wright and her husband Brian; five grandchildren, Danielle Conklin with husband Matt, Austin Otis, Brandon Otis, Alyssa Wright, and Alec Wright; and one great granddaughter, Cali Conklin who was born in October. At the time of her birth, Mr. Johnson responded with pride, “There’s my replacement.”
Mr. Johnson also leaves Kathy Rawls. For four-and-a-half years Kathy had been his caretaker, devoting her care to him. When the immediate family could not be present, she stepped in for them.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his younger brother, Kenneth, in 1947.
At Mr. Johnson’s request there will be no funeral services. Remembrances may be made to the South Whidbey Senior Center. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
Walsh, Thomas Joseph Friday, 21 Dec 2007
Thomas Joseph Walsh, 94, of Oak Harbor, died Dec. 21, 2007, at Whidbey General Hospital, thus joining his beloved wife, Gerry, in Heaven.
Mr. Walsh was born March 26, 1913, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, to Charles Walsh and Anna (Hannig) Walsh. At age 6, he moved with his family to Spokane and later moved to Portland, Ore., where he graduated from Franklin High School. Following his graduation, he attended Columbia University (later the University of Portland). His three-year pursuit there of a career in medicine was circumvented suddenly by the onset of the Depression.
On June 1, 1935, Tom married Geraldine Durrie at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Portland. Tom had a passion for music, and played violin in the Portland Symphony Orchestra. The couple remained in Portland until 1944, when Tom was transferred to Bellingham as a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. While in Bellingham, Tom was employed by Sears, and then Cascade Natural Gas, from which he retired after many years of service. He and the family enjoyed boating together, and he was a member of the Bellingham Yacht Club. He was a member of Assumption Church, where he served as choir director. He was also past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Bellingham Council.
In 1973, following retirement, Tom and Gerry moved to Lopez Island, where they resided on Fisherman’s Bay and were active golfers. In 1988, they made Oak Harbor their home and continued their pursuit of golf there. They were members of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church.
Tom is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gerri and Tom Hiestand of Oak Harbor; ten grandchildren: Mike Hiestand and wife Patty of Ferndale; Tim Hiestand of Seattle; Patrick Hiestand of Bellingham; Brian Hiestand of New York City; Dan Hiestand and fiancé Tasi Clancy of Ferndale; Tom Kollas of Portland; Patti Karlskind and husband Andy ofDanville, Calif.; Peggy Diaz and husband Norm of Barstow, Calif.; Mike Kollas and wife Kathy of Portland; Chris Kollas of Seattle; daughter-in-law Marge Kollas and husband Wayne of Portland, and their children, Tim Kollas and wife Shelley and Molly Kollas; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother, Francis Walsh of Walnut Creek, Calif.; two sisters, Marian Lankford of Goliad, Texas and Helen Walsh of Bellingham; sister -in-law Marguerite Walsh of Woodland; also, numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded by his beloved wife of 69 years, Gerry, in 2004; by his son, Capt. Tom Walsh (USAF), who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1966; and by one brother, Leo Walsh.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, the Rev. Jerry Kienzle, celebrant. Following a reception in the Parish Hall, a Family Graveside Service will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery. The family suggests memorials may be made to Mount Angel Seminary c/o the Abbey Foundation of Oregon, P.O. Box 501,Saint Benedict, Ore. 97373-0501.Arrangements under the direction of Whidbey Memorial Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.
Cloudy, Charles L. Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007
C.L. (Chuck) Cloudy, 83, passed away Dec. 18, 2007, at his home in Coupeville with his immediate family at his bedside.
Chuck, (as he was known to his family and friends), was born May 26, 1924, at Ketchikan General Hospital to C.L. (Chick) and Doris Wells Cloudy. He attended Main School for grade school and high school.
After serving in the military with the 10th AAF Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron, he finished his education at San Bernadino Jr. Valley College. He married Marjorie Peihl in Ketchikan on August 19, 1948, at the First Methodist Church. He then returned to finish his education at Willamette University located in Salem, Ore., where he graduated with high honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. While at Willamette University, Chuck edited the Law Review; was inducted into Phi Delta Phi; and was a charter member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Chuck passed and was admitted into practice in the state of Oregon in 1952. He then sat for and passed the bar for the Territory of Alaska in November 1952. After receiving his admittance to practice, Chuck became a partner in January 1953 (formerly Zeigler, King and Zeigler).
Chuck was noted for many accomplishments in the field of law, including having a general practice in Ketchikan for 50 years. He received his 50-year pin in 2002 from the State of Alaska Bar Association. A few of his accomplishments included voicing support for the territory to become a state; being instrumental in the promotion of exporting timber products to Japan; and arguing a precedent-setting case related to the use of fish traps before Justice Brennan of the United States Supreme Court against the state of Alaska, resulting in a favorable decision for the communities of Metlakatla, Kake, and Angoon. This decision allowed these fishing communities continued use of fish traps after Alaska became a state.
Organizational memberships and accomplishments included being a member of the Order of Purple Honorary at Willamette University; Editor-In-Chief Willamette University Legal Handbook (1951-1952); serving in Army crash boat service 1943-1945 and receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of PFC; received a military Good Conduct medal; Star Scout—apprentice seaman in Sea Scouts; member of Elks Lodge, including serving as a Past Exalted ruler, member of Pioneers of Alaska; member of Board of Governors 1950-1956; president of Chamber of Commerce Ketchikan 1956-1957; All-Alaska Chamber of Commerce President 1957-1958; Council for Boy Scouts of S.E. Alaska 1956-1958; life membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and 52 consecutive years of membership with the American Legion.
Survivors include his bride of 59 years Marjorie; their two children, Charles L. (Chad) Cloudy, Jr., of Coupeville, and Candace (Candy) Bartsch of Waterford, Conn., and their spouses; three siblings, Elaine (Duane) Bartsch or Portland, Ore., Joan (Howard) Banta of Tigard, Ore., and George A.(Bobbie) Cloudy of Meteesse, Wyo.; six grandchildren, two step grandchildren, one great- grandchild, and one step great- grandchild; and two cousins, Mrs. Jane (Jim) Church and family of Ketchikan and George Wells and family of Las Vegas. There are also 14 nieces and nephews who have blessed him with many grand nieces and nephews Visitation for Chuck will be from 10 a.m
to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, at Burley
Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor, followed by a
service at 1 p.m. with with Pastor David Lura
officiating.
Hardcastle, Ollie May Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007
Ollie May Hardcastle, 53, died suddenly at her home in Oak Harbor on Dec. 18, 2007. She was born Dec. 20, 1953, in White Cloud, Mich., to Oliver and Dorthy Wilcoxon. She grew up in White Cloud. Her parents divorced and she spent time with her mother in White Cloud and her father in Indiana.
Ollie met Robin Hardcastle in Indiana and they were married in Marion, Ind., on July 24, 1970. From this marriage, three children were born, Christina, Scott and Greg.
Rob was in the U.S. Marine Corps and they began a 22-year journey of moving every two years to a new duty station, from Tennessee to North Carolina to California. In 1985, the Hardcastle family transferred to NAS Whidbey. Rob was transferred to a final duty station, but the family decided Oak Harbor was home and they remained here.
Ollie attended college and obtained her Associate of Arts Degree in Accounting and became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She began working as a bookkeeper and accountant, first in heavy construction with Varco-Pruden, a steel building manufacturer and bridge construction company, various other contractors, a yacht broker in California and finally, with Island Construction in Oak Harbor, as their accountant for the past 22 years. She was one of the first accountants to recognize the value of computers in the accounting world. She gained great respect from her employers as she showed the success of this new technology.
Ollie was an active supporter of the Oak Harbor School District and served as treasurer for several of the bond and levy committees. She was also involved as treasurer in several local political campaigns. She had an incredible working knowledge of the legal aspects of campaigns. She was always ready to volunteer to help those candidates or issues she supported.
Ollie enjoyed watching Home and Garden Television and gaining ideas for home remodel, which she incorporated into the remodel of her own home. She enjoyed Sudoku number puzzles, reading, playing Rummy, Yahtzee and Super Mario. She also had a passion for Starbucks coffee.
Ollie is survived by her husband Rob at the family home, and by three children, Christina Freeburn and husband Jamie of Oak Harbor, Scott Hardcastle of Bellingham and Greg of Tacoma; and one granddaughter, Brianna Hardcastle of Oak Harbor.
Her mother, Dorthy Evans of White Cloud, and nine brothers and sisters, Mary and Tom Green of Marmaduke, Ark., Jane Tice of Whitehall, Mich., Judy and Leon Bulson of White Cloud, Phil and Gloria Ingols of Wabash, Ind., Millie and Morris Pierce of Hesperia, Mich., Patricia and Alan Jerrett of Great Falls, Mont., Helen Atwell of Hanford, Calif., Oliver and Janet Wilcoxon of Princeton, Ind., and Mary Bulson of White Cloud, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, also survive. Her father, two brother-in-laws, Pete Tice and Rich Bulson, and her stepfather Jim Evans, preceded her in death.
Funeral services for Ollie Hardcastle were held Dec. 22 at Burley Funeral Chapel with Pastor Brent Sorlien officiating. Cremation followed with private family inurnment at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
Scriven, Tonya Nicole Saturday, 15 Dec 2007
Tonya Nicole Scriven, 15, died Dec. 15, 2007, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. She was born Dec. 29, 1991, a daughter of Darlene Waterman and Tim Scriven in Coupeville.
Tonya was a sophomore at South Whidbey High School. She was kind, sensitive, caring and independent. She was an example of how students can be a force in their communities. She liked reading, animals, and writing. Tonya was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Langley.
She is survived by her parents, brothers and sisters, and many relatives too numerous to name.
A memorial service was held Dec. 20 at the Assembly of God Church in Langley.
Donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo branch for a special account, “In Memory of Tonya Scriven.” Tonya’s family and friends have also set up collection points at Coupe’s Greenbank Store, Greenbank Farm and the Freeland Library. Donations will be used to create a memorial plaque.
Arrangements were under the direction of Visser Funeral Home.
Ellison, DDS, Clarence K. "Speck"¯ Thursday, 13 Dec 2007
Doctor Ellison passed away Dec. 13, 2007, at Whidbey General Hospital after an extended illness. He was born July 3, 1916, in Montesano, Wash., to Matthew and Sarah Bogle Ellison.
Speck graduated from Montesano High School in 1934, going on to attend Grays Harbor College, graduating in 1936. He briefly attended the University of Washington before entering dental school at the University of Oregon at Portland. After graduation in 1942 he served as a naval officer until the end of World War II, serving at San Diego Naval Station and sea duty in the Pacific.
In July of 1937 Speck married the love of his life, Ruth Arnold.
They were blessed with two sons, Jim and Michael, and over 70 years of marriage.
After his Naval duty in 1946, Clarence set up dental practice in Baker City, Ore. In 1955, Speck and Ruth and their sons took a week’s vacation to the Whido -Isle Resort south of Coupeville and immediately fell in love with Whidbey Island.
They purchased property and the next summer moved to Coupeville. Speck took some time off to work with his builder, Ralph Ward, on their new home. When the home was completed, he built a compact dental office in Coupeville and started his second dental practice. He worked there until 1982 when he sold his practice to Dr. Stanley Anderson.
Speck was an active part of the community throughout his life here on Whidbey.
He belonged to the Coupeville United Methodist Church, where he built the cabinets for the kitchen during a major renovation project. He was a member of the Coupeville Lions Club for over 50 years, being named Lion of the Year in 2000 and receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2003. He served on the Whidbey General Hospital Board for many years and Coupeville’s first Planning Commission. For 25 years, he served on the Coupeville Library Board and was especially proud of being part of the new Coupeville Library project. And he served a term on the Coupeville Town Council.
Clarence is survived by his loving wife Ruth, son James and his wife Nancy of Seattle; two granddaughters, Denise Merkling of Seattle and Jennifer Ellison of San Francisco; and two great-grandchildren, Konrad and Ruby Merkling.
A memorial service for Dr. Ellison will be held at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Monday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. Remembrances may be made to the Coupeville Lions Club Foundation, the Coupeville Methodist Church Memorial Fund, or the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
Ford, Janice Lee Thursday, 13 Dec 2007
Janice (Wilson) Ford left us for a better place on Dec. 13, 2007, after a hard-fought struggle with cancer. She was born June 4, 1952, in Oak Harbor to parents Ralph and Eunice Wilson and remained a life-long resident of Coupeville. Her maternal grandparents were Captain Lynn P. and Bernice Vane, who retired in Coupeville after an extensive Army career that included Captain Vane’s service as the last commanding officer at Fort Casey.
In 1977 Jan married her “Knight In Shining Armor” Larrie L. Ford. After 30 years of service with Island County, she retired to better enjoy life with her family. She loved all outdoor activities including hiking and camping, but in particular, biking, participating in four STP’s (Seattle to Portland bike rides) completing the last one of 206 miles in one day in 2005. In 2006 she completed her first sprint triathlon in Chelan, Wash. She was very proud of her accomplishments but most of all, her children and grandchildren.
In 2003 she was elected as one of three commissioners for Cemetery District 2, overseeing operations and management of her much loved Sunnyside Cemetery, a position she thoroughly enjoyed.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Eunice and one sister, Judy L. Adams. She is survived by her husband Larrie; brothers Steve Wilson and family of Stanwood, and Jerry Wilson and family of Friday Harbor; sister June Mazdra and family of Coupeville; children David Ford and wife Barbi of Covington, Wash., and Tony Ford and wife Kara of New Castle, Wash.; stepchildren James Ford of Tucson, Ariz., Tina Lewis and husband Andrew of Oak Harbor, Deanna Straathof and husband Brian of Mount Vernon, and Eric Ford of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren Anthony and Jordan Ford of Covington, Cooper Wilson and Layne Ford of New Castle; step grandchildren Ethan and Sarah Morical and Travis and Brittany Lewis of Oak Harbor, Chloe and J.J. Ford of Tucson, Jesper Ford of Euphrata, Wash., and Josilynn Straathof of Mount Vernon. She also leaves her much loved Lab/Rotweiler “Barkley.”
A graveside service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held at her beloved Sunnyside Cemetery on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
