WILLIAM T. VAN BROCKLIN
William T. Van Brocklin, 72, of Stanwood, died Tues., Dec. 24, 2002, following an extended illness.
He was born Sept. 3, 1930, to William T. Van Brocklin, Sr. and Evangeline Peterson Van Brocklin in Leavenworth, WA. Bill grew up in Leavenworth and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1948. He went on to Western Washington College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1952. Bill was united in marriage to Lorraine Bretvick March 23, 1952. He started his career in education in 1952, teaching in the Burlington School District, and moved to the Stanwood School District in 1953. He taught school until 1955, when he moved to administrative duties as principal in the Stanwood School District until his retirement in 1984.
His life-long interest was sports, whether it was coaching, watching or supporting. Bill was a board member of N.W.I.A.A. for many years. His enjoyment included his family, boating, traveling and teaching classes at the senior center.
Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lorraine of Stanwood; children, Kristi Johnson and Gretchen Alexander and husband Bill; grandchildren, Lars, Karl, Geordy, Jamie, Tyler and Sarah; and eight nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m., Sat., Jan. 11, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Stanwood.
The family suggests memorials to Stanwood Senior Center or to Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, 1206 - 123rd Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
CEDRIC (CED) FRANK VAN STEENWYK (1914-2003)
Cedric Van Steenwyk, 88, was born May 14, 1914 in Sioux Center, Iowa. He passed away April 18, 2003 peacefully in his home on Camano Island, WA. Cedric was surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He leaves four children, Ned Van Steenwyk of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Paul Van Steenwyk of Camano Island; Jan Mather of Camano Island; and Ruth Geyer of Bellingham, WA. Cedric and his wife Eleanor moved to Camano Island from Lake Okoboji, Iowa, where Cedric was an active fisherman. Before his retirement, he raised his four children in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he owned Van’s Jewelry for over 35 years. He was active in the community and frequently spoke of his Dutch heritage. During World War II, Ced served in the U.S. Navy. He was honored for developing a system enabling a compass to not be susceptible to magnetic parts of Navy aircraft.
Ced enjoyed time with his family any chance he could. He spoke of "togetherness" every time the family got together. Seven grand-children, Arecka, Joshua, Camille, Jasmine, Marie, Eleanor, and Anna Lucia will miss their caring grandfather. Everyone who knew Ced spoke of his gentle and kind nature. He loved to play pool, was an avid reader, and loved to meet with family and friends. He loved to share his stories with others, and, most of all, was a very attentive listener. His kindness showed with each genuine smile and encouraging thought. Everyone admired his positive nature. He was extremely optimistic and always had something nice to say. The family expressed "a huge thank you" to the Hospice team, nurses, and various caregivers who helped when they were needed. No service will be held, but an informal gathering of friends and family will celebrate Ced’s life 2 p.m. Sat., May 10, at his home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cedric’s name to Hospice of Snohomish County or another Hospice organization.
EDWARD J. JAKUBIAK
Edward James Jakubiak, 50, passed into the next life unexpectedly of natural causes April 19, 2003, at his home on Camano Island.
Ed was born May 14, 1952, to Henry and Elizabeth Jakubiak of Spokane. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane and attended Washington State University. Ed had lived in the Stanwood area for 15 years. He worked for Power City Electric and was a long-time member of a local electricians union in the area. He enjoyed many activities during his life. These included studying and traveling abroad, camping and spending time with his son David, and most recently, learning to play the piano and acquiring a love of jazz.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Elizabeth Jakubiak. Edward is survived by his father, Henry J. Jakubiak of Spokane; his son, David, of Milford, CT; and his five brothers and sisters, Ann Lane of McLean, VA, Joe Jakubiak of Omak, WA, Joyce Parks of Vancouver, WA, Peter Jakubiak, of Seattle, and Mary Owens, of Reno, NV; also nieces and nephews, Elizabeth and Katie Lane, Joseph and Daniel Parks, Jason and Jessica Jakubiak, and Ryan and Ashley Owens.
Edward was a kind and devoted father to his son David. He took immense joy and pride in all that he did with his son. Ed lived his life with a strength and resolve that is an inspiration and example to us all. We thank God for the time given to us with him on this earth. A memorial service will be held Fri., May 2, 11 a.m., at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
GLENN E. TURK
Glenn E. Turk, 74, a life-long resident of the Silvana/Stanwood area, passed away April 25, 2003, at home surrounded by his family. He was born April 8, 1929, son of Minnie and Clifford Turk. Glenn graduated from Arlington High School in 1929. He was well known in the community for his humor and practical jokes.
Glenn took over his parents’ dairy farm in Stanwood, where he raised his family. He was a familiar face at community events such as the Stanwood-Camano Fair, where he enjoyed volunteering. Glenn worked for the Stanwood School District for 26 years, giving many years of service before retiring to his farm.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Sally of 43 years; his daughters, Marie and Tom Gray, Colleen Turk and Gail Turk and Glen Grandea, Patty and Jeff Dow; his grandchildren, Brittany, Kaitlyn, Riley, Clarissa, and Andy; brother, Dwane and Marge Turk; and sister, Ethel and John Mjoen; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Glenn was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Clifford and Minnie Turk. Glenn will be greatly missed by his friends and family for his humor and generosity. We will always love him. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thurs., May 1, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Stanwood. Concluding services will be held at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Glenn Turk Agriculture/Vocational Scholarship Fund, through the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, P.O. Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
CLARENCE A. SPRAGUE
May 15, 1904 - April 18, 2003
Clarence A. Sprague, Age 98, of Stanwood was taken home to be with his Lord on April 18 at Warm Beach Nursing Home. He was born in Thawville, IL and grew up in Lynden, WA. Clarence graduated from WSU in Commercial Electrical Engineering. His marriage to Elva Pinson resulted in a 54-year marriage and two children. He worked 40 years for Pacific NW Bell Co. in Seattle. Clarence and Elva moved to Warm Beach Manor near Stanwood in 1979, where she died in 1984. In 1987 his marriage to Alice Lewis resulted in a 15 year marriage, and she preceded him in death in 2002. His son Gerald preceded him in death in 2000. Survivors include his daughter Beverly Clement and her husband Phil of Shoreline, his daughter-in-law Patty Sprague of Bellevue,
and his stepdaughter Shirley Lewis of Kent- five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
HELEN E. AITKINS
Helen E. (Stine) Aitkins was born March 21, 1911, in Seattle and died April 17, 2003, in Kirkland at the age of 92.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Alfred L. Aitkins, in 1980. She leaves three sons: D. Bruce Aitkins of Kirkland, Richard L. Aitkins of Kent, and James D. Aitkins of Bothell; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Helen was a 1929 graduate of Bellingham Normal School (now Western Washington University). She lived with her family in Seattle until 1958, when they moved to Camano Island. The Aitkins were active for many years in Camano Chapel, and Helen was a long-time member of the Monday Study Club in Stanwood. In 1998 she moved to the Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood, and in 2002 to an adult home in Kirkland to be near her family. Memorial service is Sun., April 27, at 3 p.m. at Camano Chapel, Camano Island.
Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
GORDY ANDREWS
Gordy Andrews passed away peacefully from an aggressive brain tumor April 18. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born Aug. 6, 1953, in Seattle and moved to Stanwood in 1964. Gordy is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Joan; children, Keith and Sara and granddaughter, Sofia of Coupeville; Kevin and Beth of Stanwood; Kelli of Alaska, and Courtney of Seattle; his parents, Bob and Winnie Andrews; brother, Bob Andrews; and sister, Gloria (Bruce) Tessem, all of Stanwood; countless friends and family, all of whom cherish the gentle soul that touched their lives in so many ways.
As a long-time resident of Stanwood, Gordy was a dedicated business man and active member of the community. He cultivated many strong relationships through the years. He will be remembered by many as "that great guy at the grocery store, " who always had a funny story, a fond memory, or helping hand to share. Most recently Gordy sold Bob's Market & Deli and was anxious to begin a new endeavor. He was granted time to enjoy the company of those who love him. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchild, and close friends -- whether on the beaches of Hawaii, the Oregon Coast, or the beaches of Camano Island, he was pleasured by time together. Fun spirited, he always made you laugh. Kind hearted, he cared deeply for others.
A man of few words, he said so much with his smile, his laugh, a handshake, a hug, or a gentle kiss on one’s forehead. His humor, his willingness to give, his unconditional love will be missed, honored and remembered. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for a memorial service at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood Tues., April 22 at 3 p.m. Gifts of memorial can be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 100 W. Harrison, #510, Seattle, WA 98119 or the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation Scholarship Fund. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
MERLIN O. BELCHER
Merlin O. Belcher, 92, of Stanwood, passed away April 15, 2003, at Warm Beach Senior Community. Merlin was born in LaFarge, WI, Oct. 14, 1910, to Oscar and Frances Belcher. He and his family spent most of his youth in Oregon. He graduated from Seattle Pacific College and taught school in Kitsap and King counties. He married Edith Neese in June 1936, in Seattle. He dairy farmed in Yakima County, where he was president of the Farm Bureau, active in the Dairy Association, and served as a school board member. Later, he farmed in Kittitas County.
He was a member of the Free Methodist church for 76 years, taught Sunday school many years, and served on numerous church committees. He was a case worker for DSHS for 11 years, retiring in 1975 He is survived by four children: David (Carol) Belcher of Everett, Becky (Don) Bilderback of Ithaca, NY, Ben (Judy) Belcher of Bremerton, and Jon (Tana) Belcher of Marysville; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ralph Belcher of Yakima, Merton Belcher of Spokane; and one sister, Gerry Gudgeon of Stanwood. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, in 1998. Services were held at Warm Beach Senior Community April 19. Memorials may be made to Warm Beach Senior Community, 20420 Marine Dr., Stanwood, WA 98292 Arrangements under the direction of Gilertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
HOWARD R. FLINT
Howard Ross Flint, age 72, of Camano Island, went to be with the Lord April 12, 2003. He was born in San Francisco Feb. 26, 1931. He moved to Washington August 1967. He was a member of Mabana Chapel on Camano Island. He is survived by his wife Rhea; two stepsons, Keith (Lil) French of Lakewood, and Craig (Cathy) French of Mill Creek; brother Ronald (Doris) Flint, Los Cruces, NM; two grandchildren, Christine and Cara French. Cremation and arrangements are by the Neptune Society of Everett. There will be a military burial at sea by the Navy per his request. He will be greatly missed and will remain with us always in our hearts and our memories.
LEN MANSHOLT
Len Mansholt, 80, passed away April 7, 2003, a victim of heart complications. Len worked at Pay & Save Drugs and Marketime, which later became Fred Meyers, and was a member of and business agent with U. F.C.W. Locals 330 and 1001. Len is survived by his wife, Marjorie; brother, Kenneth Mansholt of Indiana; sisters, Norma Christianson of Portland, OR, Lucille Blide of Kansas and Berniece Eberly of Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. His friendliness and optimistic outlook on life were a pleasure to witness. At his request, there will be no service. Donations may be made to Group Health Foundation, P.O. Box 34936 Seattle, WA 98124, Reed College (Library Fund), 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland, Or 97202 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
CARL R. WILSON
Carl Raymond Wilson, 65, of Camano Island, died Sat., April 12, 2003 at Harborview Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 19, 1937, in Lewistown, PA to Willis and Ruth Wilson. On Nov. 21, 1959, in Port Allegany, PA, he married Patricia O'Connor, who survives. He joined the Air Force in 1956, and after 22 years, in 1978, retired. He was a member of the Episcopal church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sisters, Goldie Kephart, Helen Pryde, and Betty Parks; four children, James of Las Vegas, NV, Richard of Salem, OH, Thomas of Haggerstown, MD and Tammy Schwartz of Camano Island; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, PO Box 145, Camano Island, WA 98292. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
LYLE SWANSON
Lyle Swanson, 79, of Camano Island, a lifetime resident born in Stanwood Jan. 19, 1924, who passed away peacefully in his home after a brief illness with Leukemia April 11, 2003, will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He served in the Army and the Air Force, receiving the Purple Heart. He was a very active member through the years with the American Legion, VFW (receiving many awards), and AYP (Alaska Yukon Pioneers). Lyle lived and worked in Cordova, AK for 50 years as a fisherman. His first love was his wife Margie, his second love was the water and his boats.
Lyle always had a smile for everyone during his frequent visits to town with his dogs, Teddy Bear and Goldie. Lyle is survived by his wife Margie; sister, Leona Stangeland; daughters, Kathy and Frank Howell of Texas, Cheryl and Mike Miller of Camano Island,
Laurie and Tom Mulberry of Oregon, and Roxie and Jeff Cole of Seattle; sons, David and Debbie Swanson of Oregon, Jim Swanson and his fiancée Susan of Montana; grandchildren, Jennifer, Amy, Tami, Troy, Nick, William, Kyla, Jennifer, Angela, Jacob, Alissa, Morgan, Erin, Taylor; and great-grandchild, Kyle; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. At Lyle's request, there will be no services.
If you would like to donate in memory of Lyle Swanson, please make donations to Providence (Hospice) of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201. Thank you to the many hospice nurses for all their care.
ESTHER JOHNS AALBU
Esther Johns Aalbu, 71, a resident of Stanwood, WA, passed away at her home on Sat., April 5, 2003 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Feb. 23, 1932 in Chewelah, WA the daughter of Chester and Bessie Metro Hull. As a young girl she moved to Arlington where she was raised and at-tended school. She made her home in Arlington with her family until 1967 when she moved to Stan-wood. For many years Esther worked in the laundry department at the Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood. She was an avid reader, going to the local library on a regular basis. She also enjoyed animals, especially watching the birds around her home.
She leaves behind her loving mother, Bessie Fordyce; her children and their spouses, Linda and Scott Gibson, Patricia and Harry Halliburton, David Bowman, Richard Johns, Mary and Damon Schmidt, Helen and Richard Stalkfleet, Bill Johns, and Rhoda and Shawn Kelly; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her brother Bill Harvey and his wife Lavonna. Loving appreciation is extended to Dennis and Joy London and Darlene Johnson and other nieces and nephews. She was pre-ceded in death by her husbands, Leo Johns and Howard Aalbu. The family suggests memorials be made to the Audubon Society or Hospice of Snohomish County.
Graveside services will be held Wed., April 9, 2003 at 1 p.m. in the I.O.O.F. section of the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Services under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share thoughts and memories of Esther and sign the online guest register at www.lewleychapelcom
JOHANNA E. RAMSEY
Johanna E. Ramsey (Grandma Shorty) of Marysville was born Oct. 4, 1915. Johanna passed away peacefully on March 29, 2003 of natural causes; she was 87 years old. Johanna's last days were spent at Marysville Care Center; before that she lived at Windsor Square Retirement Apt. where she was on the welcoming committee. She spent most of her adult life in Everett as a housewife and a very active member of the community. Johanna was a longtime member of the Central Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and coordinated many weddings. She also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Everett for many years. When she wasn't busy with community services she was baking wedding cakes, cookies and just about any other type of pastry you could imagine; especially if it was Norwegian.
Johanna is preceded in death by her husband Conrad Ramsey on May 5, 1983; son Leroy "Bud" Ramsey in 1998 and daughter Evelyn Barth in 1999. She is survived by her grandsons Harrison Barth, Thomas and Marietta Barth, James Barth and Steven and Deborah Barth; she is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Dee Anna, Brian, Jeffrey, Courtney, Christopher, Chelsea, Emily, Megan, and Tommy. She also leaves two nieces Betty and Carl Hogan, Peggy Dunsmore and one nephew Raymond Ramsey from Puyallup. Johanna had many friends, we would need a whole page to list them all. Services were held at Freeborn Lutheran Church April 4, 2003. Burial will be in Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or cards the family asks that contributions be made in her name to the Central Lutheran Church, 2702 Rockefeller Ave. Everett, WA 98201. Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.
