Ellen Elaine Skurdall (Stappler)
Ray Satterfeal,
Betty Gilfillan Kendall
Gerald “Jerry” Wolten
Ben Gillock
Lewis G. Winborn, age 63 of Blaine passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009. A
Rubey Ann Paul
Gregory “Greg” Wesley Perry Sr.
RODNEY YOUNG (Age 59)
Lee Steven Matthews
G.E. Murray
Patrick (Pat) Lee Bradley,
Einar Nyhus Thompson Virginia (Ginger) Marie Bylsma
November 5th 1946 - August 28th 2009
Our beloved Ginger, words cannot describe the emptiness we feel without you. Thank you for the unconditional love and understanding you have shown each of us. You are one of a kind and we were blessed to have you in our lives.
“There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go.”
Born in Everett WA on November 5th 1946, to the late George and Rosemary Williams, she stayed in Everett after graduating high school where she worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad.
After marrying Ted Bylsma on September 29th 1972 she relocated to Blaine WA and worked side by side with Ted on the family fishing boat. They traveled to southeast Alaska every summer along with their children. Never one to back away from a challenge she helped run the boat, fish, and whatever else had to be done all while taking care of the family. The close quarters of a fishing boat can be trying but she never once complained. After retiring from fishing, Ginger worked at Norman Jensen Customs Brokers in Blaine where she was currently employed. There she developed many friendships and will be truly missed by all who worked with her.
She is survived by her best friend and husband Ted of the family home, brother Gary Williams and wife Carmen of Custer, daughter Tammy Alexander and husband Scott of Blaine, sons Gregg Williams of Branson MO, Tyson Bylsma and wife Desiree of Blaine, grandchildren: Tristen Alexander and Dillon Alexander of Blaine, Caden Williams of Branson MO., Tyler Bylsma and Jasmine Bylsma of Blaine.
There will be no services in accordance with Ginger’s wishes.
Charles Henry Leber
October 18, 1919 - August 2, 2009
Charles Henry Leber Jr., known to family and friends as “Chuck”, passed away on August 2, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, WA, with his wife Helen at his side.
Chuck was born to Charles Henry (Sr.) and Myree (St. Arnold) Leber in Seattle, WA on October 18, 1919. His youth was spent between Kent and Spokane, WA, and he graduated Kent High School in 1937. Chuck married Patricia (Patty) Keogh in 1939. They made their home in Kent, and had two children, Charles H. Leber III and Lynda Myree Leber.
Chuck made a very successful career as the owner and operator of Leber Pole and Piling Co. He later joined his father in the family-owned National Public Service Life Insurance Co. in Seattle. Patty passed away in 1973.
On August 24, 1975, Chuck and Helen Christen were married in Kent. There followed 34 wonderful years together, enjoying sailing, RV travel and family gatherings. Following Chuck’s retirement they spent each year between their homes in Arizona and Washington.
Chuck had an insatiable appetite for learning and became expert in many areas, including estate planning, and computer engineering and technology. He became an accomplished sailor with his first mate, Helen, on their sailboat, the “Rebel”. (Spell “Rebel” backwards to see how they got the name.)
Chuck also spent many years golfing, and was one of the founding members of Meridian Valley Country Club. He enjoyed playing squash at the YMCA in Seattle. In his later years, Chuck enjoyed tennis, especially doubles when he claimed he couldn’t move fast enough anymore to play singles!
He is survived at their Blaine, WA, home by his wife Helen. He is also survived by his daughter Lynda Adams, daughter-in-law Sharon Leber, 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Other surviving family members include a half-brother, Douglas (Diane) Leber, half-sisters Valerie Leber Keyes, Donna (Jerry) Stockholm, Victoria (Rick) Johnson, and Camille Leber, one niece and nine nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patty Leber, son Charles Leber III, and half-brother, Donn Leber.
Cremation will be handled by the Neptune Society. A family gathering will be held in Kent, WA, at the home of Sharon Leber. Memorials suggested are a Hospice or other charity of choice.
Robert Magnus Thorstenson Sr.

Robert Magnus Thorstenson, Sr. passed away peacefully with his entire family by his side. He had survived Parkinson’s disease for over three decades but succumbed to side effects of a fall related to his long term illness. The grandson of Icelandic immigrants, he was born to Ella and Laugi Thorstenson on December 23, 1931, in Vancouver, BC, which was the closest hospital to their home in Point Roberts, Washington. He was extremely proud of his Icelandic heritage. At the age of 13, his father was severely injured in a tractor fire and Robert (Bob) took over management of the family farm for the entire year. He graduated from Blaine High School in 1949 and after two years of service in the Navy attended the University of Washington, where he was Co-Captain of the Husky Crew team and graduated in 1956. Upon graduation he was employed as a commercial purse seine deckhand as well as a tender operator before embarking upon a career in the commercial fish processing business. From 1959-1964 he rose from assistant cannery Superintendent in Petersburg to General Superintendent of all Alaskan operations of Pacific American Fisheries.
In 1963 he married the love of his life, Pamela (Martens) Thorstenson. Once Pacific American Fisheries decided to sell it’s operations in 1965, he formed a group of fishermen to purchase the Petersburg Alaska plant, naming it Petersburg Fisheries, which was later to become Icicle Seafoods. His major partners, Tom Thompson, Magnus Martens, and Gordon Jensen all preceded Bob in death. This tight knit group, along with dozens of commercial fisherman, originally owned the entire company and they immediately formed an ESOP program so that employees could benefit from the company’s success. This was the first truly all-Alaskan seafood processing company.
Upon the sale of Icicle in 2007, 62% of the company was owned by its employees and the rest by management and several of the original investors. Bob served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Icicle Seafoods from 1965-1981, Chairman of the Board from 1982-1991, and Board member from 1992-2007. His vision led the company and the Alaska seafood industry into new markets, new products, and led to a major shift from a policy of “outside” resource extraction that had plagued the Alaska seafood industry to a cooperative policy of sharing the profits with the fisherman and employees. He never had enemies. He believed that “a little competition is good everyone” and was good friends with nearly all of his major competitors in the Alaska seafood industry.
Mr. Thorstenson believed in giving back to the community and was involved as Chairman of the Petersburg School Board, Chamber of Commerce and he was appointed by 4 different US presidents to the International Pacific Fisheries Commission (where during his service the 200 mile limit was initiated). In his later years he served on the board of the Nordic Heritage Museum and co-produced 7 commercial fishing videos with his friend John Sabella. In 1992 he was named Northwest Fisheries Association Man of the Year and in 2009 he was honored by the United Fishermen of Alaska as one of the initial inductees into the Alaska Seafood Industry Hall of Fame. He was once referred to by a prominent Alaskan politician as a “legend before his time” and Bob certainly lived up to that billing. He never boasted about his accomplishments, instead choosing to share his successes, both the credit and the wealth with his business associates, fisherman and employees. He once said that he was only good at choosing talented people and allowing them to do their jobs.
Bob enjoyed listening to classical music, singing, puttering in his garden, and maintaining relationships with old friends and making new ones. Mr. Thorstenson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pamela of Shoreline, Washington, his children Bob Jr. (Gina) of Shoreline, Washington, Tani (Leif) Stenfjord of Shoreline, Washington, Peder (Kathleen) Thorstenson of Stafford Oregon, and his twin sister Sylvia Thorstenson Schonberg. He was also blessed by 10 grandchildren: Sylvi, Magnus, Ingrid, and Robert Gunnar Thorstenson; Thor, Annika and Anders Stenfjord; and Connor, Margaret and Elizabeth Thorstenson. Mr. Thorstenson was a quiet doer of good deeds and he lived his life to the fullest, helping thousands of people in the commercial fishing community of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. He was a living example of the axiom that “actions speak louder than words”. A memorial service was held at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach, 18354 8th Ave. NW, in Shoreline, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2009, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nordic Heritage Museum building fund (http://www.nordicmuseum.org/), the Salvation Army, (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/) or The Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Parkinson’s Disease, 13400 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale Arizona, 85259 Attn: Dept. Of Development.
AVA ROSE BOCK
November 16, 2007 – August 4, 2009
To our Little Cupcake:
Mommy and Daddy are going to miss you so much. Your twin brother Aiden is already so lost without you. Your older brothers Taylor & Evan will never be able to protect and comfort their little sister. Your Aunt Melissa will never again be able to hold her “Little Princess.” Your great Grandma Lydia, and Grandma
Linda won’t have the pleasure of helping raise a strong woman. You’re going to leave a hole in your Grandpa Ed and Grandma Marie Leu’s heart. Your Uncle Aaron and Uncle Lane and Aunt Amanda and Aunt Laurel will always feel your loss.
No one will be able to watch “Caillou” without thinking of you. You were
the pink sparkle in all of our lives, and will be missed by everyone. When you join your other family members Geoff Bock, Ron Sanchez, and Aaron Struthers, just remember to stay in your mommy and daddy’s dreams to comfort them. We love you.
Viewing is scheduled from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 6 at Greenacres Funeral Home, 5700 Northwest Dr., Ferndale. Graveside service will be held Friday at 2:30 p.m., at Greenacres Funeral Home, and a memorial is scheduled on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Semiahmoo Day Lodge, 9261 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine, WA. Donations in lieu of flowers are accepted at all WECU locations in the name of Ava Bock Memorial Account. You may share your thoughts and memories of Ava Bock in the online guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com.
MARLENE KAY BROWN
Born in Spokane in 1932, graduating from Lewiston High and attended Lewis & Clark Normal and Eastern Washington College, Marlene came to Blaine in 1967 with her husband (Arthur Brown) and four children, and the town’s never been the same. Known to everyone simply as “Grandma Marlene,” she was, in a word, a “giver;” giving her smile, time, boundless energy and the shirt off her back to anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. After trying her hands in various jobs, she finally retired in 2007 from 22 years working with her son-inlaw,
daughter, grandson, and the gang in the U.S. Customs brokerage business. Even through her final illness, she remained a caregiver to so many.
Grandma Marlene passed peacefully Wednesday afternoon, July 29, where she truly wanted to be – at the family home where she lived the past 15 years helping raise her grandsons and many of the neighborhood kids. Her last morning was almost surreal in its beauty. After breakfast and a stroll in her garden, we sat on the patio and enjoyed a cup of coffee in the warm summer sunshine.
Surrounded by her family daughters Kim Jones (Michael), Judy Melton, sons Bob and Ron, and grandsons Matthew Jones and Ryan Melton, she now joins her parents, five brothers, husband Arthur, and grandson Christopher Jones, to regal them once again, with her stories. Marlene’s stories; some true, some not so true, and some the pure flights of an amazing woman’s imagination (like her stint with semi-pro women’s basketball team The Redheads), were meant for the sheer enjoyment of her listeners. Grandma Marlene will be dearly missed.
Grandma’s memorial service will be held Friday, August 7, 2009 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. at the Blaine Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom County Hospice.
GARY L. GILMORE
Gary L. Gilmore, age 60 of Blaine, passed away at his home Tuesday, August 4, 2009.
Services are scheduled on Saturday, August 8, 2009, 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post #86, 4580 Legion Dr., Blaine, WA. More details at www.valleyfuneralandcremationservice.com.
JOYCE R. ANTHONY 1932-2009
Joyce R. Anthony (age 76) entered into rest at her home in Blaine on July 15, 2009. Joyce was born on
December 24, 1932 in Leask, Saskatchewan, Canada to Paul and Helen (Kovach) Bocskay. She graduated high school in Nanaimo, B.C. in 1949 and St. Pauls School of Nursing in Vancouver, B.C. in 1955. On June 25, 1955 in Vancouver, B.C. Joyce married Gordon W. Anthony.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Gordon; sons, Mark and Michael Anthony; daughter, Julie Nelson; brothers, Paul and Emil
Bocskay; sisters, Dorothy Ahlstrom and Delores Shaw; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her sister, Helen Wylie. Joyce was very active in the community and a devoted member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. She was involved with the
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 86 (charter member), St. Anne’s Alter Society, and 8 et 40. Joyce will be most remembered for being faithful, nature loving and a caring devoted wife and mother. She always chose the path less traveled. She travelled to exotic locales such as Machu
Picchu Peru, Japan and Portugal. However; mostly, she enjoyed soaking up the sun in Hawaii.
Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFuneralChapel.net
SIGRID VOPNFORD 1922-2009
Sigrid died June 6, 2009, wrapped in the love of her caregivers at Custer Adult Family Home.
She was born in Sudavik, Iceland and soon after emigrated with her parents to Canada and then to Point Roberts, Washington. She attended her first 10 years of school at Point Roberts, finishing in Blaine. In 1941 she met her beloved Wally in the basement of the Blaine Free Church Unitarian. They bought their first house for $500 in Bellingham. In 1946 they moved to South Beach, Point Roberts. Their home there was a gathering place for family and friends. In 1954, with 3 children, they moved back to Bellingham to begin their college careers. They kept their home in Point Roberts and spent summers and holidays there. After college they both taught at Conway school until retirement.
Wally and Sigrid loved to sing and made music an integral part of all the many gatherings at their home. In the 1960’s they bought their first travel trailer and enjoyed many trips throughout the western U.S. and Canada. The love Wally and Sigrid shared was so very special, when he died in 1991 she said that he had taken a large part of her soul with him. Now their souls can be rejoined.
Sigrid was preceded in death by her beloved Wally and by her son Dan. She is survived by son David and his wife Jackie, daughter Linda and her husband Stephen Riley, many loving grandchildren, even more great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nephews and nieces and special friends. All of us have wonderful memories to keep her with us.
A memorial service will be held at the Free Church Unitarian in Blaine at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June13. Internment at Point Roberts cemetery, next to Wally, will be at a later date.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, funds be sent to Custer Adult Family Home to assist them in providing their special care to other residents.
DONALD R. FINE, SR.
(aka Grizzly Bear)
73 of Burlington, passed away at his home on Friday, May 29, 2009. He was born October 2, 1935 in Spokane, WA to Marie and Ray Fine. Don graduated from Blaine High School and excelled in athletics. He played on the high school’s basketball traveling team, where he played his favorite game against another team’s player that would one day turn pro: Wilt Chamberlain. Don entered the Navy in 1956 and was stationed at China Lake Naval Air Station in California. In 1959 he married Elaine Hill. They moved to Stanwood, and then in 1965 to Burlington where he remained until his death. Don was employed as a machinist for Skagit Steel/ Bendix until his retirement in 1990. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, poker and most especially visiting his “satellite offices”: the local casinos.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Elaine, and both of his parents. He is survived by four children and their spouses Don (Mary) Fine Jr., of Sedro Woolley, Marianne (Jeludiel) Araiza of Mt. Vernon, Jim (Kristie) Fine of Mt. Vernon and Cathi (Larry) Spitser of Guemes Island, 13 grandchildren, Chris R. Fine, Nicole Araiza, Angel Araiza, Melissa Nuessen, Janet Araiza, Jessica Araiza, J.A. Araiza, Andrea R. Fine, Alicia M. Fine, Kirsten Swanson, Tracy Vetter, Azure Edwards and Scott Spitser, six great grandchildren, one brother Larry (Mary) Fine, sister-in-law Barbara (Gerald) Senn, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
At Don’s request there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Viper Bat Scholarship Fund, C/O Mary Fine at the downtown branch of Skagit State Bank, Mt. Vernon WA.
Robert Day Thompson
March 7, 1926 -May 9, 2009
Dorothy Anne (Baker) Thompson
November 11, 1927 - April 1, 2009.
He loved God, his family, friends, his pipe, coffee, ball games, and a good book… She loved God, her family (especially her grandkids), birds, gardening, and baking… They loved each other dearly! Robert Day Thompson was born on March 7th, 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa to Paul Thompson an immigration officer, and Esther Day a homemaker.
He had one sister, Elaine (Thompson) Patterson. The love of his life was Dorothy who he met when he was 13 and she was 12 on the steps of Blaine Middle School. Dorothy Anne Baker was born on November 11, 1927 at Sunrise Farms in Point Roberts, Washington to John Conrad Baker a commercial fisherman, and Anna a homemaker who spent countless hours combing the beach for agates and tending to her beautiful gardens. Dorothy had one brother, John Conrad Baker II, and one sister, Virginia Lee (Baker) Wampler. Robert always said it was love at first sight when he met Dorothy. On the weekends he would walk all the way from Blaine where he lived to Point Roberts where she lived to spend time with her. He joined the Navy in July 1943, served in WWII, then was stationed in Key West, Florida where he called Dorothy to propose. Their love story continued as they were married in June of 1946 in Point Roberts.
Robert went on to Serve our Country in the Korean War where he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan as a Signalman. Two months after his return he became a firefighter for the Bellingham Fire Department where he served from 1951 to 1977. Robert and Dorothy had three children, Kathy, Rick and Bob. They were blessed with eight granddaughters, two grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and one great-grandson (on the way). Dorothy helped care for many elderly neighbors while living at their Eldridge home. She always looked out for the well-being of others, often cooking delicious meals for them. She truly enjoyed caring for others. Robert and Dorothy touched everyone they encountered.
Services will be held at Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm 625 North State Street, Bellingham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bellingham Fire Department/Whatcom Medic One or Whatcom Hospice. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at Jerns Funeral Chapel Bellingham, WA
Florence Doreen Nicholson
Florence Doreen Nicholson (age 80) entered into rest on May 3, 2009 at Stafholt in Blaine, WA. Florence was born on April 19, 1929 in Mission B.C. Canada to Edward and Ethel Anne (Mallory) Ovens. She graduated from high school in Vancouver; B.C. Florence married Allen Nicholson on October 2, 1948 in Vancouver, B.C.
She is survived by her husband, Allen; sons, Scott Alan (Roberta) Nicholson of Blaine, WA, Michael E.R. (Shelbi) Nicholson of Woodinville, WA; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Florence is preceded in death by one son, Michael Allen Nicholson on June 30, 1953.
Florence will be best remembered for her ability to adopt people and become Mom or Aunt Flo to any and all friends she made during her life. Her family will be holding private family services at Hillsdale Cemetery at a later date. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFuneralChapel.net Arrangements have been entrusted to Jerns Funeral Chapel 464 8th. St. Blaine, WA
Donna Marie Capeloto
Donna,
born March 23, 1941 in New Westminster, BC, Canada, passed away April
23, 2009 after an extended battle with cancer. She was preceded in
death by her parents Albert Dykstra and Flora Prato, both of British
Columbia.
Donna resided for the last 19 years in Indio, California and enjoyed her passions of golf, friends, and family. She proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2006.
She is survived by her daughter Tracy Sundberg and husband Mark of Seattle; her son Donny Nelson and wife Amee of Blaine; her loving husband of 27 years Larry Capeloto; his daughter Lori Swan and husband Gary of Dallas, and his son Jeff Capeloto and Dawn of Sammamish, and her sisters Dee Beckett of Blaine, Pat Mackay, and Betty Morley, both of British Columbia.
Grandma / Grandma Disneyland / Nana will be greatly missed by her 7 grandchildren: Courtney, Kylie, Brianna, Ryan, Joshua, Emily, and Kate.
In
lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her honor to your favorite
charity. A celebration of Donna’s life is being planned; for details
please email celebratedonna@yahoo.com.
Doris Rose Douglas (Barnett),
age 86, passed away on April 12, 2009, in Blaine, W.A. Born on March
15, 1923, in Richmond, Surrey, England, she also lived in South Wales,
Alberta, Canada, and Louisiana and California, U.S.A.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Ronald Phelps, in 1961, and
second husband, Roy Douglas, in 2003; brother, John; sister, Rene; and
her son, David.
Doris loved her family and friends dearly and was always there for them.
A champion swimmer in her teens, Doris loved to swim, was an avid gardener, a keen golfer, liked to dance, and enjoyed traveling. She adored dogs, and throughout the years always had at least 1 or 2 by her side.
She will be greatly missed by her remaining children, Carole (John), Susan (John), Ian (Lynn), Wayne, Gillian (Rick), and Andrew (Melissa). She is also survived by grandchildren, Christina, Erin, Mathew, Shauna, Darren, Mary Jane, and Andrew; and great-grandchildren, Ella, Addison, and Grace.
A celebration of Doris’ life will be held at Stafholt Good Samaritan Center on April 17, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Stafholt for the excellent care and love shown to Doris during the past two years.
Donations may be made to a local Animal Humane Society of your choice.
Virginia Rae Claymore
(Breidford)
Virginia
Rae Claymore died peacefully on Monday March 16, 2009. Virginia was the
daughter of Jon A. & Jonina M. Breidford (Freeman). She was born in
Bellingham, WA in 1934, and spent almost the entirety of her life in
Blaine. In 1951 she married Harald Horgdal and started her first
family, and spent some of the early years living in Tampa, Seattle and
Kennewick. In 1979 she married Phill Claymore and welcomed her second
family into her life. Phill preceded her in death in 1991.
Virginia
is survived by the light of her life, partner Frank Thompson. Frank
came into her life in 2001 and they had been inseparable since. The
love that they shared with and for each other was a beauty to see. In
2007 Virginia shared a lifetime dream with Frank when she traveled to
her roots in Iceland. She was thrilled to be welcomed ‘home’ by the
many people she met while there.
She
is survived by five children: Jeannie Allard (Roger) and John Horgdal
of Bellingham, Jim Horgdal (Kristin) of Mercer Island, Scott Claymore
and Anita Claymore, both of Blaine. In addition, Virginia had six
grandchildren, Hilary Horgdal, Jessica Renkert, Dane Renkert, Jacy
Horgdal, Nathaniel Claymore and Graham Horgdal, and one great
grandchild Layne Hager. She is also survived by her sister Sharon
Luther (Gene) of Blaine and brother John Breidford (Anna) of Palmer, AK.
Her
sphere of love included so may people and in her later years that
sphere included Frank’s daughter Eva Horsley of St. George UT, grandson
Frank Hetzel of Seattle and great granddaughter Natasha Lane of Blaine.
As
a descendant of the Freeman and Breidford families of Blaine, she had
aunts, uncles and cousins that are too numerous to count.
Her
work life was spent working at the Blaine border crossing where she
worked for over 25 years as a Customhouse broker.
Virginia
will be remembered for many things, but one thing everyone will
remember most was her unique ability to bring love and joy to all that
she came into contact with. She had an ever present smile, a hug for
all, and a wit that would bring a smile (or a belly laugh) to all. Even
during her recent struggles with her health she always put others’
feelings above her own.
She
had a soprano voice that was sweet honey to the ear. She sang for many
years in the Church Choir at the free Church Unitarian, where she was a
lifetime member. She was also a member of the Breidford Family Quartet
which included her mother, father and beloved Uncle Elias. She was also
a past member of Sweet Adelines.
A celebration of her life service was held March 20, 2009 at the Free Church Unitarian. Memorials in her name may be made to the Free Church Unitarian located at 1218 Harrison Avenue, Blaine, WA 98230.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
SONA WALKER
Sona
came into the world June 3, 1966 and left us February12, 2009. We all
knew her as a loving and caring person. Life handed her many problems
but her deep belief in God helped her through them. Sona was very
talented in many ways. She enjoyed working in the yard, fixing things
in her home, sewing and wood carving. She was an excellent and creative
cook having graduated with a culinary arts degree.
She was an avid bicycler and enjoyed frequent rides around Birch Bay. Her many friends will miss her, and everyone who knew Sona considered themselves blessed for having known her. Sona held a special place in her heart for her soul mate and love, Greg Waters. She is survived by her daughter Shakada, son Dustin, stepbrother Erik, mother Linda Walker, and stepfather Richard Walker.
There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, March 27, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Park Pavilion and all are welcome to attend.
Fly free Sona and know you are safe in God’s hands!
Lillian Olivia (Sarki) Paul

of Blaine entered into rest on February 23, 2009 at age 101 in Bellingham with her family around her.
Lili was born July 3, 1907 in Rossland, BC to Yrjo and Olivia (Lof) Sarki, Finnish immigrants. She moved with her parents in 1910 to her grandparent’s farm near Northport, Washington. Lili graduated from Northport High School in 1925 as Valedictorian and went on to study teaching and foreign languages, graduating from the University of Washington in 1929. She also attended graduate school at the University of Washington, Northwestern University in Illinois, and Washington State University. She began her teaching career in Northport and Dryden, Washington in 1929. She postponed her teaching career for a number of years after marrying her husband, Samuel Paul, in 1935. She resumed her teaching in Metaline Falls, Washington in 1941 until she joined Sam who was now in the armed forces stationed at Cannon Beach, OR in 1943. Lili taught Spanish, Latin, French and English throughout her career. She began teaching in Blaine in 1949 and continued off and on through the mid-1960’s. Sam died on May 17, 1974. Lili’s life was enriched with teaching, family, friends, travel and living life to the fullest.
Lili will be dearly missed by her children Robert (MaryAnn) Paul of Atlantic City, NJ and Peggy Armijo of Blaine; grandchildren Traci (Marc) Portner Paul, (Collingswood, NJ) Jamie (Bruce) Riddle, (Orem, UT) and Lance (Sarah) Armijo (Stevensville, MT); seven great grandchildren, Megan, Jake, Katie and Ben Riddle; Austin, Dakota and Carter Armijo.
The family thanks the staff of the Courtyard Dementia Center for their loving care during Lili’s last 7 months and to the Visiting Angels that attended her both at home and at the Courtyard. Thanks also to the Blaine Senior Center whose programs and activities allowed Lili to enjoy the activities and companionship that helped her live to such a long and rich life.
Memorial donations may be made to the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G St., Blaine, WA 98230. A celebration of Lili’s life will be held later this spring.
Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFuneralChapel.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jerns Funeral Chapel, Blaine, WA.
Robert John LaPointe “Bob”,
62 passed peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital Hospice in Langley B.C. on
February 23, 2009 after an arduous battle with cancer. Bob was a part-time resident
of Birch Bay and owned second homes there for nearly 30 years. He spent
as much time as possible at his beloved “beach house” at Point
Whitehorn where he loved to entertain and was the consummate host
ensuring that his guests always enjoyed
themselves. Bob was a “seaman” at heart and loved the water, whether it
was working on the ships after his retirement from Imperial Oil (Esso),
boating and crabbing with friends in the San Juan and Gulf Islands or
just spending time enjoying the view from the deck. People were drawn
to Bob’s great sense of humor and affable manner and he amassed a great
many friends and acquaintances. We will all be a little richer for him
passing through our lives. Funeral services will be Tuesday March 3,
2009, 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Langley B.C.
Frances “Joan” MacDonald (Yates)
Born
January 21, 1939 in Vancouver, BC. Surrounded by her four children,
Joan died peacefully December 17, 2008 from complications of heart and
lung diseases. She graduated from Burnaby High School, where she met
her husband, Roger MacDonald. They were married for 39 years before he
preceded her in death in 2001. In the early years of their marriage,
they lived in Los Angeles, CA, where they had their children.
Family vacations were spent at Birch Bay, WA. A life’s dream was fulfilled when they permanently moved there in 1978. Joan and Roger knew how fortunate they were to raise their family in such a beautiful place, where they had many memorable summers at the beach with extended family. Joan made sure everyone felt welcome. She was particularly pleased that her grandchildren were able to have the same wonderful experience each summer. Joan’s seven grandchildren brought her great joy. In recent years, Joan enjoyed travel with family to Europe and Hawaii. We all will miss her so very much.
Joan’s work life included the Blaine Recreation District, the Birch Bay Fire Department and Border Brokerage. She made treasured friends during her work years. She valued her friendships at the Blaine Senior Center and through her Red Hat Society group. Caring neighbors were also a blessing in Joan’s life.
Joan is survived by daughters Sydney Allen (Michael) and Hillary Salmieri (Allen), sons Cameron (Keith) and Stuart (Denise); grandchildren Colby, Kendra and Connor Allen; Dominic Salmieri; Emily, Lindsey and Audrey MacDonald; and sister Diane Kennedy (Walt), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Peace Arch Park in Blaine (in the American Kitchen Facility). In lieu of flowers, any remembrances can be made to the charity of your choice. She did benefit from information provided by the American Lung and American Heart Associations.