Marvin Lawrence Kransnansky, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on February 18, 1930 and was 80 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Ted Edgar Hunting, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2010 at The Hospice of Kitsap County Care Center in Bremerton, Washington. He was born on July 10, 1939 and was 70 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Carl Erickson, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on July 27, 1927 and was 82 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Donald Martin Erickson, of Poulsbo passed away due to brain cancer on February 26th 2010 surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 14th, 1941 in Olympia, WA to Howard and Elsie Erickson. Don graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle in 1958.
Don and his wife JoAnn have been together since they were 14 and 15 years old. They got married in April of 1960 and had three children. Don worked for Puget Sound Energy for over 41 years working in many headquarters throughout Washington. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and what he enjoyed most was the comfortable outdoors and family. After retiring he and JoAnn enjoyed traveling to many places. Winters were spent in Arizona with many trips to Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Elsie, brothers Howie and Dale, and sister Eileen. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty years JoAnn, their three children, Lori Heins (Jim) of Poulsbo, Wade of Brewster, and Darin (Sue) of Silverdale, and eight grandchildren and a great grand child due any day.
At his request there will be a private family service and a celebration of life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Hospice of Group Health or Martha & Mary Health and Rehab Center.
Donna A. McVey, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Martha and Mary Health Care Services in Poulsbo, Washington. She was 80 years of age.
She was born on March 23, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Walter Mahonri Arnold Jr. and Mabel Isabel Hall Arnold. The family later moved to Tacoma, Washington. Donna attended High School at Stadium High School in Tacoma, and college at The University of Puget Sound. In 1951 she married George Oliver McVey, and they were later sealed together as an eternal family in 1975 in the Washington D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was an active member of LDS Church and served in various positions over the years, including a one-year mission with her husband on Bainbridge Island, WA.
Donna enjoyed being with her family and loved music. She dedicated her life to her family and was a homemaker. She had Multiple Sclerosis for the last 40 years and Alzheimer's disease since 2004.
She is survived by her husband George McVey, sons Gary, Chris and Greg, also her daughters-in-law Paula, Kathy and Amy. There are also seven grandchildren and her many loving friends.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, 2138 NE Mesford St., Poulsbo. Interment will follow at Cherry Grove Cemetery in Poulsbo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or the National Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 21269, Seattle, WA 98111-3269 or Martha and Mary Health Services, P.O. Box 127, Poulsbo, WA 98370.
Caroline Julia Mellor, died peacefully on February 19, 2010 on Bainbridge Island, WA at the age of 90.
She was born August 19, 1919 into a large and loving Italian family in St. Louis, Missouri. During the last 6 years, she made her home on Bainbridge to be near her daughter Linda Owen, son-in-law Jeff Owen, and granddaughter, Lindsey Toler.
For over 30 years, she was a saleswoman at St. Louis' leading department stores, Stix, Baer, & Fuller and Dillards. She had many loyal customers over the years who appreciated her sense of style and above all, her joyful spirit.
Generous and open-hearted, she put her family first in every way. We carry her spirit forward in the hope that we too may give to others as deeply as she did.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Maria Pesalovo; her husband, John H. Mellor; and her dear sister, Esther Finneran. She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Owen, Pamela Mellor; her niece, Suzanne Jordan; grandson, Sean Murray; granddaughters, Cara Day, Lindsey Toler; and great-grandson Rowan Toler.
She will be buried with her husband at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Jo Couch, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at her home in Bremerton, Washington. She was born on August 15, 1937 and was 72 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Jerome B. Hayes, passed away February 17th at the age of 81.
Known as “Jerry” to friends and family. He was a strong family man and devout Catholic. Born into an Irish family October 12, 1928 in Eugene, Oregon to Clarence (Jack) Anthony Hayes and Loretta Marie Hayes (nee Gaeden). Oldest of three, he is survived by his youngest sister, Jacquelyn Murphy of Portland, Oregon, and preceded in death by his sister, Meredith Burton, and his granddaughter, Jennifer Rebecca Hayes. Survived by the love of his life, his best friend and wife of 54 years, Susan Grace Hayes (nee Lillie) and four children: Jerome Patrick (Pat) Hayes and his wife, Sandra Mae Hayes (nee Richardson), and their eldest daughter Stephanie Allison Hayes and their soon to be born son; Kathleen Angelique Bogner (nee Hayes) and her husband, Douglas Neil Bogner, and their daughters, Emma Claire Bogner and Sarah Grace Bogner; Jeffrey Kevin Hayes and his wife, Tamara Sue Hayes (nee Johnson), and their daughters Riley Sue Hayes and Megan Rebecca Hayes; Erin Marie Hayes and her husband, Richard Alan Berndt, and their sons, Maximilian Hayes Berndt and Alexander Hayes Berndt. He is dearly loved and will be deeply missed - leaving a void that cannot be filled.
Class of 1953 graduate of the US Naval Academy, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California. He subsequently took a special assignment to the US Naval War College in 1969. While in Newport, Rhode Island he also earned a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, in 1970.
Jerry was raised in Salem, Oregon, where he worked in the hop fields in the summers (despite being allergic to hops). During his first assignment in the Navy, he met his true love in Charleston, South Carolina. On 15 October 1955 he married Susan, daughter of Dr. Morton Lillie, USN Captain-Retired, and his wife of more than 60 years, Ruth (nee MacFarland).
As an officer in the Submarine Service during the diesel era, he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. He was deployed to Key West, Florida, where Pat and Kathy were born. His next assignment was in Monterey, California, where Jeff was born. He was transferred to San Diego and later was stationed in Alameda, California, where Erin was born. Jerry served on surface ships to include a tour on a US destroyer in the Pacific during the Korean War. His submarine service included his assignments as an Engineering Officer on the USS Trumpetfish and Executive Officer on the USS Catfish. Jerry then took command of the USS Quillback from 1966-1968 in Key West, Florida. While in Alexandria, Virginia, he worked on the plans for the SSN 688 Los Angeles Class Attack and the SSBN 726 Ballistic Missile Class Submarines in Washington, D.C. After he retired from the Navy in 1974, he worked for major defense contractors: Raytheon, IBM, and General Dynamics, during which time he and his family moved to McLean, Virginia. He was delighted to accept an assignment with General Dynamics Electric Boat Division to return to his beloved Northwest to become the company’s On-Site Manager for the Bangor Trident Nuclear Submarine Program. Eighteen years later, they were happy to finally reach their retirement years. Susan and Jerry often joked that now she had twice the husband and half the pay.
He was a member of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington, since 1978 where he served in several different capacities: usher, youth ministry, and parish council. He was also active in the Poulsbo Rotary Club where he served as President (1983-1984) and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He led various fund raising efforts and hosted an international exchange student from Brazil. Later Jerry and his wife worked as volunteers for the Interfaith Care Givers ferrying patients to and from medical appointments. Also as part of Interfaith Care Givers, Jerry helped Susan, who was known as the “Flower Lady” for many years. They collected donated flowers placed at Winslow Hardware by Island residents sharing the bounty from their beautiful gardens. Jerry & Susan distributed them to the homebound across the Island. Susan wrapped the flowers in tissue and tied them with ribbons; Jerry’s job was to cut off the thorns.
He loved spending time with his family. Jerry was, at heart, a Do-It-Yourself handyman working on cars and homes alike. He particularly enjoyed homeownership and worked endlessly to improve the family home. He finished the basement and built the deck in Alexandria, constructed a fountain in McLean, and carved out his Crow’s Nest respite from their Bill Point hillside home on Bainbridge. He served on the Bainbridge Island Bill Point Tree Committee for years (deftly handling delicate negotiations between neighbors, balancing the need to maintain views of Seattle while also maintaining the natural green, which is at the heart of every Northwesterner). He loved taking care of his lawn. In fact, even in a city known for its rainfall, he installed an in-ground sprinkler system to maintain its pristine condition. His tender care paid off as the lawn at Bill Point provided hours of summer time pleasure when family would gather and play endless rounds of Bocci Ball on its level and smooth expanse. Jerry lovingly cared for their large family home in Bill Point for 25 years until they downsized to a condo at The Winslow. The condominium was not only easier to maintain but its downtown location was within easy walking distance for most of their needs.
He was a strong family man with a softspot for his pets. When the children were little he enjoyed taking them camping or to the beach. After retirement he and Susan enjoyed traveling. They took several cruises to include trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean. On their 50th Anniversary they traveled through the Black Sea from Athens to Rome. Later in life, he particularly enjoyed a short trip with Susan to Mount Rushmore. He loved music, especially classical and jazz. His favorite album was “Whipped Cream and other Delights” by the Tijuana Brass. He and Susan enjoyed golf, though people often wanted to play through. He faithfully made brunch on Sundays after church and was a master at outdoor grilling in any weather. The world over, his steaks could not be matched.
Jerry suffered terribly from the cruelty of Alzheimer’s disease. We are deeply grateful to all those who devote their life’s work to attending to the sick and dying, especially: Winslow Clinic, Alzheimer’s of Washington, Harbor House, and Hospice of Kitsap County. Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Active Duty Assignments: 1954 USS Kyes (DD-787) 1955-1957 USS Trumpetfish (SS-425) 1958- 1959 USS Guavina (AOSS-362) 1960-1961 US Naval Post Graduate School 1961 USS Diodon (SS-349) 1961-1962 USS Catfish (SS-339) 1962 USS Salmon (SS-573) 1962-1964 USS Catfish (SS-339) 1964-1965 Twelfth Naval District-Treasure Island 1965-1968 USS Quillback (SS-424) 1968-1970 US Naval War College 1970-1974 US Naval Shipyard 1 June 1974 Retired
During his career, he held a FINAL TOP SECRET CRYPTOGRAPHIC Clearance
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 5-7 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. The Recitation of The Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the church. A reception will follow at the Church Conger Hall. Final Military Honors and interment will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:15 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
Arthur Nicholas Mirkovich, 68, died February 17, 2010
Art was born on August 22, 1941 and was the youngest of three children. He took great pride in his Croatian heritage and in being a life long resident of Bainbridge Island. He was involved in recording his family’s history on the Island and in the local fishing community. He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1960. He had a career as a Civil Design Engineer with various firms in the Seattle and was an active member of the St. Cecilia Parish.
His interests included gardening, woodworking, fishing, drawing & painting and sports. He played softball for many years on the “R” Gang softball team. He enjoyed working in and around his home and completed many home improvement projects. Painting and sketching were a way for him to relax and express himself. His favorite delight was rowing his boat in Eagle Harbor.
Art is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Mary Mirkovich (Wellbrock). Together they raised three children Michele Frech (John) of Seattle, Krista Pal (Sanjay) of San Diego, CA and Douglas Mirkovich (Kathy) of Dana Point, CA. Art and Mary enjoyed raising their children on Bainbridge Island and watching them participate in sports. Art was their biggest cheer leader and never missed an event. He was a very proud “Papa” to three grandchildren and is also survived by his sister Marlene Wellbrock and his brother Martin Mirkovich (Brenda).
Art was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Christina Mirkovich and brother in-law Varian Wellbrock.
Services will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island. A viewing will be held on Monday February 22nd from 5-7pm followed by a Rosary at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday February 23rd at 11:00am. The Burial Service will be on Wednesday February 24th at 11:30am at Holyrood Cemetery, Shoreline.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Hospice of Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island Ambulance or St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
Ingrid Johanna Hathaway, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at The Hospice of Kitsap County Care Center in Bremerton, Washington. She was born on March 22, 1929 in Milspe, Germany and was 80 years of age.
She was a resident of Olympia, WA. Ingrid lived in the areas of Sequim, Federal Way, Whidbey Island and Lacey, WA. She was a homemaker and a member of the Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her daughter Eva Marie Graefinghoff of Suquamish, WA, also four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Hathaway and her parents Elizabeth and Hermann Graefinghoff. Services will be private.
Tashio Fujioka, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2010 at Island Health and Rehabilitation on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on August 22, 1912 and was 97 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Auntie Earlma Martin, passed away peacefully at her home, in Suquamish, Washington, on Valentine's Day morning. She was born in Comanche, OK and raised across the Red River in Burkburnett, Texas. Her passions in life were her pets, playing bingo, and sewing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur & Mabel Strickland, her brothers, Glynn & William Strickland, and her only nephew, Billy Strickland. She is survived by her 3 nieces and her sister-in-law, Cheryl (Leroy) Cooper of San Leandro, Calif., Cindy (Terry) Ellis of Suquamish, and Glenda Medeiros & Leona Strickland, who were her caregivers here in Suquamish.
She also leaves 9 great nieces/nephews in California, Washington, NY, & Minnesota, but it was the great-great nieces/nephews (15) that feel so very blessed to have her in their lives for the last 6 years of her life. A lot of family history has been passed on from her.
Her last spoken words were, "I love you all........thank you!" We were blessed by the Lord in being able to care for her.
Per her final wishes, there will be no formal services.
Passionately devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend set sail on her celestial journey February 13, 2010. She leaves ashore her beloved Finn, Mr. Robert V. Snellman, and Max, her cherished Jack Russell. Bidding her safe passage are her three surviving children and their families; Hollie Davis Bamford, her husband Mike and “Grams Bestest Boys” Matt, Pete, Kevin, Greg and his wife Tricia; Robin Davis Harren, her husband Patrick, Laura, Sean and Nora; John W. Davis, his wife Jenny and Cassidy. She was preceded in death by her son “Berk” Robert Berkeley Davis, Jr., and by her loyal pets Molo, Punky, 99, Beauty, Fred, Charlie, Bustifer, Pokey, Chester and Louie Louie.
Born in Chicago in 1928, she spent her early childhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Sherman, Texas. The hard times of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl of the Midwest forced a move to Santa Rosa, California financed by her elder sister LaDane, a successful vaudevillian dancer. She was a true “Okie, traveling to California crammed into the family “Hupmobile”, and ridiculed at school for addressing her teachers as “Ma’am”. Yet she and her family were resilient.
Although her father had lost his position as an insurance accountant, her formidable mother “Moni” Maybelle Robberson supported the family by taking in boarders and running a hotdog stand adjacent to the local Ice Rink. She shared a room divided by a sheet with her sister LaDane and her brother Jack. She learned to appreciate what she had even if it meant her Christmas wish for a doll was granted instead with a pair of socks. She frequented the local matinee, swooned over Nelson Eddy, squirmed through the crowd to get a glimpse of FDR, discovered her musical gifts by studying piano with her WPA teacher and playing violin in her school orchestra, excelled in school and grew into a beautiful and vivacious redhead.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor she lied about her age and finagled employment as a typist at the Vallejo shipyards near San Francisco. In cahoots with her best friend Chloe, she would paint false seams on the back of her bare legs, sneak out to the rollicking military swing dances, and wow the sailors with her showmanship and skill.
Barbara continued her musical career as the glamorous organist and vocalist at the elegant “Topaz Room” in Santa Rosa, and as an accompanist for her sister’s dance school and the colorful county fair and rodeo. She loved and lost and gave birth to her firstborn daughter Hollace Jane in 1948. A few years later she embarked on her marriage to high school classmate and crush Robert “Bob” Davis, U.S. Air Force. She joined Bob in Libya, Africa with her small daughter for a three-year post ending with a sports car tour of a rebuilding Europe. By 1956 another daughter, Robin Frances, arrived as Bob completed training to join United Airlines as a pilot. In 1958 her son Robert Berkeley, Jr. “Berk” was born in Anaheim, California.
She heard the call of the Northwest in 1962 and moved with her family to Normandy Park, Washington where she gave birth to her youngest child, John William. For the next several years she dedicated herself to raising lively children—introducing them to Royce’s Sailing Illustrated, Snoqualmie and Hyak, the Seattle Symphony, Bassett hounds and rescue pets, Kalaloch, Schwinn bikes, the Okanogan, and Christmas popcorn strings. She fell in love with the beach and resolved to find a waterfront homestead. In 1974 her dream came true, and she moved with Bob Davis to Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island where she enjoyed the rest of her life.
In 1982 Barbara lost her son Berk in an aviation accident and her marriage to Bob Davis. It was a terribly difficult time for her until she met the love of her life, Robert Snellman, at the Washington Athletic Club. “They touched on the dance floor and they knew” was their favorite description of the moment they fell in limitless love. Their passionate marriage endured for over 25 years. With Bob as her mate Barbara enjoyed a life of culture, adventure, friendship and fun. Their philanthropy public and personal was generous and genuine. For many years Barbara and Bob supported the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle Opera, children’s music programs and the Bainbridge Island Library. Their hiking tales of the Shipwreck Trail and the Crazy Ladies are legendary. They kayaked, skied, biked and hiked. Their modest and shipshape condo in Sun Valley became a second home to them and they were frequent guests at “The Pioneer”. They traveled extensively in Europe and loved nothing better than people watching in Paris with a good glass of French wine.
Living on “The Beach” gave Barbara an endless source of contentment. She and Bob welcomed an array of colorful friends into their lives and home. She befriended and cared for the many elderly members of “The Beach Telegraph” as well as “Badfoot” the crippled Seagull. In 1971 she became “Grams” and for the next 29 years doted, cajoled, and reigned over her eight grandchildren.
Barbara’s last years were spent quietly on the beach although she remained a rabid fan of Husky football. She maintained close ties with her children and grandchildren never losing interest in their love lives, jobs and schooling. She was a cheerful friend and neighbor.
During Barbara’s extended illness Bob’s love was steadfast and gentle. As her physical energy waned he never left her side. Our family is eternally grateful for his constant love and support.
The family of Barbara invites her friends to a Celebration of Life Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 2-4 PM at The Bainbridge Commons.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your local public music school program. The family would like to thank the following people for their kind care during Barbara’s final days: the staff of Island Rehabilitation, Lisa the physical therapist, Joyce and Linda of Abiding Home Care, Chris Adams, Theo and Linda.
Richard Palmer Hollis, 77, of Bainbridge Island, died peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2010.
Richard was a man of solid values and integrity. He could be counted on for anything. His word was his bond.
Richard was a kind and generous man – a gentleman of humor and warmth to everyone he met. He was dearly loved by his family and friends who miss him very much.
Richard was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Mary Louise and William Palmer Hollis. As a teenager he played for his high school football team and had a lengthy stint in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he developed a love for bodysurfing and Portuguese cooking.
Richard earned his bachelors and masters degrees with honors in electrical engineering at the Newark College of Engineering and at Northwestern University. It was there he met Barbara Louise Norby, whom he married on November 23, 1955. They were married 54 years and had three sons and seven grandchildren.
Richard served in the Army Scientific and Professional Corps. He went on to work on highly advanced research and design projects for ITT Corporation, and later for the Watkins-Johnson Corporation in Palo Alto, California, where he worked for 30 years and rose to become vice president. His job took him around the world several times over, including Japan, India, Turkey, Greece, Pakistan, Sweden, Germany and back to his beloved Brazil.
At age 62, Richard retired and moved with Barbara to Bainbridge Island, where he became active in the church and community, enjoyed vacations to Hawaii and hosted warm and wonderful family gatherings.
Richard was a gifted musician and tenor with a lifelong passion for music that ranged from classical to bluegrass and bossa nova to singing in the Rolling Bay Presbyterian choir. He played organ, piano and guitar, and was accepted to the Julliard School. He infused a deep appreciation and love for musicianship in all of his three sons.
More than anything else, Richard was a wealth of wisdom that always rang true. We will always miss him.
Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara, his sons Charles, James and John, his daughters-in-law Rosa, Leisa, Joan and Cara, and his grandchildren Laura, Stephen, Madeline, Ryan, Kyle, Abigail and Kaya.
Memorial Service will be 2/17/10 at 2PM at the Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island, WA. www.rbpres.org. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rolling Bay Church Choir Fund.
Edward Loverich, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington.
He was born on September 23, 1948 and was 61 years of age. Edward lived for 30 years on Bainbridge Island, WA and 31 years in Everett, WA. He worked for the Washington State Ferry System from 1977-2007. He retired as Chief Engineer. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Organization.
Edward loved photography, building telescopes, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, reading books, taking trips to Mukilteo beach and eastern Washington, telling jokes and really enjoyed spending time with his family. He served in the US Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served in Phu Cat. He was honorably discharged.
Edward is survived by his parents; Francis and Elaine Loverich, children; David, Danny and Thomas Loverich, brothers; Gary (Betty) and Wayne (Mari) Loverich and grandson Aiden Loverich. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews; Sarah, Jessica, Tom, Eric, John, Mike and Laura. Private family services have been held.
Eva Maria Gabrielle Gerdts (Szelenyi), died on February 4, 2010, after a 13 month struggle with Non Small-cell Adenocarcinoma. She was just a few days shy of her 61st birthday.
Eva was born on February 18, 1949, in Langenargen, Germany, which in near the Austrian and Swiss border in southern Germany. She was the only child of Bela and Liesel Szelenyi. She emigrated from Germany with her parents in January of 1952, becoming a naturalized US citizen on June 3, 1957. Her family lived first in New Jersey and then moved to Maine, where she graduated from the St. Joseph’s Academy in Portland, Maine, as the Class of 1967 valedictorian. She attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, majoring in Art History and Creative Art. There she met her husband, George Gerdts, during freshman orientation in the fall of 1967. They were married in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in September 1970.
Eva was a fashion model after graduating from Brown in 1971. She dabbled in photography throughout the 1970s, developing a love affair with the camera that continued throughout her life. Her only child, Caitlin Elisabeth Gerdts, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in September of 1980.
Eva became a full-time Mom after Caitlin was born. George and Eva moved to Seattle in 1982 and settled on Bainbridge Island in October of 1983. Eva fully embraced the Bainbridge community, becoming active in BPA, The Montessori Country School, and other organizations that catered to the needs of children.
When Caitlin entered third grade, Eva took a job with the United States Postal Service here on Bainbridge Island so that she could be home when Caitlin got finished with her school day. Her willingness to go the extra “mile” in providing service to her customers, along with her wonderful smile and endearing personality made her a cherished “mail woman”!!
She would cite being with the founding group of people who started Hyla Middle School as one of the top experiences in her life. She was a natural dreamer who had visions of how things could be. Her creativity and enthusiasm for education and all its potential has been realized in the amazing community of learning that Hyla Middle School has become.
After retiring from the USPS in 2004, she pursued her life-long love of photography, traveling with her family to Hawaii, Texas, the Grand Canyon, New England, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Africa, and Europe.
She loved taking long walks on the Island, always with her camera ready at hand. Community service was also dear to Eva, and over the past few years she worked with BITV and the Sound Food’s Farmer’s Market.
She is survived by her father, Bela Szelenyi, from Bainbridge Island; her husband, George Gerdts; and her daughter, Caitlin, a PhD student in Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley.
Funeral arrangements are being made by the Cook Family Funeral Home. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Lung Cancer Alliance. The address is:
Lung Cancer Alliance 888 16th Street NW Suite 150 Washington D.C. 20006 Website: lungcanceralliance.org
A Hopi Prayer, (adopted)…."Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on the ripened gourd. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am soft stars that shine at night. I am the flute-song of the Hermit Thrush at dawn. After a storm, I am the rainbow that paints the sky. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die….em>
Richard W. Manuel, “Dick”, past away February 1, 2010 after a struggle with lymphoma. He was 82 years old.
Born in 1927, Dick made local news as the first baby born in the newly constructed Glen Cove Community Hospital on Long Island New York. The first of three children, he grew up in nearby Sea Cliff where the Manuel family had been resident for two generations. Sea Cliff was a coastal community on the Sound and he soon developed a passion for sailing which enjoyed throughout his life.
After high school in ‘45, Dick enlisted in the Merchant Marine where he completed training and graduated as a chief warrant officer. World War II hostilities ended before his first assignment but he continued under the W.S.A. sailing to and from the east coast of South America on ships managed by the Grace Lines. After completion of service in ‘47, Dick entered Lafayette College where he studied Chemical Engineering, while pursuing a variety of interests - track, soccer and intercollegiate sailing teams, as well the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. It was on a blind date in his senior year that Dick met his future wife, Marjorie. Graduating in ‘51, he joined Colgate Palmolive’s International division and began a career that lasted into the ‘80s. That same year, Dick and Marjorie were wed and settled in NJ where daughter Pat, the first of three children, was born a few years later.
About this time, Dick was called into the Army and assigned to the Army Chemical Center at Edgewood, MD. A civilian again two years later, he returned to Colgate and a year after the birth of his first son Bill in ’56, received his first overseas assignment in Lima, Peru as a plant manager, travelling down there in one of the very same Grace Line ships he had sailed on in the Merchant Marine a decade earlier. Being the center of production for Colgate in the region, Dick traveled throughout South America and Peru on business, experiencing both the people & the culture. Similarly, he and the family took in much of what Peru had to offer, including sailboat racing at the local yacht club.
John, his youngest was born in Lima in ’60. Two years later, Colgate offered him the opportunity to become the general manager of the Japan branch in Tokyo where he spent the next 12 years expanding the sales and production in Japan. Although this change was to occur on just a few weeks of notice, he and family responded well to the new environment and were active in the community in Yokohama and later West Tokyo, developing friendships that lasted for many years. Dick served as commodore of the Yokohama Yacht Club and in the West Tokyo Union church.
In ’74 the family returned to the US and moved to Ridgewood, NJ where he was named a Director in the Colgate Engineering group, serving in key roles in the integration (and later divestment) of various companies that Colgate had acquired over the years. In ’86 Dick took early retirement from Colgate and made the transition with Marjorie from NJ to his summer home in Shelter Island, NY. It was in the early ‘50s on a sailboat cruise from Greenwich, CT when Dick first discovered the island and it soon became the family’s favorite summer place. Retirement gave him the time for extended sailing trips on the family’s 33ft sailboat with Marjorie, a place for gardening and more community activities, where he served on the local Waterways Committee, Silver Beach home owners Association and as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. In ‘05, Dick and Marjorie moved across the country to Bainbridge Island, WA to be closer to daughter Pat and family. He continued to play a part in the community, serving as president of his condo community association.
Dick is survived by his wife Marjorie, two sons, John and Bill, daughter Pat Saboda and her spouse Jeff, grandsons Matt and Kyle, as well as his brother Tom and extended family members. Services in New York are pending and will be updated on this website.
James D. Estes, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Island Health and Rehabilitation on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on December 2, 1937 and was 72 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
June Muriel Mathisen, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at her home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on February 8, 1917 in Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada to George Edwin Butcher and Lucy Maude Muggeridge. She was 92 years of age.
In June's youth, she moved to Seattle and attended school. She started coming over to Bainbridge Island when she was a young woman and worked as a nanny in exchange for room and board.
June, was known for her beautiful roses, cooking, baking, (especially her famous pies), sewing and quilting. She loved chewing gum, her many sweatshirts and listening to KOMO radio. June was a steady customer at the Hallmark store where she purchased greeting cards to send to her many family and friends. During her years on Bainbridge she cleaned homes at the country club and took in many foster children. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island.
June is survived by her children; Harold Mathisen, Jr. (Ellie) of Poulsbo, WA, Muriel Beach (Ken) of Bainbridge Island, George Mathisen of Belfair, WA, Larry Mathisen (Kitt) of Bainbridge Island, Cindy Amo (Jerome) of Bainbridge Island, her grandchildren Mikal Mathisen (Stephanie) of Bainbridge Island, Kenny Mathisen of Suquamish, Becky Mathisen of San Francisco, Patrick Mathisen of New York, Jon Mathisen of Bangkok, Haley Mathisen, Madison Amo and Molly Amo all of Bainbridge Island . She also leaves behind her great-grandsons Jakob and Nathan Mathisen of Bainbridge Island and her brother William Butcher of Snohomish. June was preceded in death by her husband Harold Miller Mathisen.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church, 7968 Finch Road on Bainbridge Island. Interment will follow at Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island.
Memorial contributions can made to Hospice of Kitsap County or a charity of choice. The family would like to thank Kelly, her dedicated caregiver, the staff at the Wyatt House and Hospice for all of their love and care to June.
Barbara Van Nortwick, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at her home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born in Sydney, Australia on October 5, 1937 and was 72 years of age.
Barbara came to the US as a young woman where she met Bill, her husband to be. Barbara was an accomplished watercolor artist specializing in themes she was passionate about - flowers, birds, landscapes and seascapes. She will be greatly missed by her extended family and friends in the US and Australia.
A service will be held at 1:30pm Sunday, Feb. 28th at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church (Bainbridge Island) to honor and remember Barbara and her husband Bill who passed away on Nov. 22, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in their names to the Sierra Club.
Eloise J. Robinson, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at The Hospice of Kitsap County Care Center in Bremerton, Washington.
She was born on February 24, 1933 in Bellingham, Washington. She was 76 years of age. Eloise had lived in Bellingham for 18 years where she graduated from Bellingham High School in 1951. She also lived in Seattle, Bremerton and on Bainbridge Island for 44 years. Upon graduation, she attended the Simpson Bible Institute in Seattle for two years. Eloise was a home maker and also worked as a library secretary for Blakely Elementary School on Bainbridge Island. She later worked as the manager of the Hallmark store in Winslow.
She is survived by her children; Steve Robinson of Bremerton, WA, Mark Robinson of Bellingham, WA, Roberta (Bobbi) Robinson of Seattle, WA and her sisters; Genevieve Klineman and Karen Lofton both of Bellingham, WA. There are seven grandchildren. Eloise also leaves behind her two daughter-in-laws Cindy Robinson and Colleen Haggerty. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert R. Robinson, father Forest Umphenour, step-mother Frances Umphenour and her mother Vivian Umphenour.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 4:00 PM at Crossroads Neighborhood Church, 7555 Old Military Road NE, Bremerton, WA 98311.
Memorial contributions can be made to: CAMA Services - (http://www.camaservices.org/giving.php) or Children of the Nations, P.O. Box 3970, Silverdale, WA 98383 (http://www.cotni.org/opportunities/55).
Patty Cacak, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. She was born on June 2, 1954 and was 55 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Harold Burns, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Martha and Mary Health Care Services in Poulsbo, Washington. He was born on December 23, 1921 and was 88 years of age. Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.
Marguerite Klenck Lovejoy, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2010 at The Messenger House on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on July 21, 1922 in New York, New York and was 87 years of age and a resident of Bainbridge Island since 2007. Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.
Dennis Robert Kuntz, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2010.
Denny grew up in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Seattle to earn a B.S. in Oceanography from the UW. A resident of Bainbridge Island since 1975, he built a house for his family and worked in all aspects of design, construction and finish carpentry. Denny was at home in the outdoors, loved music and cherished his friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Glendola Kuntz, he is survived by his children, Matthew and Allison, their mother Christine Coyne and his sister and brother in law, Karen & Tom Kuhl of Dayton, Ohio. Denny was a loving father to his children, Matt and Allie and a devoted caregiver to the family cats. Services private.
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Donald Martin Erickson, of Poulsbo passed away due to brain cancer on February 26th 2010 surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 14th, 1941 in Olympia, WA to Howard and Elsie Erickson. Don graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle in 1958. 
Donna A. McVey, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Martha and Mary Health Care Services in Poulsbo, Washington. She was 80 years of age.
Caroline Julia Mellor, died peacefully on February 19, 2010 on Bainbridge Island, WA at the age of 90. 
Jerome B. Hayes, passed away February 17th at the age of 81.
Arthur Nicholas Mirkovich, 68, died February 17, 2010
Ingrid Johanna Hathaway, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at The Hospice of Kitsap County Care Center in Bremerton, Washington. She was born on March 22, 1929 in Milspe, Germany and was 80 years of age. 
Auntie Earlma Martin, passed away peacefully at her home, in Suquamish, Washington, on Valentine's Day morning. She was born in Comanche, OK and raised across the Red River in Burkburnett, Texas. Her passions in life were her pets, playing bingo, and sewing.
Richard Palmer Hollis, 77, of Bainbridge Island, died peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2010.
Edward Loverich, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington. 
Eva Maria Gabrielle Gerdts (Szelenyi), died on February 4, 2010, after a 13 month struggle with Non Small-cell Adenocarcinoma. She was just a few days shy of her 61st birthday.
Richard W. Manuel, “Dick”, past away February 1, 2010 after a struggle with lymphoma. He was 82 years old. 
June Muriel Mathisen, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at her home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on February 8, 1917 in Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada to George Edwin Butcher and Lucy Maude Muggeridge. She was 92 years of age.
Bainbridge Island when she was a young woman and worked as a nanny in exchange for room and board. 
Eloise J. Robinson, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at The Hospice of Kitsap County Care Center in Bremerton, Washington. 
Dennis Robert Kuntz, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2010.