Birger Thomas Sather

a much beloved Husband, Father, Veterinarian and all around Norwegian passed away peacefully at his home in Hansville, Wa. Wednesday September 7th, he was 84. Birger was born in Norway and immigrated to the United States at the age of one (1) with his parents and twin sister. His family settled to Hettinger, North Dakota where he lived until he went into the military in 1950. Birger served in the U.S. Army with the 647th Field Artillery unit in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1952 - "It was COLD over there!"After the Military, Birger enrolled at Central Washington University where he met his wife of 53 years, Barbara Herard. He studied Veterinary Medicine and eventually received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. After graduating in 1958, Barbara and Birger got married and settled in Redmond, WA. where Birger practiced both large and small animal medicine for 30 years - He loved being a Veterinarian! Barbara and Birger raised five (5) children in Redmond over those 30 years and upon retirement moved to the Kitsap Peninsula where he enjoyed the good life. He loved to travel, dance, garden, and fish.He was deeply involved in his community both in Redmond and on the Kitsap Peninsula. Over the years he was a member of Holy Family, St. Jude, and St. Olaf Parish's, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Norway (He loved his Lutefisk), VFW, WSU Cougars Club, Boys and Girls State Government Education Programs and the American Veterinary Medical Association. For the past 10 years he spent his spare time helping families of Veterans obtain their VA benefits through the American Legion Post 245 in Poulsbo, WA.Birger was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Ruth, and by his sister Joan. He is survived by his wife Barbara, three daughters, Sondra, Paula and Jeri-Lyn, two sons, Denis and Steven, and 9 grandchildren with another one on the way, and two sisters Liv and Helen. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Poulsbo, WA. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 12:30 PM at St. Olaf. Interment will take place on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:30 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorial gifts may be sent to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.