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MICHAEL A. NICHOLS
September 21, 1939 - May 22, 2010
Mike Nichols, 70, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the family home in Addy, Washington. He was born in McCone City, Montana on September 22, 1939 to Elmer and Ione (Keezer) Nichols. In 1945, the family moved to Spokane, Washington. They lived in a small neighborhood full of children of all ages. Most families did not have TV at that time, but the neighborhood had many group activities back in the 1940’s. The primary source of entertainment was reading or the radio. Occasionally, The Lone Ranger and a few other children’s programs were aired after school. News and a few mystery shows were listened to after dinner. In 1954, their family was blessed with a sister Tana. Michael and his older brother Patrick attended their elementary school years at Whittier. Mike attended high school at Lewis & Clark, graduating as a member of the Class of 1957.
Mike entered the Navy in 1959, and sailed the Pacific with the U.S. Navy on the Ranger leaving from San Francisco making port stops in Hawaii, Yokosuka, Manila, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, and Kobe before returning to San Francisco. In 1960, Mike again left on the Ranger for a Western Pacific Cruise leaving from Alameda Naval Air Station making port stops in Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Yokosuka, Iwakuni, Kobe, and Hong Kong returning back to Alameda.
Mr. Nichols had 39 years of education and training in the electronics field. He was instrumental in the maintenance and operation of electronic equipment from vacuum tube through integrated circuit technologies. His experience ranges from Military Fire Control Radar to the latest telecommunication terminal-accessed Digital Access Cross Connect System switches. Mr. Nichols experience includes 15 years of Supervisory Management of Special Services operations offices within the Bell System. He has supervised engineering personnel responsible for the design and ordering of Access Service from Bell Operating Companies and other Local Exchange Carriers within the eleven Western States. After leaving the Bell-System Mr. Nichols worked as a private contractor for Sprint, AT&T;, MGC Communications to name a few. He was instrumental in reconfiguring all channel banks and moved all CAMS designs into CIRAS database. Mr. Nichols' work included design recommendations for Key Systems, Access Service, Two-Way Dial Repeating Tie Lines, CENTREX, and LANs. His work as a private contractor was utilized in Las Vegas and throughout California.
A favorite pastime of Mike’s was hunting in California and Wyoming. He was successful in hunting Mule Deer and Antelope, and was a member 'Wilderness Unlimited', a sportsman club with hunting facilities located throughout California. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited a waterfowl conservation organization. Mike enjoyed reading, hunting, camping, boating, fishing, and gold prospecting. He was a member of 'The New ‘49’ers', for professional and recreational gold miners. In 2004, Mike published his first novel, America Uncensored - A Nation In Search Of Its Soul. In addition to writing, Mike started oil painting and had completed nearly 100 oil paintings.
Mike is survived by his brother, Patrick Nichols of Addy, WA; his sister Tana Spencer and her husband Robert of Anchorage, AK; and several nieces and nephews.
Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
James Myers
July 3, 1934 - May 13, 2010
James 'Jim' Myers, a fourteen year resident of Northport, WA, passed away on May 13, 2010, at his home. He was born, the eldest of two children, on July 3, 1934, in Cedar Grove, NJ, to James and Ethel (Beattie) Myers.
Jim was raised as a cowboy 'punching steers' in Arizona. He then moved to California where he attended college and later began a lifelong adventure of world travel. Jim had a desire to live life on the edge. He attained both a law and an engineering degree and his career in the engineering/construction field spanned almost sixty years. The majority of his employment was with the Louis Berger Group, usually working overseas. He often traveled with side arms and bodyguards in countries world wide while creating structures and infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, bridges, etc. He was a certified scuba diver, hardhat diver, underwater and land base pyrotechnician, land and sea licensed instrument pilot, cowboy, marksman and accomplished engineer. Jim met Mary Jardim in Guyana and there they married
on February 14, 1969. For twenty-eight years they traveled for Jim’s work, residing in communities and remote compounds in Bangladesh, the Nigerian 'bush', Ethiopia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Caribbean (Barbados, Dominica and Granada). He retired to Northport in September of 1996 but found retirement did not suit him. He then went on two six-month tours on construction projects in India and one six-month job in Croatia. Shortly after 9/11/2001, Jim was called upon by the Louis Berger Group to be the first engineer in war-torn Afghanistan. Larry Walker, the President of LBG, described Jim as 'a man of such engineering brilliance, tenacity and dedication, he will forever be a legend in the Berger Group family.' Mr. Walker went on to say, 'Jim sought adventure in all aspects of his life. In addition to surviving war-like conditions around the world and an encounter with a man-eating lion in Ethiopia (the lion lost!), Jim also lived through plane, motorcycle and four-wheeler crashes. As a licensed and experienced pilot, he would fly missions for LBG in the Caribbean, where during Labor Day weekend in 1987, he was forced to land his plane in ocean waters. All of the planes’ passengers escaped without injury and swam to a nearby beach but, unfortunately, Jim’s plane was destroyed. True to his adventurous nature, he returned to the site the next day with his scuba gear to visit his sunken plane.' When Jim arrived in Kabul, an email was sent to Berger employees entitled, 'The eagle has landed!' He was the Project Manager in Afghanistan for five years where one hundred twenty of his fellow employees were killed during that period. He supervised the construction of almost one thousand miles of roads in Afghanistan. In February, 2004, the Wall Street Journal published a front page story on Afghanistan with Jim’s photo and described him as 'a gritty 69 year old - who has survived the Korean War, violent unrest in Guyana, Civil war in Nigeria, a Soviet-backed coup in Ethiopia and Khmer Rouge attacks in Cambodia.' When recounting how Jim had ensured the reconstruction of the Afghani National Highway was completed two weeks ahead of schedule, the Wall Street Journal said the following, 'Mr. Myers had the White House breathing down his neck, the Taliban terrorizing his workers and miles of asphalt to lay before he could rest. The United States, a superpower that can demolish foreign armies with ease, has a lot riding on the nerves of Mr. Myers and fellow engineers.' In 1971, Jim & his wife with their Tibetan Spaniel, were on the last plane evacuating Americans from Bangladesh. After leaving his wife in California, Jim returned to war ravaged Bangladesh to continue his work there.
Jim’s lifelong list of accomplishments is appreciated by colleagues and friends world wide. His handcrafted six foot scale reproduction of the clipper 'Sea Witch' was shipped from Indonesia (where it took Jim five years to build) to the states where it was displayed in the office of the Louis Berger Group until it sailed home with him to retirement. An Afghanistan mountain pass bears his name after he engineered a way to blast through a hill. Jim’s marksmanship abilities not only saved lives in hostile animal (and people!) encounters but created an international collection of large game trophies. In Sulawesi, Indonesia, he hunted sharks with a CO2 gun and still found time to write short stories. He owned and operated two airplanes, which he used for his job and recreation while working in the Caribbean. Upon retirement, Jim built a 19th century design open wagon. He had an enduring kinship with animals, which was apparent through his array of pets including mongooses, wolves, two year-old African lions ('Bonnie and Clyde'), assorted wild cats and two wild boars ('Liz and Burton'). He later contented himself with having dogs and domestic cats as his friends & supported his wife, Mary Myers of the Colville Pet Refuge, for the past seven years, in efforts to rescue and re-home abused, abandoned or unwanted animals.
In April, 2007, the American Society of Civil Engineers presented Jim with the Outstanding Civil Engineering Finalist Leadership Award for his work in Afghanistan. An outcrop of rock on the road from Kandahar to Herat, Afghanistan, was named 'Myers Rock'. This legend was painted on the rock one hundred feet above the road. Jim was awarded the highest honor in Afghanistan when he was presented with a gold medal by Afghani President, Hamid Karzai.
Willi Lee
January 29, 1926 - May 9, 2010
Willi 'Bill' (Skrzypale) Lee passed away on May 9, 2010 at his home in Kettle Falls, WA. He was born in Germany on January 29, 1926 in Germany to Max and Anna (Goerltz) Skrzypale.
Willi was raised in Paschwitz, Germany and fought in World War II where he was a prisoner of war in England for 2 ½ years. He immigrated to Canada from England in 1952 and worked there as a machinist until 1966 when he moved to Spokane, WA and became a United States citizen. Willi worked for Washington Water Power (now Avista) until 1985 when he retired. He enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Roosevelt and Aero Lakes in Canada. He was a member of the Aero Lakes Yacht Club for over 30 years. He was also a long time member of the Chewelah American Legion and Eagles #2797 in Colville.
Willi is survived by his wife of 6 years, Inis Stanard-Lee at the home, 2 brothers, 1 sister and other family in Germany, and his extended family Alan Stanard and wife Missy of Kettle Falls, WA, Denise Jausoro and husband Lou of Walla Walla, WA, Paul Stanard and wife Hope of Deer Park, WA, and grandchildren Brandon, Josie and Jenna Stanard of Kettle Falls, Mariah, Kysa and Louie III Jausoro of Walla Walla, Alan Stanard of Deer Park, Lindsay Epling of Ft. Meade, MD and Taylor Robinson of Colville, 2 great grandchildren Annabelle and Sonja Epling, and friends Robert and Ann Houchens of Valley, WA, George and Marie Nichols of Colville and Robert and Brenda Howell of Fruitvale, British Columbia. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter Diane Marie Stanard-Robinson.
ANNA MARIE ELIZABETH ARRASMITH
July 21, 1929 - May 8, 2010
Anna Marie (Bale) Arrasmith, a 40 year resident of the Colville, WA area, passed away on May 8, 2010 in Colville at the age of 80. Anna was born on July 21, 1929 in Norristown, PA the daughter of Harold A. and Florence (Brown) Bale.
She was raised in Bridgeport, PA where she graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1947. Anna then resided in Norristown, PA and worked two jobs. She was a nurse during the day and then as a dispatcher in the evenings for a local cab company. On Aug. 8, 1963, Anna married
Raymond C. Arrasmith in Elkton, Maryland. For the following six years, Anna and Raymond resided in Norristown where she continued her work in nursing. As a family, they moved the Colville area on May 5, 1970. Anna worked in the home raising her daughter, Kathy, as well as, working for a time at Newland’s Café as waitress and bartender at Chubs in Colville. Due to her gradual decline in health, Anna was unable to work and returned her focus to the needs of her home. She spent many hours canning the harvest from their garden and crafting.
Anna loved to go camping, fishing and rock hounding with her family. She was a wonderful cook and had given a lifetime of recipes to Kathy in her cookbook. Anna always made time to help her daughter and grandchildren no matter her schedule. She had impeccable timing and never feared the next step. Anna had an ornery side to her character that will be missed by her grandchildren. She will forever be remembered by her daughter for her loving guidance and as a mom who is simply 'irreplaceable.'
Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond C. Arrasmith in 2000, a sister, Patsy and a brother, Harold Bale.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Jackson and her husband, Reggie, Colville, WA; four grandchildren, Beth Rice, Chris, Anthony and James Jackson; five great grandchildren, Meghan, Connor, Lexi, John and Melanie; a sister, Betty Capabianco and her husband, Pat of Bridgeport, PA and a brother, William Bale and his wife, Martha, Bridgeport, PA.
A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, WA. A committal service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Mountain View Park cemetery in Colville, WA. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association.
Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
J. Thomas McKee
MARCH 24, 1919 - MAY 7, 2010
John Thomas McKee, 91, passed away on May 7, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Mill Iron, Montana to Joseph and Grace (Barton) McKee.
Tom graduated from Stevenson High School in 1937. He worked in meat markets while attending high school, and managed a market for 11 years. During those 11 years, he attended Northwest Nazarene College from 1939 - 1944 and graduated with a BA in Religion and Education. Tom finished graduate school earning a Masters of Education at WSU, Pullman, WA in August of 1962. Tom was Pastor from 1944 - 1954 at the Churches of the Nazarene in Clearview, Marysville, and Carson, WA and Elgin, OR.
He also worked for several years throughout the State of Washington as a 'Guest Instructor' in Upper Elementary and Jr. High Schools. During the six years of teaching, he worked in over 100 schools and more than 600 classes each year. Tom also developed a study of 'What alcohol does to the human body'. Over the next 20 years, Tom worked as a teaching Principal at Mill A, WA.
In 1969, Tom moved his family to Colville where he worked for the Colville School District. During his first year, he worked as Assistant Superintendent before accepting the position as Jr. High Principle where he remained for 13 years. Tom also spent 2 years as Director of Community Experiences for Career Education for the juniors and seniors in high school.
Tom is survived by is loving wife of 67 years, Velma; and three sons, Ted McKee and his wife Donna of Athol, ID, Vern McKee and his wife Janet of St. John’s, AZ, and Dean McKee and his wife Mary of Dittmer, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service for Tom will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the Mountain View Park cemetery, Colville, Washington. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Esther (King) Irwin
October 13, 1915 - May 6, 2010
Mary Esther (King) Irwin, 94, passed away Thursday May 6, 2010 in Chewelah, WA. She was born Mary Esther Henry on October 13, 1915 in Edgar Co., IL to Franklin and Clarinda (Scott) Henry. Mary was adopted by Edward A. and Harriet Cordelis (Nason) Sorrell on December 15, 1920 in Paris, IL, she was 4 years old.
Mary graduated from Titusville High School in Pennsylvania in 1935. She married
Rufus R. King in June of 1949 in Daytona, FL; he preceded her in death in September of 1972. She married
S.L. Irwin in Spokane, WA in March of 1975 and preceded her in death in 1976.
Mary was a licensed vocational nurse from 1949 to 1970. She was employed in Buffalo, NY; Daytona, FL; and San Diego, CA. Mary resided in Ford, WA from 1970 to 2000.
Mary was a long time member of the Camas Valley Grange #842. She attended Springdale Community Church from 1977 to 2001. She was a founding member of the Ford Sunset Club where she also attended until 2003. Mary loved to cook and crochet. Everyone loved Mary's scrubbie's.
Mary is survived by a niece, Carolyn Goodhuge of Illinois; cousin, Mable Smith of Pennsylvania; adopted children, Albin Ennstahler; Billie Long; Laura Homer; and Sandie Bowers. Mary had many loving friends, to numerous to mention.
Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Angelia Roberta 'Angie' Franz
October 13, 1968 - May 2, 2010
Angelia R. 'Angie' Franz, a resident of Spokane, WA passed away on May 2, 2010 in Spokane at the age of 41. Angie was born on Oct. 13, 1968 in Spokane, WA the daughter of Virgil Leroy and Diana Lee (Skeels) Fox.
Angie was raised and attended school in Colville. She was active on the Colville High School Track and Jazz Band. In 1987, Angie graduated as a twelve-year senior. While in high school, Angie developed a lifelong interest in cars and particularly enjoyed the appearance of Ford Mustangs. Following high school, Angie went to work at the U.S. Forest Service. She worked with the fire crew in the summers and land survey crews the remainder of the year. Angie met and married
Gary Franz. She then became a homemaker to care for the needs of her new family. Angie and Gary later divorced and she moved with her two boys to the Tri-Cities. While in the Tri-Cities, Angie continued to work in the home. In the later part of 2006, she moved to Spokane, followed by a short stay in 2008 in Colville and most recently Angie had moved to Cheney.
Angie enjoyed watching movies and playing video games with her boys. She was also an avid collector of Beanie Babies. She was always strong willed and driven to accomplish her goals.
Angie is survived by her father, Virgil Fox of Colville; mother and step-father, Diana and Jim Raines of Colville; two sons, Brandon and Cameron Franz both of Colville; sisters, Wendy (Dave) Coccamise of Rio Rancho, NM and Stephanie (Gordon) Loose of Vancouver, WA; and grandmother Myrtle Skeels of Colville.
A Memorial Service for Angie will be held at a later date.
Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. In memory of Angie and her longtime battle with Crohn’s Disease, memorial contributions may be given to any organization for research and treatment of Crohn’s Disease.
Dorothy Jeane Johnson
November 27, 1923 - April 25, 2010
Dorothy Jeane Johnson passed away at her home at Waitts Lake, Valley, Washington on April 25, 2010 at the age of 86. She was born November 27, 1923 in Dayton, Tennessee to William and Beatrice Brady, the oldest of eight children. She graduated from Redbank High School in Chattanooga and worked as a telephone operator. Jeane moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the Department of the Navy at the Pentagon. It was at that time, she met Everett Johnson who was with the Army Military Police guarding the White House. Jeane and Everett married
on February 11, 1944.
After a brief residence in New York City, Everett was sent to Germany. Jeane moved back to Chattanooga where their first son Richard was born. Everett returned at the end of World War II and the couple moved to Everett's home state of Washington. The Johnson's resided in the Creston area then later moved to Addy where they eventually operated a dairy farm. Four more children were added to the family during those years. They continued to dairy after moving to a farm near Valley. Both Everett and Jeane were active in the Jersey Club. In 1975 they retired to the present home at Waitts Lake.
Jeane was preceded in death by her husband, Everett, one sister and two brothers. She is survived by four sons, Richard (Sandy) Johnson of Valley, Donald Johnson of Addy, Douglas (Terri) Johnson of Valley, and Karl Johnson of Valley; a daughter, Phyllis (Brad) Fitzgerald of Valley; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Jeane delighted in her family and friends, and was eager to extend hospitality to others. She enjoyed quilting, traveling, flower gardening, berry picking, and playing Scrabble. Jeane was a hard working mother and homemaker. She will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the Crossroads Community Church in Valley, Washington with Pastor Stan Chambers presiding. A graveside service will follow at the Chewelah Memorial Park. The Danekas Funeral Chapel in Chewelah, Washington has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Wilbur Varree Brooks
December 19, 1917 - April 23, 2010
Wilbur V. Brooks, a lifetime resident of Stevens County, passed away at his Colville home on April 23, 2010 at the age of 92. Wilbur was born on December 19, 1917 in Lapwai, ID the oldest of eight children born to Carl Chester and Emma (Curtis) Brooks.
At the age of two, Wilbur moved with his family to northern Stevens County. He attended school at the Colville Seventh-day Adventist School, White Mud School, Orient School and graduated in 1936 from Marcus High School where he had attended since his sophomore year. Wilbur worked the ranch with his father after graduation and helped to support the family. On July 16, 1939, Wilbur married
Doratha Frazier and together they continued ranching and started a family. Their 'Quarter Circle JK Ranch' has expanded over the years to nearly 2400 acres. They moved to the Echo Lake area in 1984 and then Wilbur moved into Colville following the death of Dorotha in 2005.
Wilbur enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating and gardening. He and Doratha traveled in their retirement to many locations including Alaska, Australia and Mexico. His most recent trip was with his granddaughter to Thailand. Wilbur had an uncompromising work ethic and core value structure. He worked to the day's end to provide for his family and generously gave to friends, community, and strangers in need. He supported youth by giving them a place to earn a day’s wage and then offered help to many with high school and college tuition. His wisdom, demeanor and gracious presence will be long remembered.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife, Doratha; three children, Judy (age 9) and two infants, Lawrence and Ellen; brothers, Chester and Daniel Brooks; and sister, Mildred Pope.
Wilbur is survived by his sons, Lyle Brooks and wife, Janean of Missouri; Dennis Brooks of Colville; daughters, Carole Bogolea and husband, Randy of Pennsylvania; Anna Marie Anderson and husband, Leon of Colville; brother, Robert Brooks and wife, Louise of Battle Ground, WA; three sisters, Jean Tinlin and husband, Walt of Montana; Louise Fry and husband, Orah of Colville; Betty Grimstead and husband, Hal of Oregon; 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
The funeral service for Wilbur Brooks will be held at 11:00am, Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Colville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 138 E. Cedar Loop. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
RONALD LEE GERTSCH
December 19, 1951 - April 20, 2010
Ronald Lee Gertsch, a 23 year resident of Fruitland, WA passed away on April 20, 2010 in Fruitland at the age of 58. He was born on December 19, 1951 in Spokane, WA the son of Fredrick Lewis and Harriet (Titman) Gertsch.
Ron was raised in the Spokane area and attended school at Garden Springs. Ron loved cars, and worked as a mechanic. He moved to Yakima and met Myra Lynn (maiden name) at a party. They fell in love and were married
on October 26, 1971 in Yakima. In 1980, they moved to Taft, CA were he worked in the oil fields until 1987 when they moved to Fruitland. Ron then continued to work on cars, and taught his sons all he knew about mechanics and auto body work.
Ron loved to tinker on cars, and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with things car related, even collecting die-cast cars. His family knew that he had oil for blood.
Ron is survived by his wife Lynn Gertsch of Fruitland, his sons Steve Gertsch of Chewelah, WA and Scott Gertsch and wife Crystal of Fruitland, WA, 5 grandchildren Jacob, Jamie, Halie, Korie and Ethan, and 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
The memorial service for Ron Gertsch will be held at a later date. Flyers will be posted in Fruitland.
