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Ben White
A man who devoted his life to the protection of animals, from man, has left us. Ben White was a well known animal protection activist who lived on San Juan Island with his two children. Ben worked as an arborist to support his family, and to supplement his frequent trips off the island in the defense of creatures unable to defend themselves.
Ben was a director of The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which had established headquarters in Friday Harbor in 1998, and Ben had sailed on Sea Shepherd II back in the early eighties when the Shepherd was involved in intelligence gathering of illegal whaling, and blocking actions to stop it. Both then, and later, Ben took an active part in the protection of whales and seals, and later in the nineties he became heavily involved in work to protect dolphins.
At a local level, Ben was the man who had the idea of releasing the “turtle army” in Seattle during the 1998 World Trade Organization meeting. Contrary to a local misunderstanding, the “turtles” were not real turtles, but only Ben and others wearing cardboard turtle “shells”, and the “army” was an army of non-violent protesters who simply stood around in an attempt to bring an awareness to the plight of sea turtles. While Ben was not afraid to confront wrong doing, or take direct action to protect animals and the environment, he was not an angry person, and would listen and discuss -never argue- a point of view that differed from his own, and he would do so respectfully, and with an honesty that is too often lacking in today’s world. One of his last political acts was to run on the Green ticket for County Commissioner for District One in San Juan County.
For his work in the defense of animals and the protection of the environment, Ben was awarded the lifetime Achievement Award by the In Defense of Animal organization.
Ben spend his last hours in Friday Harbor with his family, He was 53 years old.
A celebration for Ben will begin with an outdoor service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 3 at Mariella, followed by burial
at the community cemetery on Madden, and then, as Ben put it: “A Kick Ass Party” back at Mariella. The party at Mariella will be potluck, and is expected to begin around 5 p.m. Carpooling is suggested.
Francis Chichester
FRANCIS F. CHICHESTER, Francis Chichester passed away on November 15, 2004 in San Diego. He was born in Redfield, South Dakota on March 23, 1919, the youngest of six children born to Frank and Ella Chichester. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific. Mr. Chichester earned a BA degree in Philosophy from the University of Washington, and spent most of his career in the field of land use planning, retiring as planning director of San Juan County in Washington State. He was a member of San Juan Masonic Lodge No. 175 and America's Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society. He is survived by Kathryn Chichester, his wife of 20 years, a daughter Ann Gershone of Minnetonka, Minnesota, a son Stephen Chichester, residing in Seattle, Washington, and three grandchildren. Other survivors are two stepdaughters and one stepson, two nephews and five nieces including Lou Ann Johnson of San Diego.
Francis was well known in San Juan County, where he was an active member of the community. After he left his position as Directory of the Planning and Building department he started a planning consulting business, but for the most part began an active life (as he put it) of being retired.
Final resting place is the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.
Chaplain Patrick O’Mara
American Legion Chaplain Patrick O’Mara was killed in an auto accident when the car he was driving went off of the road and rolled into a small pond near his home on West Side road on San Juan Island.
The exact time and the originating cause of the accident are not know at this time, but are currently under investigation. When the first responders arrived at the scene of the accident, they found the car in the pond, with Mr. O’Mara trapped inside of the car with the seat belt still connected, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The time of the accident has not been established, but is believed to have occurred sometime between Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Mr. O’Mara was employed at the Islands Convalescent Center in Friday Harbor, and was an active member and officer of the Friday Harbor American Legion Post.
Tom Holzhauser
Date of Birth: Friday, October 22, 1943
Date of Death: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
San Juan Island resident Thomas W. Holzhauser died peacefully at 6:30 pm Wednesday evening, surrounded by his family and friends.
Tom worked as a foreman at Armour Foods in the Portland area before moving to the island in 1990. He and his wife, Barbara, were resident managers at Island’s West (now Best Western Suites) when they first arrived. Tom also recharged fire extinguishers and fixed car starters before taking a full-time position as technical director at San Juan Community Theatre in 1995.
In more than 10 years at the Theatre, he facilitated the production of more than 400 shows and touring events. Tom cheerfully dealt with the complex needs of multiple shows in rehearsal simultaneously, while staying on top of the day-to-day issues of maintaining a public facility that is open to the public nearly 300 days and nights a year. He is fondly remembered for his cheerful outlook and unflappable demeanor.
Tom is survived by his wife, with whom he shared the joy of living and an enormous pride in an extended family of children, grandchildren a great grandson and many lifelong friends.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be scheduled in the spring.
Martin V. 'Marty' Stewart
Sept. 20, 1923 - Dec. 25, 2005
Martin V. Stewart was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 20, 1923. All his young life he was interested in airplanes and knew his dream was to be a pilot. World War II started during his senior year in high school and he began the search for his dream as soon as he graduated in 1942. He applied for and was accepted to the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program and reported for his beginning flight training in December 1942.
He graduated from that program in December 1943 as a pilot and a 2nd lieutenant of the Army Air Corps. The Army Air Corps later became the U.S. Air Force. June and Marty had been high school sweethearts and were married during his cadet days in July 1943 at Bonham, Texas.
Marty began training, right after graduation, in B-24s, which were heavy four-engine bomber planes of the 8th Air Force. He was part of a 10-man crew as co-pilot. They completed training and left for their combat tour of duty in May 1944, flying out of England. Thirty combat missions were completed, including participating in D-Day missions over Normandy, France. Some of Marty's close friends and aviation buddies were killed during his tour of duty. His plane and crew had many close calls.
During his tour, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant and received numerous citations and awards. Included was the highest award the Air Force can give, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received the Air Force Air Medal - not once but six times. He was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Commendation Medal with Six Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal. He had followed his childhood dream of being a pilot and flying.
In late September 1943, Marty completed his 30 combat missions and was scheduled to deport to the States. By that time, Gen. Patton was advancing so rapidly with his ground troops across Europe, especially through France, that ground supply could not keep up with him to provide supplies and gas as were needed. Ten B-24 bombers were stripped of all their equipment and made into flying box cars to haul the gas and supplies. Marty was pulled from his spot to deport back to the States and was assigned as a pilot in that aircraft.
These were dangerous flights - flying one or two missions daily across the English Channel in an unarmed large bomber plane fully loaded with cans of gas. When they landed in France or Belgium, the residents of the area would form lines unloading the gas cans. Marty flew those missions for three months and in December finally deported back to Pennsylvania to be with June and their six-month old son, who was born shortly after he had been sent overseas. From there, he was a flight instructor in the Air Force, stationed in Alabama, for several years.
Marty elected to be discharged from the military in 1946 and began a short career in civilian life as an employment manager at a large mill in Pennsylvania. He continued in the active Air Force Reserve and was able to continue his love of flying with monthly flights. In 1950, the Korean War began and his reserve unit was called to active duty. Once again, Marty was back in the military, flying four-engine planes to and from Europe and the Far East.
In 1951, he was deployed to Korea and was assigned to a M.A.S.H.-like flying unit called the Kyushu Gypsies. They flew two-engine C-47s following the front line of combat troops. They usually had to land on roads, beaches or fields as there were few airfields available. Their mission was to transport injured and dead troops and to help keep ground troops supplied. During this tour, Marty was promoted to captain and made the decision to continue in the military for his career. After a year separation from his family, now consisting of June and two sons, he returned to the States and began an interesting career involving a variety of assignments and duties.
For several years, he was assigned to the Turbo Test Squadron as a test pilot testing the then new turbo prop plane engines. The next assignment was in the 1370th Photo Mapping Geodetic Wing where his duty was to train pilots in the new four-engine C-130 planes assigned to that outfit. The mission of that wing was to re-map the world, as most maps and charts were not correct. During that tour, he served in Georgia and in Ethiopia, Greece, Colombia and Peru. The family had now grown to include two more children, a son and daughter.
In 1968, Marty was assigned to Military Air Transport Headquarters in Illinois and from there he departed once again to a combat tour in Vietnam. Following that tour, he was assigned to Taiwan and the Philippines and his family joined him there. They returned to the States in 1973 and Marty completed his military career of 36 years at McClellan Air Force Base in California as a lieutenant colonel.
June and Marty discovered the San Juan Islands in 1988 and made plans to build their home at Friday Harbor. They moved to the islands in 1990. Marty now had his own plane and frequently used it to fly those in need for medical or other emergencies to the mainland as a community service. He also flew the various pastors of Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church to mainland hospitals to visit parishioners who were hospitalized. They liked to call his plane "POB Airlines" for Presbyterians On Board.
When his eldest son found out his father was diagnosed with cancer, he said, "Dad will deal with this with courage, just like he has done everything in his entire life." This proved to be a true statement. Marty endured two long years of chemotherapy treatments with an optimistic attitude and strong will.
He continued to fly in his Cessna plane with his good friend Frank Brame as safety pilot, up until two months before his death. Many times he was weak and uncomfortable but his love of flying made it worthwhile. He had indeed succeeded in fulfilling the dream from his young life of being a pilot and having a flying career.
At his death at home on Christmas morning, his four children and wife of 62 years were at his bedside. He is survived by his wife, June; his sons Martin, Dennis and Mitchell; and daughter, Cynthia. There are four grandchildren, Marshall, Aspen, Samantha and Kthan; and two great-grandchildren, Randen and Shane. He is also survived by two sisters and brother: Estelle DeVries, Shirley Minnier and Thomas Stewart.
His love of family, flying and his church were evident to all who knew him. He was one of the members of the so-called Greatest Generation and he lived up to that name in many ways. He will be missed by his family and many friends who loved him and had a great deal of respect for him as a person, his service to his church and community and his life.
A military graveside service will be held Jan. 8, 1 p.m., at San Juan Valley Cemetery with a flyby of local pilots from the San Juan Pilots Association and a military aircraft. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church.
If desired, memorials may be sent in Marty's name to the San Juan Animal Shelter or the Presbyterian Church. -The Martin Stewart family
Elaine Loretto Fleming
1925 - 2006
Elaine Loretto Fleming was born July 7, 1925 in Newton, Massachusetts and died peacefully on May 22nd after a brief illness. After growing up in Newton, Elaine got a degree in Journalism from Boston College, and took her first assignment in Shafter, California.
After marrying and starting a family, she and her family moved to Renton, Washington to work for the Record Chronicle as the Society Editor. While in Renton she was instrumental in organizing the League of Women Voters and participated in various other civic activities. With Elaine’s outgoing and gung-ho personality, she was instrumental in setting up the family business, Fleming Photography, and had her own printing business from her home and in West Seattle.
She loved to pack up the family and go to Friday Harbor where she bought the Old Johnson Farm. Most of the family’s vacation time was spent visiting and working on the farm. After raising her 5 children, Elaine moved to LaConner to buy the Puget Sound Mail, the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in the state. She lived for many years in LaConner, then settled on her beloved farm on San Juan Island.
In the early years in Friday Harbor, she had an art supply shop, and she was always a tireless worker for the Democratic Party in Friday Harbor. She has also been a loyal parishioner at St. Francis Church where she sang in the choir for years. Being a history buff, she loved to discuss U.S. history and was sharp and ready to engage in a debate right up until the time she died. In her later years, Elaine was a reading buddy to elementary school children, played bridge at the Senior Center, and attended lectures at the library. All of Elaine’s many friends and her family will miss this bright, fun lady, and life will be very different without her.
Surviving are her sister, Betty Floyd of Jacksonville, Florida, her daughters Joan Fleming, Woodinville, Ruth Fleming, Friday Harbor, Barbara Fleming, Durango, Colorado, and Jack Fleming, Phillipines. Also, are 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her daughter Paula.
A Rosary will be said for Elaine on May 31st at 7:00pm at St. Francis Catholic Church in Friday Harbor, and a Memorial Mass on June 1st at 11:15am, with a potluck luncheon to celebrate her life at the Grange afterwards. Please bring your favorite Elaine story. For information please call Ruth 378-5462 or Barbara 378-2541.
Steven Fulton Swanberg
1944 - 2006
Longtime San Juan island resident Steven Swanberg passed away at home on Friday, May 5th, 2006. Steve had been battling cancer for two years, and until recently was able to continue his walks, and visit his vineyard on Roche Harbor road, but in the last few months he was at home, with his wife Yvonne at his side, and still visiting with their friends and associates
ROBERT E. ROGERS
Robert ‘Rob’ Earl Rogers, of Friday Harbor passed away on January 27, 2006, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was 58 years old. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 20 years, Louisa Rogers. He is survived by his devoted children-son Patrick Rogers and daughter Jessica Rogers, caring mother Kathryn Rogers, dear friend Beth Drake, as well as many supportive relatives in the Northwest area.
Rob was born November 29th, 1947 in Tillimook, OR. The son of (late) Edward ‘Pat’ and Kathryn Rogers, Rob received his schooling at Foster High in Seattle, WA. Then went on to attended the University of Washington for sociology and pre-med. Rob’s creative mind lead him to pursue more artist endeavors…he began to make stunning stained glass.
His love for the ocean and open waters brought him to the San Juan Islands in the 1970’s. It was on the island where he meet his future wife- Louisa Mathias, they were soon married June 7, 1974 in Victoria BC. They built their home and began raising a family. For several years they operated a small stained glass and pottery studio in Friday Harbor. Ready to take on new challenges, Robert combined his hard-working nature and Louisa’s green thumb, to start “Dragonfly Farms”- an organic produce farm. The two owned and operated the garden for nearly 7 years growing a bounty of vegetables, fruits, and corn on their 15 acre farm.
Rob was so gifted by his ability to “do” just about anything he set his mind on doing…as a result, throughout Robert’s lifetime he held a multitude of positions. Rob wore many hats as a Logger, Fisherman, Boat Captain, Carpenter and Cabinet Maker, Farmer, Outdoorsman, Artisan, and many others. Of all of his occupations, Rob truly enjoyed his work as Ship Engineer the most. Since Rob was extremely fond of the sea air and the ocean, he developed a great sense of pride in begin the Chief Engineer for the 130ft. yacht the “Paulu”. For over 10 years Rob maintained and ran the yacht, often taking lengthy trips thru Victoria BC and Washington.
Rob had an extremely creative and inquisitive mind…from stained glass to beadwork….blues music to learning the guitar. He had a wealth of knowledge on a vast array of topics, which stemmed from his love of reading. He enjoyed long walks on south beach, antique cars, civil war history, motorcycles, animals, the 4th of July and baking the most marvelous key lime pies.
Robert’s strong sense of family was apparent in his everyday life. He adored his children…his love for his kids was enormous. Rob remained dedicated and supportive while caring for Louisa during her long and painful battle with her cancer. After Louisa’s passing Rob focused his attention on artistic endeavors and his own health. He has faced countless health problems ranging from diabetes, hepatitis, chronic kidney stones, to ruptured discs, stroke, and cancer. Yet he carried on showing an inspiration of strength and courage to all around him.
Rob was a creative and strong willed man-who will be dearly missed by his all those who enjoyed his company and sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held for Robert Saturday February 4th at 12:30pm at the Valley Cemetery on San Juan Island.
Donations may be made in Robert Rogers name to the American Cancer Society of Seattle, WA.
Lynne Rogers
Date of Birth: Friday October 29, 1937
Date of Death: Thursday October 12, 2006
Lynne Rogers has left us. She had been fighting cancer for sometime, and early this morning she passed away.
Lynne was a long time resident of the San Juans, and like many that moved here, she came here by way of California. Lynne grew up in the Bay area, graduated from UC Berkeley, with a degree in history. When her father accepted a job in Viet-Nam, Lynne went along and taught school there. In 1974 Lynne and husband Winston moved to San Juan Island with their three daughters.
By 1986 Lynne decided to have a go in real estate sales, which she continued to be active in until the very last. One testimony to the quality of a person is their friends, and Lynne was one of the most admired and respected members of the community at large, and was honored in her chosen profession by numerous awards, but most importantly, many of her clients became friends as well.
A few of the organizations she has been involved in, are the Inter-Island Medical Center, where she served on the Board of Trustees; was a founding president of “CATS” (Community Arts and Theatre Society); served as a Commissioner for the San Juan County Land Bank; and was a past president of the San Juan Historical Society. In 2002 she was named the “Community Service Realtor of the Year” by the San Juan County Realtors Association.
Nancy Jo Cavenaugh
July 28, 1934 - July 7, 2007
Nancy Jo Cavenaugh, a lover of the arts, supporter of holistic health and alternative philosophies, and a dedicated San Juan Island volunteer, died July 7, 2007.
Nancy Jo, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 28, 1934, to Leroy J. and Lily (Galbraith) Tynan. She attended Catholic schools, including Derham Hall and the prestigious College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Nancy Jo married, and had her first son Jeff in St. Paul. The family later moved to San Antonio, Texas, where her second son Jess, was born.
In 1979, Nancy Jo, now a single mother, was living in Hayward, Calif. She worked at 3M Technologies and was the first woman Representative of the company's Western Division. In 1979, as fate would have it, Nancy Jo met her son Jess's shop teacher, Willie Cavenaugh. Soon, Nancy Jo was frequently visiting Friday Harbor, where Willie had property. Before long she was a full-time resident here.
On August 3, 1985, Nancy Jo and Willie were married, outside, at The Oaks. Instead of invitations, they put a big ad in the newspaper and invited everyone and anyone who wished to come. Needless to say. it was a big party with many, many guests.
Nancy Jo was very active in the American Legion and the Women's Auxiliary, She walked in many parades and enjoyed the weekly cribbage games there. She was on the Board of Directors of the Mullis Senior Center, and took great care into making sure they had everything they needed for a full functioning and comfortable facility.
She was very interested in alternative medicines, holistic health, and body, mind and spirit integration. These interests led her to start the Windhorse gatherings, which later evolved into The Windhorse, a New Age store on Nichols Street. She often had experts and masters of various philosophies, methods and treatments as guests to inform her customers and also as guests in her home.
Nancy Jo loved and was active in the theatre, she loved flowers and candles and wrote poetry, she also loved helping anyone who was in need. She and Willie had helped support local educational endeavors, such as 4-H, pre-school, dance and art education, the Animal Shelter and children's summer camps.
Nancy Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Tynan and her sister Alice (Lolly) Gumulinski. She leaves behind her much loved family; husband Willie of Friday Harbor; son and daughter-in-law, Jess and Kim Rathburn of Friday Harbor; son Jeff Rathburn of Friday Harbor; and grandchildren Maxwell, Claire and Harmony.
There will be a Celebration of Nancy Jo's life at 1-3 p.m. July 28 at the American Legion
Shirley Bonita Nielsen
December 19, 1934 - May 27, 2007
Friday Harbor resident Shirley Bonita Nielsen, 72, died May 27, 2007, after a long-battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. A service is planned for 2 pm on Saturday, June 2, at Roche Harbor Resort.
Shirley was born December 19, 1934, in Victoria, British Columbia, and adopted by Elsie and George McDonald. She graduated from St Anne's Academy in 1952. Though her father wished her to go into the family business, Shirley was determined to go to college and convinced her parents to allow her to attend Gonzaga University along with her lifelong friend, Margaret Levis. She received a bachelor's degree in business from Gonzaga in 1956. She married Charles Cannon Schmidt on December 31, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. Charles obtained a position as the prosecutor for San Juan County, and the young couple moved to the then small town of Friday Harbor.
Shirley placed her family at the center of her life. She had seven children with Charles Schmidt. In 1980, Shirley married island resident Einar Nielsen and combined her family of seven with his three children, with whom she developed close and loving relationships. Shirley found her greatest joy in her family and hosted many frequent (sprawling) family reunions.
In addition to raising her family, Shirley became a leader in the community. She played a leading role in the capital campaigns for the island's new medical center as well as the community theatre. Somehow Shirley also found the time and energy to become one of the island's leading real-estate agents, and she had a long and successful career with Dockside Property.
Shirley was not one to be daunted by a challenge. On one notable occasion, she packed seven children into a station wagon and, with a brave friend riding shotgun, road-tripped all the way to San Diego, California, and back. On another occasion she organized a family trip to Hawaii. Ever resourceful, she froze steaks in advance, wrapped them in paper, and packed them in the luggage to save on her food budget.
Shirley loved adventurous travel, and even while battling cancer, she frequently jaunted off to exotic destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Some of her favorite trips included visits to Turkey and China; as well as Peru, where she hiked to the top of Machu Pichu with one of her grandsons, and snorkeled in the Galapagos Islands with a granddaughter.
Shirley fought her long illness with unflinching resolve and abiding faith. Her children and stepchildren had the privilege of attending to Shirley's needs in her final weeks, staying with her round-the-clock, and her hospital room was full of the photographs and artwork of the grandchildren she had doted upon. Her family gives their sincere gratitude to all of the friends who helped Shirley along this difficult path and would like to extend a special thank you to Fr. Anthony Harris and the wonderful staff at Virginia Mason Hospital.
Shirley is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen and Jeffrey Cox; daughters Kirsten and Jennifer Schmidt; son and daughter-in-law Peter and Brenda Schmidt; son and daughter-in-law Joe Schmidt and Jackie Cohen; son and daughter-in-law James and Nicole Schmidt; and son and daughter-in-law John and Amanda Schmidt; step children Sue Nielsen, Cass Salzwedel and husband Kim, and Niel Nielsen; grandchildren, Jayson, Charli, Elizabeth, Zachary, Porter, Francesca, Harper, and step-grandchildren Jupiter, Anna, Jai, Rosemary, Jamie, and Kelsey.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husbands Charles Schmidt and Einar Nielsen and step son-in-law Chris Thornton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Shirley B. Nielsen to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
Rae Case Anderson
April 10, 1914 - May 11, 2007
Born in a log house in Range, Oregon on April 10, 1914, Rae was the daughter of Mabel and Lou Case. Rae was practically born on a horse. She loved horses all her life as well as anything to do with nature. She spent her summers on her Dad’s E Quarter Circle Ranch, helping with the work of the ranch, riding and learning from her Mom, Dad and extended family.
Rae was formally educated in a 2 room school house where her teacher, Ray Baker, inspired her to dream, go to college and amount to something. After she finished the 5th grade, the family moved to Weston, Oregon, so her sister, Ruby, could go to high school. Rae loved school, especially math, and she was always best in her class.
In high school she played the piano for school plays and operettas. She was such a great student that she got the highest grades in the Inland Empire and was accepted at Whitman College when she was 17. Rae’s intention was to major in piano. However when told that part of the requirements for graduation was a voice recital, she walked over to the Chemistry department and registered there!
Rae earned the honor of Phi Beta Kappa her senior year. She applied to Columbia University for masters work in Chemistry. Six weeks later Columbia called to accept her into their program. When they discovered Rae was a woman, they declined their acceptance saying she would get married and have children. Having that door so swiftly closed, she turned to teaching chemistry, physics, geometry, and biology at East Stanwood High School. On her first day at East Stanwood she met Arnold T Anderson, who later became her husband of 63 years. Both painfully shy, it took awhile for them to get to know each other. Both enjoyed going to movies, fishing, dancing, and she accompanied him on the piano when he sang.
They married in November 1938 the same year Arnold started flying a Piper Cub. Rae became the chemist at the Sperry Flour Mill, using her skills to determine the specific uses of various flours. After Pearl Harbor, Arnold was hired as a pilot by Pan American World Airways and they moved to Miami, Florida.
The following years were rich in family life, travel, sailing, cooking, entertaining, gardening, and new adventures. Rae and Arnold raised three children, Roger, Kristine and Carolyn with their same keen interests in life and learning.
Retired in 1977 they moved from Long Island, NY to San Juan Island, where they built their dream home overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait and Victoria.
Both very active members of the San Juan Island Yacht Club since 1980, Rae was Treasurer for 3 years and Trustee for 3 years. Rae was treasurer of the Woman’s Study Club, involved in AAUW when it was on the Island, and tutored students.
She will long be remembered as a woman of great beauty, wit, wisdom, warmth, grace and intelligence. Integrity was her highest value and that’s how she lived. Rae’s beloved husband Arnold predeceased her in 2002, as did grandson Matthew in 1986.
She dearly loved all of her family and is survived by her three children: Roger (wife Rita) Anderson of Warenec, VA; Kristine (husband Kyle) King of Eugene, OR; Carolyn (husband Tom) Collins of Bellevue, WA. The four grandchildren are Kristin Collins Twigg and Emily Collins; Mark and Kyle King; Erika Anderson Spadaccini and Christopher Anderson. The three great-grandchildren are Macon and Madison Swartzwelder, and Annabelle Anderson. Many loyal and loving family and friends will greatly miss her.
A celebration of Rae Case Anderson’s life will be held at the San Juan Island Yacht Club on Saturday June 30, 2007 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Rae loved gardening with a passion, especially flowers which may be sent or brought to the “Celebration of Rae Case Anderson’s Life”.
Betty S. Gilson MD
April 20, 1918 - March 23, 2007
Betty Gilson died peacefully in her home in Friday Harbor, with her son, Douglas, and her daughter, Judy Gilson Moody at her bedside.
Born in Minneapolis, she spent her early years in a number of midwestern communities, returning to Minneapolis for high school, where she met her life-long love, John Gilson. Together they worked their way through the University of Minnesota Medical School, marrying just before graduation. Following completion of internship and residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, they moved to Great Falls, Montana, to practice medicine and raise their two children in the magnificent high plains and mountain landscape.
John practiced Internal Medicine at the Great Falls Clinic, while Betty developed a keen interest in public health and the delivery of health care services, especially to the poor and disadvantaged. She served as Cascade County Health Officer for many years, established a Heart Diagnostic Center for the state of Montana, and regularly tended to the health and needs of the landless Plains Indian Tribes whose communities out lie many Montana towns. Her interest in providing health care to those who otherwise would not have access to it eventually led her to work in the Federal Regional Medical Program in Utah where she developed some of the first mobile units providing diagnostic services to isolated towns.
In 1969, Betty and John moved to Seattle where she assumed a founding role in the newly established University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. As a Professor, her gentle mentoring earned her the lasting friendship of many of her students, and, as an academician, the Sickness Impact Profile she developed has become a mainstay of current medical quality assurance.
An avid birder, Betty retired to her beloved farm on Shaw Island in 1985, cultivating forest, marsh and woodland habitat, and introducing many friends to the joys of birding. Inspired by her love for the natural beauty of the San Juans, Betty turned her attention to the islands' unique social and environmental concerns, volunteering to participate on numerous boards and committees while maintaining an active interest in promoting public health.
In the course of her public advocacy, through the turmoil attendant to the Comprehensive Plan's adoption, to the Trails Committee, several terms on the Planning Commission, Chairing the Board of Health, and more, Betty respected opposing views, listened with care, appreciated and promoted discussion, admired the order of parliamentary process, and always sought compromise and consensus. Many she disagreed with counted her as a friend.
We have lost a remarkable spirit, a gentle wit, friend.
Douglas Gilson and Judy Gilson Moody
If you wish to honor Betty's memory, we suggest a donation in her name to:
Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
PO Box 1355
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Wallace G. Mullis
December 31, 1919 – March 24, 2007
Wally Mullis passed away on March 24, 2007. He was active to the day of his passing. Wally was a true native San Juan Islander. After graduating from Friday Harbor High School – class of 1938, he attended technical school in Bellingham where he learned diesel mechanics – an occupation he followed for many years.
He met and married Vivian Wade Brietzkreitz, and they settled in a little cottage overlooking Jensen Shipyard. He was a PT boat engineer in the navy during World War II. After returning from the war, he moved his family to Bellingham where he worked in the shipyards. They moved to Mt. Vernon in the 50’s, where he was employed by Columbia Valley Lumber Company. His second son Jerry was born there in 1954.
Around 1958 Wally headed north to Alaska for a career in the seafood industry. He was a foreman in canneries on Kodiak Island and various mainland sites. Among the many stories he had to tell his friends was being an eyewitness to the devastating Alaska earthquake/tsunami of 1964. Wally played an active role in rebuilding the canneries after that event. He was also a pioneer in the new king-crab industry that started in the 1960’s. He returned home to Friday Harbor for retirement in 1985.
Wally’s wife Vivian passed away on the island in 1989. He married Evelyn Davis, an island resident. Evelyn passed on in 2001. A few years ago Wally married Giovanna Bianca Kirby. “GB” has the gratitude of the family for her devotion to Wally during these past few years.
Wally’s ancestral roots go deep in island history. His grandfather George Mullis was one of the islands earliest white settlers. George was a master carpenter, and passed down his skills and business to Wally’s dad, Frank H. Mullis. Frank was a well-know island builder and contractor from the 20’s through the 50’s. Frank was the one-time proprietor of Davis Lumber Company, now known as Browne’s Lumber. The family’s home on Argyle Street, where Wally grew up, is still called the ‘old Mullis house’. The field just behind the former location of the Mullis workshop is now the location of the Mullis Community Senior Center, a gift to the community by Wally’s brother Don.
Wally was a modest man who did not want a formal memorial service. An informal remembrance luncheon hosted by Wally’s family at the Senior Center is planned for April 16th starting at noon. Instead of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Mullis Community Senior Center or charity of your choice.
He will be remembered and loved by many islanders as well as his two sons and their families, his grandchildren, and an extended family.
Marcia L. Zakarison
Date of Birth: Monday January 28, 1957
Date of Death: Monday March 05, 2007
Dr. Marcia L. Zakarison passed away unexpectedly Monday morning at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham.
Dr. Zakarison served the community as physician and Medical Director at the InterIsland Medical Center in Friday Harbor. She was also the Medical Program Director for San Juan County Emergency Medical Services.
Marcia Zakarison was an Honors Graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed her Residency in Family Medicine in Spokane, and wass board certified in Family Practice. She was a recipient of the Janet M. Glasgow Achievement Award, American Medical Women's Association. She had a special interest in women's medicine, and enjoyed teaching, writing, classical guitar and family life.
The Commissioners of San Juan County Public Hospital District #1, the physicians and staff of InterIsland Medical Center, and the staff of the San Juan County Emergency Medical Services extend their heartfelt and sincerest condolences to her family and the community.
