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Takatsuka, August Thursday, 21 Jun 2007
On Aug. 31, 1920, George Takatsuka and Aya Taki Takatsuka welcomed their first son into the world. They affectionately called him Augie. He died June 21, 2007.
Living with the land was a life Augie learned from his parents, who started a strawberry farm on Vashon after arriving in 1911. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1938.
With the onset of World War II, many Japanese-Americans were relocated to internment camps. Riding a train, the Takatsuka family was relocated to Fresno, then to a camp at Tule Lake.
Leaving his family, Augie volunteered for the U.S. Army. He trained in Mississippi and was sent to serve in Italy.
Upon returning to Vashon in 1945, Augie added currants to his harvest and sold his fruit to local grocery stores and plants.
After the late 1990s, Augie retired from farming but continued to have Christmas trees and holly available for the community by leasing out his farmland to his friend, Karl Olsen.
Augie was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry, Miriam and George Takatsuka, Margaret Yamamoto and Rose Maekawa. He is survived by his partner Marie Davis and her family, and his younger sister, Kimiko Sakai of Bainbridge Island. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnephews, great- grandnieces and his wonderful family of friends.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2007, at the Vashon Island cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place immediately following the services at the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club.
Remembrances may be made to the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue, the Seattle Nisei Veterans or your favorite charity.
Shallenberger, Rosella Wednesday, 06 Jun 2007
Rosella Shallenberger was born Rosella Mary McLaren in Grand Forks, N.D. on March 18, 1918. She grew up during the Depression era so missed out on the “roaring ‘20s” but still found fun in dancing, ice skating and singing in her high school and collage glee club. She attended the University of North Dakota, majoring in nutrition, but left the cold of North Dakota before finishing her education to marry and move to sunny California.
Eventually divorced and with two small daughters, Rosella made a living as a beautician and raised her children alone. She loved to bake and sew and made most of her family’s clothes. At one time she was a 4-H leader and president of a local women’s club.
In 1959 she met and married
Lloyd Shallenberger, and they made their home in Riverside, Calif. They retired to Tacoma in 1974. After Lloyd’s death in 2000, Rosella lived with her daughter Ardythe Fleener in Tacoma. They traveled all over the world together until poor health forced Rosella to seek an assisted living situation.
Her older daughter Emma Amiad had been living on Vashon Island for many years and so the family chose the Vashon Community Care Center (VCCC) for Rosella. Ardythe then retired and moved to Vashon, and the small family once again lived close to each other.
Rosella died June 6, 2007, after a brief illness. She had just celebrated her 89th birthday in March. She is remembered as having a sunny, friendly personality. She was always eager to join in the many trips and activities at VCCC. She never missed a shopping trip or a bingo game. She will be missed not only by her family but also by her friends and caregivers at VCCC.
Survivors include her daughters Ardythe Fleener and Emma Amiad and daughter-in-law Susan White, all of Vashon. Remembrances may be made to the Vashon Community Care Center, where Rosella enjoyed many years of wonderful care and loving companionship.
O'Donnell, John Friday, 01 Jun 2007
Long-time Islander John (Jack) O’Donnell died peacefully on June 1, 2007, at his daughter’s home in Harrison, Idaho. He was 84 years old.
Jack was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 17, 1921, to Don and Josephine O’Donnell. He entered into active duty January 1942 and was serving as a radioman second class on the USS California when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
He married
Vivian Stanley in 1946 and had three children: Brian Michael, Timothy James and Kelly Kathleen O’Donnell.
The West Coast was his playground. He traveled from Long Beach to Novato, Calif. He skied Mount Hood, Ore., and enjoyed the jazz clubs of Seattle.
His time on Vashon began in 1949 when his mother married
John Venen, radio engineer for KOMO.
Very much the renegade and bohemian, Jack loved the arts. Whether it was jazz music, plays, art or poetry, he relished it all.
His favorite escape was kayaking the harbors and back bays up and down the coast earning the name “Paddling Jack” from his friends.
Survivors include his sons, Michael of Coeur d’Alene, Tim and daughter-in-law Donna, daughter Kelly and son-in-law Jerry Lebsack of Harrison, Idaho, and granddaughter Michelle of Long Beach.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of North Idaho for making it possible for Jack to pass peacefully in his daughter’s home.
A graveside memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on June 22, at Vashon Island cemetery. Please bring stories, pictures and memories to share. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the local hospice or animal shelter of your choice.
Steen, Ray Wednesday, 11 Apr 2007
Ray Steen, a 1950 graduate of Vashon High School, died April 11, 2007, in Walla Walla, Wash. He was a graduate of the U.S. Maritime Academy, Kings Point, Long Island, and then served five years as a pilot in the Navy. Following military service, he worked for the Post Office in Seattle.
In retirement, he moved several times, settling in Walla Walla nine years ago. His brother Pete of Las Cruces, New Mexico, survives him.
Stone, Elizabeth Friday, 23 Aug 2002
Elizabeth (Betty) H. Stone died at the Vashon Community Care Center on Friday, Aug. 23.
Ms. Stone was born in Oklahoma Sept. 24, 1916, and moved from Tulsa to Vashon in 1975.
She continued her work as a Traveler’s Insurance agent during her first few years on the island.
She made friends amongst her church community and through her involvement with the Garden Club.
Everyone who knew her appreciated Betty as a stylish lady with a good sense of humor.
She was preceded in death (August 1993) by her sister Jeanne Collins, who had settled on Vashon in 1973.
Ms. Stone is also survived by a son, Stewart Warren, who resides in Colorado. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated for Betty at St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Sept. 5.
Bob, Pottschmidt Friday, 12 Jul 2002
Friends, fishermen and close family members gathered on the aft deck of the F/V Paragon, Sept.14, 2002, to celebrate life and say their last good-byes to Bob Pottschmidt, who died of cancer July 12, 2002, in Des Moines.
Bob was born in Indonesia Sept. 14, 1946. He would have been 56 years old that Saturday, and the sun shone brightly on several dozen guests who scattered flowers and garlands into the West Passage near Vashon Island to accompany his ashes, then raised their cups and their voices in his honor.
It was a fitting memorial for a man who had devoted such a large part of his life to commercial fishing, to flying small aircraft and to the out of doors. He was a founder of the Bristol Bay Driftnetters’ Association, and he chased salmon, herring, squid, tuna and brine shrimp from Norton Sound to San Pedro to Hawaii.
Fishermen who shared the remote waters of Alaska with Pottschmidt, and others who fished along side him in Puget Sound and even the Great Salt Lake, recalled story after story that echoed their common appreciation for a friend who was always there to help, and who also had an uncanny knack for showing up just in time for dinner.
His laughter may have surprised those who knew him from afar and saw only the curmudgeon’s image that he worked so hard to cultivate. Tilted forward from the waist with his thumbs in his pockets and head cocked to one side, he was a formidable character in his crusty hat, poker face and fisherman’s garb. But beneath his hard shell was a keen intellect, a generous soul and a vulnerable heart that touched those who knew him, friends say.
He was a voracious reader, who would stay up all night to finish a book. He was anxious to share what he’d gleaned from its pages, and he glowed when someone actually followed through and read one of his many recommendations, they said.
Complex in thought, he lived simply, often oblivious to personal creature comforts, yet he was finely tuned when it came to the boats he fished, the airplanes he flew and the firearms he collected and enjoyed.
As a cook, he was both a dictator and an artist in the kitchen. As a guest, he knew that food was for the eating. As a friend, he was quick to share his knowledge, his insight and his skill.
Survivors include his twin daughters, Juna Pottschmidt of Anchorage, Alaska, and Holly Morales of Portland, Ore., who shared his last hours.
His ashes were scattered as family and friends listened to the words of those who loved him.
Arnott, Marie Doroschenco Tuesday, 04 Jun 2002
Marie Doroshenco Arnott, Vashon resident for 50 years, died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. She was 94 years old.
Mrs. Arnott was born in Vladivostock, Russia, Aug. 4, 1907, to Luchia Sharaboff and Vecheslav Arkady Doroshenco. The first two years of her life she lived with her grandparents, General and Mrs. Sharaboff in Ufa in the West Ural Mountains. She joined her mother and father, an inventor and engineer with the Russian Railroad. They lived in Harbin, China and Vladivastock, where she remembered watching the historic battle of Vladivostock across the river from her home as a child.
During the Russian Revolution she and her mother emigrated to Vancouver, Canada.
She graduated from Nursing School at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. In 1934 Marie married
Bill Arnott.
During the six years he served as a Captain in the Canadian Army in World War II, she was an interpreter and nurse. After he returned from the war, they moved to Seattle and he became an owner of Northwest Lighting Services.
In 1952 they moved to Vashon where Marie was active in Orthopedic Society, President of the Vashon Golf and Country Club Women’s group and docent at the Seattle Art Museum. She enjoyed cooking traditional Russian dishes for friends, and playing card games at their home at the present Fern Cove Preserve.
Her mother and husband both died in 1967.
Survivors include her cat Tom-Tom who needs a new home. Contact Vashon Island Pet Protectors at 389-1085.
A Panihida Service will be conducted by Hieromonk Tryphon at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at All-Merciful Savior Russian Orthodox Monastery on Vashon Island 9933 S.W. 268th St. Dockton, Wash. 98070.
Rememberances may be made to the Monastery.
Kihiczak, Michael Thursday, 23 May 2002
Michael Kihiczak, of Vashon Island, died Thursday, May 23, 2002, at Swedish Hospital Medical Center in Seattle. He was 87 years of age.
Mr. Kihiczak was born on March 5, 1915, in the Ukraine, the son of Theodore and Theodosia Kihiczak. He was raised in Pidbuzh, Ukraine, where he attended school.
Mr. Kihiczak moved to the United States in 1951 and married
Melanie Sczyra in 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was employed as an inspector for the Ford Motor Company in Cleveland for 30 years, retiring in 1980. That same year he and his wife moved to Vashon Island.
Mr. Kihiczak was a member of the Ukrainian National Association, and in his leisure time enjoyed reading and was known for his good sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife Melanie, of Vashon Island; a daughter Dr. Luba Kihiczak, of Issaquah; one sister Stephanie Pitsur, of Ukraine; and a grandson Alex Birkland, of Issaquah.
A funeral mass was May 31, at St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave, Seattle, Wash.
A committal service was at Upper Hillside cemetery in Issaquah.
Arrangements were under the direction of Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home.
Belfrage, Christopher Evan Saturday, 18 May 2002
Christopher Evan Belfrage, a lifelong islander, died May 18, 2002, in a vehicle accident on Vashon Island. He was 33 years old.
Mr. Belfrage was born April 26, 1969, in Seattle.
He attended island schools, winning a wrestling medal before graduating from Vashon High School in 1988.
Following high school, he worked for Olsen’s Concrete Pumping and Construction, K2, Vashon Auto Parts, Miles Towing and Engels Repair and Towing.
Friends and family recall how he loved all things related to the outdoors and to vehicles. He spent many of his happiest times camping, snow boarding, fishing, jet skiing, riding his motorcycle or with his cars.
Survivors include his mother, Michelle Sigler and husband David of Vashon, father Evan Belfrage and wife Christine of Bel Aire, Md., a sister Holly Dunham of Snohomish, a brother, Stephen Belfrage of Aberdeen, Md., grandparents Kenneth and June Brooks of Vashon, stepsisters, Michele and Tina Sigler and another stepsister Tina, and step brothers David Sigler, Joe, nieces Jaquelyn and Jennifer Dunham, as well as a nephew Daniel Belfrage.
His family and many friends will always remember and miss him.
Oakley, Kate Bronwyn Sunday, 12 May 2002
Kate Bronwyn Oakley died unexpectedly May 12, 2002. She was 24 years old.
She was born July 16, 1977, in Bellingham.
Ms. Oakley graduated from Olympia High School in 1995 and was a student at South Seattle Community College when she died. She loved books, music and film, and was a active member of the Seattle Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Group.
Ms. Oakley spent summers on Vashon with relatives.
Survivors include her father Glen “Hogie” Oakley, and sister Erica West and brother Daniel West, all of Vashon; mother Drew Lenore Betz, stepfather Michael Betz, and brother Ben Betz, all of Bellingham; a sister Tiffany Oakley, of Point Roberts; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Her surviving grandparents are Donna and Jim Daulph of Bellingham and Madelon Oakley of White Center.
A memorial service was last Saturday.
Remembrances may be made to Kate Bronwyn Oakley Memorial Account, Whatcom Educational Credit Union, P.O. Box 9750, Bellingham, Wash. 98227 or White Center Library Guild, c/o Pauline M. Warden, Manager, White Center Library, 11220 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle, Wash. 98146.
Van House, John Elwood Friday, 19 Apr 2002
John Elwood Van House died April 19, 2002. He was 75 years old.
A celebration of his life will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kalser Hospice or the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.
White, Thomas Patrick Thursday, 18 Apr 2002
Thomas Patrick White died April 18, 2002, on Vashon Island of a heart attack. He was 55 years old.
Mr. White attended St. Paul’s Riverside Elementary School and was selected the most valuable player in the 1962 Catholic grade school league basketball tournament. He obtained Eagle Scout rank at his school troop, as well.
He then attended Gordon Military Academy in Barnesville, Ga., and Bishop Kenny High School before graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1966.
After graduation, he moved to Marina Del Rey, Calif., where he worked making and testing surfboards.
In the early 1970s he moved to New York City and managed the famous Cheetah nightclub before returning to the area and taking a position as a bartender at the Ponte Vedra Surf Club where he rose to general manager within three months. He then served as general manager of Le Chateau Restaurant from 1978 to 1980.
In 1980, he took a position as a restaurant supply sales representative for Edward Don & Company and was the company’s number one salesman in the state of Florida after his second year in a new territory.
In 1984, he left Edward Don to found St. Johns Restaurant Supply with two other salesmen; the business was acquired by Kingston Restaurant Supply of Long Island, New York, in 1990.
He then founded Barsco Restaurant Supply, which he operated in Jacksonville Beach until closing it in 1999 due to ill health.
Mr. White moved to Vashon Island in 2000 where he used his culinary skills to triple the revenues at the Saint John Vianney parish’s annual scholarship fund-raiser with his gumbos and other Southern fare. He also cooked as a volunteer at The Nativity House, a homeless shelter for men in Tacoma.
In his three decades as a restaurant equipment dealer, he was as much a consultant as a salesman and was instrumental in developing the themes and menus of many of the most successful restaurants in Jacksonville Beach. He will be long remembered for his intense wit, open generosity, lively personality and noble spirit.
Survivors include four children: Nora Michelle White of Brooklyn, New York, James Marlow White of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Darlie Elise White and T. Patrick White of Saint Augustine. Fla, and two brothers, James M. White of Vero Beach, Fla., and Marlow V. White of Tallahassee, and three sisters, Lillian W. Shagrin of Seattle, Maureen W. Enderlin of Warren, N.Y, and Sheila W. Moore of Vashon Island, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many devoted friends who loved him dearly.
A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26, at St. John Vianney. His ashes will be interred in a family plot in Pensacola, Florida.
