Search Archived Marriage Records
Marian Whaley Langford
Marian Whaley (“Sis”) Langford died peacefully Jan. 7, 2006, in Friday Harbor, Wash., at the age of 97.
Sis is remembered by her family and friends as a loving mother, a dynamo of energy, and a woman of wit, charm and intellect.
Sis Langford was born April 7, 1908, in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the second of three children of Col. Arthur Maunder Whaley and Marian Elizabeth Samson. As the daughter of an Army doctor, she lived in many states, from Alaska to Washington, D.C.
After graduating from Vassar College in 1929 with a major in English and a minor in Spanish, she worked for the American Consulate General in Panama. She returned to New York and worked for the Spellman Fund from 1932 to 1937.
In 1935, Sis met and married
a young lawyer, Malcolm S. (“Mac”) Langford. Their son, Malcolm Jr., was born in 1937; son, Stephen, in 1940.
With the outbreak of World War II, the family moved to Washington, D.C., where Mac Sr. worked on the Lend Lease program. When her husband joined the Navy, Sis found herself moving again, from Rhode Island to Oklahoma to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she lived with “the boys” until her husband returned from the Pacific.
After the war, the family moved back to Washington, D.C., where in 1947 son Lane was born.
Sis was a leading member of organizations that included the Washington Home Rule Committee and the Middle East Institute. In addition to Spanish, she had also become fluent in French, and for her service to the Club d’amitie Franco-Americaine she was honored with membership in the Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur.
After the death of her husband in 1962, Sis moved west and earned elementary and secondary teaching credentials at the University of California at Berkeley. She taught Spanish, French and world history in schools throughout California, and at the age of 71 earned her master’s in French Literature, with honors, at the University of Montana.
Sis retired from teaching in Napa, Calif., and eventually moved to the San Juan Islands of Washington state, where sons Mac Jr. and Lane had settled. She had often visited the islands, impressing the residents by immersing herself in the chilly waters off Flat Point.
She is survived by her sister, Kathleen W. Schofield, of Duarte, Calif.; her son, Mac Jr., and his wife, Tytti, of Lopez Island, Wash., parents of her grandson, Michael; her son, Steve, and his wife, Joann, of Oro Valley, Ariz., parents of granddaughter Jenifer; and her son, Lane, of Lopez Island, Wash., father of granddaughters Breana and Brittany.
— Leta Currie Marshall
Jana Purvine
My little sister, Jana Purvine, died at her home in Seattle on Jan. 22, 2006.
Her death was unexpected and came at a time in her life of great hope: she had just gone through knee-replacement surgery and was looking forward to being able to walk without pain for the first time in years.
She was born on July 11, 1953, in Bartlesville, Okla. She was christened Janice Lou, but as an adult she preferred to be called Jana.
She traveled in Russia, graduated from Oklahoma State University, then became an LPN and moved to Seattle in 1978, where she worked at Swedish Hospital. For the last several years, she worked for McGraw-Hill Dodge Publishing.
Jana loved Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula and the coast. She also loved the San Juan Islands and came to visit often. Her favorites included South Beach for beach glass and rocks, Downriggers for seafood pasta, and the Artisans Fair for Darlene Nixon’s bead booth. She loved spending time with her parents in Oklahoma and her oldest sister and family in Colorado.
Jana was a voracious reader, an expert on English history, an opera fanatic, and had a wicked sense of humor. She collected Russian Palek boxes and made beautiful jewelry and artwork. She loved all animals except spiders, and was one of the earliest volunteers at Wolf Hollow.
Most of all, she loved her family. Jana will be missed so deeply by her parents, Joe and Carolyn Purvine of Oklahoma; her eldest sister, Jo Lynne Henderson of Colorado; her elder sister (by 21 months), Judith Carter of Friday Harbor; her brother-in-law, Paul Henderson, and nephew, Josh Henderson, of Colorado; her nephew, Corey Henderson of Garmisch, Germany; her many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends; and her beloved cat, Bunny.
I would ask two things of my fellow islanders. First, if you are so inclined, make a small donation in my sister’s memory to the Animal Protection Society or the library. Second, tell your family and friends often how much they mean to you. I am grateful that my sister knew how deeply she was loved.
— Judith Carter
Robert Frank “Bob” Platte
Robert Frank “Bob” Platte passed away Jan. 27, 2006. He was 55.
He was born April 25, 1950 in Eugene, Ore. He attended schools in Eugene, including his sophomore year at North Eugene High School, before moving in 1966 to Chehalis as a junior at W.F. West High School. There he was an All-State sprinter on the Bearcat track and field team, a standout tenor singer in the choir and an honors student, graduating in 1968.
Bob’s college career included an Associate of Arts degree at Centralia College and a Bachelor of Arts degree at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. He furthered his music studies under the tutelage of Dr. Manzo at Eastern, to later become an accomplished opera-singing tenor in five different languages. Bob’s baritone range was extended to “high C, ” such that he achieved his — and Dr. Manzo’s — goal of his becoming among the world’s greatest classically trained tenors. The power and beauty of Bob’s voice thrilled everyone who ever heard him sing.
After settling into a career as an insurance broker in Spokane for nearly 20 years, Bob sold his practice to pursue his life-long love of the fine arts, particularly singing arias from all of the best-known operas. His recordings and performances in many opera houses and showrooms thrilled audiences for many years.
Bob was to have met in Ireland in fall 2005 with the promoters of a European tour when he became ill. Bob was also an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and golf.
Bob moved back to Chehalis from Spokane in 2005. He is survived by his loving newlywed wife, Kathleen “Kit” Pingree-Platte, of San Juan Island; mother, Kathy Platte, of Chehalis; brother, Richard Platte and wife, Victoria, of Eugene; and brothers Jim and Burt Schoonover.
A memorial service will be held at Woodland Estates in Chehalis on March 4 at 2 p.m.
— The Robert Frank “Bob” Platte family
Curtis Bruce Silver
Curtis B. Silver of Friday Harbor, Wash., passed away Feb. 1, 2006, after many years of heart-related problems and most recently a stroke and pneumonia.
He was 86. Curt was born and raised on a farm in the Salina, Kan. area, moving to California in 1941. Arlene Mae Bear joined him there and they were married
in 1942.
Curt was a World War II veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Spending most of their married
life in the San Francisco Bay area, Curt and Arlene built two homes together, had a successful industrial sheet metal business for 20 years, and he was able to retire at 57. He and his wife traveled the United States in a motor home for a number of years.
Curt’s main hobby was building working, live steam engines.
Curt and Arlene moved to San Juan Island with their daughter and her husband, Wayne, in 2002. He often commented on what a wonderful place the island was to spend his later years.
Curt is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Arlene; son, Bruce Silver; daughter, Barbara Zimmerman; grandson, Roger Silver; granddaughter, Jennifer Lovejoy; great-grandchildren, Curtis and Lacie Silver; stepchildren, Stephen Zimmerman, Brian Zimmerman and Marcia Ulisse; step-great-granddaughter, Audrey Zimmerman; and sisters, Bernice Chumley and Jonette Drake.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 11, 1 p.m., at Valley cemetery on San Juan Island. The family has requested that memorial gifts in memory of Curt Silver be made to Islands Convalescent Center, 660 Spring St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
To share memories of Curtis, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
— Evans Funeral Chapel
Nancy J. Headden
Sept. 21, 1933 – Jan. 26, 2006
Nancy Joan Headden passed away Jan. 26, 2006 while vacationing in Hawaii, a place that had become very dear to her.
Nancy, the daughter of Herbert M. and Ruth E. Kingsland, was born in Morristown, N.J., and was the fourth of their five children.
After graduating from high school in Mountain Lakes, N.J., she attended Connecticut College and graduated from Skidmore College where she majored in home economics.
She married
William Perry Headden Jr. in 1955, before Bill became an Army officer. They were stationed in Texas where their first daughter, Barbara Marie, was born. Shortly thereafter, their second daughter, Carol Elizabeth, was born and was followed four years later by their third daughter, Virginia Anne.
In 2005, Bill and Nancy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy was a natural teacher her whole life and utilized the newest teaching techniques to educate her students. She was a kindergarten teacher at Harbor Day School, Newport Beach, Calif.; The Bush School, Seattle, Wash.; and St. Thomas Day School, Medina, Wash. She also was the director of admissions at Harbor Day School.
Outside of the classroom, Nancy’s curiosity extended to every activity she pursued, passing on her wonder of all things in nature to her children and grandchildren.
She was an active boater for 40 years as a racing and recreational sailor and a power boater. She was a member of Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach, Calif., and the Seattle Yacht Club in Seattle, Wash. She spent the last 16 years of her life as a resident of Friday Harbor, Wash., exploring her beloved San Juan Islands, looking for orcas, eagles and turning over every rock she could move to discover its inhabitants.
She was also an active golfer and was very interested in passing along the joy she received from golf. She was a member of the San Juan Golf and Country Club and played in the Ladies' Group for many years. She spent 12 summers working with the professionals at San Juan Golf and Country Club to promote the junior program and volunteered her time to make the program a success that continues to this day.
Nancy’s most important focus was her family. She is survived by her husband, three daughters and four grandchildren. She used to say, “Love is for everyday, not just the holidays” and lived her life demonstrating this value.
The family will hold a small private service on the waters of San Juan Channel in the San Juan Islands. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Junior Golf Program of the San Juan Golf and Country Club, P.O. Box 246, Friday Harbor, WA. 98250.
— The Nancy J. Headden family
Robert E. Rogers
Robert “Rob” Earl Rogers, of Friday Harbor passed away on Jan. 27, 2006, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was 58.
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 Nov. 29, 1947 in Tillamook, Ore., the son of the late Edward “Pat” and Kathryn Rogers. Rob received his schooling at Foster High in Seattle, then attended the University of Washington for sociology and pre-med. Rob’s creative mind led 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 1970s. It was on the island where he met his future wife, Louisa Mathias. They were married
June 7, 1974 in Victoria, B.C. 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 seven years, growing a bounty of vegetables, fruit 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 life, 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 being the chief engineer of the 130-foot yacht, “Paulu.” For more than 10 years, Rob maintained and ran the yacht, often taking lengthy trips through Victoria, B.C., 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 Fourth 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 all those who enjoyed his company and sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held for Robert on Feb. 4, 12:30 p.m. at Valley cemetery on San Juan Island.
Donations may be made in Robert Rogers’ name to the American Cancer Society of Seattle.
— The Robert E. Rogers family
Merton "Bud" Gleason
Merton “Bud” Gleason, formerly of Friday Harbor, WA and Dresden, N.Y., died Jan. 16, 2006 at Penn Yan Manor nursing home in Penn Yan, N.Y., after a long illness.
He was 85. There are no calling hours or funeral planned. A memorial service will be scheduled for late spring in Hammondsport, N.Y.
The family would appreciate any memorial donations be given in Bud’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14620; or to the Penn Yan Manor, 655 N. Liberty St., Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527.
Born in Auburn, N.Y., on June 11, 1920, Bud was the son of the late Alderman Francis and Jessie Gleason. He graduated from Hammondsport Central School in 1937 and served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1945.
He met Zereda “Bea” Percival of Creeches, Ky., while she was visiting her sister in Sacramento, Calif., and he was stationed at Hamilton Field, Calif. They married
on Bud’s birthday, June 11, 1944. Bea pre-deceased him on Jan. 1, 1985.
Bud had a widely varied work life. He was a salvage diver, built dirt-track race cars, was a ship’s engineer and cannery engineer in Alaska for several seasons, owned an appliance sales and service business in Friday Harbor, built docks and harvested kelp, among other endeavors.
He lived with his family in Friday Harbor from 1961 to 1972, then returned to upstate N.Y. and took over the family vineyards. He retired in the mid-1980s and continued to live in the Finger Lakes region of New York until his death, but always regretted leaving the San Juans.
Bud enjoyed collecting firearms and traveling, and had lifelong interests in aviation, boats and anything mechanical. He had an impish sense of humor and loved to tell jokes.
He will be sorely missed by his children, Patricia Gleason of Austin, Texas, and Kirk (Colleen) Gleason of Jacksonville, Fla.; and by his long-time companion, Hannah Johncox of Dresden, N.Y.
He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Davidson of Hammondsport, N.Y., and Margery Brundage of Tucson, Ariz.; a brother, Raymond Gleason of Wayne, N.Y.; as well as two grandchildren, Heather and Amanda, and one great-grandchild.
— The Merton “Bud” Gleason family
Margret "Nana" Freeland
Margret "Nana" Freeland of San Juan Island passed away Jan. 16 in Lake Havasu, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her son, Richard; and her husband, Harlo.
She is survived by her daughters, Maradee Talbott and Janice Joynes; two sons-in-law, Larry and Roger; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the San Juan Island Library.
Donna May Feri
Donna May Feri of Eastsound, Orcas Island, Wash., died unexpectedly on Jan. 17, 2006 at her home. She was 78.
She was born Feb. 4, 1927, the daughter of Paul and Edith (Swardthout) Alexander in Seattle, Wash. At the age of 15, her parents moved to Orcas Island and for more than 60 years she lived and loved Orcas, and is considered an island pioneer.
In 1949, she married
Edwin G. Feri and together they owned and operated the West Sound Store from 1968–1976. Donna worked for the San Juan Sanitation Department, handling the books and administrative duties for Orcas Island.
She loved to watch, study and feed birds in and around her house, especially looking forward to the humming birds. Donna enjoyed reading, fishing, gardening and tending to her flowers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s name to your favorite charity.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ed, in 2001.
Donna is survived by her son, Mike Feri of Bellingham, Wash.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Anacortes and the San Juans. Share memories of Donna and sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com
