Search Archived Marriage Records
Fredrick "Fred" William Bourland, Sr.
October 6, 1936 ~ February 13, 2010
Fredrick William Bourland, Sr., a Friday Harbor resident and former general manager for Valmark, went home to be with his Lord and Savior following complications from radiation treatment for lung cancer. His life was a testimony of commitment to God, his wife, family and friends.
Fred was born October 6, 1936 in Tacoma, Washington, to William E. and Hazel C. Bourland. He grew up in Gig Harbor, Bremerton and West Seattle where he graduated from West Seattle High School in 1954. After various jobs in Seattle and California, he joined the Army and in 1959 was stationed at the Alaska Communication System in Glenallen, Alaska.
It was there he met an adventurous school teacher from North Hollywood, California, Merilyn Berthold, whom he married July 30, 1960.
Returning to Seattle, he briefly attended the University of Washington and worked in accounting for Associated Grocers before the birth of twin daughters in March 1961 and two sons in July 1962 and November 1967. He was a member of Riverton Heights Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder.
Following in his father's footsteps, he found great satisfaction in the retail & wholesale grocery business. He worked for Associated Grocers for 30 years in accounting and as a retail accounts representative throughout Northwest Washington and Alaska.
In 1971, he moved the family to Bellingham where he was active in Geneva Community Church. He "retired" to begin his second career in 1991 in the San Juan Islands where his father had been born. A descendent of Waldron Island pioneers Friederich and Louise Krumdiack , Fred felt like he was coming home. As general manager for VMAL (later Valmark, Inc.) he enjoyed overseeing operations for three grocery stores, Harbor Airlines and especially Roche Harbor Resort as his great grandfather had delivered cord wood for the limekilns in the late 1800s.
Retiring for real in 2004, Fred enjoyed island life and shared his love of baseball, football, biking, fishing and golfing with his family and friends. Even during the last two years struggling with lung cancer he rarely missed his grandsons' Tiger football and Little League baseball games. He faithfully served as Treasurer of Islands Community Church.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents (1959), surrogate parents Uncle Clifford (1992) and Aunt Katherine Bourland (1999) , and son-in-law Thomas Unger (1994). He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Merilyn; sister Billye Anderson (Richard) of Spokane; daughters Kristine Brown (David) of Friday Harbor and Kelley Unger of Bellevue; sons Fredrick, Jr. "Rick" of Maltby and Randy of Bellingham; grandsons Carson and Connor Brown of Friday Harbor.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Islands Community Church, 127 Gilbert Lane, Friday Harbor and Tuesday, February 23, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FHAA Tiger Football, P.O. Box 809, or Islands Community Church, P.O. Box 1326, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Richard Lee Lawson
September 30, 1944 - January 26, 2010
Richard Lee Lawson was born September 30, 1944 in Friday Harbor, WA to Gilbert and Geraldine Lawson. Richard lost his fight with cancer on January 26, 2010 at The University of Washington Medical Center.
He left behind his mother Jeri Lawson, son Richard Jr. (wife Tricia), son Tommy (wife Leah), 4 grandkids Jordan, Ashley, Brandy Lee, and Dylan, Brother Victor Lawson and Sister Ruthie Paull, nieces Cathy VanZanten and Ashley Paull, nephews Rob Lawson, Adam Paull and countless other relatives and friends.
Richard was born in the Lawson farmhouse on West Valley Rd. Farming, raising cattle, and riding horses were his life-long passion. He was a graduate with the Friday Harbor class of 1961, and then served several years in the Air Force which started his love for the sky. Richard was often in the air flying whether it was in a fixed wing airplane or helicopter and was always willing to help a fellow islander that needed, or wanted, a ride. Richard lived his life to the fullest, traveling to Africa, Australia, Alaska and many other places around the world. Fishing, hunting, or riding horse in the pursuit of the great outdoors.
Richard Lawson was a well known businessman. Starting the Lawson Quarry and Lawson Construction in the early 1970’s, he supplied all the islands with gravel, concrete, and asphalt. His professional reputation followed him; he was a leader in his field. Among his many accomplishments was his last, the development of Lawson Ridge; it will serve as his lasting legacy to the island. Richard was a proud member of the community always willing to offer a helping hand, or donate to a good cause. His can-do attitude and charming smile will be sorely missed.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday February 6, at The Lestralaur Ranch in Friday Harbor WA. The ranch is located on San Juan Valley Rd. Please bring a dish to share and your best Richard story to tell.
Kurt Daniel Johnson
April 16, 1959 ~ January 20, 2010
Kurt Daniel Johnson was born and raised in the community of Ballard in Seattle Washington. His love for the outdoors began with time spent at the family cabin on Lake Whatcom, Camp Orkila, cub scouting and family camping trips. He climbed Mount Rainier and hiked all over the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains.
His love of music began at an early age. He picked up his first guitar at 10 years old and became an accomplished guitar player playing and singing in local Seattle bands, APB, the Silverbacks, the Falcons, and most recently Vinyl Stage. His love of music was diverse ranging from Beethoven to Doobie Brothers to Ella Fitzgerald and of course, Rock ‘n Roll. He was an accomplished graphic artist and photographer. His photos from his climbs and camping trips are beautiful.
He fought a brave battle with his cancer for three years. He did not like to talk about it saying, “I’d rather spend every day living than dying” and he did that, hanging on to his independence to the very end. As tired as he was he walked to Hattie’s Hat for breakfast the Saturday before he left us. He endured without complaining and with a stoic sense of humor that is inspiring.
His friends helped him realize a dream in his last year arranging for him to ride a motorcycle with his friends on a road trip that was a highlight of his life. He sailed with a friend to Port Townsend and boated in the San Juan Islands with family.
Among other adventures, he journeyed up the inside passage to Alaska when he was 14 and commercial fished in his twenties. He jumped out of a plane and parachuted. He lived his life his own way. He was a loyal friend and very fond of his niece and nephews and was Uncle Kurt to many kids that he was close to.
He is preceded by his parents, John & Inge Johnson, two brothers, Paul & Eric Johnson and his beloved Golden Retriever, Luther. He leaves behind his brother and sister in law Robert & Shauna Johnson of Ballard, Washington, his sister Ellen Johnson of Friday Harbor, Washington, his niece Lauren Johnson of Ballard, his nephew Jacob Johnson of San Diego, and his nephew John Daniel Johnson of Friday Harbor.
We love him and will miss him always. Kurt’s farewell party will be held at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard on Saturday February 20, 2010 from 6 pm on. Potluck and please bring any photos, memories, and memorabilia to share.
Johan Elias (Johnny) Moe
January 29, 1928 - January 7, 2010
Johan Elias Moe (Johnny) passed away January 7, 2010 at the age of 81. He was born in Seattle, WA to Elias and Dagne Moe on January 29, 1928 and grew up in Mount Vernon and Stanwood, graduating from Twin City High School in Stanwood.
Johnny played football in high school but excelled in music, playing the coronet. He formed Johnny Moe and His Orchestra in Snohomish and entertained in Washington for many years. He served in the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force both in France and Germany as well as in the US. In the 1960s he entertained in Friday Harbor and spent three years living here after 2000.
He is survived by his two sons, Thomas Moe of Everett, James J. Moe of Friday Harbor; his former wife, Betty Lou Kinney of Mountlake Terrace; one grandson, Elias M.R. Moe of Boston, MA; two sisters, Margaret Tornfelt of Redmond and Eldbjorg (Toots) Ekholm of Spokane; nieces, Judy Ramos of Kent, Robin Schnell of Spokane, Julie Schalock of Chewelah and nephews, Robert Tornfelt of Anchorage, AK and David Ekholm of Spokane.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the GAR Cemetery, 8621 Riverview Rd., Snohomish with a memorial to be announced at a later date. In liew of flowers, donations may be made LifeCare Center of Mt. Vernon or your favorite charity. For information on CD's of Johnny's live music call 360-378-6080.
Mary Jane Leche
June 13, 1929 - January 5, 2010
Mary Jane Leche, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died at her home in Friday Harbor, WA on January 5, 2010.
She was born at home in Wickford, Rhode Island on June 13, 1929 to Basil K. Major and Helen J. (Cartmell) Major. She graduated from North Kingstown High School in 1947 and then went on to graduate in 1950 from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York, NY. She worked as a head nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City and it was there she met Edward Leche, a young seminarian and her future husband of 55 years. They married in St. Mary’s Church in Lakewood, WA on February 19, 1955, where they began their 35 years of active ministry serving congregations throughout western Washington.
In 1967 the family was assigned to the San Juan Islands Mission in northwest Washington State. There Mary Jane and Edward raised their family and made their home for over 43 years. Affectionately known as “Little Rhodie” she will be remembered for her “Yankee Spirit”, her devotion to husband and family, and spontaneous fits of laughter.
She was a Christian woman who unselfishly embraced the role and ministry of priest’s wife with grace, generosity, and hospitality.
She is survived by her husband The Rev. Edward D. Leche, III of Friday Harbor WA, her sister Helen E. Major of Poulsbo, WA, her 4 children Mary DeLong (David) of Olympia, WA, M. Jane Leche of Lakewood CO, Martha Leche (Ellis Krauss) of San Diego CA and Edward D. Leche IV (Susanna) of Poulsbo, WA, and six grandchildren Elizabeth L. DeLong, Kathleen G DeLong, Mary Clare DeLong, Isaac D. Leche, Lillian B. Leche, and Caleb E. Leche. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert E. Major.
In memory and thanksgiving for the life of Mary Jane, a Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 2:00 PM at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Friday Harbor, WA. Graveside services will be conducted at Breidablik Cemetery, Poulsbo, WA date and time to be announced (Check the Evans Chapel Website below.)
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. David’s Episcopal Church Building Fund (PO Box 2714, Friday Harbor, WA 98250) or to the Church of the Transfiguration (PO Box 55, Darrington, WA 98241).
Jerald Alan Spendiff
February 2, 1957 ~ May 10, 2010
Jerry passed away peacefully in his home on May 10, 2010 surrounded by his wife LouAnne, daughters Tiffany and Ashley, and brother-in-law Paul Fantin.
As a boy, Jerry and his family would vacation in the San Juans every summer. They spent many days at Eagle Cove, beachcombing, and fishing. It was during these summers Jerry decided that San Juan Island was the place that he would someday raise his family.
Jerry and LouAnne were married on December 30, 1983 in Seattle, WA. They moved their family to Friday Harbor in 1988 where Jerry took his first job on the island as a chef at Downriggers Restaurant. Jerry enjoyed coaching many seasons of Little League softball and took great pride in his job as a maintenance employee at the Port of Friday Harbor. Jerry also enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for his family and friends and fishing with friends. In 2005 Jerry travelled to Mississippi to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. He met and helped many wonderful people and it was this experience which helped re-establish his faith.
Jerry fought a brave, yet short battle against lung cancer which he was diagnosed with in October 2009. He had an abundance of support from his family, friends, and the community which helped him and his family through this tough time.
Jerry is survived by his wife LouAnne, daughters Tiffany and Ashley, mother and father George and Virginia Spendiff (Renton, WA), sisters, Shawn Spendiff (Ellensburg, WA), Susan Robinson (Everett, WA), and Shana Greggs (North Bend, WA) and many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncles and brother/sister in-laws.
A memorial service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor on Saturday, May 22nd at 11:30am followed by a reception at Fairweather Park at the Port of Friday Harbor. In lieu of flowers Jerry’s family would like to request donations be made to the Soroptimists International of Friday Harbor or the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA).
Robert "Bob" Sheldon Dixon
March 2, 1954 - April 12, 2010
Bob passed peacefully on April 12, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital after complications from a cardiac arrest.
Bob was born in Seattle, Washington on March 2, 1954. He graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1972.
Bob moved to Friday Harbor in 1977. Bob was a skilled meat cutter for over 30 years in Friday Harbor, employed by Vern Howard.
He was a devoted husband to Carmen (Blakeway) and father to Lacey and Tyler. He was a loving son to Edith and Robert E. Dixon. Son-in-law to Carolyn Blakeway. He was also a loving, gentle and strong brother to Kris Phillips (Steve), Kelly Dixon, Beth Dixon, and Becky Connell (Kelly). Brother-in-law to Curt Blakeway (Sandy), Craig Blakeway. He was a "Superman" uncle to Shanna, Jesse, Nick, Jamie, Robbie, Ryan, Levi, Dylan, Trent, Aaron, and Hannah. Bob was predeceased by his father, The Honorable Robert E. Dixon.
Bob was an incredible cook and a master of the BBQ. He was named the #1 Fan for the High School Baseball team. In the autumn you wouldn't be surprised to see a deer hanging in his home and teaching friends how to butcher. There were many who found refuge in the care of this awesome man, many meals and comfort were had in the home of Bob & Carmen.
Bob will be remembered by his big Bear hugs, his generous hospitality, his hearty laughter, and his love of music.
Please join his family in a celebration of his life on Sunday, April 25th from noon-3pm at 635 Spring St. (Frontier Lumber building).
Albert M. Nash Jr.
January 10, 1924 - March 29, 2010
Albert Nash died peacefully at home on Monday morning, March 29th 2010. Albert lived most of his 86 years in Friday Harbor where he was born, the second child of Albert M. Nash Sr. and Margaret McSorley Nash. His brothers, Charles and Kenneth preceded him in death; his sister, Catherine Herdt lives in Mount Vernon with her husband Gary.
Al attended school in Friday Harbor, graduating in 1942. He attended the University of Washington, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. He served as a naval officer during the war where his boat handling skills earned him an assignment as the commander of a landing craft. He navigated across the Pacific and supported forces in the Philippines and throughout the South Pacific winding up in Japan. Al was a great story-teller and patriot who reminisced about his time in the Navy for the rest of his life.
After the service he continued his education at the U of W, where he earned a degree in pharmacy and met Priscilla Thompson of Bellingham. He and Priscilla were married on August 6th 1949. They returned to Friday Harbor where Al began working in his Dad’s Drug Store. In due course, Al took over the drug store and ran the business on the corner of Second and Spring Streets in Friday Harbor for nearly fifty years.
Al will be remembered for his dedication to his customers, often opening the store and delivering medicine at all hours to islanders in need. He was active in the Washington State Pharmaceutical Association and became president in 1977-1978. In 1979, he received the prestigious A.H. Robins Award for outstanding community Service in Pharmacy and in 2008, the Pharmacy Legend Award.
Al was active in local government, serving on the town council and local service clubs. He was commander of the American Legion Post and was a charter member of the Lion’s Club. He was an avid sportsman with a love of hunting, fishing, boating and golf. He was very active in and supportive of St. Francis Catholic Church (never missing Mass). He has also been a regular supporter of the San Juan Historical Society. He had a deep love for our country. He never missed a Memorial Day or Fourth of July Parade and passionately expressed his views to anyone who would listen.
Albert is survived by his wife, Priscilla, his sister Catherine Herdt, his seven children and their spouses: Michael; Mary; Jack; Debbie Strasser and Robert; Teresa DeGraaff and Norman; Virginia and friend Rick DeFreece; and Tommy and friend, Tracy Anthony. Grandchildren: Tyler, Caitlin, Albert, Oliver, and Peter Strasser; Jennifer Deacon; Priscilla, Hudson and Magdelyn Hawkins; and great grandchildren Ashana, Ariana, and Ayla Deacon; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Services for Albert:
• Rosary: Sunday, April 4th at 7:00 pm St. Francis Catholic Church (viewing to follow).
• Mass of the Resurrection: Monday April 5th at 11:30 am S. Francis Catholic Church
• Interment: Following Mass - St. Francis Cemetery
(approx. 12:45 PM)
• Reception and Celebration of Life: San Juan Golf Club (approx. 1:15 PM).
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church or to the San Juan Historical Society.
Charles Hamlin Nash
October 8, 1921 - March 17, 2010
Charlie Nash died peacefully on March 17th - St. Patrick's Day -at R House Care Home. Charlie lived most of his 88 years right here in Friday Harbor all within the same the block. He was born in a home on the corner of Tucker and Guard Streets, the eldest son of Albert M. Nash Sr. and Margaret McSorley Nash. He was followed by brother Albert Jr., sister Catherine and brother Kenneth.
Charlie's parents ran the FH Drug Store for many years. Charlie attended school in Friday Harbor, graduating in 1939. He attended the University of Washington and joined Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and graduated with a BA in Geography, a minor in Naval Sciences in 1944, while serving in the NROTC as a Naval Officer from 1943 - 1946.
After Submarine School in Connecticut he was assigned to the USS Finback during WWII. His expertise as an officer was recognizing enemy aircraft. These experiences prepared him for his license as Third Mate of Ocean in 1947.
After service he came home to Friday Harbor, worked as a bookkeeper and mail delivery man to the outer islands. He was a natural boatman and outdoorsman and would make life on the water his second home.
At the age of 24 he ran a fleet of seiner's to Shanghai, China. Charlie started fishing in Bristol Bay in 1961 and continued there until he was in his early 70's. He was an avid commercial fisherman here in Puget Sound and Alaska for over 50 years.
He met his wife Betty Chevalier in Friday Harbor after the war and they were married on June 16, 1948. It was cause for great celebration as these two multi generational island families joined hands. Charlie and Betty were very happily married and together raised four children; Nick, Kelly, Pat and Lisa. With growing family responsibilities Charlie decided it was time to get a regular job.
He became the Postmaster in 1964 and retired in 1983. He took his vacation time and headed to Bristol Bay or out to the Salmon Banks where he really felt at home. He was a leader for the annual Chum Salmon egg plant, Beaverton Valley Creek beginning in 1970.
He is remembered most for his knowledge and surveys of the Bald Eagle, authoring a paper presented at the Bald Eagle Symposium, Seattle Aquarium. He was also invited to and attended the International Birds of Prey Symposium in Israel. For these efforts he was nominated and awarded the Environmental Excellence Award, Individual Category, in 1977, presented by Senator Magnusson.
Charlie served the island community in many ways as chair of the San Juan Island Shoreline Master Plan Committee, board member of the School District, Sailing Club and Power Squadron. He was a Cub Scout leader, past president of the Chamber of Commerce and Historical Societies and Commander of the American Legion Post 163. He was a Charter member of the San Juan Yacht Club and the Lions Club.
Charlie was aware of the changes facing the island and pending condominium development of the town's shoreline and the lack of facilities for the fishing fleet and other boaters. He was instrumental in developing the Port of Friday Harbor, subsequently serving on the Port Commission for 27 years.
Charlie was very active in the St. Francis Catholic Church, ushering for 50 years as well as boating the priests from island to island to say Mass.
In his later years Charlie really enjoyed his growing family. He loved all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking notice of each one and admiring their unique strengths and personalities. Charlie's most rewarding accomplishment was his 61 year marriage to Betty, whom he loved and admired deeply.
He is survived by Betty, his four children/spouses: Nick and Linnae Nash, Kelly Nash, Pat and Becky Nash and Lisa and Jim Lawrence. Grandchildren; Jason, Natalia, Michelle, Kyle, Mara, Troy (he left us too early), Kiersten, Jordan, Charles and Margaret. And eight great grandchildren!
Bryan Whitelaw
July 17, 1936 - May 14, 2010
Andrew Bryan Whitelaw passed away on May 14,2010 at The Islands Convalescent Center in Friday Harbor, where he had lived for the past 18 months. Bryan was born in New York City on July 17,1936 to Andrew and Emily Whitelaw.
After graduation fro High School in New York he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1956 where he served as a pilot and Master at Arms assigned to the Lexington. He received an Honorable discharge in 1960 and remained in San Diego, Cal. where he was “welding lead man” for PSA airlines.
He also designed and built boats, including one for Ray Disney. In the early 60’s Bryan and three others designed the Quasar race car, which used a 427 engine and was well known on the racing circuit.
Bryan moved to Friday Harbor in 1983 and continued his passion for boat design and building. He volunteered with Friday harbor High School, introducing students to CAD, computer assisted design and drafting systems.
Bryan also worked as a seasonal Customs Officer for the Customs Service in Friday Harbor. Bryan is survived by his sons, Matthew and Drew Whitelaw of Cle Elum, Wa. and two brothers, Scott and Kip who live in Pennsylvania.
Mary Margaret Gavin Champlin
April 19, 1918 - August 23, 2010
Mary Margaret Gavin Champlin was born April 19, 1918 to Irish immigrants in Chicago, Illinois. She met and married David Champlin in November, 1940.
Mary and Dave moved to California in 1942. She was actively involved with her family at Saint Albins Episcopal Church, Scouting as a Den Mother, Cotillion, PTA, camping, sailing and gardening.
In 1980 Mary and her family moved to San Juan Island where they became involved with Saint David’s, The San Juan Island Yacht Club, and the Jazz Festival. She was a kind and loving person, and will be missed by many.
Mary leaves behind her beloved husband of 70 years, David; their children, David L. (Bev), Janet, and Richard; grandchildren, Andrea and Adam; great granddaughter Alexis; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 29, 2010 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. David’s Mortgage Elimination Campaign, Friday Harbor EMT’s, or Friday Harbor Animal Shelter.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.
