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Michael Hall
July 23, 1953 ~ July 4, 2011
Michael was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but grew up in Minnesota.
He joined the Navy with the expectation of seeking adventure on the high seas and in exotic ports around the world.
He spent 1 week at sea in U.S. waters, and that was the extent of his adventures with the Navy.
Michael was extremely smart and excelled in engineering, computers and anything electronic.
He was always experimenting with different devices and making new items.
He was constantly upgrading stereo, television, and computer equipment.
He had several inventions that were patented and are still in use today.
Michael had a passion for music.
His collection of CDs was eclectic and vast.
He loved movies and enjoyed going to our local movie theater.
He had a large collection of DVDs.
In his life, an excellent entertainment center was mandatory.
Michael moved to Friday Harbor in 1996 from Minnesota.
The only people he knew here were his mother and her husband.
He arrived in a huge Oldsmobile covered in dirt and grime from the long drive.
Michael soon made his way to Rock Island Technology Solutions to sign up for Internet service.
It quickly became apparent to Mike Greene, the owner of Rock Island, that Michael had great knowledge and experience with computer systems.
Michael was soon working full time at Rock Island.
He was instrumental in designing and developing many of the services that Rock Island customers and clients use to this day.
Michael was well known at many of our local cafés since he went out to eat breakfast every day.
He was easy to spot due to his severely curved spine (a type of painful rheumatoid arthritis) and the presence of his blue and gold macaw, Cosmo, on his arm.
Michael was very modest about his accomplishments.
He was a caring and giving person.
Mike Greene is correct in saying that Michael was a real gem.
Ron Hall, Michael’s brother, stated that Friday Harbor was the place where Michael was accepted, respected, and loved for the special man he was.
He will be greatly missed by his Rock Island family, his clients, his animal family at F.H. Pet Supplies, his friends with whom he played trivia, and all the people in our community who knew Michael.
Michael is survived by his brother, Ron Hall, who resides in Minnesota, plus 3 birds and 1 cat.
Anyone wishing to give a donation in Michael Hall’s name may do so at our local Animal Shelter.
Alan Benjamin Vaines
February 2, 1931 ~ June 9, 2011
Alan Benjamin Vaines was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England on February 2, 1931 and died in Friday Harbor, Washington on June 9, 2011.
After serving 2 years in the Royal Air Force, he followed his brother Ronald to Canada.
He then went on to California, moving from Malibu to San Jose.
His social life was spent in San Francisco where he met and married Pat.
After many happy years in Los Gatos and San Anselmo, they arrived in Friday Harbor on August 5, 1981.
Alan found life on San Juan Island as near to perfection as anyone could hope for.
He was a realtor, and served on the Planning Commission for six years.
He also served as President of the Lions Club and spent 20 years with the Yacht Club.
Exploring England, France, and British Columbia brought Alan many joyful times.
Alan’s wife of 45 years, Pat, will miss his humor, integrity, smile and love.
His courage through two hard years was unbounding.
He leaves behind two nephews: Peter Vaines on Vancouver Island, and Michael Vaines in England.
A memorial service will be held at Saint David’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
George Norman Goff
July 5, 1934 - April 3, 2011
George Norman Goff, 76, of Burlington, WA died Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his home, with his family at his side.
He was born on July 5, 1934 in Denver, Colorado.
The son of Hayle and Elizabeth (Davis) Hoffman.
George grew up in Hay Springs, Nebraska and following graduation from high school; he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country.
George married his high school sweetheart, Betty Johnson.
George worked for the power company in Hay Springs and in 1962 the couple moved to Friday Harbor, where he worked for Orcas Power and Light Cooperative for 34 years.
In 1973 George and several others were instrumental in starting football at Friday Harbor High School.
He was very involved in all sports whether it be coaching or refereeing.
George enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing.
He was a 40 year member of the American Legion and an original member of the Booster Club in Friday Harbor, where he and Betty enjoyed working the Steak Fry’s at the County Fair.
George loved serving his country in the 50’s and his family his whole life. He will truly be missed!
George is survived by his wife, Betty; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Marilyn Goff; daughter, Becky Marsh, and grandchildren and spouses, Justin and Rachael Marsh, Rachel Goff, Travis Goff, Kerri Goff; and great-grandchildren, Steven and Abbey Marsh.
A celebration of George’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the American Legion in Friday Harbor.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.
Miriam R. Bryant
1923 ~ 2011
Miriam R. Bryant passed away quietly surrounded by her family on Sept.12, after a brief illness.
She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Miriam will always be remembered for her spunk, fun loving nature, her ability to make friends and her devotion to her family.
Born in 1923 on a farm in the vast prairie of Medicine Hat Alberta, to George Peterson and Verna Castle.
Her Mother Verna chose to leave the cold winters in Alberta by migrating.
Miriam arrived with her Grandparents and Mother at the tender age of 1 year old to Portland Oregon.
She remained in the Portland/Vancouver area most of her life, retiring with her 2nd husband Ray to Bellingham in 1995.
She moved to Friday Harbor in 2008 to be near family.
During her career as a bookkeeper and later as a microfilm operator, she worked during World War II for KGW/KEX radio, later for Moore Dry Kiln and finally Multnomah County in Oregon.
She was a lover of dancing winning many swing contests in her early years.
After retirement, she spent many summers in her beloved Alaska caring for her grandsons and being chief cook and bottle washer during the commercial fishing season.
Both her 1st husband James Danaher, the love of her life, and her 2nd husband of 35 years, Raymond Bryant, predeceased her.
Miriam is survived by her daughter Lynn Danaher of Friday Harbor, her grandson Ryan Bennett of Friday Harbor, her grandson Brook Bennett and great grand children Ellie and Dashel of New York City, and many wonderful friends.
“She was in every way the Mother she always wished she had been raised by”
A Celebration of Life for Miriam is planned for Sunday Oct. 2, 5 PM at the Mullis Center, in Friday Harbor.
This is a celebration, so please wear bright colors!!
There will be food and drink.
Please bring a story or memory to share, or just join in the celebration of a cherished life, truly enjoyed and full of love.
Miriam was a lovingly cared for by Joan Byrne till the end, also a special thanks to Hospice and the caring staff at the Village of the Harbor.
Miriam was a lover of all pets, she was never without dog and/or a cat so please in lieu of flowers please donate to the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, 1111 Shelter Road, or our local SJ Hospice at PO Box 1434, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Ann Walbert-Yelverton
May 25, 1930 ~ August 23, 2011
Ann Walbert-Yelverton died at her home near Friday Harbor on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011.
She had suffered from the effects of ovarian cancer.
Ann was born to Nelson and Gladys Cummins in Dix, Illinois, on May 25, 1930, and was raised on her family’s country property where they grew and shipped apples.
While she was still a child she developed a passion and talent for art.
Art became the focus of her interests and shaped her life.
After high school in Mount Vernon, Ill., she enrolled at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. where she received a degree in fine art, graduating in 1952.
She received additional training at the Chicago Art Institute.
Ann began her professional career as a commercial artist and then taught painting and sculpture at the Wheaton, Illinois high school.
Ann and her late husband, Richard Walbert, lived for many years in Chicago before moving to Carmel, Calif., upon Richard’s retirement in 1984.
In Carmel, Ann established the Ann Walbert Studio and she became one of the leading painters in that vibrant art community.
She gained particular recognition for her “atmospheric abstract” paintings, a signature style that offers reflective expressionist treatment of landscapes.
She also created scores of realistic plein aire and still life paintings.
Most of her work was executed in oil on canvas, though she did many watercolor paintings as well.
Richard Walbert died in 2002.
She married Jack Yelverton in 2006 when Ann and Jack moved from Carmel to Friday Harbor.
In addition to her husband, Ann is survived by her son, Scott Meyers, her daughter-in-law, Brigit Waring, and granddaughters Lindsey and Jamie, who reside on Lopez Island.
She is also survived by her brother, Dr. James Cummins and his wife Cindy of Knoxville, Tenn.
Ann was recognized as a painter of atmospheric abstract works through the many scores of her canvases that hang in private collections throughout the country and the many works that are owned by residents of San Juan Island.
She was equally adept at realism; her landscapes, still-life works and portraits are widely admired.
Ann was known for her strong use of color and mastery of brushwork as well as bold composition.
A commemorative showing of her work will be held at the Island Museum of Art in October, and a memorial service in her honor will be held at the museum at that time.
Wilma Denise Munsey
December 27, 1936 ~ July 20, 2011
Born Wilma Akers on December 27, 1936 in Everett, Wilma passed away suddenly on July 20, 2011 at her home in Friday Harbor.
She leaves behind her loving husband Tom Munsey, children Craig and Grant Arno and Denise (Robert) Gamboa; stepchildren David (Jennifer), Curtis (Jennifer), and Rebecca Border; grandchildren Elizabeth, Ben, and Victoria Arno, Alex and Glen Gamboa, Logan, Colby, Sarah, and Christopher Border; and several nieces and nephews.
Wilma was an active organizer in every community in which she ever lived.
Over the years she led scout troops, church groups, support groups, and other volunteer activities too numerous to list.
She earned her college degree in Technical Writing at age 60 in Manassas, VA, and put it to use writing, among other things, a gardening column in the Friday Harbor newspaper.
She was past president of both Garden Club and Horticultural Society, coordinator for San Juan County Cancer Support Group, and leader of the Cancer Incidence Mapping Project.
She had organized annual plantings at the formal garden and Pig War Reenactments at English Camp, was active in the county fair, and was proud to reinstate the printed fair booklet this year.
She also worked on the County Salary Commission.
Her professional life was equally varied, from dental receptionist to career counselor to owner of an employment agency.
However, her first priority was always family and home.
She was a great cook, and enjoyed gardening and decorating.
She always liked to look her best in company. And she loved giving gifts!
Her family and friends will dearly miss her warmth and generosity. She gave her everything to everyone.
Wilma was preceded in death by parents Ivan Akers and Lois VanLaningham Akers, brother Jack Akers, sister Patricia Mills, and nephew Mark Mills.
Family and friends are invited to a gathering at noon on Saturday, July 30 at Mullis Senior Center, 589 Nash St., Friday Harbor, WA.
There will be a brief eulogy and we hope people will bring memories to share, and then a light buffet lunch.
Shuttles will be available for ferry walk-ons. Wilma loved hats, so feel free to wear one if you wish.
Patty Ann (Patt) Leake
November 11, 1951 ~ March 20, 20111
Born in Mt. Vernon, Washington to Vernon and Freida Stoney Leake, Patt died suddenly March 20, 2011.
She was the great grand daughter of Island Pioneers James and Adeline King and was raised in Friday Harbor.
She graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1969.
After attending Western Washington State College, she graduated from McDonald’s School of Beauty.
Patt worked as a hairdresser in the Seattle area for twenty-five years, returning to the Island in 1996 where she held various jobs.
Patt loved her dogs, NASCAR, music, writing poetry and studying genealogy.
She was preceded in death by her sister Sally Jo Leake, her parents, aunts and uncles Hollis and Marjorie Hassell, Howard and Marie Dean and Selma Stoney.
Patt is survived by Wendy, Dave and Marc Picinich of Friday Harbor and Jill Picinich Whitfield of Las Vegas.
Remembrances may be made to the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, PO Box 1355 Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
A graveside service will be held July 30 at 1:00 pm at the San Juan Valley Cemetery.
A reception will follow at the home of Dave & Wendy Picinich, 780 Harbor Street.
Kristy Wade-Carlson
April 1, 1951 ~ September 22, 2011
Kristy passed away peacefully the evening of September 22nd after a courageous battle with cancer, her loving family at her side.
A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church Saturday, October 8th at 2pm, graveside services to follow.
A good ole' fashioned island potluck to be held at the Grange Hall directly after the graveside memorial, to continue the celebration of Kristy's life.
Larry Allan Chamberlain
August 19th, 1943 ~ August 22, 2011
Larry Allan Chamberlain, 68, passed away at home in Friday Harbor, WA on Monday, August 22, 2011.
Larry was born on August 19th, 1943, in Janesville, WI to Samuel E. and Mildred M. Chamberlain.
He graduated from Janesville Senior High in 1961.
Following his graduation, Larry joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Tactical Navigator on an SP -5B seaplane with Patrol Squadron 40, stationed in the Philippines.
On August 7th, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Janet Speers.
In the middle of a successful career in the machine tool industry, Larry decided to pursue his dream of building a sailboat and living aboard with his family.
In 1978, Larry, Janet, and their two children moved from Indiana to Bothell, WA where they spent the next three years building a 38 foot double-ended ketch.
In 1981, the Chamberlain family moved aboard their boat, Rainbow, and sailed to the San Juan Islands, making their home in Friday Harbor.
Over the next 30 years, Larry pursued many professional interests, including running his own machine shop, building two houseboats, product development and manufacturing, researching and writing patents, and, for the last several years, working for Browne’s Home Center in contractor services.
Larry enjoyed sailing, fishing, camping, hunting, and working in his shop, and he never missed an opportunity to tell a story.
However, the greatest joy in his life was his wife, his children, and his five grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet Chamberlain of Friday Harbor, his daughter, Jennifer Cutshall, her husband Neil, their children Ransom (16), Nathaniel (13) and Isaac (2) of Snohomish, WA, his son, Wolfgang Chamberlain, his wife Erika Zanobini, their children Noah (5) and Achille (2) currently living in New Zealand, a brother, Gary Chamberlain and a sister, Penelope Dunn, both of Edgerton, WI.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th at 1:00 pm at the San Juan Island Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to the San Juan Sailing Foundation, P.O. Box 2464, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Charles Lee Roberson
October 11, 1934 ~ September 11, 2011
Charles Lee Roberson, 76, passed peacefully on September 11, 2011 in Juneau, Alaska.
His daughter Kim Lanz and dear friend Joann Williams were by his side.
Chuck was born and raised in Bellingham, Wash.
He graduated from Bellingham High School and went on to Skagit Valley Junior College, Everett Junior College, and later to Western Washington University, where he met Nancy Bergeson.
The two married in 1956 and had seven children, moving with their young family to Friday Harbor, Wash. in 1968.
Chuck worked at King’s Market and later operated his own grocery store, Roberson's Market, with Nancy.
It was a family affair, with the kids working in the store right alongside him.
They later purchased The Lower Tavern, which became Charlie's Tavern, a popular spot with locals and visitors alike.
During this time, Chuck also worked with local artist Marjorie Walker in her False Bay studio, painting and making pottery, often with the kids in tow.
Always one for adventure, Chuck would often load up the family and take off on road trips, near and far.
In 1974, Chuck moved to Alaska.
He became a restaurateur with the Hathaway Corporation, with restaurants and lounges in Juneau, Valdez (during the pipeline days) and Soldotna.
There Chuck met and married Elaine Garrett.
They shared a creative spirit and started a small business, Eluk Enterprises, selling their handmade, pressed flower greeting cards and Alaska souvenirs.
Chuck went on to work on the Alaska Marine Highway in 1980 until retirement in 1995.
He and Elaine enjoyed spending their time traveling around Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico until Elaine's passing in 1996.
Chuck joined the Juneau Moose Lodge 700 in 1990 and the Alaska Panhandle Moose Legion 215 shortly thereafter.
His most recent undertaking was chairman of the AHMA hospitality room at the International Moose Convention in Anaheim, Calif. this past summer.
He solicited funds from 12 different Moose organizations in the state of Alaska, along with contributions of wild game sausages, shrimp, crab and smoked salmon, bringing a true Alaska flair to the event.
It was a great success and praised by all who attended.
Chuck was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Eagles Lodge.
Chuck loved traveling both for the Moose Lodge and for personal enjoyment, taking trips across the country and as far away as Europe and Mexico.
Chuck was an amazing man full of adventure, creativity, and a keen sense of humor.
He will be missed deeply by his many friends and family.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Lola (Hopkins) Roberson, sister Arlene, Nancy (Bergeson Roberson) Adkins, and Elaine (Garrett) Roberson. He is survived by his children, Kim Lanz of Juneau, Alaska; Kerri, John and Jeff (Tracy) Roberson of Friday Harbor, Wash.; Lisa (Greg) Beckt of Stanwood, Wash.; Lola (Mike) Gallagher of Ellensburg, Wash.; Andy (Susanna) Roberson of Naperville, Illinois; sister Jackie (Bob) Pappas of Bellevue, Wash. and brother Steve (Beth) Roberson of Bellingham, Wash.; grandchildren Oren, Austin and Coltin Lanz, Sarah, Aymee and Rebecca Warner, Cory Roberson, Dylan and Nick Roberson, Travis and Carson Beckt, Aidan and Finn Gallagher, Katie and Luke Roberson; great grandchildren Katlynn and Carol Lanz, and Dimas Warner; and Joann Williams of Juneau, Alaska.
A memorial service will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at the Juneau Moose Lodge, 8335 Airport Blvd, Juneau, Alaska 99801.
