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Sestrap, Robert Saturday, 12 Jul 2003
Robert Sestrap, a farmer, inventor, and islander, died July 12, 2003, in Seattle, Wash. He was 83 years old.
Mr. Sestrap was born to Mart and Emma Sestrap on Jan. 31, 1920, in Eckville, Alberta Canada.
Mr. Sestrap was widely known for his inventions and innovations.
His early training began as a child in his father’s farm blacksmith shop. When he was 7 years old, his father died, and then his older sisters furthered his education by bringing him mechanical erector sets to experiment with. His first working machine was a steam engine, using his mother’s teakettle.
In his early teens he took over the family farm management and his innovations in farming methods began. Observing the dust storms that were stripping the topsoil, he began 5-year crop rotations that saved the soils and increased crop yields four-fold.
His method of raising and harvesting alfalfa, previously unsuccessfully done by others; and of making and using silage for cattle feed, previously not done in Alberta, had far-reaching effects on Canadian agriculture.
The news of his unique hay-harvesting methods traveled all the way to Tasmania and was discovered in use there by the Sestrap family on an Australian vacation trip.
During World War II, with no farm help available, Robert worked his farm alone, using systems of levers and joints to operate his tractor and other machinery by remote control, doing the work of four men himself.
Robert met Betsy Wax when the Wax family made a vacation trip to the Eckville community in 1946. A year later, in late 1947, they married
.
Robert and Betsy settled on his grain and cattle ranch in Alberta, Canada.
After three years of commuting back and forth, caring for the Canadian ranch and helping with the Wax cherry orchards, it became obvious that the Vashon orchards needed them the most urgently.
In 1951 Robert turned the care of his ranch over to his neighboring family in Alberta and the couple moved to Vashon permanently. Coincidently, Betsy’s father, August Wax, died later that same year.
Robert left behind a Canadian life of community involvement: Secretary of Farmers Union; Board of Directors for the Eckville community cooperative businesses; helping neighbors with sick animals. (Robert, the amateur vet).
Mr. Sestrap’s move to Vashon Island gave him the opportunity to work and invent in 12 months of good weather — no more minus 40-degree winter freezes.
In 1963, he built the fruit processing and freezer plant that allowed him the chance to invent and build machinery to his heart’s content. His inventions were always logical and simple, and they worked. Over his lifetime, he produced more than 70 inventions.
Mr. Sestrap and his wife became a team — she designed products and he designed and built the special machines and methods to make them. Their first introduction was fresh apple cider, with year-round production with his special methods. The first juice- makers to blend different varieties together — the cider and mixed juice blends were freshly made every week. And they still are.
In 1981 he pioneered new methods of making preserves without refined sugar for national distribution. He also discovered a pruning method that extended the bearing life of the cherry orchards by 20 years.
In 1985, he founded and sponsored the Western Cascade Fruit Society, for the purpose of distributing authentic fruit growing information for West-of-the-Cascades fruit growing to a community dependent on Eastern Washington teachings that don’t apply in Western Washington. That organization has grown to many chapters of deeply interested hobby- scientists, who also contribute to the WSU experiment station at Mt. Vernon.
Most rewarding to him was his interaction with the young people who worked with him. Many of them learned about responsibility and how to make things work from him.
When he built what is now Vashon Athletic Club, he hired welders from the Vashon High School welding class to work on the tilt-up concrete walls, getting the students certified to do the job. The class received received a 100 percent “Pass, ” versus about 25 percent defects on the professional welds on the new high school building being built at that time, his family recalls.
Mrs. Sestrap was a member of Preserve Land for Agriculture Now (PLAN), an urban organization that successfully worked for Open Space in King County.
He was always curious — an “information-o-holic.”
A prolific writer, Robert wrote letters to editors, to politicians and he wrote fascinating stories and memoirs for future generations.
Survivors include his wife Betsy, children Anna Swain, August Sestrap, Kathy Sestrap, and grandchildren Erin, Hilary, and Tyler Swain, Asta Sestrap, and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada.
Services were July 19 at the Island Funeral Service Chapel, with interment at Vashon cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association, P.O. Box 723, Vashon, Wash. 98070.
Habbestad, June Helen Sunday, 21 Dec 2003
June Helen Habbestad died Dec. 21, 2003, at home, after experiencing declining health. She was 74 years old.
She was born March 21, 1929, on Vashon to John and Clara Habbestad.
She attended Columbia Grade School on Vashon.
After graduating from Vashon High School, she worked at Puget Sound Light Company for some years until she went to Trinity Bible School in Minneapolis. She attended Trinity for two years, transferred to Seattle Pacific University and received a Bachelor’s degree in teaching. She taught in the Highline School District as a substitute and one year as a full time teacher.
She departed for Japan in August 1957 to minister and serve the Lord through her work at Christian Academy of Japan (CAJ), north of Tokyo, arriving in time to start the school year. She taught elementary students, worked in the school library; directed multiple school plays, worked with the school cheerleaders, and ministered at Joy Bible Camp.
She retired in 1994 after 37 years at Christian Academy.
After her retirement, she worked with the alumni to maintain contact and kept in touch with the students who now live and work and around the world.
Survivors include five brothers and three sisters: Bernard and Gertrude Habbestad and John and Karen Habbestad of Spokane, Wash; Clarence and Esther, Seattle; David and Jan Habbestad of Monroe, Ore.; Alvin Habbestad of Vashon, Sylvia and Wilburn Taylor of Franklin Park, Ill.; Sharon and Duane Kern of Fergus Falls, Minn; and Alice and Robert Richard of Issaquah.
Her friends and family say she lived a full life involved with others and keeping in contact with the people she knew and had worked with. Her mailbox was always full.
Memorials may be sent to Bethel Evangelical Free Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 725, Vashon, or charity of choice.
Hoffman, Dale Lorraine Wednesday, 17 Dec 2003
Dale Lorraine Hoffmann died Dec. 17, 2003, in Olympia, Wash. She was 64 years old.
Ms. Hoffmann was born Sept. 6, 1939, in Willimantic, Conn., to Oscar and Dorothy Hoffman.
She graduated from Vashon High School in 1958.
She retired after 30 years of service with the Xerox Corporation in California and Washington.
Her father and brother Edward died earlier.
Survivors include her mother Dorothy, brothers Daniel, Ronald and Ricky Hoffmann, sisters-in-law Karen, Christine, Penny and JoAnn, and many nephews and nieces.
She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend, her family says.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 492, Yelm, Wash. 98597, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kenab, Utah, 84741-5000.
Chalmers, Jr., William L. Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003
William “Bill” L. Chalmers died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, at Life Care Center of West Seattle. He was 77 years old.
He was born Dec. 24, 1925, to William Sr. and Jessie Eleanor Chalmers in Linton, Ore.
Mr. Chalmers was a resident of Vashon Island from 1960 to 1994. He was an active volunteer with youth as a Little League coach, Youth Track and Field coach and organizer, as well as founder of the Vashon Island Archery Club that was active in the 1960s and 70s. He was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Vashon Island Sportmen’s Club and the Veterans of Foreign War #2628 on Vashon.
Mr. Chalmers, a U.S. Army WWII Veteran, was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for his service to our country.
He retired to live in Ocean Shores, Wash., after the death of his wife of 44 years, Patricia A. Chalmers in 1994.
Survivors include his daughter Cynthia Chalmers-Matusky and son-in-law Fredrick Matusky of Vashon Island, son Jack Chalmers and daughter-in-law Theresa M. Lamb of San Francisco, Calif., and grandchildren Brian and Colleen Chalmers also of San Francisco, Calif.
No services were planned.
Meyer, Molly Yvonne Norton Saturday, 22 Nov 2003
Molly Yvonne Norton Meyer died Nov. 22, 2003, in University Place. She was 68 years old.
She was born Nov. 26, 1934, in Seattle.
She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Richard R. Meyer, her children Richard, Mark and wife Bonnie, her grandchildren Jeffrey, Marissa, and Michelle, her brother Robert Norton, Jr., sisters Patricia Ann Johnson and Susan Craighead, and her Yorkie, Tasha.
A son Scott and grandson Erik died earlier.
A service was held at the Olympic View Baptist Church in University Place.
Bard, Mary Alice Sunday, 18 Jan 2004
Mary Alice Bard, 82, of Vashon Island, Wa., passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Wa., after a courageous 2-year battle with lung cancer.
Mary was born on Feb. 12, 1921 to Garfield and Mary Ann Miller in Boscobel, Wisconsin. After her high school graduation in 1939, the family moved west and settled on Vashon Island.
In 1940 she married
George Schoeppel and they had four children. They divorced in 1952 and she later married
S.C. (Cleve) Bard and they had two sons.
Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was an excellent cook and baker. In earlier years she had a large vegetable garden and raised beautiful roses. She also loved to bowl and had many hobbies, among them making beautiful ceramics and was an avid painter, becoming a juried artist.
In later years, Mary was a volunteer at the Vashon Island Senior Center, and was a regular at the Saturday night bingo game. She also enjoyed her trips to Reno with her friends and family.
Mary was preceded in death by both of her husbands and all of her brothers and sisters.
Mary is survived by her children: John and Juanita Schoeppel of Vashon; Pam and Jim Bartoy of Puyallup, Wa.; Bruce and Sharon Schoeppel of Vashon; Susie and Doug Henry of Vaughn, Wa.; James and Suzette Bard of North Bend, Wa.; Sam and Kate Bard of Vashon; and 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and loved her.
Remembrances to Vashon Senior Center, P.O. Box 848, Vashon, 98070, or to a charity of your choice.
Baird, Dorothy I. Friday, 16 Jan 2004
Dorothy I. Baird died Jan. 16, 2004, in Edmonds, Wash. She was 86 years old.
She was born Dec. 4, 1917, in Tacoma, Wash. to Peter and Anna (Foss) Petersen.
She was raised on Vashon and remained a resident into her early 20s. She attended college and then returned to Vashon to teach. She had lied on Vashon some 30 years of her life.
Her husband of 47 years Earl D. Baird died in 1996.
Survivors include her daughter Dorothee Earlene Baird of Shoreline, Wash., sons Peter Baird of Shoreline, and BradleeBaird of Ferryville, Wis. Her brother the Rev. Harvey Petersen of Bellingham, and sisters: Norma Edwards of Lynnwood, and Esther Scherich of Chicago, Ill. and 10 grandchildren also survive.
Visitation will be today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Evergreen-Washelli. Call (206) 362-5200 for directions.
A celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan 22, at University Presbyterian Church 4540 15th Ave. N.E., in Seattle.
Memorial contributions preferred to Provail, 3670 Stoneway N., Seattle, Wash. 98103.
Plancich, Jerry V. Wednesday, 14 Jan 2004
Jerry V. Plancich died in his sleep Jan. 14, 2004, after a short illness. He was 73 years old.
Mr. Plancich was born to Lucas Sr. and Effie Plancich on May 29, 1930. He was the sixth child out of 11 children. Jerry was born, raised and lived his life in Dockton, where he and his wife Betty raised four children.
Starting at the age of 14, Jerry fished commercially with his dad, and later his boys fished with him in Alaska and on Puget Sound.
After semi-retirement, he still worked on the water but enjoyed working in the garden and yard with his wife.
Every year he looked forward to his trip to Mexico and having the Plancich family and friends reunion at his home.
People who knew Jerry will remember him as someone who was always there when others needed help.
His brother Dick and son Mark died earlier.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Betty, their children Gerald and wife Debbie, Greg and Marcie, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Other survivors include his brothers Luke, Bob, Gordon, Mike, Allen and Russ, and his sisters Vivian, DeeDee and Iona.
A reception for family and friends will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall.
Anyone wishing to send to donations should send them to the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association, P.O. Box 723, Vashon, Wash. 98070 or the Vashon Island Paramedics Fund, P.O. Box 1150, Vashon, Wash. 98070.
Rockness, Bertha J. Sunday, 11 Jan 2004
Bertha J. Rockness, of Lynnwood, Wash., died on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. She was 91 years old.
She was born on Vashon Island, Wash., on Nov. 21, 1912, to Hilda and Conrad Andersen. She grew up and attended schools on Vashon Island, graduating from Vashon Island High School. She attended Seattle Pacific College and was employed for several years at Tacoma General Hospital.
On Sept. 8, 1935, she married
Omar A. Rockness, who died in October 2001. They spent 66 wonderful years together.
Mrs. Rockness is remembered by her family as a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She was an accomplished seamstress and used her skills for many years sewing for missionary families at Emmanuel Church. She also enjoyed cooking and opening her home to family and friends, hosting many functions for youth and missionary activities of the church and the Cove Missionary Society.
In later years, her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great joy to her, and she spent many hours knitting, crocheting and praying for them.
Survivors include her two sons Charles A. Rockness and Howard O. Rockness, and her two daughters Joyce Sutherland and Charlene Knapp. Other survivors include one brother Clifford Anderson and one sister Charlotte Mommsen, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service was Thursday, Jan. 15, at Vashon Island cemetery followed by a memorial service at Aurora Church of the Nazarene in Seattle.
