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MacDonald, Andrew Monday, 06 Nov 2006
Andrew G. MacDonald was born in Seattle on Nov. 27, 1986. He died Nov. 6, 2006, while on a hunting trip on Mt. Rainier with cousins and uncles when he was swept into the Cowlitz River after the riverbank collapsed beneath his pickup truck.
Mr. MacDonald graduated from Highline High School in 2005. He was Junior Class President, Freshman Prince and Homecoming King. He was involved in leadership, played soccer, wrestled and managed the girls’ soccer team. He was also voted student with the best laugh.
Mr. MacDonald attended OSC through the school district, where he trained to pursue his firefighting career. During that time he earned his EMT certificate on Vashon Island, and in November 2005 he graduated from the Black Diamond Firefighting Academy. His passion was to become a firefighter, but he worked full-time in the construction industry while working toward that goal.
Mr. MacDonald had many friends of all ages, who remember “Andy Mac’s” sense of humor and his big bear hugs that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He had a profound love for God and his country, and he wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he thought was right.
He was a moral person who often committed random acts of kindness, including buying breakfast for a homeless person and helping strangers push a disabled car out of the road. Mr. MacDonald was always eager to help others in need.
From the age of two, Mr. MacDonald was a passionate Seahawks fan. He loved skateboarding, snowboarding, playing soccer, camping with the Merrell family on the Oregon coast, playing with his dog Gunner and spending time with “his girl” Andi.
Mr. MacDonald is survived by a loving family that includes his parents John and Becky MacDonald; sister Kelly; grandparents Bruce and Marilyn Fox and Gordon and Gloria MacDonald; uncles Bruce, Mike, Darren, Marty, Don Z. and Don W.; aunts Sheila, Lois, Diane, Lisa, Kathy, Mary and Leslie; cousins Sarah, Alex, Carl, Stuart, Paul, Thomas, Julie, Drew, Bryce, David, Kate, Stacie, Scott, Barrett and Clarice and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to King County Firefighters Association.
Scanlon, Michael L. Thursday, 02 Nov 2006
Services for Michael L. Scanlon of Vashon will be at 2:30 p.m. today, Nov. 8, at the West Seattle Senior Center, California Ave. S.W. and S.W. Oregon St.
Mr Scanlon died Nov. 2 at his assisted living home on Beacon Hill in Seattle.
He is survived by his wife Jodi and children Victoria and Max.
Hertzog, Richard Ernest Tuesday, 31 Oct 2006
Richard Ernest Hertzog died Oct. 31, 2006, at the age of 80 at the Franciscan Systems Hospice House in University Place after several months battle with multiple myloma (bone cancer).
Mr. Hertzog was born Aug. 14, 1926, in Salem, Ore., and as the son of a Methodist minister attended school in a variety of eastern Oregon and southern Idaho communities.
In 1945 he quit school to join the Navy and received his GED from Twin Falls High School following his discharge.
Mr. Hertzog spent his working life as an aeromechanic for Boeing and later as a joiner at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
Mr. Hertzog moved to Vashon Island with his wife Nanci in October 1956 and built a home on the beach at Dockton, where they resided until it was destroyed in a winter storm in January 1997.
A man who loved to fly, be it in little airplanes or down ski hills, Mr. Hertzog will be remembered by family and close friends sometime later this winter at Seventh Heaven at the Stevens Pass Ski Area.
Survivors include his wife Nanci of Orting, one brother, Donald of Lacey, one sister, Hellen Johnson of Des Moines, Wash. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House, 290I Bridgeport Way, 98466-4631, University Place, Wash.
Simpson, Patricia Caraher Saturday, 14 Oct 2006
Patricia Caraher Simpson died Oct. 14, 2006, leaving a lasting imprint on her family and the many friends and relatives whose lives she touched. Born Jan. 7, 1923, she was 86 years old.
Vashon Island was her Roots and she will be buried there on Saturday, Oct. 21. A graveside service will be followed by a celebration of her life at the family home at Manzanita Beach. Family and friends are invited. Contact Vashon Funeral Home for details.
Mrs. Caraher Simpson’s ties to Vashon go back over a century to 1900 when her grandparents, Nels and Christina Mattson, came to Vashon. They had immigrated from Denmark in the late 1800s and arrived on the Island shortly after the turn of the century. They settled on Maury Island establishing a farm that straddled the land immediately south of Portage, having Quartermaster Harbor and Tramp Harbor as its boundaries. The home sat on top of a big hill; its foundation is still visible today.
Mrs. Caraher Simpson’s mother Ada, the youngest of 11 children, was raised at the Portage farm. In the early 1900s Ada married
Ralph Malone and Patricia was the fourth of their five children. About 1920 Ralph and Ada Malone began construction of what was to become known as The Homestead, a small home on the Quartermaster waterfront. This home remains in the extended family today.
Mrs. Caraher Simpson was educated in Seattle but spent her summers on the Island at The Homestead. In 1950 she moved to Vashon with her husband Mike Caraher to live year round. They raised their family of five children near The Homestead at Portage.
It was during this era that the family started the annual tradition of the 4th of July fireworks. Later, in the early 1980s, her son Jim Caraher and nephew Michael Malone rekindled the tradition, involving the Vashon Businessmen’s Association. Thanks to others the tradition has remained an important part of the Vashon Community.
Mrs. Caraher Simpson was also an integral player in the formation of the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club. With her husband Mike, who was the founding president, she spent many hours formulating the foundation of the club. She was recently honored at the 40th anniversary of the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club as one of the original founding members.
Mrs. Caraher Simpson was preceded in death by her husbands Mike Caraher and John Simpson, her son Thomas Caraher and granddaughter Anne Caraher. She is survived by her sister Betty Smith; children Suzan Hartley, Judi Williams, Jim Caraher, Kathy Caraher and Rene Simpson Harn. She also leaves behind a loving extended family and many friends.
Young, George A. Saturday, 30 Sep 2006
George Archibald “Blackie” Young was born in Lander, Wyo. March 7, 1922. He died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at Vashon Community Care Center in Vashon, Wash. He was 84 years old.
Mr. Young was the son of James and Marguerite (Shumard) Young. He left home at the age of 14 to begin a life of many adventures. While hoboing around the country, he came upon a traveling circus where he quietly made friends with the elephants. A boss saw how well he got along with the elephants and offered him a job.
At age 17, Mr. Young lied about his age and enlisted in the Army. He was sent to France during World War II and was in the second wave that landed on Omaha Beach. He bore a scar on his chest where was wounded by an enemy’s bayonet.
When Mr. Young returned to the states, he went back to work for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. His favorite elephant was named “One Eyed Babe.” Mr. Young and his elephants were extras in a couple of the Johnny Weismueller “Tarzan” films, and he can be seen dressed as a native in a scene in “Elephant Walk” starring Elizabeth Taylor.
Mr. Young later went to work for a California company that acquired exotic animals for zoos and movies. He assisted with the transfer of the animals from Africa and Thailand to California. In Africa he met Zulu warriors and chiefs. The masks and spears they gave him as gifts were some of his greatest treasures.
The only injury Mr. Young received while working with elephants occurred when he got between Babe and the wall of a railroad car and something scared the elephant. He was squished against the wall and suffered four broken ribs and a broken collarbone.
Mr. Young came to Camp Burton in 1981, where he was groundskeeper until his retirement at the age of 80. He never married
or had children, but he is survived by his adopted family Scott, Christy, Aaron and Chelsey Calhoun of Vashon; Kathleen Hendrickson of Vashon; Sandy Mattara, owner of the Burton Store, Vashon; and many co-workers and friends.
Mr. Young was a generous man who helped anyone in need. His hobbies included woodcarving, pen and ink drawing, making wooden birdhouses, model railroading and playing the pan flute.
Friends say Mr. Young loved Vashon and was devoted to his family and friends here.
A celebration of his life will be held at Camp Burton at a date to be announced.
“We’ll have good food, country western music, and remember George with laughter and tears, ” said a friend.
Shride, Philip R. Thursday, 28 Sep 2006
Philip Richard Shride was born on Vashon Island March 30, 1948. He died in Seattle Sept. 28, 2006.
Mr. Shride graduated from Vashon High School in 1965. He lived in downtown Seattle where he worked for the Seattle YMCA and was recently elected to the Frye Hotel tenant council.
Mr. Shride is survived by his parents Bonnie and Richard Shride, two sisters, Colleen McClure and Joanne Wind and a large extended family.
At his request there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Island Funeral Service.
Bertus, Cleston A. Wednesday, 13 Sep 2006
Cleston Albert Bertus, 93, retired Lewistown, Mont, assistant chief of police, died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at Vashon Community Care Center in Vashon, Wash.
He was born Jan. 14, 1913. in Moccasin, Mont. to Albert Martin and Lizzie (Jones) Bertus. The family farmed near Benchland, Mont., and he received his early schooling there and later in Lewistown, Mont. after his family moved in 1923.
As a young man, he worked on threshing crews, for the railroad, as a ranch hand, and a welder. He helped build and paint many central Montana area grain elevators.
He loved motorcycles and was hired by the Lewistown police department as a motorcycle officer in 1949, Harley and all. His police duties also included volunteer fireman, ambulance driver and walking a beat.
He enjoyed flying airplanes, playing the drums, working crossword puzzles and was a baseball umpire. In 1991 he and wife Margaret moved to Vashon.
His parents died earlier, as did his first wife of 31 years, Eva, in 1965, his younger brothers Clifford (Amy), in 1974 and Chester (Virginia), 1976, and his second wife of 24 years, Margaret, in 1993.
Survivors include his son Cleston L. Bertus, daughter Holly Zapel, stepsons Lee and James Langford, foster daughter Sheila Dennison, grandchildren Matt and Nicole Zapel, Vicki Palan, Lori Rivera, Brandy Stewart, Jimi and Shane Langford, sisters in law Virginia and Amy Bertus, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services were held Sept. 19 in Lewistown, and he was buried between his beloved wives. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the loving staff at the Vashon Community Care Center, the Vashon Health Center, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue, Island Emergency Care and Vashon Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Keim, Donna Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002
Donna Keim, of Vashon Island, died Feb. 12, 2002. She was 45 years old.
She was born April 15, 1957.
A memorial service was Monday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall on Vashon.
In lieu of flowers, donations for her children can be made entrusted to Sara Jensen at Washington Mutual Bank.
Van DeVanter, Robert Friday, 08 Feb 2002
Robert E. Van DeVanter, islander, 77
Robert E. Van DeVanter, a long-time islander, died Feb. 8, 2002. He was 77 years old.
Mr. Van DeVanter was born Sept. 18, 1924, in Seattle. He lived most of his life on Vashon Island.
He was president of the Vashon High School Senior Class in 1942.
During World War II he served his country in the army, including two years in combat in Europe. After discharge, he attended the University of Washington and rowed with the Husky crew.
Mr. Van De Vanter loved the outdoors. While in college, he worked summers as foreman of a trail crew for the Forest Service. He also spent many happy hours gardening, raising animals, and camping out with his family.
After his marriage in 1950, he worked at the Boeing Company for 19 years, followed by employment with King County. He was active in community affairs and participated in Operation Jigsaw, and served as chairman of the Vashon Island School Board.
Friends and family recall him as a wise and loving father.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn and son Mark of Vashon, his son Douglas of Seattle, his brother John of Cashmere, Wash., and his grandchildren, Jessica, Philip and Natalie.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 12721 30th Ave. NE., Suite 101, Seattle, Wash. 98125 or www.alzwa.org.
Friends are invited to attend a gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Vashon Presbyterian Church social hall to share memories and celebrate his life.
Sorge, Sadie Thursday, 07 Feb 2002
Sadie Sorge, teacher, 83
Sadie Sorge of Vashon died in Seattle Feb. 7, 2002. She was 83 years old.
She was born June 9, 1918, in Paris, Texas, to Samuel and Vera Sorge.
She was the oldest child of seven and the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned her bachelor’s from the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., and a master’s in English from the University of Oklahoma.
Her mother died when she was in her early 20s, and she raised her two youngest sisters, Vera and Rosalee, who were then 5 and 6 years old.
In 1953, she married
William Sorge and together they continued raising Vera and Rosalee, and in 1956 their only daughter, Celia, was born.
Mrs. Sorge was a teacher for the Tulsa Public Schools for 43 years prior to retiring. She was an enthusiastic and energetic teacher, according to her daughter, and was an inspiration to her many students. She was honored in 1978 as Teacher of the Year for Tulsa Public Schools.
After retirement in 1985, the Sorges moved to Vashon to be close to their daughter Celia, their son-in-law Bruce Toomey, and their grandchildren.
She loved Vashon and became involved in the community by volunteering at the Vashon Adult Day Program, the Vashon Senior Center, and the Vashon Cooperative Preschool program. She was involved in Vashon Island Pet Protectors, and she was an active member of the Grange Auxiliary.
In 1992, Mrs. Sorge was one of 15 honorees to receive the Soroptimist award for Women Making A Difference on Vashon Island.
Her brother Tom Harlan and her sister Margaret Staples died earlier.
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Dr. William A. Sorge, her daughter Celia Sorge, and her grandchildren Kyle Sorge-Toomey, Kelsey Sorge-Toomey, and Carey Sorge-Toomey, all of Vashon.
Other survivors include three sisters, Katie Dunaway, Vera Willey, and Rosalee Gray, her brother Samuel Harlan, and numerous nieces and nephews, all residing in Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Island Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Sadie Sorge to The Advancement Department, University of the Ozarks, 415 N. College Avenue, Clarksville, Ark. 72830.
