Bruce Caron
1942-2014
Bruce A. Caron, 72, of Aberdeen, Wash., died of bronchial pneumonia on Nov. 4, 2014, at Providence St. Peter Hospital. He was born in Aberdeen, Wash., the second son born to William and Clara (Duncan) Caron. He lived most of his life in Aberdeen. Bruce graduated from Aberdeen High School. He enjoyed fishing and his Keno and slot machine playing. Bruce was a member of the Aberdeen Eagles Aerie 24, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #1134, Hoquiam. He retired from longshoring after 44 years, Local #24. In 1964 he married Karen Bland, his high school sweetheart. They were married 50 years. Survivors include his daughter AnnJanette Caron and a son, Christopher Caron of Aberdeen. He is also suvived by three grandchildren, his brother William (Shirley) Caron, and his sister Blance (Cookie) Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. He was a member of AA for 34 years. He felt it saved his life. At his request there will be no funeral, and he was cremated. Donations in his memory may be made to Childrens’ Hospital and the Cancer Fund.
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Carol (Creelman) Helard
1942-2013
Carol Jeanne Helard passed away peacefully in her sleep, in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, 2013 at the age of 71. A 41-year resident of Blue Lake, Carol was born May 26th, 1942, in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Rosemary Creelman. She was the 5th of 7 children. Growing up in Aberdeen, Carol graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1960, where she excelled and won awards in journalism and writing. Shortly after graduating, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area where she started a career in banking. She then met and married Michael J. Helard in Daly City CA, where they had 3 children before moving to Humboldt County, where she gave birth to their 4th child in 1972. They settled in Blue Lake where they raised their children and lived out their lives. Upon their arrival to Humboldt County, Carol continued her banking career, until she was hired for a cashier position at Humboldt State University; a job which she ultimately retired from after 25 years of service. Carol, along with her husband Mike, were very involved within the community of Blue Lake. They were active members in the PTA as well as publishers of The Northern Advocate newspaper, formerly known as the Blue Lake Advocate, which had been discontinued in the 1950’s. Although not very profitable, the newspaper quenched Carol’s journalistic desires and showcased her writing talents, as well as her artistic abilities, in writing and illustrating much of the newspaper. She was an exceptional painter and artist and continued to enjoy crafting and creating well into her retirement. Carol and Mike both loved to garden and spent much of their retirement years, yard saleing and offering the many “treasures” they were able to find, for sale on Ebay, before internet selling was even common or popular in this area. Her beloved husband, Mike, passed away in January 2010. After his death, Carol became an even more prolific writer; penning numerous poems and short stories, retelling the many experiences of her youth as well as the trials and tribulations of raising a family in rural Northern California. Since Mike’s passing, Carol’s enthusiasm and zeal for life seemed to rapidly diminish without the company of her soul mate and lifelong companion. You could see in her eyes that she missed him so much and the light that he provided to all of our lives could never be replaced. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Theodore Creelman, Neil Creelman, Leslie Creelman, as well as her nephew, Jeffrey Lawrence and Grandson, Michael Anthony. Carol was always so very proud of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her four children, Angela Marsh and her partner Scott Easterling of TN, Michael Helard and his partner Lisa of Blue Lake, Ted Helard and his wife Heather of Ashland OR, and Tracy Helard-Shumard and her husband Trent of Mckinleyville. She was the proud grandmother of Kelley Rose Baker and her partner Jimmy McBeth of Eureka, Timothy Christie of Fieldbrook, Amanda Mcbride, Chelsea Mines and Husband Clayton, Sarah and Patrick Henry, Ashlyn Mcbride and Benjamin Marsh, all of TN, Brenden, Angela and Michael Shumard, all of Mckinleyville, as well as great-grandmother to Ryan Baker and Brody Mcbeth of Eureka, Caleb & Kallie Rose of TN, and two Great Grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by siblings Doris Creelman of Vancouver WA, John Creelman, of Auburn WA, Theresa (Trisha) Lawrence and her husband John of Bend OR, as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Robert Creelman, Douglass Creelman, Chris Creelman, Brian Creelman, Suzanne Creelman Morchin, Paul Creelman, Barbara Creelman Diggs, Daniel Creelman, Rebecca Creelman Pederaski, Gregory Lawrence, Amy (Lawrence) Bishop and Anthony Lawrence. Friends and Family are invited to attend a celebration of Carol’s life on Saturday, November 9th between 1-4 PM at E & O Bowl in Blue Lake.
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Lynda K. (Harris) Tometich
1942-2013
Lifelong Aberdeen resident Lynda Kay Tometich passed away peacefully in her husband’s arms early Tuesday morning, October 2, 2013. She was 71. Lynda was born July 17, 1942 in Aberdeen, Washington to Jack and Nadine (Jobb) Harris.
Lynda graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1960 and was active in the planning of every class reunion.
On June 17, 1961, Lynda married the love of her life, William Tometich, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Aberdeen. He survives her at the family home.
Lynda worked as a school secretary at Robert Gray Elementary for 28 years, retiring in June 1999.
Lynda enjoyed gardening, camping and was an excellent baker and cook. Her home met the certified requirements as a “backyard wildlife sanctuary”. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s sporting events and loved traveling. She had been to Europe, but her favorite destination on earth was Maui. Their home had an open-door policy where the cookie jar was always full, and a coffee pot was always perking.
In addition to her loving husband Bill, Lynda is also survived by her sons Bill (Sandy) of Aberdeen and Bob (Annette) of Wishkah Valley; her mother Nadine Harris of Hoquiam; brother David Lee Harris of Portland, Oregon; four grandchildren, Abby Jo and Hannah, both of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Jade of Seattle and Cole of Cosmopolis.
A celebration of her life will be held from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the Aberdeen Elks, 1712 South Boone (Aberdeen). Memorials are suggested to Harbors Home Health and Hospice or St. Andrews Relay For Life, 400 East 1st in Aberdeen.
To sign the online book of memories or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
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Kathleen “Kathy” (Elway) Fode
d. 2013
On April 3, 2013, the world lost a shining star, Kathleen (Kathy) Elway Fode, after a long hard-fought battle with cancer. She put up a fight to the very end and remained positive. She died in Portland surrounded by her kids in the home where she raised them. She grew up in the Harbor and moved to Oregon after graduating from J.M. Weatherwax High School Class of 1960. An accomplished pianist, Kathy played for the Cosmopolis Methodist Church until she moved to Oregon. Kathy first worked at Western Union and then spent some 30 years as a paralegal working for various attorneys. She returned to the Harbor six years ago after retiring. Having worked in the legal field for so long, she believed it was essential that she give back. After her retirement she worked with CASA and became a Guardian Ad Litem for Grays Harbor County. In that capacity she did follow ups on young people in foster care. There was one activity that Kathy hated to miss, and that was bowling. She was on two teams in the senior league. She traveled often with her kids and great friends. She grew to love time in Mexico where she was able to take a cruise just one month before her death. She touched many people during her time on earth and was loved more than she knew. Kathy was preceded in death by younger brother, Danny; mother and dad; beloved step- mother Dorothy Grant Elway and step-father Huber Eaton; and step-sister Colleen Eaton. She is survived by her son Kevin; daughter Charla; former husband Clarence; brother and sister-in-law Dick and Rose Elway; brother Mike; step-brother Dave Eaton; step-sisters Missy Gudaz and Cyndi Oerman; and several nieces and nephews; as well as many much- loved cousins and countless wonderful friends.
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Terrance C. “Terry” Ziniewicz
1942-2013
Terrance Chester Ziniewicz, 70, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away on February 21, 2013, at his home.
He was born August 31, 1942, to Chester and Monterey Ziniewicz in Aberdeen, Washington. In 1960 at the age of 17, having graduated from Aberdeen’s J.M. Weatherwax High School Terry joined the U.S. Navy. Chief “Z”, as he was known to his shipmates, was proud and devoted to his career at sea.
During the Vietnam War he served five tours from December 1960 to March 1973. In this time he received twelve battle stars and two meritorious unit commendations while serving on four different ships. He retired from active duty as an Electronic Warfare Specialist in 1979 and served another ten years in fleet reserve until 1989.
He earned a Masters Degree in Business from National University. Terry worked at Raytheon Support Services until his retirement in 1998 after which he focused on genealogy, photography, and collecting and listening to classic rock.
Terry is survived by his five children, son Terrance (Kelly) Ziniewicz; daughter Theresa Ziniewicz; daughter Tanya (Wayne) Roseberry; son Toby Ziniewicz; and son Dylan Ziniewicz; grandchildren Sara Ziniewicz, Sean Ziniewicz, Hanna Roseberry, Aimee Roseberry and Ethan Roseberry. He is also survived by his brother Kevin Schaffer, and his sister Vicki (Jon Sr.) Steila. Terry was preceded in death by his wife Wilma Keeler Ziniewicz of San Diego, Calif.
A military memorial service will be held at Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a Veterans’ organization or Autism Speaks. A message of condolence or of a memory can be left for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are through Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
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Garnet L. Burgess
1942-2012
GARNET LEE BURGESS, age 70, a lifetime resident of the Harbor, died on Friday, November 16, 2012 at Grays Harbor Health & Rehabilitation Center in Aberdeen. Mr. Burgess was born in Aberdeen on March 29, 1942 to Lester E. and Ruby R. (Morton) Burgess.
In 1960 he graduated from Weatherwax High School. He began working at ITT Rayonier Paper Mill and continued there until being drafted in 1967. After serving in the US Army, stationed in Berlin, he returned to the Harbor and work at ITT Rayonier. He remained there until its closure and then went to work for the mill when it was opened by Grays Harbor Paper, retiring in 2007.
In the early 1960s, he and Toni Frazier were married. From this union came two daughters, Linda and Peggy. Later, in the 1970s, he and Tobi Wallace were married, from which a daughter Carmen was born. Lastly he was married to Barbara Platt and was later divorced in 2009.
Relatives include two daughters, Peggy and Carmen, a brother and his wife, Gary and Waltraud Burgess, and several grandchildren and cousins. He is also survived by a special aunt and uncle, Norma and Paul Pekola of Malone. He was preceded in death by a daughter Linda and a brother Raymond.
The family suggests donations be made to the Montesano VFW. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2012 at the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam. There will be a private interment at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.coleman- mortuary.net.
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Carl “Louie” Huffman Jr.
1941-2012
Carl L. “Louie” Huffman Jr., age 71, passed away October 22, 2012 in Boise, Idaho. Born March 31, 1941 in Aberdeen to Carl and Margueriette (Russell) Huffman. After graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1960, he joined the Marine Corp. He was married to Virginia Nikodoym in 1963. He worked many years with his brothers at Huffman Motors Car Dealership. They made their home in Aberdeen until 1992 when they moved to Boise, Idaho. While in Aberdeen he served as Exalted Ruler of the Elks, was a member of the Eagles, Masons, Shriners, Shriners Patrol, Kiwanis and served as a Boy Scout leader. His hobbies included fishing and hunting.
Carl is survived by his wife, son Rex and daughter Sherion (Corky) Raub, all of Boise; 2 granddaughters Savannah and Felicia; one grandson Carter; great- grandson Michael; brothers Walt (Barb) Huffman and Ron (Cheryl) Huffman of Olympia; sister Mary Lisa (Burt) Daggett of Shelton and ten nieces and nephews and several relatives in Grays Harbor. There was no service. Memorials can be sent to the Aberdeen Elks or the Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland. Cards and condolences can be sent to 2925 N. Alamo Road, Boise, ID 83704.
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Helen (Lambrix) Carlson
1941-2012
Helen Marie Carlson, née Lambrix, was born in Aberdeen, WA. five days before Pearl Harbor was attacked. Her personal war with neuro-fibromatosis (NF) was waged at home and at Childrens Hospital near the UW, sporadically for 14 years. No wonder after graduating from Weatherwax she opted for a career in hospitals, and worked in Aberdeen and Chehalis.
A lucky fellow, Joe Carlson snatched her up and headed for the Nushagak River in Bristol Bay, Alaska. For 22 salmon seasons at Ekuk Store, Helen kept vital supplies ready for 600 Wards Cove Packing fishermen, their families, and the company employees.
Katherine and Michael were welcomed additions to the Seattle-based family as were six grandchildren: Leticia, Devin, Rosalynn, Jeremy, Russell, and Ryan.
Helen’s joy was contagious and came easily, especially among the Upic Eskimo families she knew for two generations.
In Aberdeen Helen leaves her brother Jack Lambrix and sister Virginia St. Clair, and her daughter Anne Ramsey and family, now grown. Cousin Joe Lambrix and his wife Cathy remain in Olympia as does her loving husband of 42 years, Joe, and her many friends.
A funeral Mass and reception following are planned for Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at noon at St. Michael Catholic Church in Olympia. All are welcome.
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Helen (Osbekoff) Gates
1941-2012
HELEN MARIE (OSBEKOFF) GATES …a longtime Grays Harbor resident, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at Montesano Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was 71. Helen was born March 21, 1941 in Chignik, Alaska to George and Helen (Ozhuwan) Osbekoff. She grew up in Chignik AK, Oakville, WA and Cosmopolis, WA. Helen is a graduate of Oakville High School’s class of 1960. She married Erik Moe in 1960. She later married Donald Gates in 1980. He preceded her in death in 2003.
Helen worked at the Beehive, the VFW and Charley’s Bar, all in Montesano. She also worked for a time at the Tracyton Tavern near Bremerton. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Montesano Moose Lodge. She bowled in leagues in Montesano and Elma; also was in a dart league as well as a pool league. She also enjoyed crocheting, playing Bingo, going to the casinos, fishing, clamming, berry picking and canning; also spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She was a fun-loving person who left way too soon. She’ll be missed dearly.
Helen is survived by her children…Lori, Rhonda, Roy, and Kellie; grandchildren…Jamin, Andrea, Jackson, Jared, Chelsie, Ashleigh, Kayley, Tiara, Tonnie and Roy; and great-grandchildren Kodi and Stephen. She is also survived by her sisters Nancy, Christina and Carolyn; brothers Jack, Joseph, David, William, Calvin, Charlie and Daniel.
A celebration of Helen’s life concluding with a potluck reception will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the VFW Picnic Park in Montesano. Please visit and sign the online tribute to Helen at www.whitesidefamilymortuaries.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Whiteside Family Mortuary in Elma.
Note: All obituaries listed here are copied in their entirety from their original source. Since those sources do not make these available in their archives, we have re-posted them here. Some information may be outdated.
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Roberta Lynn “Bobbi” Thompson
1942-2012
Late in the evening on June 25, 2012, Roberta (Bobbi) Lynn Thompson passed away quietly in her home surrounded by family after being diagnosed with liver cancer in late May.
Bobbi was born in Tacoma, Washington on May 4, 1942 to Roy Franklin and Rena May Thompson. She was the sister to Susan and Carole. She is survived by her daughter Rena, sons Charles and Andrew, grandsons Jared and Miles, as well as sister Carole Dagia.
Bobbi was a talented artist and interior designer. She became interested in drawing at an early age while watching her father draw blueprints. Bobbi graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, Wash. and later married Charles Ingram. She put her talents to work designing and decorating their first home. She and Charles had two sons, Charles Jr. and Andrew.
She moved to New York in 1970 and married Ram Pamnani. Together they had a daughter Rena. While living in New York, she attended the New York School of Interior Design and worked for acclaimed Macmillan Publishing.
A few years after she returned to Washington, she founded the Seattle School of Interior Design. During twelve years of teaching and directing the school, she influenced many lives, and many of her students became lifelong friends. She closed the school and retired from teaching interior design in 1997 but continued to work as an independent designer even while working at Lowes in the kitchen design center.
Throughout her adult life she was a dedicated mother, always putting her children first no matter what the sacrifice. She influenced the lives of so many of her clients, friends and family and will be remembered always.
Note: All obituaries listed here are copied in their entirety from their original source. Since those sources do not make these available in their archives, we have re-posted them here. Some information may be outdated.
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