Leo Pilas
1941-2008
Leo Albert Pilas, 67, a former resident of Aberdeen, died Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Cristwood Nursing Center in Seattle, following a four-year battle with prostate cancer.
Leo was born February 28, 1941 in Aberdeen to Leo Joseph and Mabel (Pearson) Pilas.
He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1960 and then attended Grays Harbor College for two years. He joined the United States Air Force for four years working with the Security Services. After being honorably discharged, he moved to Seattle where he worked for Safeco Insurance from 1968-1976 and then for Prodata Systems Inc. of Bothell from 1977 until his retirement last year where he worked as an Account Executive.
Leo loved skiing, biking, bike riding and photography. He also enjoyed playing golf.
Leo is survived by his sister Kathy and husband Michael Martinelli of Edmonds, and brother Jim Pilas of Des Moines; also a niece Sherry and husband Aarron Lawson of Seattle.
Per Leo’s request, there will be no services. He will be inurned at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen.
He had requested that donations be made to either the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 202, Aberdeen, WA 98520 or your favorite charity.
A card of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are through Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
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 Some information may be outdated.
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Lee Hermanson
1942-2008
Howard L. “Lee” Hermanson, 65 years of age and a longtime Hoquiam area resident, died on Friday, June 20, 2008 in an Olympia area care center. He was born on September 25, 1942 in Aberdeen to Howard B. and Marian (Mann) Hermanson.
He was raised in Hoquiam and then Aberdeen where he graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1960.
The family moved to Oregon where he worked in a plywood mill for a few years. In the mid 1960’s he served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He lived in Springfield, Oregon before returning to the Hoquiam area. He worked at Evans Products from 1970 to 1986, then as a watchman for Boise Cascade and later as a salesman at the statuary located East of the Aberdeen bluff. He had done volunteer work at the youth recycling center in Aberdeen, was a member of the IWA, Local 3-2 and the Henry L. Robb, V.F.W. Post #1135 in Hoquiam.
He was people orientated, as helping others way his way of life. He enjoyed meeting people and making new friends. He was an avid reader, enjoyed T. S. Elliott and had one day wished to write his own novel.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Hoquiam V.F.W. Social Hall, 407 – 7th St., Hoquiam.
A private urn committal will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
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Joe Matich
1941-2008
Joseph L. Matich, 67, a longtime Yakima resident, passed away Friday May 9, 2008, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.
Joe was born January 27, 1941 in Aberdeen to Joseph and Lila (Zemlicka) Matich. He was raised and educated in Aberdeen, where he graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1960. Joe married Ellen E. Anderson in 1965. He attended the Washington State Patrol Academy and following graduation he was stationed in Yakima. He then attended and graduated from Central Washington University. In 1975 Joe and Ellen were blessed with a daughter Heather.
Joe was a sales representative for various products for many years. He was a lifetime member of the BPOE #318, and an avid golfer in his younger years. He looked forward to Wednesdays at the Elks playing cards with his friends.
Joe is survived by his wife of 42 years Ellen and his daughter, Heather Matich, both of Yakima; his mother, Lila Sund of Aberdeen; his brothers-in-law, Jerry (Sandi) Anderson of Alaska and George (Robin) Smith of Aberdeen; and several nieces and nephews, including Rhonda Smith, Jason Smith, Stephanie Spegall, Stephanie Brown and Jennifer Anderson.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Joe Matich; his sister, Kitty Smith; and his step-father, Eric Sund.
Joe was a loving husband, father and son. He was a man of strong character who cherished long lasting personal friendships.
In honor of his request, no funeral services will be held.
Memorials may be made to Memorial Home Care and Hospice Services, or to the favorite charity of the donor, in care of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.
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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Ronald A. Wagner
1942-2007
Ret. USAF Msgt. Ronald A. Wagner passed away on July 28, 2007.
Mr. Wagner was the owner/operator of the Fax Doctor. Mr. Wagner was beloved by many. He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Ronald, Jr., Michael and Carmen Dalzell; brother, Robert; 6 stepchildren; 5 grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, 8/6/07 at St. Mathews Episcopal Church in Auburn with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent to follow. Arrangements by Yahn & Son Funeral Home.
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Jack H. Lang
1941-2007
Jack Howard Lang, 65 years of age and a longtime Copalis Beach area resident, died on Monday, January 22, 2007 at his home at Copalis Beach. He was born on December 14, 1941 in Aberdeen.
Jack was raised and attended school in Aberdeen and during his high school years he worked at the Aberdeen Garage and on their ambulance service. Just prior to graduating from Weatherwax High School, he entered the military service with the United States Navy on February 4, 1960. He served aboard a submarine, as a sonar operator and was honorably discharged on January 21, 1964. While in the Navy he earned his G.E.D.
He returned to the harbor area and then moved to the Seattle area where he worked as a cook aboard a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) research vessel for a few years. He again drove ambulance prior to driving for PIE (Pacific Intermountain Express) for a period of four years. In the middle 1970’s he moved back to the harbor area, residing here since. He was a truck driver for Houghton Distributors, drove log trucks, long haul and then tanker trucks.
In 1977 he was married to Phyllis A. Briggs at Copalis Crossing.
Jack enjoyed lake, stream and ocean fishing as well as hunting. He enjoyed reading, listening to audio books, working crossword puzzles, mowing lawns, yard work, clam digging and beach combing.
He was a supporter of the Copalis Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Fire District #16, serving with them from 1977 until 1986 and for a period of six years had been their Fire Chief.
Jack is survived by, his wife, Phyllis A. Lang of the family home at Copalis Beach; his son, Donald J. Lang of Auburn; his daughter, Michelle Townley and her husband, Chris of Olympia; his mother, Ethel Lang Halgren of Mt. Vernon; a step-son, Chuck Briggs of Aberdeen; a step-daughter, Beverley J. Miller and her husband, Joe of Copalis Beach; three sisters, Julianne L. Ellsworth and her husband, Jim of Aberdeen, Leslie Furubotten and her husband, Mike of Payson, Arizona and Elizabeth Ray and her husband, Steven of Tallahasie, Florida; his uncle, Kenneth Wright and his wife, Adonna of Aberdeen; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Donald J. Lang and a brother, Army Staff Sergeant C. Douglas Lang, who was on active duty at West Point when he died in 1973.
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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Joanne E. Zembal
1942-2006
Joanne Ellen Zembal, born and raised in Aberdeen, died November 11, 2006, in Cairo, Egypt. Joanne graduated from the University of Washington in 1964.
Having worked for the Johnson Pavilion at the Seattle World’s Fair, she started her professional career in New York City, again for the Johnson Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair and then spent several years in advertising and public relations for The Wool Bureau, Lanvin Perfumes and Helen Nash Associates.
In the mid 1970s, Joanne spent two years on a solo trip around the world, capturing her experiences on paper and film. Her photographs were featured in advertisements and travel articles. Upon returning to New York, her love for travel and different cultures drew her to work for the United Nations before returning indefinitely to Africa and the Middle East. She finally made her home in Cairo and Ismailia (a port city on the Suez Canal in Egypt), working, traveling and writing for Cairo Today and other English-language publications as a free-lance writer and market researcher.
A (Memorial) Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving honoring both Joanne and her mother, Millie Gerdis Zembal (died May 2005), will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 813 West 1st Street, Aberdeen. Donations may be made to The Children’s Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145-5020 ATTN: Sue Powell.
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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Gail Hannuk
1942-2006
Gail Leona Hannuk, born on October 31, 1942, passed away on September 1, 2006 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She left behind two children, Leslie Gores and Chris Gores, along with three grandsons. Gail was a former Miss Washington from 1961. Way before she was ever crowned, anyone who knew or met Gail knew she was a princess. She touched the lives of many people in many ways, from pageants to being a wonderful mother, friend, and neighbor. Gail was always there for anyone who needed her help, from friendship to finding you a home as a successful realtor at Windermere Realty. Gail’s love for music and performing is something for which we will always remember her. In memory of Gail, any memorial donations may be made in her name to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, Washington, 98501 or to the Miss Washington Pageant Foundation at MWSO P.O. Box 68, Puyallup, Washington, 98371. A celebration of life for Gail will be held at the Church of Living Water, 1615 Chambers Street S.E., Olympia, on Monday, September 11, 2006, at 1:00 p.m.
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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Clyde M. “Mark” Brown
1941-2006
Clyde M. “Mark” Brown, 65, a lifelong resident of the Harbor, died at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen Saturday, June 3, 2006. He was born in Aberdeen Jan. 26, 1941, the son of Clyde “Bus” Irvin and Charline Virginia (Younger) Brown.
He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1960 and worked for many years in the street and utilities department of the City of Cosmopolis. He later worked for Anderson-Middleton as a log yard loader operator until a disability forced his retirement.
He was a member of the Aberdeen Elks Lodge and Ducks Unlimited.
Mark’s passion was duck hunting and he had his favorite hunting place with a blind that he shared with his hunting buddies. He also liked to spend time at the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester with his circle of friends, playing Keno and on Monday nights watching Monday Night Football. He loved children and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
He is survived by two sisters, Linda Nielsen of Olympia and Sharon Barnum of Ocean Shores; a brother Edward “Shorty” Brown of Chinook; a nephew Tim Medley of Cosmopolis; a niece Tanya Nielsen; and great niece and nephew, Meghan and Jacob Medley of Cosmopolis. Mark was preceded in death just last week on May 29th by a daughter Markalynn Beard of California.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2006 at the Cosmopolis Lions Club.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Ducks Unlimited, Memorial Contributions, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.
A card of condolence with a private message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.
Cremation arrangements by: Fern Hill Funeral Home of Aberdeen.
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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Emma Jane (Davis) Maple
d.2006
Emma J. Maple, 63, a resident of the Raymond area for the past 20 years, died on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. She was born on October 23, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA to Albert Leroy and Leona Marian (Reasoner) Davis.
She was raised in the Aberdeen area and graduated from Weatherwax High School followed by a year at Grays Harbor Community College.
Emma Jane was married to Ronald Hale, Sr. on May 23, 1960 in Neilton. They were divorced in 1983. For several years they had owned and operated the Quinault Shingle and Lumber Mill.
Emma Jane was married to Virgil I. Maple on July 14, 1984 in Raymond and had resided there since.
Emma Jane had attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area she resided in and was a longtime member of the Raymond Grange. She enjoyed doing crafts, reading and crocheting.
Emma Jane is survived by her husband, Virgil, of the family home in Raymond; her daughters Bonnie Hale of Kent, Jennifer Katzer of Hoquiam and “Bunny” Jane Coy of West Hills, CA; her sons Ron Hale of Aberdeen and Dan Hale of Seattle; a stepdaughter Aleena Martin of Boise, ID; a stepson Jeff Martin of Seaview, WA; a brother Lee Davis of White Salmon; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son Donnie Hale.
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Walt Berglund
1940-2006
Walter Ross Berglund Jr. was born 13 Nov 1940 in Aberdeen, Washington. He died 13 Feb 2006 in Bothell, Washington.
Walt graduated from Weatherwax High School (Aberdeen) in 1960; furthered his education at Grays Harbor Community College, receiving his associate’s degree, and continued on to graduate from the University of Washington in 1964 with a bachelor of arts in music. In 1971, he was awarded his masters degree in education (music) from Central Washington University. He worked for the South Bend school district as music director for two years before moving to the Winlock school district where he held the same position. While in Winlock he was greatly involved in orchestrating music festivals and community band concerts. Later he taught elementary and junior high bands in the Lake Washington school district until retirement in 1985.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 37, he never let it get in the way of enjoying life and doing things that were important to him. He always had a positive attitude and lived life to its fullest. He loved bowling and participated in many bowling leagues.
June of 2005 he and his wife celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by going bowling with their family. “It was amazing to watch him bowl. Here is this man who can barely keep his balance when he’s NOT holding a 20-lb. ball, but he shuffles up to the scratch line, basically dropping the ball,” says his wife Phyllis. “The ball rolls right along the edge of the gutter the whole way down the lane and then at the last second something about how he dropped it gives it a spin and it hits the pins between #1 and #2, and he gets a strike! It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. You’d almost think he doesn’t know he has a disabling disease. I don’t know that he ever received the league trophy for high score, but he always got the award for most inspirational.”
His love of music began at the age of six when he learned to play the accordian. He went on to play tenor sax and was first chair all through high school. During that time, he also played in dance bands. In the 1970s, he served for five years as choir director of the Cottage Lake Presbyterian Church.
After retiring from his teaching position in 1985, Walt taught music privately and also played in the North Seattle Community Band as well as the Woodinville Community Band. His summers were spent with his family–camping, hiking and beachcombing. He especially enjoyed fishing. He attended Bible Study Fellowship for eight years.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; three children, Jonathan (Shannon) Berglund, Christina (Jeramy) Leaper, and Timothy (Kari) Berglund; and grandchildren Taylor and Jacob Berglund, Holly, Ashley and Joshua Leaper.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, 4 Mar 2006 at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Blvd. NE, in Seattle. Memorials can be sent to the Woodinville Community Band at 16218 – 216th Avenue NE, Woodinville 98077.
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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