Obituaries

Tom Dowling was born in Norwich Connecticut in 1937. He passed peacefully at midnight on 15 December 2024 while in the loving care of his wife and sons.

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Heather Lynne Cole, 54, passed away on November 12, 2024 after having complications amplified by her 23-year battle with Leukemia. Her two daughters and her sister were with her when she passed away peacefully at Renown Regional Hospital in Reno, Nevada.

Born 1931 Aschaffenburg, Germany, Inge Beardsley passed away peacefully at home at the side of her husband, Donald Beardsley on November 14, 2024, in Gig Harbor, WA. Inge is survived by her husband, Donald Beardsley; daughter Margaret Oldenburg and husband Rick; son Steven J Brown and wife Shawn; brother Gunther Semmler-Lins and wife Erika in

Richard William “Dick” Dyer of Quilcene and more recently Gig Harbor passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 10, 2024, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ailene Janet (Glendinning) in 2008. He loved her deeply and never remarried. Dick loved his country and served it by enlisting in

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Albin Joseph Steiner, 87, of Gig Harbor

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William “Bill” Martin Hanson, 75, passed away suddenly on September 25, 2024, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Bill was born to Russell and Marjorie Hanson of Seattle. He graduated in 1967 from Shorecrest High School in Seattle. He was a junior merchant marine, then spent four years in the United States Air Force, much of which

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Domestic goddess Margaret Stratton (94) passed on September 24, 2024 at Harbor Place in Gig Harbor, WA. Margaret was the first of seven children. After graduating from Holy Rosary High School, she worked at an insurance company. She met and married James (Jim) Stratton and had two daughters. Shopping was a favorite pursuit; you name

Carla Seaquist, Gig Harbor writer-playwright born late in WWII, taken after 19 year battle with thyroid cancer on the eve of the publication of her new book, “Across the Kitchen Table, a Mother and Daughter Turn Tragedy into Peace.” She continued to write through pain until her passing on August 31.

Rose Marie Wagner, age 93, passed away in her Gig Harbor home on August 25, 2024. She was a Croatian fisherman’s daughter, born to Anté and Olga (Bobic) Burin in San Pedro, California on June 25, 1931. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. William M. Wagner, DDS in 1951, and moved to Lakewood, WA

Ruth Hill Duerock Noble December 23, 1923 — August 7, 2024 Ruth Noble, 100, passed away peacefully in her bed on August 7, 2024 in Gig Harbor, WA. Ruth came into this world in an upstairs bedroom of her father’s ranch outside Meridian, ID, on December 23, 1923 to Angus Franklin Hill and Clara Shock

Lynette passed away peacefully on August 6th at her home with Hilary and Olivia close by.

Lynny was born July 9, 1955, in Bremerton, WA. She was a lifelong member of the Gig Harbor community. A Family Celebration of Life gathering will be held on August 18th.

Margaret “Meg” Evelyn Davis, 76, of Longbranch, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024. Born on September 13, 1947, in Bangor, Maine, she was raised by her mother and grandmother in Brooklyn, New York. Meg received a scholarship and graduated from Packer High School then Cornell School of Nursing, dedicating her life to a

A long overdue memorial for a great man.

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Local artist Beverly Bier-Pedersen died peacefully on July 7th after a brief hospice. She was 82, the cause was lung cancer. She is survived by daughter Lorraine, son David, and many many friends.

Phyllis Henry was born in Gladbrook Iowa February 10 1931 and died in Seattle June 29, 2024. She was an active supported of many community groups on the Key Peninsula. She will be greatly missed. A memorial will be held on July 24 between 2 and 4 pm at the Key Peninsula Civic Center.

Charles Asplin passed peacefully at 96 on June 13 with his three children at his side.

He is survived by his son David (wife Susan), daughters Wendy (husband Nico), and Lisa (husband Chuck), and grandchildren Schuyler and Emily.

Service: July 14 at 2pm, Gig Harbor United Methododist Church.

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Dennis J. Coleman, 80 years old, died on June 25, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his daughter Angie and son Brian holding his hand. Dennis was born in Tacoma, WA on November 9th,1943 to Ross and Clara Coleman. He first lived on Mckinley Ave in Tacoma during his elementary school years. Afterwards, his family

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John Steven Gilich, a fisherman, soldier, educator, mentor and a lifelong member of the Gig Harbor community, passed away June 9, 2024, just shy of his 96th birthday. He was born in Gig Harbor on July 12, 1928, to Anton and Vinka Gilich. John grew up in Gig Harbor among the Croatian families as part

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Bobbie Simpson, long-time Gig Harbor resident and Peninsula School District employee, has passed away.

Carol Lorraine McGinness, 76, passed away on April 30, 2024, with her family by her bedside after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was small in stature but mighty in commitment and determination. She was defined by her kindness, loving nature and many friends. Carol was born January 15, 1948, in Seattle. She graduated from

Donna Jean Douglass passed away peacefully in her Labyrinth Grove home, near Gig Harbor, on “Pi Day” of March 14, with long-time canine companion Cassi at her side. She was born in Walla Walla to Donald Douglass and Jean Eubanks Blake. As highlighted by one of her friends, “Donna lived an enterprising life” and will

Linda Jane Dicks McLain, age 76, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024. On October 8, 1947, she was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota the daughter of the late Maxwell and Mary Sumstine Dicks. On March 1, 1969, she married John Martin McLain in Tacoma, Washington. Together they shared 39 wonderful years of marriage.

Suzanne “Suzy” Meree Hofferber, beloved daughter, sister, mother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 63 on March 23, 2024, at OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon. Suzy’s journey began on May 31, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington, as the daughter of the late Philip and Patricia Crosbie Sr. In addition to her

Charles Harding Meacham (Chuck) of Gig Harbor, WA, and Alaska passed away March 2, 2024 at the age of 98. He was predeceased by his wife of 74 years, June L. Meacham (Yunker). Chuck was born September 21, 1925 in Newman, CA and raised in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains at 7,600 feet elevation, where

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Sean Donalty of Gig Harbor, WA, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, just short of two years since his diagnosis of multiple myeloma. He was born in Arlington, Virginia, and grew up in Great Falls, Virginia. He attended Radford University, earning a degree in economics. He earned a second degree in wildlife biology from

In loving memory of Marguerite Carola Carmalt who passed away a year ago, on March 11, 2023. She was a very caring daughter of Stephen and Juanita Carmalt. She is very much missed by her siblings, Lawrence Carmalt, Gerry Napier, Helen Palmero, Mary Carmalt, Wallace Carmalt and Paula Bickel. She has a daughter, Malinda, and

Dennis (Denny) Richards, a Gig Harbor community leader, beloved husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and dear friend, died February 27, 2024. Denny was born in Newport, OR, and raised in Vancouver, WA, where he met his future bride, Sheryl, at Hudson Bay High School in 1959. They married in 1964 and started their family which

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Tami Marie Vermillion left us on February 13th 2024. She is survived by husband Gregg, daughter Kate [Tom] Ash-Vermillion, and many family members and friends, including dearest life-long friend Anthony Petrarca. She was preceded in death by her mother Virginia Loidhamer and father John Loidhamer. Tami was born in Tacoma at St. Joseph Hospital in

Jerry (Jet) Edward Tanksley was born November 4th 1966, Jet left this town he loved in the early morning hours of December 19th 2023. Jet was a lifelong resident of Gig Harbor and a graduate of Peninsula High School, He made his living fishing for the Gig Harbor fleet since he was a teenager, and

Edward Martin Fessler, 83, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away on January 29, 2024. He was born  in Portland, Oregon to Edward and Ada Fessler, nee Cappo. He was a loving husband to Ann Fessler, nee Moyer. Together, they shared a beautiful journey and raised three children, Mark (Amber), Aaron (Elizabeth), and Sarah Thi. He

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

George Ralph Zaninovich, resident of Gig Harbor, passed away on December 23, 2024.

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Angela Dice, a Bremerton-based storyteller, devoted wife, dedicated mother, cherished daughter, and friend, died Dec. 12, 2023, in Silverdale. She was 45 years old. Angela lit up rooms with her laugh, days with her smile and meals with her cooking. She had been living with cancer since 2019, not that you would know it by

Madge Alice Hubbard (Pryde), long time resident of Fox Island and Gig Harbor passed away peacefully on Dec 5, 2023. She was born Sept. 4, 1941, in Tacoma, WA to Robert D (Dan) Pryde and Alice (Erhart). She grew up in Tacoma, WA with her twin sister Margaret (Klevmoen) and little sister Kathy (Shipman). After

E. Marlene Nichols Pierson DeMarcus Evah Marlene DeMarcus, maiden name Nichols, died November 28, 2023, in Confluence Hospital, Wenatchee, WA. She was 69 years of age. Marlene was born September 16, 1954, in Colville, WA and grew up in Ephrata, WA, where she graduated from high school and then went on to nursing school, obtaining

Kathleen Carole Dullum, born in Fargo, North Dakota passed away on Monday, November 13th at the age of 82. She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, her eldest son, Greg and her first born granddaughter, Jill. Kathy raised 4 sons in Port Orchard while working alongside her husband running a construction company. She

Kimberly “Kim” Jon Hansen, 72, of Lenore, ID, passed away on October 31, 2023, in Spokane, WA. He was born on April 14, 1951, in Orofino, ID. Kim was a beloved father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter Jona Durousseau, son Jason Hansen, brother Craig Hansen, brother Scott Hansen, and grandchildren Eli

Ronald Higginbotham, formerly of Gig Harbor Washington passed away quietly after a brief illness in Anderson, Indiana on September 19, 2023.

Edward N. Brous, a kind, gentle, and loving man, passed away in Lawton, Oklahoma, on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the age of 89, leaving behind cherished memories of a life well-lived. He was born on May 5, 1934, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Norman Edward and Alma (Finholm) Brous.

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Margaret “Peggy” (Lawton) Ott, 83, passed away peacefully at home with her family in Gig Harbor, WA on Sept. 27, 2023. She was born Sept. 13, 1940, to Robert and Helen Lawton in Washtucna, Washington, making her grand entrance in the farm kitchen. She was raised on the Washtucna wheat farm, as well as in

Rob Boll, beloved husband, father, grandfather and son went to be with the Lord on September 22 at the age of 61. Rob and his wife Kathy left the Gig Harbor area and moved to Independence, KS last year seeking a more peaceful life in the country, which they certainly found. Rob instantly in love

Joseph F. Tortorici, 75, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away September 1, 2023. Joe was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. Joe was born in Bremerton, Washington on July 22, 1948 to James and Florence Tortorici. He graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1966 and continued his education in in drafting and technical

Bernadette “Betty” Concetta (Martinico) Dietrich of Gig Harbor, WA passed away peacefully in her home on August 15th, 2023 at the age of 80. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed.

SCOTTSDALE – Lois Sandlin Hartwig passed away suddenly on July 20th, 2023, at the age of ninety-one. She is preceded in death by her sister, Onie, and her husband of sixty-five years, Colonel Robert Dahl Hartwig, who passed away earlier this year. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Ann and brother Ollie, her son

Gig Harbor – Frederick Karl Tiedt, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 5, 2023 at the age of 84. He was born on March 7, 1939, to Frederick Herman Tiedt and Esther (Fischer) Tiedt in Fowler, Michigan. He grew up in Fowler, where he attended local public schools and laid the foundation

Heaven gained another angel…

Thomas E Bolton, 62, passed away June 9th while traveling from his home in Georgia to Alaska to visit his family. His cause of death was due to a single vehicle motorcycle accident on the North Klondike Highway driving through Whitehorse, Canada near Fox Lake. He had recently retired and was on his dream motorcycle

Dennis Johnson 78
May 20, 1944-May 23, 2023

Dennis was born in Seattle Washington to Axel and Juanita Johnson. He passes away in Gig Harbor, WA. Dennis grew up in Ballard, WA graduating from Ballard High School in 1962. He worked in the food industry for Safeway, Frito Lay (Pepsico) and Nalley’s

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Jack was born in Spokane, Washington. He passed away at home in Gig Harbor, Wa, after a brief illness. He served in the U.S. Army after high school. After serving, he opted for the G.I. Bill to earn a Communications degree at Washington State University. While in college, Jack met the love of his life,

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Bonnie Jean Smart, 78, of Gig Harbor, WA passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday, March 10th, 2023.  Bonnie was born on Saturday, September 2nd, 1944, in Pampa, Texas, the daughter of Edwin and Edith Baggerman. At the age of 6, she went to Girlstown USA with her 3 sisters and

A long-time resident of Gig Harbor, Washington, Lucy (Ann) Lindstrom Allard passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023 at the age of 88 at her retirement residence in Escondido, California. She was born on April 30, 1934 to Christine (Hutton) and Lauren Lindstrom in Springfield, Illinois, eventually settling in Connecticut, where she graduated from Darien

She fought a brave fight!

Patricia “Patty” McKinney of Gig Harbor, Wash., died peacefully on March 11, 2023, at the age of 95. Patty was born in Portland on July 20, 1927 to the late Stephen and Hutoka Smith.  She graduated from Grant High School and Oregon State College (University) where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority,

John Patrick “Pat” Nagle III, resident of Gig Harbor and a beloved Tacoma entrepreneur, died unexpectedly on February 23rd, just three days after his 60th birthday. Pat is survived by his devoted parents, Myrna and Jack, trusted confidant and brother Mike (Sarah), and his sisters Laure (Jim), Shannon (Kevin), and Colleen (Jason). He had many

Daniel Matias Moore was born on March 23,1953 in Newport Beach, CA and passed away on February 4, 2023. Son to Milton and Elizabeth Moore, brother to Mark Moore and Laura Moore. Hard working mechanic of 45 years, owner of auto repair shop Matias Wrench Werks in Gig Harbor, WA. Dan was an avid surfer,

Charles (Chuck) Louis Hunter, 82, of Gig Harbor died on January 15, 2023, following a long fight against Parkinson’s disease. Born October 15, 1940, to Charles A. and Martha Hunter of Tacoma, Washington, Chuck grew up in the Proctor Neighborhood, attended Wilson High School and helped deliver heating oil for his father’s fuel business. Back

William Ronald Kelley passed away gently in the presence of family on December 5th, 2022 in University Place, Wa. at the age of 83. He was born in Snohomish, Wa. in 1939 and attended Mt. Vernon High School. He went on to study Pharmaceutical Science at Washington State University and worked as a pharmacist his

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Ronald Ray Mashburn Hinkley, 86, died on Dec. 20, 2022 in Gig Harbor, Wash. His wife of 43 years, Joyce Hinkley, was at his side when he passed. Services will be held at the Haven of Rest Memorial Park in Gig Harbor at 11 a.m., Friday, January 6, 2023. Ron was born Oct. 24, 1936

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Francis (Frank) Thomas Ivanovich was born December 20, 1926, in Gig Harbor WA to Mato and Maria (Anticevic) Ivanovich. He died in Olympia on November 12, 2022. Frank Ivanovich grew up in Gig Harbor in the midst of a vibrant Croatian commercial fishing community. Like many of his peers, he immediately took to all aspects

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Bruce Borgen passed away suddenly at his home on October 4, 2022. A friend to everyone that met him, Bruce will be dearly missed by all. He was born in Baker, Oregon on February 5, 1963. His family moved to Gig Harbor in 1967, and Bruce graduated from Peninsula High School in 1981 before starting

Let’s ask Lee!
Beloved husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, friend, Rotarian…He made a difference to all he met and he always knew the answers!

Robert Eugene “Bob” Sutton was born in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska on July 14, 1934, to Isaac Henry Sutton and Jennie Etta Steele (Lobdell). He passed away in Port Orchard, Washington on August 14, 2022. He was 88 years old. Bob grew up in Cedar Rapids. After the death of both parents, Bob lived in Colorado

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Dale Sims Kelley went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 27, 2022 at the age of 80. Cherished husband, brother, father, and grandfather, Dale was born on September 13, 1941 in Hugo, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Hugo area and graduated Hugo High School in 1959. Dale went on to receive his

Dr. H Melvin Olson passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 in Gig Harbor, WA. He was born in Spencer, Iowa, to Herman and Velma Olson. He attended Spencer High School where he was a Track and Basketball star. Dr. Olson attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA on a full scholarship for Track. He

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A life-long learner and educator

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The Honorable Terence Hanley, Superior Court Judge (retired), passed away on May 10, 2022, at the age of 92. Terry was born to Harold and Rozella Hanley in Seattle, WA, on May 7, 1930. Terry was raised in Port Orchard, Washington, where his father owned two pharmacies. Terry was a graduate of South Kitsap High

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William Turner — celebrated Northwest Artist, husband, father, friend — died peacefully at home in Gig Harbor, WA, on December 24, 2021, with his wife by his side. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, had a loving spirit, generous heart, and a

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“She was an Angel in the shape of our mom.” Janet Elaine Medcalf, died on June 1, 2022. Janet will always be remembered for her amazing smile that wrinkled her nose and reached her sparkling blue eyes. The love and kindness she lived daily was both expansive and beautiful. Her thoughtful cards can be found

James (Jim) Wilson Niquette 90, of Chimacum, Washington passed away surrounded by family on May 10, 2022, at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Jim was born at the family home in Puyallup, Washington and was the youngest of 7 children. He entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War aboard the USS

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Remembrance of Max and Sharlene Applegate It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of Max C. Applegate on November 26, 2021 followed by V. Sharlene Applegate on January 31, 2022, both at the age of 86. Max passed away while visiting Brazil with family, while Sharlene passed just two months later after her

Joan Koval Baldwin, 71, of Hilo died Nov. 16 at home.