Obituaries

Robert Leon McGaffin, Jr. -- a retired Boeing electrician who was active in his church, Boy Scouts and the Elks -- died September 27, 2017 at his home in Burien, WA. He was born August 23, 1928, in Topeka, KS, but lived most of his life in South King County. He was a member and one-time exalted ruler of the Burien Elks Lodge No. 2143. Bob McGaffin was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille K. Vetter.

He is survived by a daughter, Pam McGaffin, son-in-law, Mark Funk, and grandchildren, Casey and Charlie Funk. Private burial was at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle. 

Kenneth (Kenny) R. Borgen, Jr., born in Seattle, WA November 28, 1944 to Naval Commander Kenneth and Ethel Borgen, passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2017.

He was a graduate of West Seattle High School class of 1963. He joined the Navy and served in the Philippines and upon his return, joined the Baker’s Union Local 9 and worked as a Baker for Safeway Albertsons.

Kenny lived in West Seattle the majority of his life. He was an avid reader, and had particular interest in war-time novels and movies.

Robert ‘Bob’ Whiting, age 96, of Auburn, formerly of Kent, Sequim, and West Seattle passed away peacefully on October 18, 2017.  Bob was born in St Paul, MN on September 6, 1921.  He graduated from Garfield High School and Seattle University. 

Bob proudly served in the US Army in WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism.  He was a loving husband, father, and “papa.” Always able to brighten a room with his cheery disposition, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. 

Steve passed away on September 23, 2017 from complications related to Multiple Myeloma, while surrounded by his loving family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Edwina, daughter Jennifer, son Tyler and five grandchildren: Andres, Mariana, Marcelino, Alonzo and Natalia. 

Steve was born and raised in West Seattle where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1973. Steve was an active member of the West Seattle community, coaching boy’s baseball and basketball.

Arlene LaCamera Berg, 96, of Seattle died on August 20, 2017 at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle.

Nitaya Elsea, born in 1955 in Bangkok, Thailand, passed away on September 9, 2017 at Swedish Medical Center from lung cancer. Nitaya arrived in the United States in the 1970’s.  She married George Elsea in 1973 and lived in the Seattle area until her death.

Nitaya often told stories of her early experiences in the United States. They reflect many of the joys and challenges of being Asian American during the 70s and 80s. Nitaya traveled extensively with George throughout Asia and the Middle East. She enjoyed being a housewife.

A memorial service for William “Bill” Turner, 98 will be held on September 29, 2017 at 1pm, Grace Church, 10323 28th Ave SW, Seattle. He passed away on August 11, 2017 and is with His Lord and Savior. He was born in Yakima, WA on August 4, 1919 to Dr. Holbein and Ora Turner. Shortly after serving in WWII, he married Ruth Masterson on November 5, 1947. His work experience involved electrical and mechanical design and HVAC. In 1970 he started his own business, “Turner Equipment Care” installing and servicing restaurant equipment.

Alison Power, a longtime resident of West Seattle, died Thursday, the 24th of August, 2017 at the home of her daughter Phyllis Cantil of Auburn, WA.

Alison was born in 1932 in Vancouver, B.C., to her mother Mary and father Allison Jagoe.  Alison received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.

She was employed by Frederick and Nelson in Seattle as a copywriter where she met James Power. They were wed August 18, 1956.

Bob passed away on Monday evening, August 21st surrounded by his family at the age of 88. 

He was born on September 8, 1928 to Dorothy and Raymond Wray and grew up in the Seattle/Georgetown area attending local schools.  He served his country in both the Army and the Merchant Marines and from there became a jeweler by trade and loved this business until the end of his life. 

Vivian Maxine Rehkopf, age 96, of Seattle, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2017.

Born August 4, 1920 to Henry and Sallie Morgan in Seattle, Washington. Vivian grew up on Queen Anne hill, graduating from Queen Anne High School in 1938. Married in 1941, she and her husband moved to West Seattle in 1948 where they lived in the house he built. Since late 2012 she has resided on Queen Anne hill.