Obituaries

Passed away on August 31, 2007.

Born on March 14, 1916 in a Swedish farming community in McPherson, Kansas, the family moved to the Seattle area in the early 1900's. Martha with a clearly visible talent for music began a long career of study, performance and education. As a gifted pianist she studied in New York and was set to tour in Europe just prior to the onset of World War II. As that was postponed she returned to Seattle, met a Navy seaman (Armand Colang), married and eventually settled in Seattle at the end of the War.

Don was born Jan. 30, 1933, in Thorpe, Wash. He died Sept. 21, 2007, in Burien, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, two brothers, a sister, and Marge, his wife of 47 years.

Don graduated in 1951 from Enumclaw High School and then entered the Air Force. He was stationed in Morocco. After serving time in the military, he attended the UW, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to work for Boeing, for 32 years, in Space & Defense. Lunar Orbiter and the Morgantown P.R.T.

Dawson

John T. (Tom) Dawson passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday evening, October 7, from natural causes. He was born in Vail, Iowa, on October 19, 1924, to John and Helen Dawson. He grew up in Vail and became the youngest Eagle Scout, at that time, in Iowa history. He entered Iowa State College, only to have World War II interrupt his studies. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps in Okinawa as a gunner on B-29 bombers.

Burgin

Sharon Elaine Burgin, born on Dec. 4, 1945, passed away on Aug. 7, 2007, at the age of 62.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father Elda Wall, and is survived by her mother Delores Wall, sister Roxi (Steve) Raub, daughters Londa Burgin, Brenda Keliiliki and Rainee (Monte) Hougardy, and by her grandchildren Jason and Jaime Bautista, Jordin Johnson, Kayla and Jesse Keliiliki, and Kyle and Kaitlyn Hougardy, and also by her great-granddaughter Alesya.

We love you mom and will always miss you.

Donald was born May 3, 1942, in Aberdeen, to Hi and Angie Korbut. He died October 5, 2007, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Donald is survived by his wife, Sue, of 31 years; two sons, Darin and Joshua; his sister, Diane (Stan) Schoolfield, of Vancouver, Wash., and their children, Erik (Mandy), Matt and Jamie (Pete), and many other loving family members and friends.

A Memorial Mass was held on October 13, 2007, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Burien.

Hawkins

Mary "Phyllis" Fletcher Hawkins, age 83, died October 6, 2007, in West Seattle.

She was born on November 7, 1923, the daughter of Thomas and Clara (Coy) Reeder.

Her parents were some of the earliest residents of Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Her father built one of the nicest homes on Southwest Southern Street in 1912.

Mary Ann Schmidt - Born 1932 in Billings, Montana. Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Sept 23rd. Mary Ann has resided in the Kent, Washington area for over sixty years.

Mary Ann loved her crafts, teaching and sharing her talents and gifts. Her most loved crafts were knitting, sewing, doll making and quilting. She loved to travel and some of her fondest memories were visiting and fishing in Alaska. Mary Ann will truly be missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Robert Schmidt Sr., and her children Lynn (Bart), Bob Jr.

A pioneer of modern U.S. fisheries in the North Pacific died Sunday in Seattle. Petersen was among a handful of fishing leaders credited with expanding American fisheries beyond traditional near shore waters to compete with and ultimately displace the foreign fleet from the nation's fertile offshore waters.

Petersen passed away on August 19 after a long struggle with lung disease. He was 78.

Rudy spent his life dedicated to the independent fisherman. Rudy was a charter member and served as President and Director of many fishermen's associations.

Died after fighting a long illness on September 29, 2007. Born January 18, 1929 in Seattle on Lawton Street in Magnolia. Glen lived many places in Western and Eastern Washington. He finally settled in Ballard living in the same house for 50 years.

Glen loved hunting and exploring the backcountry. He enjoyed the area around Lake Joy and built the families summer homes on the lake. Glen served during the Korean Conflict at the invitation of President Truman as an MP and then pursued a career with the Seattle Police Department from 1953-1983.

Passed away unexpectedly at his home with his wife by his side on September 24, 2007. Born on June 13, 1931, Vernon was a lifelong Ballard resident. He was a graduate of Ballard High School and the University of Washington. He had a forty-year career in banking. During retirement he spent twenty years volunteering for his son and son-in-law's business.

Vern was the kind of man who would do anything for his family. They could always count on him for help and unconditional love and support.