Obituaries

Jan 20, 2017

James (Jim) F. Olesen

5/14/1929 – 1/20/2017

Born in Sumas, WA, to Frank and Grace Olesen, Jim graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1947. Subsequently, Jim worked in the woods and drove truck until 1952, when he joined the Navy and served in San Diego, CA. After the Navy, Jim joined his father on the mink ranch. Together, they...

Jan 18, 2017

Julianna (Julia) Loretta Kappenman celebrated her 99th birthday with “cake and pie” before leaving this world behind to rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior on January 18th 2017. Julia was born in Linton, North Dakota on November 12, 1917 to Peter and Katharina Rohrich.  Her father died from the flu when she was two years old.  Later,...

Jan 17, 2017

Arthur Henry Farmer passed away on January 17, 2017  in Bellingham. Art was born on March 20, 1948 in Torrance, CA to Arthur E and Betty Wininger Farmer.  Art worked as Field Manager for Simplot Foods and was owner/operator of Island Weed/Insect Control. He was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Betty Farmer. Art is survived by sons, Clayton...

Jan 14, 2017

Stan Mills passed away peacefully at his home on January 14, 2017. He was born to Charles Taylor and Virginia (Pickard) Mills on June 21, 1943. He married Kathy Clifton on 9-26-64 and they have been married for 52 years. Stan is survived by his children Karen Mills, Kim (Nick) Trail and Jeff (Shellie Neyens) Mills. Brothers Carl and Garry...

Jan 14, 2017

Anna Casey, age 93, of Lynden passed away peacefully Saturday, January 14, 2017 at her home.

She was born September 28, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents Joseph and Mary (Huzig) Leinz.  A funeral mass will be offered by farther Jose Alvarez, Monday, January 23, 2017, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 205 12th Street, Lynden, WA 98264.  

Jan 12, 2017

Roy Norman Karrer, 64, died peacefully at his home in Bellingham, Wash., Thursday, January 12 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was in the loving company of his wife Sally Bird-Clough. Roy was born in Klamath Falls, Ore., Sept. 28, 1952 to parents Nora and Loren Karrer. Roy moved to Bellingham in 1972 to attend Western Washington University, where...

Jan 12, 2017

Richard “Dick” A. Gilda Jr. 4/11/1939- 1/12/2017 Richard “Dick” Gilda of Bellingham passed away Thursday January 12, 2017 at the age of 77. He was born April 11, 1939 in Bellingham to Richard and Juanita Gilda. He grew up on the South Side where he went to Fairhaven Junior High School and later graduated from Meridian High School. After graduation...

Jan 11, 2017

Mel Byers, age 80, of Ferndale passed away at his home Wednesday, Jan, 11, 2017.  He was born July 14, 1936 to parents Wilbur Ray and Pearl Emily (McElheney) Byers.  He graduated Ferndale High School in the class of 1955 and married Janice Jordan in Bellingham August 30, 1957.  Mel’s grandparents John and Minnie Byers were Homesteaders on the property...

Jan 9, 2017

Sandra Lee Mitchell, 65, passed away peacefully on the 9th of January 2017, in her hometown of Bellingham ,she was surrounded by many who love her. Mrs. Sandra Lee Mitchell , daughter of the late Elmer and Joanne Clark, was born October 31,1951 in Bellingham, Wa.

She married the love of her life John Paul Mitchell August 9,1969 and began...

Jan 8, 2017

Carrie Cowles Dougan passed away peacefully under the loving care of the Whatcom Hospice House staff in Bellingham, WA, January 8, 2017 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born in Eagle River, WI August 21, 1966 to Benedict Conrad Discher (deceased) and Mary Ann Discher. Michael G. Cowles lovingly became her adoptive Father in 1970 after he...

Jan 6, 2017

Fredrick "Fred" Johansen Hensley, age 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family Friday, January 6, 2017 in Bellingham, WA.  Fred was born September 22, 1953 in Bellingham to Lane and Phyllis Johansen.  Fred enjoyed working on cars, NASCAR racing, fishing and the Seattle Seahawks.  His greatest joy was helping people; he would give you the shirt off his back...

Jan 4, 2017

TAYLOR, Jay Kent June 21, 1946 - January 4, 2017 with profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved and loving husband, father and grandfather, Jay Kent Taylor, in his home in Birch Bay, Washington on January 4, 2017. Jay is survived by his wife, soul mate and joy of his life, Florence Taylor and children: Kevin (Cherie) Taylor;...

Jan 3, 2017

Paul was peacefully set free from a courageous battle with cancer two days after his 67th birthday, surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Paul left his thoughtful and passionate mark in all he did.  He was particularly proud of his accomplishments and adventures as a young man that profoundly influenced the rest of his life and exemplified his responsibility and...

Jan 2, 2017

Jan 1, 2017

Colleen Marie Dougan, age 59, of Bellingham passed away at her home Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. She was born April 10, 1957 in Bellingham to parents Ronald Dwayne and Gloria Ann (Danforth) Dougan. Colleen graduated from Kansas State University, and worked most of her career as a certified dietician.  Most recently she worked as a Certified Nurses Assistant. She was preceded...

Dec 31, 2016

Donald Ben Olson, 76, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2016 in Mount Vernon. Don was born 10pm on August 1, 1940 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Cherokee, Iowa to Edith and Ben Olson. He attended school in Meridian School District in Bellingham, where he lettered in Baseball and Basketball. Don graduated with his class of 7...

Dec 26, 2016

Ken Watjen passed away at the Bellingham at Orchard, Bellingham, WA on December 26, 2016, bringing his journey with Alzheimer’s to a close. His loving family was there for support along with his dedicated caregivers. He was a loving husband to his wife Susan, beloved father to his daughters, Laurel and Meg Watjen, and “Grampy Ken” to his granddaughter Izzy. 

Born in New...

Dec 25, 2016

Patricia “Patti” Jane Foster (Orr): May 23, 1960- December 25, 2016. Patti passed away peacefully in her sleep on Christmas morning surrounded by her family. She fought breast cancer bravely and with a smile for over seven years, while still caregiving for others in her community.

Patti was born in Trunkee, Calif. on May 23, 1960 to Robert and Ocie...

Dec 24, 2016

Paul Emil Paradis, 91, passed away peacefully at his home, December 24, 2016.  He was born August 12, 1925 in Quebec City, QB, Canada to parents Aristide Paradis and Eva Jacques Paradis. Paul worked for Canadian Pacific Railroad from age 18 to age 23. He married Jacqueline “Jackie” Belair Des Roberts on Thanksgiving Day November 28, 1946.  They made their...

Dec 22, 2016

Stella “Moo” Jordan, age 87, of Bellingham passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Bellingham.   She was born in King County and as a young adult moved to Bellingham and spent countless hours with Ray and Ruby Haan. Then went onto raise her family which were her pride and joy. She was affectionately known as “Mamoo” by her granddaughter Tiffany...