Obituary Notices
- Elba E. Johnson
- Robert Glenn Nolen
- William U. Buxton
- George Bryam Hamill
- Louis “Gerry” Larson
- Terrance Richard “Terry” Fuchek
- Mary T. Nelson
- Zoella Bates (Blakesley) Emerson
George Byram Hamill (4-30-1915 ~ 9-4-2013) The first time George Byram Hamill went fishing he was a week old; his father, having been entrusted with his care for a few hours, heard the salmon were running in the Willamette River and thought he could take care of both at once. It was the first of many days spent fishing.
Born April 30, 1915 in Portland, Oregon to George B. Hamill and Valentina Welch, young George moved with his family to Tacoma. Two of his earliest memories were witnessing the Armistice Parade in Tacoma at the end of World War I, and the outbreak of the Spanish Flu.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1933 and from Washington State College in 1938. During summers while in college he worked as a fire lookout in the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho. His stories of fishing, hunting, picking huckleberries, fighting fires and confronting bears entertained the family for some 70 years. He returned from the forest with a great love of the wilderness and a lifelong friendship with fellow forester Allan Hakola.
His father died in 1940, and young George returned home to support his mother and sister. He managed to secure a job as a welder helper at Todd Pacific Shipyard. The shipyard promptly recognized his organizational skills and he rose quickly to become their Production Planning Foreman during the Second World War. He helped streamline the shipyard and noticeably increased production, and quality of the ships. Among his proudest achievements was authoring a welding manual that was adopted by the Navy as their national standard for ship construction.
In 1947, he met and married Geneva Hopper of Tacoma, a decision he proclaimed as the best of his life. At their wedding ceremony, Allan Hakola met Geneva’s twin sister Jeanette and they were soon engaged. George felt introducing Allan to Jeanette his second best idea. The two couples remained very close as they raised their families.
Their marriage lasted sixty-six years. They raised two children, and George embarked on a career in real estate sales and finance, first as a real estate agent at Comfort Davis and Blangy in Tacoma, and later as a mortgage broker at Sparkman and McLean. In 1967, he founded Hamill Mortgage Co. in Tacoma, which he ran successfully until he sold the company in 1981. Active in industry associations, he served as President of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association in 1978. He loved his business.
After his retirement in 1983, he dedicated himself to fishing whenever possible, golfing, curling, travelling and spending time with his family. One of the great joys of his later life was annual fishing trips to British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte Islands with his son and son-in-law and grandchildren. He led a very full and happy life.
George is survived by his wife Geneva; son George Allan; daughter Diane (Rich) Bennion; grandchildren Meredith, Laird and Reid (Nicole) Bennion; and sister, Frances Hamill Wilson. He is remembered fondly by the Hakola family: Jeanette; nephew Allan Hakola Jr; and niece Jan Lengenfelder (John). Allan preceded him in death.
A Celebration of his Life will be held 11a.m. Thursday, September 12th at Old St. Peter’s Church, 2910 No. Starr St.
Instead of flowers, please make donations to Old St. Peter’s Church, P.O.Box 7265, Tacoma, WA 98417 and Franciscan Hospice 2901 Bridgeport Way. W., University Place WA 98466.
Elba E. Johnson was born on January 27, 1964 in Mount Vernon, Washington to R.L. and Edna E. Polk. She was their first child and dearly loved. Elba made her transition from life on earth on September 5, 2013.
In past years, Elba was a member of the Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington. In recent years, Elba was a member of the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (the NBCF) in Renton, Washington. Among other things, Elba volunteered her time and talents within the NBCF. She loved and inspired young people to do and be their best. Elba enjoyed sharing the Word of God with others.
Elba graduated from Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas in 1982. She pursued a degree at Pierce College and continued educating herself throughout her life. She enjoyed listening to gospel music. In addition, she played the piano and keyboard.
Elba’s life was full of accomplishments. She enjoyed serving and encouraging others. Elba took pride in her work and showered a strong work ethic. She worked at a cosmetics company in Dallas until her family moved back to Washington State where she resided most of her adult life. While in Washington, Elba gave her time and talents to the Tacoma School District. She enjoyed meeting new people while selling Avon and then Mary Kay products. Elba valued networking and promoting small businesses. Elba started a gather for ladies to meet on a monthly basis to motivate, encourage, network and relax that was fondly known as DIVAS (Divine* In love* Victorious* Anointed*Sisters in Christ). In addition, she was honored to serve as a civilian employee for Madigan Army Medical Center until she retired for medical reasons several years. ago.
Elba endured a long-term illness. In spite of it all, Elba maintained a positive attitude and she let her light shine for others to see. Many loved ones, to include family and close friends, will continue to cherish their memories of Elba’s winning attitude. Elba exemplified many of the characteristics described in Proverbs 31—“ a woman of strength and dignity… when she speaks, her words are wise and kindness is the rule for everything she says”
The world is a better place because Elba lived. Elba was loved and admired by many people. She will continue to live in the hearts of those who love her. She was a good and faithful servant of almighty God. His name shall forever be praised for giving us Elba Elizabeth Johnson. Elba was a wonderful blessing.
Memorial service for Elba E. Johnson will be held at The Aspen Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park and Funeral Home on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 3:00pm.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
Robert Glenn Nolen, 81, passed away on August 31, 2013, at his home in University Place, doing what he enjoyed most, sitting in the sunshine with his wife Peggy at his side and best friend Denis Timmerman. He was born August 6, 1932 in Spokane, WA,to Dorothy and Robert R. Nolen. His childhood was spent in Montana and teen years in Yakima, WA. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he met and married Peggy in Augusta, GA. Bob enjoyed along career in retail sales including Kelly Furniture, self-employed at Nolen Furniture,and retirement from Harkness Furniture.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Peggy, daughter Gail (David) Dawson, grandchildren Garrett and Elisa, sisters Darlene (Herb) McDaniel and Wanita Bohay, and many nieces, nephews and their children, numerous extended family members and friends. Preceding him in death: sister Wanda and husband Everett Tackett; brotherRon; and brother-in-law Rick Bohay.
Bob loved life to the fullest, especially people. He was a big-hearted gentleman who never met a stranger, an avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed the great outdoors, stream fishing, golf, and road trips. He was adedicated sports fan, especially the Mariners and Seahawks.
The family would like to thank Dr. Arthur Knodel and staff at Tacoma General Hospital for the wonderful, compassionate care our loved one received.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at Chambers Creek Regional Park, the Environmental Services Bldg., 9850 64th St. W., University Place, WA 98467. In Robert’s memory you may make a donation to your favorite charity.
William U. Buxton (Bill), 76, died on Thursday, August 29th in Gig Harbor, WA after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on November 13, 1936. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Susan, daughter Bonnie L. Cornett, husband Don, son Robert G. Buxton, and wife Martha, three granddaughters, Amy, Megan and Amber and two great-grandsons Nate and Cole.
Bill was an Inter-Communications Chief in the U.S. Navy and served on submarines for 20 years, retiring in 1974. He worked for Bayer at their Bushy Park, SC, facility as in Instruments Technician and for Giant Cement, Harleyville, SC, as the Instruments Foreman.
Bill lived in Ladson and Summerville for 38 years, recently moving to Gig Harbor, WA. He is a Past Master of the Summerville Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He was also a volunteer at the Summerville Medical Center.
No formal services are planned. A private family memorial will be held.
Louis (fondly known as Gerry) Larson was welcomed to heaven into the arms of Jesus September 3, 2013. He was born in Tacoma February 15, 1937 to Louis and Evelyn Larson. He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Sylvia; Son, Dean (Tammy), Grandson, Daniel, Son, Raymond (Rhonda), Grandchildren, Brandon, Wesley, Tessa; Brothers, Peter (Coreen), Steven (Elaine), Sister, Jane Chantler (Greg) and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Gerry’s life passion was people – knowing, helping, serving and loving them. He will be greatly missed.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Louis “Gerry” Larson please visit our Sympathy Store.
Terrance Richard “Terry” Fuchek, age 66, of Milton, FL, passed away Wednesday, September 04, 2013. He was born June 28, 1947 in Tacoma, WA to the late Richard Fuchek and Zelda Kendall Fuchek.
Terry had worked at Lowes the last few years before his health failed him. He loved to read, especially magazines about cars and traveling. His greatest pastime was the enjoyment of cruises, he loved traveling and going on cruise ships.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Chris Fuchek who passed away in 2006; and a brother, Tim Fuchek. Survivors include this sons, Bryan Fuchek of Oregon, Loren Fuchek of Florida and Allan (Kim) Fuchek of Maryland; his daughters, Tracy (Richard) Merritt of Florida and Conni Burns of Washington; the mother of his children, Robin Burns of Idaho; his grandchildren, Sarra, Alex and Dylan Merritt, Michael Pitts, Jaide Fuchek, Brook, Terry and Mitchell Carson.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 10 AM until Noon. Interment will be at a later date in Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Activities Department at Santa Rosa Health & Rehab in Milton, FL for special thanks to them for their care during Terry’s sickness.
Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www. bayviewfisherpouchapel.com. Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
Mary T. Nelson, 64, passed away Friday, September 6, 2013 in Lakewood, WA. She was born on October 2, 1948 in Medina, New York to John Clark and Bertha Bell (Pearce) Roush Jr.
She loved spending time with her family and the many trips taken with her husband in their corvette especially to Canon Beach, Oregon.
Mary is survived by her husband Michael; children David, Marsha and Laura; step-children Dennis and Serena; sister June Pavlov of Hamburg, NY and numerous grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary T. Nelson please visit our Sympathy Store.
Zoella Bates (Blakesley) Emerson. Born in Grass Creek, Wyoming, November 22, 1922 to Nina and Lou Blakesley. Years later Zoe, her mother and two sisters moved to Seattle where she graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1940 and married a young army enlistee, with whom she bore two sons. Her second marriage in 1948 was to US Air Force Lieutenant Russell C. Emerson who adopted her first two sons. Zoe and Cal also had two sons, adopted a daughter and remained married over 50 years until his death in Lakewood in 2008.
Zoella’s occupations were daughter, eldest sister, an Episcopalian Christian, schoolgirl, amateur skier, wife, loving mother, gardener, wondrous beauty, hospital volunteer, cub scout & girl scout leader, auction bidder and furniture restorer, elected PTA president, gourmet cook, master seamstress, grandmother (7) and great-grandmother (6) extraordinaire, FISH food bank coordinator, church senior warden, prayer warrior, teacher, friend, housekeeper, and neighbor. There were more. With the exception of seamstress and a stint as retail clerk at the Seattle Bon Marche during the war years all were done without monetary recompense. To this day no one could pay her what she was worth. The beloved family pets, Rita Jean, Ulla, Anna I and Anna II awaited her arrival. Died August 19, 2013 in Lakewood from a massive cerebral vascular stroke. Memorial service and interment of ashes will be at 2pm on Saturday, September 14th at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood. The family’s heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff of St. Clare Hospital and Kindred Care in Lakewood, to Brian and Stephanie from Gentiva, as well as to her caregivers, Lorna, Rosa, and Odilia from Korean Women’s Association, who provided compassionate care to her and Dad in their final days.