Dr. Wilbur Chinn, DO, MD, 1924 – 2011

Wilbur Chinn was born March 22, 1924 in Portland, OR and died on Nov. 22, 2011 at his home in Seattle, surrounded by his family.

He attended Broadway High School in Seattle, graduating in 1942. He married the love of his life, Sarah Jean Alkana, in 1948.

He attended Central Washington State College and became a high school teacher.

He taught school in Portland, OR for five years before enrolling in osteopathic school.

He graduated from Des Moines Osteopathic School of Medicine and Surgery in 1958 and worked in solo medical practice from 1959 until he retired in 2009.

Dr. Chinn always lived by the golden rule. He always treated people the way he himself wished to be treated. This was especially true in his medical practice, where he treated his patients the way he would wish to be treated if he were a patient.

Dr. Chinn was a very gentle soul and very kind. As much as he loved to eat fish, it was difficult for him to kill the fish that he caught and he always apologized to them before administering a sharp rap with the fish club.

Dad always looked forward to his trips to Las Vegas. He loved the shows, showgirls and the craps tables.

Dad had a great sense of humor and a large repertoire of jokes. He was always the life of the party, and will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by his patients as well.

Dr. Chinn truly cared for his patients and was very proud of the fact that he delivered several generations of babies in some families. He kept pictures on his office walls of every baby he delivered, adding new pictures as the babies grew into young adults. One of his greatest joys was having a reunion dinner with all of the babies that he delivered.

Many of his patients were surprised to find out that he was quite the basketball player in high school and in the Seattle All Chinese League.

Dr. Chinn’s family is very grateful for the wonderful support and help that they received from both Hospice and their many friends during Wilbur’s final days.

Dr. Wilbur Chinn is survived by his wife of 63 ¾ years, Sarah Jean, son Lauren Lee Chinn, DC (Pamela Anne Chinn, RN) and the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Margeaux Anne Chinn, a fourth year nursing student.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are experimenting with publishing Obituaries for local residents as a community service. If you have one, please email as editor@b-townblog.com for consideration.]

From our friends at Burien’s Moshier Community Art Center comes this sad news:

For the past six years, Artist Beverly Cameron has been a student in the art program (Art Escape) for artists with disabilities at the Moshier Community Art Center in Burien. She will be missed by all who knew her, and her artwork will be treasured.

Instructor Shariana Mundi wrote:

Beverly Cameron, our dear friend and art cohort, left this world on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. She lived in the South Seattle area all of her life with an incredibly loving and supportive family. Her developmental disabilities seemed just a silent aspect of her generous and gentle personality. She flourished most happily in her quiet world of giant flowers, colors and family. Beverly worked with textile paints for years painting dishtowels for friends and family and in the past few years discovered many more media possibilities to explore and dabble in. She excelled at collage and bright florals, adding texture and pattern to her bold, simple designs. Through art, Beverly added friendships and artist celebrations to her life.

From her ever generous nature, Beverly’s most common statement about her art was:“I made it for you!”

Beverly’s work will be on display at the Burien Community Center until January 30th, 2012. The City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department would also like to thank Beverly’s family for its very generous donation to help develop and implement more art programs for adults with disabilities.

Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation (an Advertiser here on The B-Town Blog) reports the passing of a wonderful lady with a unique place in twentieth century American history.

Bonita Teuber, 72, the original March of Dimes baby, passed away last month. She had been a resident at Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation during the past 4-1/2 years.

We’ll let Katie Olson, Burien N & R Community Relations and Marketing Director, tell the story:

On April 2, 2012, Burien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center lost a long time resident, friend and historical figure of our pastime. Bonita “Bonnie” M. Teuber (maiden name: Kuinders), born on October 31, 1939, holds national, historical recognition as the original March of Dimes baby.

At age two, Teuber was diagnosed with infantile paralysis. While this tragedy shook the entire family, it was through this experience that Teuber had the unique opportunity of meeting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

In 1938, FDR spearheaded the March of Dimes Foundation, in hopes of combating polio disease.

On August 8, 2007, Bonnie arrived at Burien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Though she arrived as a fragile, aged woman, the staff at Burien Nursing and Rehab discovered that beneath the creases of her smile and within the warmth of her eyes was a woman who had lived her life to the fullest, despite the ever-pressing conditions of the crippling disease she faced daily.

Administrator of Burien Nursing and Rehab, Lynda Baldwin, says of Bonnie:

“It was a privilege having Bonnie spend her last few years with us here at our facility. The support of her family and friends who visited on a regular basis is a testament to the woman which Bonnie was. We will miss her greatly.”

Resident Care Manager Devinder Kaur, who spent several hours with Bonnie in her last years of life, states that she, “was very close with Bonnie and her family. Sometimes, when I would talk to other residents, Bonnie would look at me, almost as if she wanted me to talk with her instead of the others. I was at the facility when Bonnie passed, it was a sad moment, but I will never forget her, her family and the legacy she has left here.”

Receptionist Jenny Busch smiles as she looks back on her memories with Bonnie and says that, “Bonnie was such a kind lady that always wanted to know how you were doing before you could ask her how she was doing. She was happy even though she was in pain, and she will be dearly missed around here.”

Here are some newspaper clippings showing young Bonita, with Eleanor Roosevelt and at a camp – click images to see larger versions:

Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a five-star rated skilled nursing facility located one block east of Ambaum Boulevard SW on SW 130th Street in Burien.

Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
1031 SW 130th Street
Burien, WA 98146
Phone 206-242-3213

www.burienrehab.com

by Shawn Underwood

Irma Bunch was kind of like the “welcome lady” for those of us who lived near Three Tree Point and Gregory Heights.

When we had our first child, we asked a neighbor friend if she knew of a small and loving daycare near by.

“Have you tried Irma?” she said.

Irma ran a loving, efficient and reasonably priced daycare out of her basement and she was in charge of the Boy Scout Clubhouse. She collected annual dues for the clubhouse and took reservations for overnight stays. It wasn’t just for Boy Scouts but anyone could camp there. Heck, I wanted to camp there though I never did. My husband preferred camping in the rain with a holey tent but I digress.

Everyone loved Irma. First off, she was a kind soul and was interested in all of her client’s lives. Not that she didn’t have a very busy life herself but I never picked up any of my three kids without spending a good 10-15 minutes chatting with Irma. She knew whose birthday was coming up and which relatives were coming to visit for one of her “kids” first birthdays. She knew which high schools and colleges her kids attended and she had a lot of kids and a memory like an elephant. She knew who was pregnant and who was moving out of the neighborhood.  She was the source of all knowledge.

She never really slowed down even when she retired from the daycare business to take care of her brother Marvin—he was from the south where he and Irma grew up. But a bit about Marvin because after awhile I thought of he and Irma as a matched pair. The first time I met Marvin I brought my new puppy Gus with me. Some of you may know him now as “Mr. Big” but anyway; Marvin asked me “what kind of dog you got there?” I told him of Gus’s fine pedigree as Gus looked for a place to wet the carpet. Marvin then waxed poetic about the hunting prowess of his old hound dog, Juniper. (Can’t believe I remembered that hound dogs name!) Years following, a visit with Irma meant, “hound dog” talk with Marvin and Gus enjoyed it as much as I did as he sat on Marvin’s lap receiving constant pets. But back to Irma.

Irma had a Halloween party for her “kids” every year. My kids pestered me for days before Halloween about visiting Irma’s for trick or treat. She had cake. She had candy. She had surprises. I think she even took pictures of kiddies Halloween costumes and funny thing was that though the kids grew taller and lost baby fat from year to year—Irma never aged.

Irma never charged a fee for late parents. I know because I was late a few times. Only a few. Just saying. She understood the lives of working parents and the role she filled. She filled a vital role for me when my oldest child was a baby.

I was hospitalized for three-four months during my second pregnancy. We had one eight-month child at home who sporadically went to Irma’s.  My husband worked during the day and baby Austin spent his formative first year with Irma. Irma—bless her heart would call me as I “rested” in my hospital room and ask about extra food for my very large hungry baby. I dithered and she made the decision. The point was that she tried to include me in something I was missing. I’ll never forget that because now she is someone I’m missing.

RIP Irma. All of your “kids” are better off for having known you…

UPDATE: Click here to read Irma’s Obituary.

A Memorial for Irma will be held Friday, Aug 24, 2012, starting at 1 p.m. at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, Washington 98126; 206-242-1787.

Google Map
Website

Ann Cotter of Burien/Normandy Park passed away on February 12, 2013.

According to the Highline Public Schools website:

Certificated substitute Ann Cotter passed away suddenly on February 19.

Ann was hired in 2001 as a math teacher at Tyee High School.

From 2002 until the present, she continued as a substitute in the district in many different assignments, primarily in the Evergreen Service Area, as well as the high school summer program.

Her memorial will be held this Wednesday, March 6th at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Normandy Park, located at 200 South 177th Place, 98148.

A memorial is planned on Saturday, April 6 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the White Center Eagles (10452 15th Ave SW) for Ryan Lien-Shepard (pictured above), who passed away at the young age of 35 on Monday, March 25.

“He was taken from this world far too early,” reads an announcement. “He was a son, a brother, a uncle, a grandson, a nephew and a friend that was loved by many. He leaves behind Marla, his mom, his siblings Ciaira, Shanna, Aaron, Jocelyn, his niece, and his son Luke. Ryan’s unexpected passing has left his loving family and friends mourning and heartbroken.”

Ryan was born and raised in White Center, and went to Evergreen High School where he graduated in 1995. Ryan not only was a family friend of Burien Bark but also an employee for the past four years.

An online memorial has been set up for Ryan’s family:

http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/ryan-lien-shepard-8-29-1977-3-25-2013/49791

“At this time we are asking for help in any way possible,” organizers said. “Please consider making a donation in any amount, great or small. Donations can be anonymous or not (your choice) and 100% will go directly to Marla’s bank account. For those of you that wish to donate directly to the family and help during this tragic time, we have set up a memorial fund in Ryan’s name.”

You can also go into Sterling Bank in Burien or Burien Bark to make a donation in person.

“Please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers as they process such a tremendous loss. Thank you so much for your love and support.”

Richard Robles – “Rich” – born in San Diego September 14, 1967, passed away unexpectedly of heart failure May 3, 2013.

He graduated from Newport High School and attended the University of Washington. He was an avid sports fan and devoted Husky.

While Rich spent his recent work life in food services as a bilingual sales representative, he also fished the Bering Sea, owned Robles Roofing, and developed his culinary talents cooking for the Keg Restaurants.

He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle friend and coach. Rich is survived by his mother, Norma Robles, Patricia, and their daughter’s Rylie Susan, 20, and Jordan Marie, 16.

Also survived by brother, James, brother and sister in law, David and Lisa and 22 nieces and nephews. Rich loved to cook, tell stories, and enjoy the company of his family and friends. He was an enthusiastic and motivating soccer coach for both his daughters’ teams and many others. Rich was a good friend with a kind and gentle heart who will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Monday, May 13, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate or bring canned food for the St. Vincent de Paul.

A. Noel Nelson passed away peacefully May 28, 2013 in Burien at the age of 82.

A lifelong Seattleite, Noel was the fifth and youngest child of Oscar and Violet Nelson. He was born in Seattle on Christmas Day, 1930 and grew up in the Green Lake area. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Noel went on to earn a B.A. in Education from Central Washington University and then an M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Washington. Noel served two years in the post-WWII US Army of Occupation in Germany before returning to his career as a professional educator. He began as an Elementary teacher, then P.E. and Wood Shop but quickly advanced thru various administrative positions to serve as an Elementary School Principal in the Highline School District from 1974 until his retirement in 1987.

Outside of his professional life, Noel dedicated much of his time and talent to various volunteer organizations including the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, and the National Ski Patrol and was a proud and loving family man. In keeping with his background in Phys Ed, he remained active in some of his favorite recreational activities including Softball, Boating, and Skiing well into his mid-70s. He was also an accomplished amateur woodworker, builder, electrician, plumber, and all-around “DIY-er.”

Noel is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie, his sister Adrienne Schmidt, his five children, Greg, Gary, Jeanne, Rodger, and Monica, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Photo of Jacques R. Gordon from his Facebook page.

A Candlelight Vigil is being planned for next Friday, July 19 for Jacques R. Gordon, 21, a young Burien man who was killed in a car crash with his Mother Renee M. Parent, 54, in Oregon on Wednesday (read our previous coverage here).

Organizer Lucas M. Green is seeking participants to bring candles, stories, photos or memories of Jacques that they’d like to share with others at the event, which is set to begin at 9:30 p.m.

“Ideally I would like to set up a little memorial as well so flowers and letters are strongly encouraged,” Lucas told The B-Town Blog. “Jacques touched so many lives and I believe The B-Town Blog has the mass audience that would allow the word of this memorial to spread. I would be honored if you would be willing to let people know that the event will be taking place and encourage all who knew him to attend. Thank you very much for your time and sympathies.”

To contact Lucas, find him on Facebook here.

Speaking of Facebook, Gordon’s page is quickly filling up with tributes and memories, some of which we’ve excerpted below:

Sovana Nati:
You were the nicest person of our class, RIP.

Joshua James Kurth:
I’m shocked right now I can’t believe that someone I grew up with and lived next to for years is gone. Jacques you were a great person and a great friend, I’ll miss you buddy! R.I.P.

Rex Post:
The posts here are a heartbreaking, yet inspiring tribute to the man that Jacques Gordon was. He always said hi to me whenever he came back to Highline. He always laughed at my cheesy jokes and goofy test questions. He always had a smile on his face. He gave so much more than he ever took. RIP Brother.

Gabby Yundt:
You never quit being an amazing friend to everyone you met. Glad for the time I had with you. RIP Jacques Gordon , I guess God had bigger plans for you.

Stuart Codd:
Man, it is heartbreaking to lose a good friend. I saw you the other day Jacques, and you looked like you were so full of energy. You were an inspiration to me because you always had fun and always in a laughing attitude, I’m gonna miss that soo much. I’m going to miss seeing your face all the time. I’m grateful for the times I’ve seen you at the football games at Highline and how you’d give me a ride home and we’d talk about whatever. I hope all is well up there and that Heaven has a Young Life of its own that you can lead. R.I.P. I love you and you will be sorely missed.

Kelly Best Montoya:
Jaques, your love and positive attitude were infectious! I will think twice the next time I want to be negative and let your life and passion be a reminder to me to choose light! You were the hands and feet and heart of Jesus at all times and heavens gain is for sure our loss! Much love to your family and our GHT family at this time.

A location for the memorial has yet to be set, but check back often for updates.

A memorial service for Jacques Gordon, 21, and Renee Parent, 54, is set for this Friday night, July 19 at 7 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park.

The service will be immediately followed by a candlelight vigil at 9 p.m. at Lake Burien School Memorial Park – NOT Highline High School as previously reported.

As we previously reported, Jacques and Renee were tragically killed in a car crash in Oregon last Wednesday.

Here’s more info from a Facebook Event Post:

As I am sure most of you have probably heard by now, Jacques Gordon and Renee Parent were killed in a tragic automobile accident last week in Oregon. The family asked me to get word out regarding the service to remember both Jacques and Renee.

The service will be at 7pm on Friday July 19, at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park, WA. The service will be immediately followed by a candlelight vigil at Highline High School in Burien, WA.

Please help spread the word to others that knew the family, swam with Jacques, or would like to come pay respects. Your support and friendship is appreciated greatly by the family in this time of loss.

John Knox Presbyterian Church is located at 109 SW Normandy Road (map below).

View Larger Map

Duane Quande, 70, longtime owner of Burien City Garage, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his Burien home on Aug. 17, after a courageous battle with TTR amyloidosis.

Duane, born May 27, 1943, served as past President of the Burien Lions. He operated his garage on Ambaum for 36 years, where he kept his prized, restored 1957 Chevy, which was stolen – then recovered – last year (read about that here).

We met Duane a few times, found him to be a very likeable man, and everyone at The B-Town Blog sends their sympathies to his family, friends, co-workers and customers.

Here’s a video of Duane talking about his business and customers:

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to his obituary:

Duane was very active in the boating community; he built his first boat as a teenager and explored the sound from Three-Tree Point to Blake Island. As an adult he was an officer and teacher for the Poverty Bay Power Squadron and a member of Seattle Yacht Club. Since 1967, Duane and Mary could be found in the San Juan Islands, or Desolation Sound, cruising with friends and family aboard their boats.

The name of his boat, Friendship, personified Duane. He helped anyone, anytime with anything. Every friend became family and every stranger became a friend.

He was past President of the Burien Lions, operated Burien City Garage for 36 years, and was a member of NAPA Auto Care.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Burien Lions Club, 15455 4th Ave. S.W., Burien, WA 98148, or Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Ste. 300, Seattle, WA 98109.

A celebration of Duane’s life will be held this Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3-7 p.m. at the Des Moines Yacht Club. Please click here to share memories, or leave a Comment below…

Jessie Lee Horn was born on April 4, 1926 to Frank and Effie Horn of Moorcroft, Wyoming. When she was very young, the family moved to Yakima, WA, where she grew up on S. 5th Avenue and graduated from Yakima High School. 

In 1946, she married Louis (Frank) St. George and they had four children. In 1956, they moved to Seattle where Dad worked for Boeing until his retirement and Mom worked for Seafirst Bank for many years. 

Mom worked in several flower shops in Burien and Renton, and later had her own shop, Anything Grows, in Seahurst for several years. In retirement, they travelled with the Boeing Travel Club and enjoyed their vacation properties. 

Preceded in death by Dad in 1992, Mom is survived by children John (Linda), Jim (Dee), Bob, and Kathy (Al). She also leaves 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 

A funeral service will be held at St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church, 15226 21st Ave SW in Burien, on Tuesday, Sept 3 at 7 pm.

Some sad news from local musician Sandra Locklear – her son Milo Klym Forman Locklear, 31, has passed away.

Milo attended Highline High School and graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 2000 with honors and an AA degree from Highline Community College.

A candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m., on the north Monorail side of the Space Needle.

Here’s a letter sent out by his family:

Dear Circle of Family and Friends,

We have heard that time heals everything but for now, it is with great sadness that we send you this link to our son Milo’s obituary in today’s Seattle Times newspaper.  Please feel free to leave comments on one of the online guest books mentioned.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/?from=stnv2

We would be honored to have you join us this Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM at a public candle Light vigil. We will be gathering outdoors on the north Monorail side of the Space Needle (where Milo spent the last two years twisting balloons for kids and tourists) to support the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding, which coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week.

See   http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=mental_illness_awareness_week

As the national conversation around health care for all broadens we need to make sure that mental health is included.  Our intention is to hold space and light around this issue as a community as we honor Milo and your own loved ones past … present … and future.  Bring a candle and possibly umbrella. Feel free to bring others.  Thank you.

Finally, we are attaching an excerpt from a famous book that describes a simple practice to help connect with Milo through these initial stages.   From the Tibetan Book of the Living and Dying:

“Always remember that the state your loved one is now in is one of immense clarity and mobility. Any thought directed at them will be immediately perceived no matter how far away they were from you when they died; so whenever bringing them to mind, do it with a good heart and good thoughts. This will be very beneficial for them and for you.”

Love,
Jimmy, Sandra, and Sofia Locklear

A potluck Memorial Celebration for Milo Locklear will be held this Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Southgate Masonic Hall in Burien.

Milo, who passed away recently, attended Highline High School and graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 2000 with honors and an AA degree from Highline Community College.

Classmates and friends are welcome to attend.

See Milo’s tribute at http://bonneywatson.com/obituaries/detail.html?id=4794.

“Thanks from the bottom of our hearts,” said his parents, Sandra and Jim Locklear.

Patricia Elizabeth Perell-Ellis-Hiles
May 31, 1930 – December 17, 2013

Patricia Elizabeth Perell-Ellis-Hiles passed away peacefully while holding hands with her loving daughter Linda Colleen Ellis-Puckett on December 17, 2013.

Patricia was born May 31, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward Paul Perell and Elizabeth Francis Mertes-Perell. After living in Burien for over 30 years she moved to Aptos, CA in 2004 to be with her daughter.

Patricia is preceded in death by her mother and father and son, Richard Frederick Ellis, Jr. She is survived by: her daughter and son-in-law William Lee Puckett; Gail Ellis-Rimmer, daughter in-law; five grandchildren, Jim Darmiento, Ione Darmiento, Richard James Ellis, Shannon Colleen Ellis and Erin Margaret Ellis; eight great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; her lifelong friend, Vicky Rasmusson and family ; Jeannie Rasmusson-Roberts and family.

Pat is well known for her energetic self with a hunger for reading, traveling, gardening (roses), animals (dogs), friendship and children. After working as a bookkeeper for 20+ years for Washington Truckerís Assoc. she retired in 1993. Soon after she volunteered and worked as the treasurer for the Burien Garden Club.

A service will be held for Patricia this Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 740 S. 128th St., Seattle, WA 98168 (Burien) beginning at 2:00 pm.

Surrounded by loved ones, Maria F. Medina, 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Burien, WA on Sunday, March 30, 2014; one day before the 15th anniversary of the death of her husband Filiberto Medina, whom she married on September 25, 1944.

Maria was born in Huancayo, Junin, Peru on October 13, 1922. Devoted to her Roman Catholic faith, Peruvian culture, and helping the poor, Maria worked and volunteered at numerous organizations including El Centro de la Raza, as a counseling assistant and clothing store manager as well as aided the Council for the Spanish Speaking; AIPEUC Peru; the newspaper La Voz; St. Vincent de Paul; Harborview Medical Center; and served as a eucharistic minister for 29 years.

In 1978, Maria helped initiate the celebration of the Peruvian religious holiday honoring the Señor de los Milagros (Our Lord of Miracles), in Seattle. Commemorated through a Mass and Procession, it was first held at Blessed Sacrament Church. She founded the Seattle chapter of La Hermandad del Señor de los Milagros (Brotherhood of Our Lord of the Miracles) to help Catholic churches in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region observe the ceremony annually. Since then it has been held at St. James Cathedral, St. Mary’s and Holy Family Roman Catholic Church among others.

In June of 1983, Maria founded Club Peru with the purpose of bringing solidarity among Peruvians in the community. With help from family and friends, she represented Peru at the annual World Festival organized by the Ethnic Heritage Council for several years. Known for her work in the community, the Consulate of Peru requested her assistance in 1983 to lead a committee providing disaster relief and aid to those affected by the heavy rains in the North-end area of Peru. She was awarded for her service to the Pacific Northwest community by the Ethnic Heritage Council, Club Peru and AIPEUC (International Association of Peruvian American & Canadian Organizations) Peru Puget Sound.

Maria was an artist and craftswoman, writer, poet, and a skilled seamstress and tailor. Her mediums of choice were varied, from ceramics to looming, knitting, crocheting and leatherworking.

She will be dearly missed by her 12 surviving children Blanca Rioja of Lima, Peru; Filiberto Medina, Jr. of Queens, NY; Gladys Diaz of Burien, WA; Ines Medina of Seattle, WA; Isabel Simpson of Burien, WA; Luis Antonio Medina of Union City, NJ; Manuel Medina of Seattle, WA; Irma Galloso of Seattle, WA; Mabel Manyari of Burien, WA; Carmela Paul of Burien, WA; Maritza Sprague of Burien, WA and Haydee Ruiz of Burien, WA; 39 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren and 10 surviving brothers and sisters residing in Lima and Piura, Peru.

A Wake will be held from 2pm – 5pm, Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Yarington Funeral Home in White Center and a Funeral Service will be held at 11am, Friday, April 4, 2014, at Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish, with a Viewing from 10am-11am. A Funeral Procession to the Committal Service at Holyrood Cemetery to follow immediately after Mass. A Reception will take place at Christ the King Church at 4pm. All these events are open to the public. Floral tributes are graciously accepted.

A “Celebration of Life” for Joseph “Joey” Daniel Minar (pictured above, right) – who passed away suddenly March 29 at the age of 18 – will be held this Friday, April 4, starting at 4 p.m. at the Burien Community Center, located at 14700 6th Ave SW.

“Everyone who knew Joey is invited to attend,” according to an announcement.

In addition, a memorial fund has been set up to help offset the funeral/burial and Celebration of Life costs.

Here is how you can help – send a check to:

“Joey Minar Memorial Fund”
Key Bank in Burien
655 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
Account Number: 470053007154
In Care of: Alisa J Minar

“Any assistance you can provide in helping to spread the word, would be greatly appreciated!”

Here’s more from a Facebook Page:

Please come and join us in celebrating the life of a wonderful goofy young man. Joseph (Joey) Daniel Minar was a friend to everyone he met and was loved by many. Not a day of his life passed by without him bringing smiles and laughter to others. The family is throwing a celebration in honor of Joey Minar, this coming Friday, April 4th, 2014; they invite you all to join us at Burien Community Center (old library).

All are strongly encouraged to use this event page to PLEASE share pictures and positive memories of our beloved Joey. Any appropriate pictures of Joey posted will be included in a slideshow at the event.

A Memorial Mass for Sister Rose Marie Dillman will be held at the Kennedy Catholic High School Chapel starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21.

Sr. Rose Marie Dillman – who spent nearly three decades on the staff at Kennedy Catholic – passed away Friday, April 25 at the age of 87.

“One of Sister’s favorite days of the year is coming up on May 27 – her birthday,” reads an announcement. “With this in mind, we encourage you to bring her a ‘birthday’ card to the Mass and these will be shared with her family.”

To assist in planning, organizers are asking for RSVPs for those who wish to attend.

“Please extend an invite to all Lancers and others whose lives she touched – email halla@kennedyhs.org with your guest count.”

The Mass will begin at 5 p.m. in the Chapel and be followed by an informal reception with ‘birthday cake’ in the Dillman Center – which appropriately was named after her – from 6-7 p.m.

Here’s more info from her obituary:

She was the youngest of five children born to Joseph Dillman and Helen (Erck) Dillman on May 27, 1926 in Strasburg, North Dakota. When she was ten, the family moved to Yakima, WA where she attended St. Paul School. At the beginning of the war, her family moved to Saskatchewan, Canada to farm on land that had been in the family since the turn of the century. She returned to Yakima to attend high school at St. Joseph Academy. Upon graduation in 1943, she returned to Canada.

She entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence on May 18, 1945, made her first profession of vows on November 19, 1946, and her final profession on November 19, 1950.

After her first vows, she was sent to Yakima, WA to teach 7th and 8th grade girls at St. Joseph Grade School. She spent eight summers attending the College of Great Falls in Montana. She continued teaching during the school year at Yakima. She went on to teach at these schools in Washington: St. Michael’s School, Olympia; St. Joseph School, Vancouver; John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, Seattle, 1968-1995; Sacred Heart School; Holy Family School, Seattle; Holy Rosary School, Moxee; and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Sun Valley, CA. She served as Principal and Superior for three years at Sacred Heart School, Tacoma, and as Principal for a year at Holy Family School, Seattle.

On February 8, 2009, John F. Kennedy Catholic High School dedicated The Sister Rose Marie Dillman Center, created and named in her honor by the past and present alumni, students, faculty and administration of John F. Kennedy Catholic High School. She worked at the high school for 27 years.

Her interests included poetry, writing, attending sports events at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, teaching grade school history and geography, growing roses, playing cards, and traveling. She made her first trip to Europe in 1977, traveled to Russia in 1991 and visited Europe again in 1993. Upon retirement in 1995, Kennedy Catholic High School gave her a gift of a trip to the Holy Land, Egypt and Greece. In 2001, she went to Rome for the beatification of Mother Emilie Gamelin. She also visited a Notre Dame Sister in Kenya.

While teaching at Holy Family School, Seattle in 1974, a priest requested that she make home visits so taught classes in the morning and visited homes in the afternoon. She met with many married couples, and had a core group of 12 couples with whom she had maintained a strong friendship ever since.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathryn Dillman Blondin, and brothers Martin, Lewis, and Blase Dillman. She is survived by two of her sisters-in-law, Gertie Dillman (Lewis) and Margaret Dillman (Blase) and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016.

Jerry Robinson laughs as he is crowned “King of Three Tree Point” in 2009. Photo by Scott Schaefer.

According to a post on the West Seattle Herald website, Highline Times Publisher Jerry Robinson passed away on Monday, May 26.

Robinson, who was born in 1920, was 94.

On a personal note, BTB Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer lives just a few blocks from Robinson’s home in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood. Robinson was actually Schaefer’s boss at his first journalism gig when he became a Writer/Photographer for the West Seattle Herald while just 17-years old and still in high school.

“I remember J.R. as being very funny, and it was obvious that his great sense of humor ran in his family,” Schaefer said. “And his sons Pat, Tim, Ken, Scott and Mike all had similar qualities, as well as voices just like their Dad’s.”

Robinson was named “Business Leader of the Year” by Discover Burien in 2010, and was a longtime local newspaper man.

Everyone at The B-Town Blog sends out our deepest sympathies to J.R.’s family, friends and staff.

Burien resident Benjamin Dressler, 15, and his 69-year-old grandfather Richard Munger died Sunday in a plane crash off the Oregon coast.

Ben was a student at Aviation High in Tukwila, where he was just about to finish the school year.

Thursday night, a large vigil was held on campus in Benjamin Dressler’s honor; here’s a video courtesy KING5: