Obituary: Feb. 22, 2017

Walter M. Perdue

Port Angeles resident Walter M. Perdue died Feb. 12, 2017, in Port Angeles at the age of 66.

No services are planned.

Donations are requested to Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics, 819 Georgiana St., Port Angeles.

He was born Nov. 22, 1950.

Ray (Ski) John Barczewski

April 12, 1938 – November 3, 2016

Ray, or ‘Ski’ as he was known as by many, died peacefully on November 3, 2016, in Port Angeles, WA of natural causes. He was born in Manila, Philippines to Ray Sr. and Beatrice (Mendiola) Barczewski.

When he was 21 years old, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served until April 1965. He enlisted in the US Navy in July 1967 and served in the Pacific Fleet as an Electronics Warfare Systems Technician and Shipboard Instructor. He received numerous medals and ribbons for good conduct and humanitarian efforts.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy in August 1970. In all, Ray retired with over 30 years of combined service in June 1991.

He moved to Port Angeles to be near his friends Stan and Shirley Wooldridge. A dear friend, Joe Jameson, accompanied him, and they lived the remainder of their lives near the Wooldridge family.

Ray is survived by his brother Frank (Moonyeen) Barczewski, Jr., nieces Lisa Barczewski Galbraith, and Laurie Barczewski Dake, and nephews David and Frank; brother Robert (Sandra) Barczewski, numerous nieces and nephews, the Wooldridge family, and the Kimzey family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Carl, long-time friends Joe Jameson, Stan and Shirley Wooldridge.

Ski was a good son, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone. He was generous and loving. He is missed.

Donations may be made in Ski’s memory to the Olympic Medical Center Foundation, 939 Caroline Street, Port Angeles for the Olympic Medical Cancer Center.

Leota Laurene Kelley

August 9, 1933 – January 15, 2017

Leota Kelley passed away peacefully at the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona on Sunday, January 15th.

She was born in Sequim, Washington on August 9, 1933, the youngest of Sophie Kraetz and Lawrence R. Blair. Leota graduated from Sequim High School in 1951. She met the love of her life Patrick Kelley. They were married on March 3, 1951 in Sequim and enjoyed 59 years of marriage before Pat’s early passing due to cancer. In 1956, Leota, Pat and their two young children moved to Seattle when Pat began his career with the Seattle Fire Department. Leota pursued a degree in cosmetology and had a long, fulfilling career in hairdressing.

She enjoyed a full life of travel throughout the US and Europe. She was an accomplished pianist, blessed with the gift of playing by ear, and pursued many hobbies and activities —-including sewing, quilting, painting, crafting; and hiking, snow skiing and water sports. Leota enjoyed snow skiing with friends in Europe and at favorite US ski locations like Mt. Bachelor in Oregon.

Favorite retirement pursuits included full time motor-coach travel visiting many US locations from coast to coast. Her travels also included a barge trip to Alaska and a very special trip to Africa to tour animal preserves.

Leota is survived by her three children daughter Debra Kelley Simmonds and husband David of Redmond, Washington, son Douglas Kelley of Issaquah, Washington, daughter Dianne Kelley and husband Steve Mishler of Camano Island, Washington and 8 grandchildren – Kimberly (Kelley) Daniels, John Simmonds, Ryan Kelley, Erik Nelson, Vanessa Simmonds, Ashley (Nelson) Heichel, Kyle Nelson and Camille Nelson. Leota is preceded in death by her husband L. Patrick Kelley, parents Lawrence R. Blair and Sophie Blair Engeseth, brother Earl “Bud” Blair, sister Eileen Limoli and sister Barbara Ronning. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 12:30 PM at the Haller Lake Methodist Church, 13055 First Avenue NE, Seattle. A reception for family and friends will follow.

All are encouraged to send memorial condolences, special memories, messages, stories and thoughts about our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend – Leota L. Kelley — in the online guest book located in the Obituary section at www.seattletimes.com. Leota was loved by many, will be greatly missed.

William James “Bill” Souza, Jr.

September 26, 1939 – February 8, 2017

William “Bill” Souza, died peacefully on February 8, 2017 at his home in Sequim after a lengthy battle with cancer. He had his long-time, loving friends, Donald D. Brown of San Jose, California and Carol Reed of Sequim at his side.

He was born September 26, 1939 to Elsie and William J. Souza, Sr., in Santa Clara, California.

As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours of duty serving his country. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. After being discharged in 1963, he started his career in the communications industry. He spent 30 years with the Bell System and associated companies.

When he retired, he moved to Sequim and built a home which he designed himself to replicate the bow of a ship. He then came out of retirement and started the business “The Phoneman” and spent about 12 years installing and repairing phone lines in the Sequim area.

His love of the outdoors is what brought him to Sequim. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing. He always had a garden and would share his produce and could often be found in the kitchen cooking something from his garden. He loved to travel and would go to Mexico or Hawaii whenever possible.

He was an avid Harley Davidson rider. He had many friends through his Harley riding and his SARC membership.

He is survived by his brother, Robert G Souza, Sr. of Discovery Bay, California, an aunt, Marilee Gullo, of Santa Clara, California and 2 nephews and one niece.

A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Pioneer Park Clubhouse in Sequim, Washington.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98382.

Barbara M. Garypie

May 22, 1935 – December 24, 2016

Barbara was born to Helga and Robert Phillips of St. Claire Shores, Michigan. She graduated from high school there in 1953. Always gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she took up formal study of music at Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and at Wayne State University in Detroit., earning her B.A. in 1960.

A winner of the Metropolitan Opera competition in 1963, Barbara went on to complete her Master of Music in Voice degree at the University of Michigan.

Barbara married Renwick Garypie in 1963. They had two children, Robert and Catherine.

She expanded her interests beyond music in many directions over the years. At various times she was an elementary school teacher, a real estate broker, a life insurance representative, a patient advocate in a large city hospital and a Vista Volunteer, teaching adults how to read and write. In 1980 she was licensed by the state of Michigan to practice social work.

In 1990 she met Dr. Ira Progoff and she became certified to teach his Progoff Intensive Journal. She then developed and taught a series of workshops called “Writing Your Life Story” which she presented in many places over 20 years.

In 2005 Barbara and Renwick began traveling the country in an Airstream trailer, finally settling in Sequim, Washington where her life ended on December 24, 2016.

Surviving are her husband Renwick Garypie of Sequim; daughter Catherine Garypie of Chicago, Illinois; and son Robert (Lisa) Garypie of Chelsea, Michigan.

A celebration of her life is planned for March 18, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Olympic Unitarian Universalist fellowship hall. Donations in her memory may be made to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East 8th St, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Douglas Cooley Patt

March 13, 1950 – February 5, 2017

Born in New Jersey, Doug lived his first 13 years in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended Hotchkiss High School in Connecticut and then Stanford where he met his wife, Mary Yunker. He was a Stanford graduate in Broadcast and Communications and Georgetown University in International Studies.

In his 20s, he was a freelance media entrepreneur, managing bands on road tours. After the birth of his daughter, Kara, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army.

He spent 20 years in the Army, serving combat tours in Panama, Kuwait/Iraq and Somalia, diplomatic tours in the Ivory Coast, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia as well as command and staff tours with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and U.S. Army Special Forces Command at Fort Bragg, NC and the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. In Washington, DC he served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and with the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. His training included Officer Candidate School, Airborne, Military Intelligence Basic & Advanced, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

After his retirement from the Army, Doug impacted others through demining efforts in Vietnam and journalistic work in Afghanistan.

Doug met Vivian Brown in Saudi Arabia and they have been life partners since 2000. Living in Phoenix at first, Doug said the pavement there was too hot for dog paws, so they moved to Sequim in 2008.

Survivors include partner Vivian Brown of Sequim, children Kara Patt of Seattle, Michael (Kate) Patt of San Francisco, Gavin (Leesah) Patt of Boulder, Co, ex-wife Mary Patt of Boulder, sister Kt Patt of Seattle, nieces Alix Patt of Seattle and Teya Patt of Hollywood, granddaughter Eden Patt, grandson Gavin Patt, Jr. and his beloved quadrupeds, Misty and Hank. He is predeceased by his father, Arthur Patt and mother, Helen Patt, as well as his other beloved pooches, Max and Moose.

Doug was a donor and shortly after his death, we were informed that his corneas were successfully transplanted into a 64-year-old male and a 67-year-old male.

Doug died after cardiac surgery on February 3rd at Swedish hospital in Seattle.

There are no services at his request, but his children will spread his ashes over his beloved mountain home property in Sequim.

If you wish to send him flowers, please know that he would want that gift directed to the worthy cause of your local public school system in the form of “catching up” delinquent school lunch accounts for the less fortunate.

Marian Eloise McGilvra

February 27, 1935 – February 12, 2017

“I was born February 27, 1935 in the small town of Winlock, Washington. My parents, Fred and Eloise Roth, were hard working farmers. We never had a lot of money but our lives were rich with love and caring. I was blessed with two brothers, John and Richard. They were both very intelligent and got A’s all of the time on their report cards. (I got A’s in Band and Chorus). I played the clarinet and oboe in Band and loved singing in the High School chorus. My main “claim to fame” was being Egg Day Queen in 1953. (Winlock is the home of the World’s Largest Egg you know).

After I graduated in 1953, I went to Seattle to look for a job. What an experience….Why didn’t everyone say hello and smile like they did in Winlock? I did meet a nice looking “city boy” who smiled and said hello and swept me off my feet. In 1954 Chuck and I were married. (They said it would never last…. we celebrated 62 years on October 9, 2016). In 1955 we were blessed with a beautiful daughter Connie.

I worked at Pacific Northwest Bell and Boeing with the B-52 project and Minuteman project. I started my banking career in Quincy, Washington at National Bank of Commerce and some years later we arrived in Port Angeles where I was hired at First Federal. I loved being a teller, met great people and as the years passed I moved up the line and became a Sr. VP in charge of the Branches. (I missed being a teller).

My life in Port Angeles has been a blessing. No one has ever been a stranger to me. I loved being Marian the Rotarian and being involved with PALOA. I even had some great times as a belly dancer. I loved bowling and archery and later volunteering at the Food Bank.

Chuck and I have been so blessed by our daughter Connie. She married Riley Stites and they gave us a beautiful granddaughter Leah and handsome grandson Sam. Then Leah married Josh Brown and we were blessed with two great grandsons, Cooper Allen and Gavin Lucas.

I am so thankful for the great life I have enjoyed. I want everyone to know how much they meant to me and that is why I wanted to write my own “Obit”. Birthdays are so special to me and I’ve had the pleasure of singing Happy Birthday to many of you ———- so, ———- when I’m gone, just remember me on February 27th and sing me Happy Birthday.

To my family, relatives and friends——You were always there for me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made my life so much fun and my heart happy. Don’t cry for me – I am at peace with my Lord and Savior.”

A Memorial Service / Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Lopez Ave., Port Angeles, WA on March 4, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Volunteer Hospice.

William Earl Cunningham Junior

March 14, 1926 – January 31, 2017

William Earl Cunningham Junior, 90, passed away peacefully after a short illness in Port Angeles on January 31, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on March 14, 1926 in St. Paul Minnesota to William Earl Cunningham Senior and Mabel Mathisen. He grew up in a loving home with many foster brothers, Dick O’Regan, Ed Leptien, and Tommy Graham who became true brothers. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Shirley Singewald. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rita Cunningham of Sequim, Son Steven Cunningham of Sequim and daughter Mary Porcella, of Tustin CA. He has five Grandsons, Spencer Porcella, Ryan Cunningham, Evan Porcella, Marshall Porcella, and Samuel Cunningham.

Bill graduated from Cretin High school, a military school in 1944 and enlisted in the US Navy during World War II where he served on ships in the Pacific Theatre venturing as far East as China. After the war, Bill returned to Minnesota, attended college, and went to work for the General Tire & Rubber Company, where he excelled in sales for nearly 30 years.

On May 3rd, 1952, Bill married his sweetheart, Rita Audrey Somody in St. Paul Minnesota and they embarked on a lifelong adventure that would take them to Wisconsin, North Dakota, Iowa, back to Minnesota, on to Oregon, and ending at the corporate headquarters in Akron Ohio in 1972. Upon retirement, in 1988, they settled in Sequim, Washington where they resided for the next 29 years.

Bill and Rita traveled the US extensively as well as venturing abroad several times. Bill loved hunting, fishing, and golf. He rooted for the Mariners and Seahawks, as long as a Minnesota team was not involved. We made him an honorary 12th man after the 2013 Super Bowl.

Accordion and polka music were dear to his heart. He was one of the founders of the Knights of Columbus Octoberfest and served as the master of Ceremonies. Bill was always glad to teach the chicken dance to anyone willing to learn. He also enjoyed his trips to the Leavenworth Oktoberfest where he knew many of the top musicians personally. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish music and stories flowed along with an occasional nip of the Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Bill was a master cribbage player and passed that love on to his Grandchildren. He seldom missed a Monday night poker game with his gang of friends. Bill was a dear friend to many. Every Thursday he had lunch with his good friend James McGrath. He also looked forward to his daily emails from his good friend and neighbor George McAlmond.

Bill was a life member of the Elks Club and served for several years as the Tall Elk at Sequim Lodge. He was involved for many years with the Navy League and went on several cruises, the highlight being an underwater voyage in a Trident submarine.

Rita and Bill were members of the Peninsula Drift Wood Artists where he served as a past president, made many great friends, and even completed a few beautiful works, all of which he wanted to name, “Best of Show” in multiple languages.

Bill was a devout Catholic and man of strong faith, who volunteered his time and talents to his church and community, both of which he loved dearly.

In 2006, Bill was one of the finalist for Citizen of the Year, for his tireless work with St. Vincent DePaul (past president), The Knights of Columbus, (1st and 4th degree and Honor Guard), and Church council. He dedicated his retirement to helping many people in the community and always treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Bill was a true Irishman who could tell many a tale with an Irish brogue, a twinkle in his eye, and who never lost his sense of humor. Even at the end he was entertaining the Doctors and staff at Olympic Medical Center, where he received excellent care.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garen, Dr. Tiruneh, Dr. Mike Crim, and Dr. David Tinker along with Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County for their great care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society in care of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sequim, Washington, PO Box 1209, Sequim, WA 98382.

Funeral mass will be held on February 27th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple St., Sequim WA, Rosary at 10:30, Mass at 11:00 AM, and reception immediately following at church hall celebrating Bill’s extraordinary Life.