Susan Anita Troxler
Susan Anita Troxler of Sequim died March 28, 2018, of natural causes in Port Angeles. She was 60.
Troxler was born Aug. 17, 1957.
No services are planned at this time.
Margaret Eberle Lotzgesell
July 10, 1924 – March 23, 2018
Margaret Eberle Lotzgesell, Queen of her family’s hearts and her beloved Dungeness Valley, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, and her beloved husband “Guz” on March 23, 2018, having lived 93 years of a full life filled with family, church, community, love and laughter. Born July 10, 1924 in her family’s homestead on their pioneer farm in Dungeness, Margaret was the third born and last remaining direct descendent of Joseph and Elizabeth Weishaupht Eberle. She was preceded by her parents and siblings Mary, Edwin, Clare and Frank.
Raised on the Eberle dairy farm, Margaret walked down the farm’s lane to attend grades 1-8 at the Dungeness School House. Her affectionate remembrance of this stately school and the lifelong friendships made with other early era schoolmates led her to active pursuits of heritage status for the schoolhouse. She volunteered with Christmas Open Houses wearing vintage clothing, with warm welcomes and authentic recollections of her childhood school days capturing imaginations of all audiences.
Margaret Lotzgesell was the epitome of love in a well-lived life. She graduated with Sequim High School’s Class of 1943, where she met Dick Lotzgesell, son of another Dungeness Valley pioneer family. She attended Seattle University while Dick entered the University of Washington. They married on September 11, 1948 and returned to the Lotzgesell dairy farm five years later to raise their family and enjoy over 53 years together.
The Sequim St. Joseph Catholic Church standing today reflects her determination to build community through fundraising efforts which resulted in mutual admiration and supportive friendships for all her parish friends.
Margaret excelled in her role as a hard working dairy farmer’s wife. Partners communicating about various farm challenges from crop, livestock, personnel or equipment management, she and Dick provided their family with first lessons about adults becoming working, supportive partners. From early years doing the family wash using an old wringer washer, clothesline drying, wrangle ironing, cooking every meal while also preserving the results of three gardens and two orchards, washing out the milk tank, lining up the hay crews, to driving “Old Betsey” carrying the bales to the barn, and all the myriad responsibilities beyond the basics, Margaret still kept smiles and good humor going. She spent afternoons volunteering as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader to ensure her children had fun extracurricular events to introduce them to new experiences.
Margaret always knew how to have fun; a rich social life both with her family, and with Dick were treasured times for her. The perfect antidote to daily farm chores was the monthly date with her Guz, at their Dance Club, with Port Angeles friends; lifelong friends through St. Joseph’s joined her for birthday celebrations, picnics and hiking.
When Dick was elected to the Board of Clallam County Commissioners, and the cows were sold, Margaret’s life substantially changed right along with her husband and partner. She went to work outside the home where the experiences learned from different challenges faced by others, allowed her to deepen her perspectives. It was an valuable experience enabling her to continue to embrace the art of joy-filled meaningful conversations with her family and friends.
Margaret always had a great gift for meeting, welcoming and engaging with people new to her community, wherever that community arose. Within her church, a new priest or fellow congregationalist was only a stranger until she reached out her hand with an introduction and then arranged an exploratory drive around her stomping grounds. Women who rode horses found a kindred spirit as she saddled up and rode to the Dungeness Spit with them; with artist friends, she appreciated and supported their efforts and networked them with others who could showcase their work; with members of the Hospital Guild some whom she recruited, she volunteered in helping sell items that supported worthy campaigns in support of OMH. When she met a woman, newly arrived from Texas and discovered she had been involved in a clown group, there was nothing else to do but sign up her friends, make costumes, learn the clowning tricks and go off to entertain many in local parades. She provided her family with many opportunities to gift her with dress, jewelry and hats in red and purple when she founded a Red Hats Club and led them on merry adventures in full regalia to the Seattle International District, the streets of Edmonds, and many local restaurants.
Margaret and Dick Lotzgesell were both honored by their community as Grand Pioneers. For Dick’s celebration, Margaret engaged her talented friends to customize a vintage walking suit with pearl handled cane and bowler hat for Dick, and full dress costume with hat, parasol and kid gloves for her which they wore to all the events of that Irrigation Festival Year. For Margaret’s year of celebration as Grand Pioneer, she was feted by family and friends with her black silks, broaches and lace, wide brimmed hat and cape waving her queenly wave as she rode the convertible in the Parade. What fun she showed all how to enjoy!
We were blessed to be her family and we know she always knew and felt the love we had for her. Preceded by her husband Dick Lotzgesell, and granddaughter Jodie Lotzgesell.
We are our Mother’s Garden. We are her legacy. Kathy (Joe) Cunningham and their four daughters, husbands and seven grandsons; Paul, two daughters, husbands, three granddaughters and three grandsons; Kris, son and daughter; John, three daughters, husband; David (Theresa), two sons.
A Funeral Mass to Celebrate the life of Margaret Lotzgesell will be held on Monday, April 9 at 11 am; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sequim, Washington. Rosary will precede Mass, beginning at 10:30 am. Reception follows in the church hall.
The Family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret Lotzgesell’s name to the Dungeness River Audubon Center and Railroad Bridge Park, where she enjoyed hours of volunteering. 2151 Hendrickson Road, Sequim, Washington 98382.
Hargrave A. “Garry” Garrison
May 22, 1929 – March 24, 2018
Hargrave A. “Garry’ Garrison, a former executive at Ford Motor Company and beloved husband of Janice (Jan) M. Garrison died March 24, 2018 at his home in Sequim. The son of Brevard Garrison, owner of a car dealership in Albemarle, North Carolina and Aue (Thompson) Garrison, a homemaker. He was born on May 22, 1929 in Charlotte and raised in Albemarle, North Carolina. He was a student at the Webb School in Bell Buckle Tennessee.
He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University before graduating from Columbia Law School in 1954.
After working as a lawyer for the firm of Jones & Grey in Seattle, he moved to California in 1961 to work for Kaiser Corporation where he negotiated a deal to sell Kaiser’s Jeep operation to Ford. He was subsequently hired by Ford as a lawyer and moved his family to Michigan in 1968. Mr.. Garrison served as Associate General Counsel of the tax department at World Headquarters and retired from Ford in 1986.
After moving to Sequim, an article about the former railroad right-of-way caught his eye and Mr. Garrison purchased about a mile of the right of way on Discovery Bay. With his legal skills, Mr. Garrison was able to clear the title. He had several hundred feet of rail laid by “gandy dancers”, and brought in an engine and three cabooses. He and Jan set the cabooses up as shops along a stretch of Route 101. An old Quonset Hut was turned into a candy shop and a beautiful wood deck was installed for customers to enjoy their ice cream and coffee.
Approached by the state, Mr. Garrison sold them the rail trail and sold the “train set” to enjoy traveling. They spent many winters in San Carlos, Mexico.
Garry Garrison was an enthusiastic salmon fisherman and enjoyed fishing at Neah Bay and Seiku Washington, and parts of Alaska. For many years he hiked the national forest roads in this area. He loved sailing and had participated in many races from Port Huron to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Garry also enjoyed cruising the San Juan and Gulf Islands and Alaska.
In addition to his wife, Jan of 40 years, he is survived by three sons, Brevard (Gina) of Reading, Massachusetts, John (Meek) of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Hargrave (Laura) of New Glouchester, Maine; and four grandchildren, Jim, Leigh, Ellen and Myah, and four great grandchildren Avery, Sienna, Flint and Julian.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date.
Catherine Susan Hart
May 9, 1972 – March 18, 2018
Catherine Susan Hart passed away peacefully on March 18, 2018.
She was born on May 9th, 1972 in Sun Valley Idaho to Daniel Joseph Hart and Barbara Belcher Robb Hart.
Catherine came to the Peninsula after a vacation from college, and because her parents moved to Port Angeles. Catherine received her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Puget Sound Tacoma in 1990.
Catherine was an artist (watercolor, oils and acrylic), dancer (ballet, modern, and Brazilian), a graphic designer, executive assistant and writer. She was unable to work the last few years due to health issues.
Catherine married in a lovely mountain wedding in Ketchum, Idaho, they divorced a year and a half later in 1992.
Normally Catherine was shy but with an outgoing personality, she was very excited and pleased about her pregnancy and looking forward to having “Morgan Jupiter” a name she and her fiance had picked out. She loved the mountains, the ocean beaches, loved to swim, ski, read, dance and listen to music. She was compassionate, caring and a loyal friend, she loved nature and wild life, her interests ranged widely: art, philosophy, languages (French, Spanish, Chinese, Nepalese, Portuguese), cultures worldwide (Pacific Islands and Saipan, Indonesia, Japanese, Korean, French), interested in fashion, science, creative arts, yoga and pilates and was a personal trainer.
Catherine leaves behind her beloved fiance; Ron Hankins of Port Angeles.
Catherine was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her beloved infant daughter (stillborn) Morgan Jupiter Hart, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Catherine was laid to rest at the Mount Angeles Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Medical Teams International, The World Wildlife Fund, Salvation Army or charity of your choice.
Spencer Dee Marcy
December 1, 1936 – March 24, 2018
It is with profound personal loss, and joy in having been a part of a life so well-lived, that the family of Spencer Marcy announce the passing of such an exceptional person, and provide this brief rendering of his days on this earth. Spencer’s life exemplified a combination of the virtuous qualities of a soldier – honor, duty, and country – with the deep human connection that being a husband, father, grandfather, provider, and steward of the greater community provided. His values were strongly rooted in his Christian faith and his heart open to the community, country, and family he so loved and served. He passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 81 under the constant care of his family.
Spencer’s early years were happy ones, living in Walla Walla, in a close family community. While his father spent the years of WWII fighting in the Pacific Theater, Spencer eagerly awaited his hero’s return under the care and guidance of his mom and extended family. His grandmother lived just down the block, and he often told stories of her kitchen with a wood-fired oven, and the smell of pies. His desire to serve his country was planted early, watching the WWII newsreels at the local theater, and listening to his mother’s voice as she read his father’s letters.
When his father returned from the war, Spencer spent the rest of his youth as an “army brat “ on a variety of military posts including West Point, Munich, Germany, and Bremerton, where he developed a love for the Pacific Northwest. His calling was clear, he would be, and live his life as, a soldier for the ideals and the country he so loved. His dream was realized when he was accepted to the West Point Military Academy in 1956. By this time, he had already met his sweetheart and soul mate, Patricia Reardon. They had dated in high school in Munich, Germany: Spencer was the captain of the fledgling football squad and Patricia was a cheerleader and class valedictorian. They dated exclusively throughout college amidst the strict protocols of West Point. Upon Spencer’s graduation in 1960, they married and embarked on a 58-year journey together that would cross oceans and continents, while raising three children.
Spencer’s career was first and foremost that of a soldier. In addition to hardship tours in Vietnam and Korea, he served 3 1/2 years in NATO military command in Heidelberg, Germany which provided the opportunity to finally live as a family unit and to travel to many destinations in Europe.
The second phase of Spencer’s career began with the family’s move to Sequim in order to be close to his parents and reconnect with his love of the outdoors and small-town life. In Sequim, his family blossomed in many directions, while Spencer pursued his MBA and a new career in banking until his retirement from First Federal in December, 1998.
Sequim life opened Spencer up to another world of Christian and public service. He became a member of Faith Lutheran Church by profession of faith, where he served in many capacities including President, Treasurer, and Elder. In the greater community, he was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, ARIES, United Way, the Sequim Food Bank, and Clallam County Fire District #3. Fly fishing was his joy and relaxation and he took regular part in club outings and activities.
Spencer loved supporting his grandchildren in their scholastic, spiritual and sporting endeavors. He was always notable in the puffy green and blue coat cheering from the bleachers or on the sidelines. Throughout his life, Spencer took great pleasure in the art and craft of music as performed by his beloved Pat. He supported her musical career following her classical performances and making numerous recordings. In the back pew of Faith Lutheran Church, where Pat is organist, he would listen to the final notes of her organ postlude as other parishioners left the church.
He loved his days off, with no laced boots, a little Tijuana Brass, his son’s wrestling match, his daughter’s dance recital, a week in the San Juans on a small sailboat, camping on the Washington coast, a hike in the Olympics or canoeing with his grandsons, a loud family gathering, fireworks, morning coffee with his beloved, and the sun sinking over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. His smile still lingers on the evening tide. He is so greatly loved and will forever be missed.
Spencer is survived by his wife Pat, sister Vicki Westberg, daughter Danielle (Kenny Roth), son Stuart (Ione), son Kenneth (Mahta), and grandchildren Stephanie (Shane Dinius), Gabriela, Amy, Alex and Dmitry.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 7 at 11:30 am at Faith Lutheran Church located at 382 W. Cedar in Sequim. Donations may be made to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County or the Faith Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund for aspiring pastors.
Nancy Ruth Biery
September 25, 1954-March 23, 2018
Nancy Ruth Biery, political strategist and consultant, died of cancer on March 23, 2018. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in mid-2016. LMS is a rare and aggressive disease with no known cause, no early symptoms, and no tests or screenings. Biery passed at home on the Olympic Peninsula in the presence of her husband Bill and three adorable rescue dogs.
Born September, 1954 to Jerry and Frances Joswick in Chicago, Nancy was raised in Barrington Hills, where she met her husband of 45 years, William L. “Bill” Biery, and married on December 30, 1972.
A President’s Scholar, Biery graduated from the UC Irvine. She worked with her husband, running their environmental engineering firm and developed her keen interest in emerging environmental issues.
One of her initial passions was volunteering and working with the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. On Maui, Biery started her career in politics. Returning to the mainland in 1992 she and her husband called Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam counties home.
Nancy was appointed to serve on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and confirmed by unanimous vote of the state Senate. Biery was passionate about salmon recovery. She was also appointed to the state’s Executive Ethics Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Over the course of more than 20 years, Biery championed some of the best and brightest political candidates in Hawaii and Washington, extending all the way to Washington D.C. Biery served as the Chair, Jefferson County Democrats and Vice-Chair of the 23 rd Legislative District Democrats and honed her political skills as Field Director for the WA State Democrats.
Biery has been the driving force behind at least twenty-five winning campaigns. From the successful election of WA Supreme Court Justices to district, council, mayoral, legislative and county commissioner races, Biery has been the muscle behind the decisions and tactics to move progressive candidates and ideas forward.
Biery is survived by her husband Bill Biery and her mother Fran Joswick, a retired social worker and homeless resource administrator both of Sequim. Biery’s father Jerry died in 1992.
Biery’s wit and vision perfectly suited her to political work. Biery chose to stay behind the scenes because she loved the process of mentoring and elevating capable and smart people to elected office. When asked why she never ran for office, Biery said, “There are two things I love to do … connecting people and getting good candidates elected in order to make the world a better place.” Biery left her mark on every community she served.
Biery had a fierce Hawaiian heart. She believed in living a pono life, (a conscious decision to do the right thing in terms of self, others, and the environment) with aloha (love, affection, compassion, grace, charity). She was a champion of her candidates and causes, a lover of nature and the environment, a champion for peace and justice, a loyal friend and lifelong partner and wife. She was especially grateful for friends’ and colleagues’ steadfast support throughout her career and during her illness.
A Memorial Tribute/Celebration will be held at Hood Canal Vista Pavillion in Port Gamble on Sunday, June 10th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Former Governor Gary Locke will be delivering the eulogy.
In lieu of flowers …. Donations in memoriam can be made to: West Coast Sustainable Salmon Foundation 100 South I St. Ste. 103 Aberdeen, WA 98520 (Honor of Nancy) Center Valley Animal Rescue, Quilcene – www.centervalleyanimalrescue.org/ Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County – vhocc.org/
Charles (Chuck) Henry LaFond
October 11, 1938 – February 28, 2018
Charles (Chuck) Henry LaFond, age 79, passed away February 28, 2018 at his home in Port Angeles following a lengthy illness. His life partner Jennie Hajek was by his side.
Chuck was born October 11, 1938 In Little Falls, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Dorothea LaFond and his son Dale LaFond.
He is survived by Jennie, son Gregory LaFond and daughter Patricia Johnson, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He spent his early years in Ballard and Seattle, Washington. It was there he began working in the ceramic tile trade.
He moved to Las Vegas in the early 50’s and spent 40 years there setting tile and marble in many of the hotels and casinos, out of state jobs took him to Florida, Texas, California, Alaska and Hawaii.
In 1999, he an d Jennie moved to Washington and made their home here.
Chuck loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, travel and especially riding his Harleys.
He belonged to a local motorcycle club, the “Peninsula Outriders” and as long as his health permitted, was an active member of the patriot Guard. He enjoyed spending time with the many friends he made throughout his life.
