Paul J. Martin
October 13, 1936 – September 1, 2020
Paul Martin, 83, passed away unexpectedly in Port Angeles on September 1 alongside his wife Ann and family.
He was born October 13, 1936, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to John and Olive Martin.
Paul entered college at age twenty one and worked his way through college, earning B.A. and M.A. Degrees from St. Francis University in Pennsylvania (PA). He then taught at Cambria-Rowe Business College for four years, and in 1965 was named the first Executive Director of the Cambria County (PA) Community Action Council. That position introduced him to the fascinating world of local politics, a discipline with which he conducted a lifelong love affair.
In 1968, Paul was recruited by the University of Pittsburgh to serve as the Medical School’s first Area Representative/Administrator for the newly created Western Pennsylvania Regional Medical Program; it was a position he held till relocating to the west coast.
Upon his arrival in Port Angeles late in 1973, Paul soon thereafter became co-owner of Pen Print, Inc. He remained with the firm for more than twenty years, while simultaneously serving as sole owner and publisher of a small press, Peninsula Publishing, Inc. Among the numerous publications produced by PenPub, was the highly successful children’s cookbook, “Kids In The Kitchen” (150,000 copies sold). In 1984 he authored the acclaimed Port Angeles, “Port Washington: A HISTORY” (7,000 copies in print).
In 1995 Paul fulfilled a long-held dream of helping children. After selling his interest in Pen Print, he became a Child Protection Investigator with the State of Washington DCFS, remaining with the department for 12 years, until he retired.
Summarizing this man’s life is easy: He loved his family with all his heart and soul, loved immersing himself in local political campaigns, and enjoyed participating in community theater. Regarding politics, he believed good local officeholders were essential to his family’s quality of life; helping Clallam County candidates get elected, therefore, became his avocation. Since 1977 Paul worked diligently in nineteen election cycles for various candidates (from both political parties), virtually all of them successful. He was a talented writer, passionate about electing qualified people, and frequently chaired their campaigns. judges, county commissioners, city council members, auditors, a sheriff, and a state representative sought his counsel and his help; he gave it gladly.
Many theatergoers will recall Paul as a skilled local actor and community theater activist. Beginning in 1978 he performed roles on nearly every local stage, with The Community Players, Olympic Theatre Arts (where he was also the second President of the Board), PALOA, and Readers Theatre Plus. He appeared in approximately forty five different stage productions, with many lead roles in shows ranging from “The Odd Couple” to “The Music Man” to “A Thousand Clowns” to “On Golden Pond”. He was also an experienced narrator, often doing work for the Peninsula Singers, and on a regular basis with his favorite group of musicians, the Sequim City Band.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack and Tom; and sister Mary Kearns. He is survived by his beloved wife Ann (McCloskey), and these children: son Patrick; daughters Jackie Mangano (Shannon) and Maureen Ercol; grandchildren Kris and Michael Martin, Megan Monds, Trey Hoover, Matthew Mangano, Aaron Monds, and great-grandchildren Georgia and Miles Monds. He is also survived by his beloved “little brother,” Lee Sinnes and long-time friend Larry Harwood.
Services are in charge of Drennan-Ford Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Gloria “Dodie” Therese Sparks
February 15,1935 – August 22, 2020
In Memoriam: Gloria “Dodie” was born in Los Angeles, California on February 15th, 1935. She was relinquished by her biological parents to the California Children’s Home Finding Society and was adopted along with a baby boy. Her adoptive parents were Dr. Frank Ralph Guido and Dorris Biddle-Guido. “Dodie” was called Gloria Therese Guido, and they named her brother, Frank Guido, Jr., who was nicknamed “Chuck.”
The siblings’ early childhood was difficult — her father ran a strict household — but Dodie thrived in spite of it, becoming friendly and athletic.
Dodie grew up to be kind and quick-witted; a beautiful freckled-faced redhead. She could light up a room and was absolutely charming. William “Duke” Sparks fell in love with her and they became inseparable, promising to build a life together. The couple were married on June 29th, 1957 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Visalia, California. Their marriage lasted for 63 years.
After graduating from San Jose State University, Dodie worked in the field of education, as a teacher, childcare facility owner, and guidance counselor. Known as someone fair, who would truly listen. she touched the lives of countless students. The couple had three beloved children, Stephanie, Jeff and Chris, which they raised mostly in Visalia.
While living in California, Duke and Dodie built a home in Sequim, Washington to enjoy boating and fishing. Later, they made “the big move” and settled there. As beloved members of the community, they were socially active, took courses, and kept busy. The couple and their friends took many eventful boating trips and were avid promoters of boating safety.
While living in Washington, Dodie wrote two children’s books, dedicated to her grandchildren, as well as poetry, and a memoir. She once wrote, “I love the kids and hope, in some small way, I was able to help guide them, along their way / To help them see that they have worth, cause that’s why God put them here on earth.”
Dodie’s family includes her husband William “Duke” Sparks; her children Stephanie Clarke, William “Jeff” Sparks, and Chris Sparks; Her grandchildren Brent Clarke, Christie Clarke, Jonathon Sparks, Matt Clarke, Svea Sparks, Lily Sparks, and Olivia Sparks; And her great grandchildren William “Will” Sparks, Emmet Sparks, Jaxon Sparks, and Carson Clarke.
Dodie, you will never be lost to us. You will always live in our hearts.
Adeline Curtis
Addie passed away peacefully on March 13, 2020.
This past August 16th was her birthday and her boys, Erik (Son), Jarod, and Owen (Grandsons) had a private ceremony for Addie at The Tressel on The Dungeness River. This is the same place as the memorial ceremony held for her husband (Bud) nine years earlier.
Addie’s urn was permanently placed at Mt. Angeles Memorial Cemetery in Port Angeles. She is at the top row of the crematory wall along with her parents Roberta and Virgil Bowers and her most favorite aunt, Mildred Falor.
Please feel free to visit her plaque and urn there any time. Any previously scheduled public ceremonies for Addie are cancelled due to Covid-19.
Thank you to all her close friends and neighbors of Sequim, Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties. She loved everyone. She loved Sequim, her son and two grandsons.
Any further correspondence for Addie can be sent to her son, Erik Curtis, P.O. Box 5101, Bremerton, WA 98312.
