Donations in Memory of Keith Gilbertson, Sr.

This news from Keith Olson:

Just wish to inform everyone that, in memory of Coach Keith Gilbertson Sr., our class reunion committee cut a check for $100 to Snohomish High Athletics from our modest leftover reunion funds. This was done in response to a recent matching challenge put forth by the Class of 1953.

If anyone cares to sweeten the pot from the Class of 70 on their own, they are welcome to do so by sending a check to Snohomish High School Athletics, c/o Mark Albertine, 1316 5th Street, Snohomish, WA 98290. Albertine is the district athletics director, and he assures me that any money sent in this fashion will go directly to SHS athletics, and nothing else.

For those who may have missed it, Jimmy's dad passed away in February from complications in his recovery from heart surgery. He coached at Snohomish for 61 years, including the past 31 years as an unpaid volunteer assistant in football and girls basketball. Quite the legacy.

One more note, I am getting involved with a Snohomish Education Foundation fund-raising effort to endow a perpetual Keith Gilbertson Memorial Scholarship at the high school. That effort will be launched in June with a website dedicated to memories of Coach Gilb. So please stay tuned if you have memories of him to share.

Keith O.

Kathi Prater Taylor visit to Snohomish, March '11

I made a quick trip to Snohomish early in March, to teach a knitting class at Great Yarns in Everett, and to speak to the Snohomish Knitter's Guild (if you're a knitter in the area, look them up- it's a great group).

I didn't have much time for visiting while I was in Snohomish, but Kristy Downes Kelly did take my knitting class, along with her daughter Erica. It was great to see her!

And I had lunch with Peggy Hill Engeseth, and Kris Johnson Hansen at The Collectors' Choice Restaurant- the food was great, and I think we were the youngest people there.

Everett Herald Obituary- Alan O. Laxdal

From the Everett Herald:

Alan O. Laxdal, 79, a resident of Snohomish, WA passed away March 23, 2011 in Snohomish. Alan was born October 3, 1931 in The Pas, Manitoba, Canada to Ole and Olive Laxdal.


Alan was a longtime English Teacher at Snohomish High School, retiring in 1989. He has lived at Ermitus at Snohomish for the past five years.

A special thank you to the staff at Ermitus for the wonderful care they have provided to Alan during that time.
 
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You can read the online obituary and sign the guest book here.

Everett Herald Obituary- Keith Gilbertson, Sr.

I am sorry to report that SHS Coach and teacher, Keith Gilbertson, Sr. passed away on Feb. 16, 2011. He was 83 years old, and will be missed.

From The Herald:

Keith S. Gilbertson Sr.


Snohomish coaching legend Keith S. Gilbertson Sr. died February 16, 2011. He was 83. Funeral services for Coach Gilbertson will be held Monday, February 21, at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Snohomish, followed by interment at the G.A.R. Cemetery and a public memorial service at 1 p.m. in the Snohomish High School gym. Condolences to family members may also be expressed at a viewing and visitation Sunday, February 20, from 1-3 p.m. at Bauer Funeral Chapel in Snohomish.

The online obituary and guest book is here.

Update from Harry Renken

  Howdy. I don't know if anybody reads our blog any more. I do on occassion. Too bad about Mrs. Hill. I liked her. She was an influence. Here's another tragedy that happened on that same date. Remember that beautiful motorcycle I road to the class picnic? Her name was Ruby.  On November 19th a dump truck pulled out in front of me on the Machias road. Ruby died. I didn't. I spent 10 days in Harborview. I'm going to play Dr.Frankenstein and bring Ruby back to life. Some people say I'm lucky. To be alive I guess. Some people say I'm one tough SOB. At any rate I Live to Ride and Ride to Live.   Thank You. 

Everett Herald Obituary- Mrs. Elizabeth Hill

Mrs. Elizabeth Hill, beloved English teacher, passed away on November 19, 2010. Here is her obituary,  as printed in the Everett Herald:

Elizabeth "Betty" Hill

Jan. 25, 1925 - Nov. 19, 2010


Ah Mom, I will miss you deeply. With a Masters Degree in the Humanities, she touched so many students lives as their teacher at Mariner High. A world traveler, you had such an insight to many different cultures. Mom was a Radar Operator in the R.A.F. for her native country of England in WWII. During night training in a pitch black field she ran into something, she said, "excuse me" and at that point the cow mooed. Mom met my dad in Berlin as part of the Occupation Forces. Thoughtful and intuitive, she taught me well. I honor you. Your son, Mark.
 
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If anyone would like to sign her online Guestbook, click here.
 
Her son, George Hill, announces that there will be A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 4, 2010 in the Fireside Room at the Everett Golf and Country Club from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. All friends, colleagues and former students are invited to attend.

Please come and share this celebration of her life with us.

Everett Herald Obituary for Ruth McNeil Winter

Classmate Ruth McNeil Winter passed away October 10, 2010.
Her Everett Herald Obituary is online.

Ruth Winter

Ruth Marie Winter, of Marysville, Washington, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2010. Ruth was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1952 in Culver City, California. As a child, she moved with her family to Snohomish, Washington. Ruth met Everett "Bud" Winter in 1971 and married him a year later. They relocated to southern California where she gave birth to two sons. Ruth has resided in Marysville since 1976. Ruth made the choice to be happy every day and loved everyone she met. A friend to all, she lived her life with the motto, "it's easy to find the fault, but better the find the good in people". Ruth loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, and camping with her family. A devout Christian, Ruth shared her love of the Lord with all.


Ruth is survived by her husband, Everett Winter Sr.; sons, Everett Winter Jr. (Beth), Steven Winter (Kirsten); grandchildren, Austin, Haley, Paige, Jon, Grace and Delany Winter; mother, Ruth McNiel; sixteen brothers and sisters; and many other relatives who loved and adored her.

A memorial service will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at Cascade Christian Reformed Church in Marysville, WA.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Ruth Winter book fund, Everett Public School Foundation, PO Box 3112 Everett, WA 98213 or www.epsffoundation.org. When going to site click donate and then memo Ruth Winters book fund when making a donation.

Published in The Herald (Everett) from October 14 to October 15, 2010