Mt. Baker Cremation Society Obituaries

About Mt. Baker Cremation Society

Mt. Baker Cremation Society is a reputable funeral home located in Bellingham, Washington, serving the local community with compassion and dedication. With a focus on providing personalized and affordable cremation services, the funeral home has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Located at 800 E. Sunset Dr. Suite A, Bellingham, WA, 98225, Mt. Baker Cremation Society is easily accessible and convenient for families in need of their services.

History and Mission

Mt. Baker Cremation Society was founded on the principles of providing dignified and respectful cremation services to families in Whatcom County and surrounding areas. The funeral home's mission is to help families say goodbye to their loved ones with grace and dignity, while also ensuring that they receive the highest level of care and support during a difficult time. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving others, Mt. Baker Cremation Society has built a reputation for being a trusted and caring funeral home.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

David Bruce Thompson - January 04, 1950 - October 29, 2022

Departed: 10/29/2022 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: David Thompson, age 72, passed into heaven late Saturday evening, October 29, 2022, following a heart attack. Born in Bellingham, WA, in January 1950, David was the youngest of three children born to George and Johanna (Gudjonson) Thompson. Their home in Blaine was a happy place, often filled with many of their northwest relatives, including many fun-loving cousins. David attended school in the Blaine school district where he was very active in basketball, football, and track. The district was so small, all the boys were expected to participate in sports so there would be enough players to fill the teams. David spent many childhood summers visiting his sister on the farm in Wisconsin and, later,

fishing in Alaska. David graduated from high school in 1969. That fall, he enrolled in the machinist program at Bellingham Technical School. He completed his apprenticeship at Skagit Steel, working there until 1979 when he

began his long career at Shell Oil Refinery, starting first as a machinist and later a maintenance foreman.

He retired in 2016 after 36 years.

David met his wife of nearly 45 years, Janie, at a very awkward blind dinner date set up by his aunt Doreen. A couple of months later, he called and asked Janie for a real date. They were married in December 1977. David has two daughters who remember him as a patient, selfless, gentle, and loving father with a great sense of humor. He was a constant presence and positive influence in their lives and encouraged them to “look on the bright side”. He was and will always be their hero and role-model. David was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. He was quietly content to use his spiritual gift of service to help wherever he was needed, on both large and small projects. David and Janie joined Emmanuel in 1997 and for many years, “Mr. Dave” served the little ones in Emmanuel’s toddler nursery. One summer many years ago, he took a week-long vacation to help at Vacation Bible School. He was a member of Emmanuel’s security team, where his presence on Wednesday nights was reassuring to both children and adults. David also served his community for 20 years as a firefighter in the Bay View Volunteer Fire

Department and for a time as fire commissioner. The outdoors was his favorite place. He loved hunting, fishing, and a good walk on a trail in God’s creation. After retirement, he loved to spend time outside in his garden and yard; but if a cruise or opportunity to travel called, he was ready to go. Travels with his family spanned Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii,

and even South Korea, as well as many hunting and fishing trips with his brother and cousins. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Janie, daughter Candace and her husband Blake, daughter Shelby and her son Kaidyn, sister Georgia and her husband Gene, several nieces and nephews, and many

cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wesley. His memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 East College Way, Mt. Vernon, WA, on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 1:00 pm. Donations in his memory can be made to Emmanuel

Baptist Children’s Ministries. I Peter 4:10  “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

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Virginia Barr Perez - January 23, 1950 - October 26, 2022

Departed: 10/26/2022 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Virginia “Ginger” Barr Perez (age 72) entered into rest on October 26, 2022, at her home with her Husband by her side. Ginger was born in Winslow, Washington to James W and Virginia (Salo) Barr on January 23, 1950. She attended and graduated from Mt Baker High School in 1968. On September 7, 1980, at Hovander Park in Ferndale, WA, Ginger married the love of her life, Adam Perez. In her free time, Ginger loved gardening and making memories with her family. Ginger got much enjoyment out of being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be most remembered for her natural loving characteristics, her passion for being a strong and caring person, and her drive to enjoy what life gave her.

She is survived by her husband, Adam Perez; son, AJ Barr Perez and daughter-in-law Sarah of Maple Falls; daughters, Jamie Wilhelm of Sumas, WA, Shannon Roberts of Houston, Texas, and Son in Law Shawn Wilhelm Maple Falls; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Ginger is preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Ross. As per Ginger's request, there will be no services held at this time. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle, and leave your condolences for the family at www.MtBakerCremation.com

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Anita Jackson - December 15, 1935 - October 25, 2022

Departed: 10/25/2022 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Anita passed away on October 25, 2022, at the age of 86. Born December 15th, 1935 in Seattle to Trudy Grage. She was raised on Mercer Island, WA, where she and her cousins spent many hours exploring and playing in the woods. She graduated from Mercer Island High School.

Anita began her career after earning a B.A in K-12 Education and a teaching certificate from Western Washington State College (now Western Washington University (WWU)) in 1962. She also earned an M.A. in Education from WWU in 1982. After working in the Bellevue and Burlington-Edison School Districts for several years, and with the Government of Guam in the Mariana Islands as a Head Start teacher for a couple of years, Anita returned to Bellingham to work as a lead teacher for Bellingham Head Start in 1970. She became the Director of Early Childhood Opportunities Northwest in 1972. During her time as Director, she helped build the Head Start program from 30 children at one Bellingham site in 1972 to 350 children and their families at eight sites in Whatcom County at the end of 1999 when she retired. She always said that she was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a high quality, cutting edge national program for children. Anita's most rewarding moments were "seeing children and families grow and reach their potential."

Throughout her career Anita was involved and held offices in early childhood at the local and state level in a number of organizations. She was active in the Bellingham Theater Guild, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Bellingham, and was also named Whatcom County Business Woman of the year in 1992.

Mrs. Noah was a name given to Anita because of her love for animals, which she generally had in pairs. She particularly had a heart for those that were rescue animals.

Anita was preceded in death by her mother Trudy, and is survived by; her husband, Andy Jackson; daughter, Kay Hatfield (Jim); sons Guy Morrissey, and Drew Jackson (Maria); grandchildren: Patrick, Jacob, Andrew the III, Ryan, Morgan; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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Cynthia Ann Post - March 15, 1952 - October 24, 2022

Departed: 10/24/2022 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Cynthia Anne Post (Erlandson) was born on March 15, 1952 in Anacortes, WA to Virgil and Ardella (Glasoe) Erlandson. She passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 in Burlington, WA.

When she was born, she joined her big brother Gary at the family home, followed 13 months later by brother Doug and youngest sister Kathy Sewell.

Cindy attended Anacortes High School class of 1970. Shortly after, she moved to Florida where her oldest son Joe was born. After moving back to Anacortes, Cindy married Denny Post and had her youngest son, Kevin Post.

Cindy loved playing Bingo and was employed as a Bingo runner for a short time. She was clever and crafty. She loved playing pinochle and knitting dishcloths for the family every Christmas. Cindy was an immaculate housekeeper, where everything had its place.

Cindy loved her family, and truly loved spending time together. She will be remembered for her honesty, her laugh and her work ethic. She never said anything she didn’t mean.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Gary.

Cindy is survived by her sons Joe, and Kevin (Gwen) Post; siblings Doug (Donna) Erlandson, Kathy (Chris) Sewell. Grandchildren; Jared and Jordan Post, Adam, Annabelle and Timmy Post, and numerous special nieces and nephews.

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Michael Conrad Haug - December 14, 1961 - October 04, 2022

Departed: 10/04/2022 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Michael Conrad Haug Jr., 60 of Bellingham Washington, passed away on October 4, 2022, in Blaine Washington.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 2 pm.

Michael was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bellingham, Washington on December 14, 1961. He grew up in Bellingham and spent many of his younger years in Marietta-Alderwood. He graduated with the amazing class of 1980. He started working in Alaska at the age of 14. He worked as a commercial fisherman for over 25 years, fishing for sardines, pollock, and king crabs. Some of Michael’s fondest memories during these years were those made aboard the vessel The Ocean Storm, it was here that he was able to have some of the best seasons of his life. In 2012, he successfully completed coursework and certification in Seattle to attain his Merchant Marine credentials. His love for the ocean eventually guided him to the China Doll, a forty-three-foot Cheoy Lee Motorsailer, where he made a home with his loving partner Tracy. He had many passions throughout his life, such as shrimping and crabbing in Puget Sound, clam digging on the coast with his father, and watching the Seahawks with friends and family. He enjoyed cooking, canning, and smoking fish. He loved food and could make a meal with very little effort or thought. He enjoyed participating in the Blaine/Birch Bay Rock group. He loved traveling internationally. Thailand, Mexico, and most recently Costa Rica where he took in the culture of the locals. One thing Mike would always share is how travel enhances a person’s life and not to wait. Mike swam competitively from a young age and won many awards for his achievements. Anyone who swam with Mike knows him for his mastery of the butterfly stroke. The butterfly stroke is one of the most difficult strokes in swimming because requires precise technique, skill, synchronicity, and demands endurance. Mike carried these skills over to martial arts and would participate even while doing chemotherapy treatment. He held the dojo, fellow students, and most of all his Sensei in high esteem. While his outward form was awkward in appearance, Mike had a heart in his training that was like no other. Even though Mike did not have children of his own he was Papa Mike to the grandchildren that came into his life. Mike found love and peace in moments shared with his loving partner and family that surround him, including his cat Fishbait, who brought him much comfort and happiness.

Michael Conrad Haug Jr (Mikey, Mike) is survived by his father, Michael Conrad (Vickie) Haug Sr. of Bellingham, WA; mother, Sondra Penfold of Bellingham, WA; brother, Rick Penfold (Nhunpon Lekkla) and nephew Jett Lekkla/Penfold of Pattaya, Thailand; his significant other of almost 11years, Tracy Lamb of Bellingham, WA; Sarah (Adam) Wooten of Bellingham, WA; David (Gabrielle) Madeiros and grandchildren Lily & Carson Madeiros of Ferndale, WA.

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James Bodding - August 08, 1948 - July 28, 2021

Departed: 07/28/2021 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” Albert Bodding joined his parents on July 29, 2021 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born in Ketchikan, Alaska on August 8th,1948 to Gerald A. “Bud” Bodding and Dorothy E. “Betty” Bodding (Hofstad). His first love was the sea where he spent much of his life searching for the next productive fishing grounds. The sea was in Jim's veins from the age of 5 when he became hopelessly addicted after catching his first Coho salmon on a baitless treble hook while boating with his dad's family. He went on to fish with his uncle, Albert Hofstad, on the Tonka in southeast Alaska for many years, which continued to foster his love for the water and the fishing trade.

Jim graduated from Ketchikan High School (Kayhi) in 1967, then received his Bachelor Degree in Fisheries from the University of Washington in 1971, during which time he fished summers. Some winters he long shored or worked on the pipeline, but mostly he fished: longlining for halibut and black cod, crabbing for Dungeness and, in his later years, fishing herring roe in Sitka.

Jim took a positive approach to life which could be observed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He looked at obstacles as opportunities and overcame many, including the loss of his right hand while experimenting with a chemistry set at the age of thirteen. Many of his deckhands stayed for years; a testament to his fairness and his willingness to work as hard as or harder than anyone else. Jim gave up his boat in 2021 when it was obvious he would no longer have the strength to continue fishing.

Never a smoker, Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer in January of 2020 and fought aggressively and courageously until his last day. He will be missed immensely by his wife, Charlotte; daughters, Kimberly and Chelsea; grandson, James; brother, Eric (Gina Granat) and sister, Sheila (Murray Hayes); and a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim lived his life to the fullest without regret. His spirit will remain with all of us.

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Donna Marie Dennis - September 07, 1963 - February 08, 2021

Departed: 02/08/2021 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: At the End of our Days we ask, “Did I make a difference ?” For our Dawn (the light in the morning) the answer is, yes. Born Donna Marie Maloney on Sept. 7, 1963 to Mary and Joe Maloney in Butte, Montana, Donna attended Butte High school where she was a member of the sweet 16 Choral group, band member and JV track team. She graduated from Butte High in 1981, finished Cosmetology school, then struck out on an adventure of living life to the fullest, settling in Bellevue, WA. where she worked as a stylist at the Red Lion. Dawn took an opportunity and modeled for the National Hairstylists Trade Magazine, traveled to South Korea as a guest stylist for Hyundai Heavy Industries and to Miami as a guest stylist at the Miami film festival.

Returning to Bellevue she met and married Bob Dennis, then boarded a 165’, 5 crew ship as a deck-hand and sailed for 28 days from Seattle to American Samoa where she lived aboard the boat for 6 years while her spouse worked for Blue North Fisheries. She learned to deep sea dive and scuba dive and enjoyed the wonders of the ocean, diving to 80’ to retrieve bits of Razor Coral and shells that she shared with friends and family. Dawn and Bob moved to Kona, Hawaii and Dawn opened a Salon at the Royal Kona Resort, styling hair for 6 yrs., then returned to Blaine, WA.

In Blaine, Dawn opened a salon in her home and through her business built many wonderful and lasting friendships. She brought joy and comfort to many people, going beyond her regular styling services she offered her time sitting with the dying, so they would never be alone; dressing hair for other’s loved ones at funeral homes, paying home visits to style hair for the homebound. Throughout her life she brought joy, laughter and light and she was blessed to have shared so much of it with her Life’s love, Mitch Toles.

Stricken with breast Cancer she couldn’t complete treatment as she was found to have an Autoimmune liver disease. After suffering brain swelling from medications needed for a foot infection, along with other health events that left her unable to walk, she spent her last year, in COVID lock down at St Francis of Bellingham. Through this Dawn never lost hope that she would receive a liver transplant and return to her life with Mitch. That goal fell short and the Lord swept her away on 02.08.2021 at age 57.

Her many clients, turned loving and supportive friends made her life in lockdown bearable. A very sincere and special thank you to those who helped Dawn in ways too numerous to mention; Steve and Sarah, Nancy B., Nancy A., Joanne, Kimberly, Brooke and Allen, Val and David, Lou Ann, Mary Lou, Bobby A. and for those whose names may not have been mentioned. Thank you to Drs. Bachman, Munson, Letellier and those at St. Joseph’s Medical Center along with the wonderful nursing staff and CNAs who cared for and never gave up on Donna. To the Rn’s and CNA’s at St. Francis of Bellingham Health and Rehab who cared for her over the past year in such a friendly and caring manner, our very heartfelt thank you. To her Cousins Randy, John, Jeff, Joan, Jennifer, and sweet Jessica who supported Dawn through many times of need, our love and thank you. Mitch said, “Dawn had a rainbow of friends.” Finally, our Heart to you, Mitch, for loving Dawn and staying with her through so much.

Donna was preceded in death by her sisters Ruth and Rebecca, her grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and her beloved German Shepherds. Survived by her parents Mary and Joe Maloney of Butte, sisters, Colleen (Jerry), Teresa (Randy), Holly Maloney, brother Pat (Sandy) Maloney, Partner Mitch Toles, numerous Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, Cousins, and dear friends.

As Dawn would say, “Remember me as loving you” God bless you our Sweet Donna and save us a place.

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Shirlee Christensen - October 23, 1926 - February 07, 2021

Departed: 02/07/2021 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Shirlee Christensen was born October 23, 1926, the first child of Jesse Erval Christensen and Christa Mix Christensen. Living on a farm in Orem, Utah, with her parents and siblings, Marilyn and Steve, and her Christensen grandparents just a few houses away, she considered her growing up years “ideal.” As a teen during World War II, Shirlee and her sister Marilyn held scrap drives for anything that would be useful in the war effort. As a young adult, Shirlee organized social activities for soldiers who visited their home from Bushnell Army Hospital for injured service members. At Brigham Young University Shirlee was elected vice president of the junior class and became president of the O.S. Trovata sorority. She met Don Hansen at BYU, married, and they had seven children. Her main passions were family and writing. Underlying both was an intense commitment to helping others grow and develop their own gifts and talents. She taught English (elementary, middle school, and college), owned art galleries in California to promote talented new artists, wrote poetry (she was called the “poet laureate” of the Bloomsday 5K Run in Spokane), and was active in the Utah branch of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She also served as an adult Sunday school teacher and in other capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In all these activities, she was fascinated by the people she met and was interested in their successes, loves, and challenges. Her zeal for life was infectious and throughout her entire life said she was “excited to see what comes next.”

Her idea of family was expansive, encompassing much more than only “bloodkin,” but also those she called “choicekin.” We are grateful to be part of Shirlee’s family, whether we are family by blood, by our own choice, or by having been chosen.

In addition to her parents, Shirlee was preceded in death by a daughter, Christa Dennehy; a grandson Michael Dennehy; a half-brother, Michael Holdaway; and her former spouse, Don Hansen.

She is survived by her sister Marilyn Clark and brother Steve and his wife Ann Christensen; a sister-in-law, Ardenna Holdaway; six children and their spouses: Mervyn Dennehy, Eric and Jennifer Hansen, Sara Hansen, Jeff and Gabi Hansen, Julie and Rodger South, Russell Hansen, and Millie and Blake Westley; and by eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She lived for many years with Julie and Rodger South and their children, Kyler and Kira, whose loving attention enriched and likely extended her life by many years. Shirlee passed away in the late evening of February 7, 2021 with her daughter Sara present. Services for Shirlee Christensen:

Memorial activities will be held on February 20, 2021, beginning at 9:30 am Pacific Time, in Everson, Washington (near Bellingham), with a Zoom option. Please see the link below for details on location, schedule, and Zoom links. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QAmEBdLqwWDwh4u93D5LTyj4olCOQxjVNjUvuuZ91XM/edit?usp=sharing

Individuals desiring to attend via Zoom who have not used Zoom or have not used it recently are encouraged to download the updated software beforehand.

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Phyllis Jean Whitley - February 29, 1940 - January 19, 2021

Departed: 01/19/2021 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: With profound sadness we announce the passing of Phyllis Jean (Morton) Whitley, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend on January 19, 2021. Phyllis touched many people with her kindness and generosity; she was never one to miss an important milestone and her astute listening made all those she cared about feel like the most important person in the room. Phyllis was born a leap year baby on February 29, 1940 to Verda Elizabeth (Lewis) Morton and Earl Thomas Morton in Sterling, CO, but spent the majority of her life in Lafayette, CO. She passed at the age of 80, or 20, depending on how you calculate her birthday, which is important because she always had a young spirit. She died from a sudden brain bleed while staying with her son and his family in Bellingham, Washington.

Throughout her youth and well into adulthood, Phyllis spent summers relaxing at her family’s cabins in Red Feather Lakes, CO where she fished with her dad and cousins, winning numerous contests, and taught her son to catch crawdads using hotdogs as bate. Whether from the woods, the back porch or her favorite park bench, one of Phyllis’s great loves was watching wildlife. In her last months, she delighted in watching deer roam the yard, hummingbirds fight over the feeder and bald eagles dive into the nearby lake. The fact that she preferred mild weather- ideally between 60 and 70 degrees, seems fitting given that it was a perfect 68 degrees the day she was born, despite it being the middle of winter. Although she had no love for cooking, she always made time to make pizzelle cookies for Christmas, fulfilling both her insatiable sweet tooth and her desire to make her family happy. She loved to crochet and knit, and made every person in the family a blanket, sometimes two or three, as was the case with her beloved son and grandson.

With her patient, loving demeanor, Phyllis had a natural gift for teaching and spent much of her career and personal time educating and supporting others. After attending Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) she taught in Yuma, CO, then worked in banking for a few years before devoting herself to raising her son. Phyllis was as committed a mother as one can be, attending every field trip, cheering at sporting events and creating handmade gifts for his classmates on holidays. She was a regular classroom helper and a frequent participant in the PTA, devoted not just to helping her son, but all children. In a similar way, she spent much of her free time engaged with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 1771) in Lafayette. Once her son was grown, Phyllis returned to the classroom and ended her career working with special needs children. Her calm, generous spirit made it so that she was always willing to take in children who needed support and she did so routinely. She could calm a screaming baby, teach nearly any subject to a struggling student, and pursue her own learning with abandon. Most recently she delighted in her deep connection with her 10-month-old grandson, who she taught to say hi, stand, make new noises, and blow bubbles.

In her younger years Phyllis loved walking along the beaches in Texas and even as she aged, she visited her son and his wife around the country, vising them in St. Croix, USVI, New York City, Michigan, New Jersey and Washington. In her day-to-day life, Phyllis was a quiet woman, but she came alive when she listened to her favorite music- Red Skeleton, Elvis and Bette Midler- cheered for her beloved Broncos and Avalanche, enjoyed a classic taco Tuesday, and yelled at the players of Big Brother, a show she watched with her son for 22 consecutive seasons.

Five years ago, Phyllis moved to Windsor Gardens, a 55+ community. During that time, she made wonderful friends, attended water aerobics, played canasta, and participated in various hobbies and activities. The move gave her new life and she thoroughly enjoyed her time there and the friends she made.

Phyllis is survived by her sister and husband Marty and George McCorkle; her son and his wife Cameron and Melanie Whitley, her four nieces and their husbands Michelle and Scott Butterfield, Ashley and Keith Carnwath, Dakota Carnwath and Shealynn Baker; her 4 nephews and their wives Michael Alexander, Zachary and Sarah Baker, Levi Carnwath and Jameson Baker; and one grandchild Oliver “Sprout” Whitley. Her husband, Ray Edgar Whitley preceded her in death in 1994.

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John Byron Halpin - June 03, 1947 - November 30, 2020

Departed: 11/30/2020 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: John Byron Halpin passed away on Monday November 30th at home with his wife and best friend (Marilyn) by his side. Born on June 3rd, 1947 in Philly. He grew up on Philly Cheese Steaks and Hoagies. He lived most of his life in the Bellingham area, working at Hardware Sales for 30 years. John is Survived by his his wife, Marilyn. His 5 kids, Coby (Hillary), Cory, Rhett (Destinee), Jason (Carey Ann), and Tamara (Tony). He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren. He was also the oldest of 11 siblings. Above all else he was a world traveler, spending time in Alaska, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

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Dorothy Blank - July 30, 1940 - March 01, 2020

Departed: 03/01/2020 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Dorothy passed away peacefully at the hospice house surrounded by family on Sunday March 1st, 2020.

Dorothy was born to Eva And William Bower on July 30th, 1940 in Worland Wyoming. She grew up with sisters Loree, Helen and brother Clarence.

Dorothy moved to Bellingham with 2 of her daughters in 1983 and she started working for DIS corporation on 1987. She then retired from DIS in 2001.

Dorothy always taught her children and grandchildren that family was the most important thing, and her family meant everything to her. Dorothy was strong willed and independent and was so passionate about the things she loved. She always encouraged those around her to pursue their dreams and do what makes them happy. Dorothy enjoyed painting ceramics, sewing, cooking with her family but most importantly she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her 5 children: Michael, Dan, Kimberley, Tammy and Terri, Grandchildren: Russell, Michaela, Zachary, Kelsey, Kylie, Dyllan, Randy Jo, Teal, Tyler and Mason, And Great Grandchildren: Zayn and Dawson (on the way), Kingston, Z, Natalie, Ella and Evelyn.

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Paul Davis - February 17, 1953 - February 27, 2020

Departed: 02/27/2020 (Bellingham)

Obituary Preview: Paul Joseph Davis of Bellingham WA passed away on February 27, 2020 in the family home surrounded by loved ones. Paul was 67 years old. He was born on February 17, 1953 in Tacoma WA to his parents, Paul and Hannah Davis. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Walt. Paul had fond memories of growing up in Tacoma, playing sports and games and riding his bike with his siblings and neighborhood pals, 50 mile hikes in the Olympic Mountains with his Boy Scout troop, and riding his dirt bike from his house on Adams St. right in the heart of Tacoma. Those were the days!

Paul attended Franklin Elementary, Hunt Junior High and finished his formal education at Woodrow Wilson High School in Tacoma where he met his “High School Sweetheart”, Michele Irene McIlroy (Mickey). Michele danced her way into Paul’s heart at one of the many Bellermine High School dances they enjoyed attending and they never looked back. They enjoyed 46 ½ years of marriage together, raised 3 children, and have been blessed with 9 grandchildren.

Paul was a ‘Car Guy’ and could tell you the make, model and year of most any old hotrod by just looking at the front grill and headlight. He was mechanically minded and enjoyed working on his cars as well as family members’ cars. He was the ‘go to’ person for car questions in the family but you had better set aside some time as he was an accomplished storyteller as well.

One of Paul’s early jobs was tearing down seized up Volkswagon engines at Northwest Engine Service where he earned a whopping $1.50 per engine. As an adult Paul worked for Peterbilt and Kenworth in Seattle as a Parts Salesman. In 1989 he took a position in Bellingham WA at Motorweld, Inc. as their Parts Manager. He wore a white lab coat and was always heavily stocked with pens and sticky notes. Mickey remembers him reciting parts numbers in his sleep. As one of his old customers and friend recalled, “They don’t make em like Paul anymore.”

Paul and Mickey’s life together was full of kids’ activities, family get togethers, and an abundance of camping adventures. They loved visiting the Oregon Coast and had a ‘go to’ spot at Lake Cushman where many summer days were spent hiking, biking and swimming with cousins and friends. And of course sitting around the camp fire singing and telling stories.

After Paul’s retirement from working in the Truck Parts Industry for 41 years he and Mickey have spent most of their time watching their grandchildren growing up. They enjoyed attending their dance and music performances, sporting events and spending special times with them making lots of wonderful memories. The two of them had the privilege of traveling to Germany several times to visit their youngest daughter and her family. While there they enjoyed visiting several other countries that surround Germany.

Although Paul never served in the Armed Forces he was a Patriot and soaked up any information he could get his hands on regarding US history. He attributed his love of history to a Junior High School teacher who made ‘History come to life’.

Paul had a strong faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was an active member at Skyline Presbyterian Church in Tacoma WA and at First Presbyterian Church in Bellingham where he served as an Elder, Youth Group Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, and wherever he was needed.

Paul was devoted to his family and many friends and gave generously of his time and talents. He touched many lives with his kind and gentle spirit and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mickey, Daughter Shannon Schmid (Brendan) of Greenville NC , Son Matt Davis (Alicia) of Bellingham, Daughter, Holly Ilchmann (Lars) of Germany, Grandchildren – Hannah, Sarah, Jerin, Isaiah and Levi Schmid, Bella and Charlie Davis, Ruby and Parker Ilchmann; Sisters Estie Sage and Alice Miller, Sister – In – Law Laurel Joyal and many devoted nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service and reception celebrating Paul’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Glenhaven Lakes Clubhouse, 2997 Glenhaven Drive, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 at 2 pm. Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to:

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Cremation Services

Mt. Baker Cremation Society offers a range of cremation services to meet the unique needs of each family they serve. From traditional cremations with memorial services to direct cremations without ceremony, the funeral home provides options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Their experienced team will guide families through the cremation process, ensuring that every detail is taken care of with precision and care.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to gather and pay their respects. The spacious chapel can accommodate large or small groups, and the adjacent reception area offers a convenient space for families to share memories and condolences over refreshments. Additionally, Mt. Baker Cremation Society has a private viewing room where families can spend time with their loved one before the cremation process.

Staff and Leadership

The team at Mt. Baker Cremation Society is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving others. Led by experienced funeral directors, the staff is committed to providing exceptional care and support to families during a difficult time. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, the staff at Mt. Baker Cremation Society is dedicated to ensuring that every family receives the highest level of service and respect.

Community Involvement

Mt. Baker Cremation Society is an active member of the Bellingham community, participating in local events and supporting organizations that benefit families in need. The funeral home believes in giving back to the community that has supported them over the years, and they strive to make a positive impact through their involvement in charitable initiatives.

Pricing and Packages

Mt. Baker Cremation Society understands that every family has unique needs and budget constraints. That's why they offer a range of pricing options and packages to suit different preferences and requirements. From basic cremations to more elaborate ceremonies, the funeral home provides transparent pricing information to help families make informed decisions about their loved one's final farewell.

Testimonials and Reviews

Families who have worked with Mt. Baker Cremation Society often express gratitude for the compassionate care and support they received during a difficult time. With numerous five-star reviews and heartfelt testimonials, it's clear that the funeral home has made a lasting impact on those they've served. By reading reviews from real families, you can gain insight into the level of service and care provided by Mt. Baker Cremation Society.

Contact Information

If you're considering Mt. Baker Cremation Society for your loved one's final farewell, don't hesitate to reach out to their friendly staff for more information or to schedule a consultation. You can contact them by phone at [phone number], email at [email address], or visit their website at [website URL]. Their office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours available by appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or mortuary may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to use.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life story, accomplishments, and personality traits.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs at most.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the person.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed and personalized tribute that celebrates the person's life.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to learn about their submission guidelines and deadlines. You may need to provide the written obituary, along with any photos or other materials.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure that their life story is told accurately and in their own words. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and legacy.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or online platform. Some may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or discounts for online postings.

Can I edit an obituary after it has been published?

In some cases, it may be possible to make corrections or edits to an obituary after it has been published. However, this depends on the publication or online platform's policies and deadlines.

What if I want to keep the obituary private?

If you prefer not to publicly announce the death or share personal details, you can opt for a private obituary that is only shared with close friends and family.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial services in the obituary as a way to honor their loved one's memory.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

The length of time an online obituary remains available varies depending on the platform. Some may keep it active for a few weeks or months, while others may archive it permanently.

Can I create an online memorial or tribute page?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to create a memorial or tribute page for your loved one. These pages can include photos, stories, and memories shared by friends and family.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or need guidance, consider reaching out to a funeral home or mortuary for assistance. They often have experienced staff who can help you craft a meaningful tribute.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help bring comfort and smiles to those who read it.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice errors or inaccuracies in an obituary, contact the publication or online platform immediately. They should be able to correct the mistake and republish the revised version.

Can I reuse an existing obituary template?

Yes, there are many online resources that offer free obituary templates you can use as a starting point. Be sure to customize it with your loved one's unique details and personality traits.

What if I want to publish an obituary in multiple languages?

If you need to publish an obituary in multiple languages, consider working with a translation service or bilingual writer who can help you craft a accurate and respectful tribute.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes! Quotes, lyrics, or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose ones that resonate with your loved one's personality or reflect their values and beliefs.

How do I ensure that my loved one's legacy lives on through their obituary?

A well-written obituary can serve as a lasting tribute to your loved one's life and legacy. Consider sharing it with family members, friends, and community groups to keep their memory alive.

What if I need additional support or guidance during this difficult time?

DON'T hesitate to reach out to professionals such as funeral directors, counselors, or support groups who can offer emotional support and practical guidance during this challenging time.