Obituaries
Sydney Johnstone WallaceDecember 23, 1912 – July 26, 2010
Sydney J. Wallace died at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington after 97 wonderful years.
Syd was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1912. The Wallace family emigrated to British Columbia in April 1921. They built a home in Vancouver and Syd attended McGee High School. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1935 with a degree in electrical engineering. He then started his life-long career with the American Can Company, during which time he introduced process and management changes and received several U.S. patents for devices he designed.
The only hiatus from this career was from 1941 to 1945, when he took a leave of absence to join the Canadian Army. His unit became known as the Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers.
In 1945 he returned to civilian life and his work with the American Can Company. During the next 30 years this career led him from Vancouver to California, New Jersey, New York, Ontario, and back to New Jersey.
In 1976 Syd retired to Point Roberts, Washington, which was the beginning of his second and most rewarding career. He, with wife Margo, built their dream home and filled the garden with flowers and fruit trees. He now had the time to pursue his other talents, particularly woodworking that materialized in fine furniture and two wooden boats.
Syd and Margo both joined into community activities and civic organizations. Always enjoying a challenge, Syd became deeply involved with the successful efforts to bring a reliable source of water to the Point.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin (Dick) Boysen, Meredith (Bob) Schultz, and son Craig (Allie) Wallace; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends and extended family. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 63 years, Margo, in 2004, and his sister, Margaret Wood.
In accordance with his wishes, no services are being held.
Eugene “Gene” Nicholas Kiniski November 23, 1928 – April 14, 2010
Gene Kiniski died April 14, 2010 at the age of 81. He leaves two sons, Nick and Kelly and daughter-in-law Joyce of Point Roberts, Washington and sister Dorothy Roberts of Maple Ridge. He also leaves a long list of true friends and a legion of fans who followed his storied professional wrestling career in Canada, the United States and Japan over a span of five decades. Gene was born near Edmonton on November 23, 1928, the youngest of six children to Nicholas and Julia Kiniski.
He was scouted as a football player by the late Annis Stukas and followed that path through the University of Arizona to a signing with the Edmonton Eskimos. An injury ended his professional football career so he turned full time to his other passion, wrestling.
His professional wrestling debut – and win – in Tucson, Arizona on February 13, 1952, led to a career that saw him win individual and tag team championships through all major wrestling organizations in North America and Japan. His outgoing and vibrant personality made him a favorite of radio and television broadcasters as well as millions of fans who enjoyed “Big Thunder” as the “villain” in more than 200 matches every year.
He was Canadian Tag Champion nine times and became World Wrestling Champion when he defeated the legendary Lou Thesz in St. Louis, Missouri on January 7, 1966. When a radio interviewer referred to Gene as “Canada’s Greatest Athlete,” he gained an identity that would follow him throughout his career. The title remained with him to the end. Gene was a wrestling promoter in Vancouver, other parts of Canada and in Japan in later years, stepping into a ring himself as late as 1992.
A celebration of life gathering was held at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern in Point Roberts on Sunday, April 25, 2010. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Simon Fraser University, earmarked for the “Gene Kiniski Endowment Fund,” and can be mailed to SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada.
Delbert L. Smith January 14, 1935 – April 2, 2010
Del “Ol Pal” was born in Edmonton, Alberta, moving to North Vancouver in 1961, where he and his “Oldest Ol Pal” Darlene, wife of 54 years, raised their family moving to California in 1986, and in 1989 to Point Roberts, Washington.
Del passed away on April 2 from a very aggressive bone cancer surrounded by his family and the prayerful thoughts of many close friends. He is survived by Darlene, his daughters Debbie (Stewart) Bruce of Edmonton, Alberta and Dawn Stern, Tswawwassen and sons Derek (Stephanie) and Dana (Cindy) both of Vernon, B.C. He was “Ol Pal Grandpa”to Brianna & Carly Bruce, Alexandra and Adam Stern, Lahlan, Rachel & Hayley Smith, Jordan Munroe, Jamie (Nicole) Edison, Colin Smith and James Morrison. Nieces and nephews in Edmonton, Calgary and Rio de Janeiro. Cousins Graham Senner, N. Vancouver, Dale Seaman, Sorrento and Dianna Tatomir, Calgary.
Del was a well respected career pilot, flying with the RCAF, PWA and for many years in corporate aviation companies of Columbia Cellulose, B.C. Hydro, Bannister Pipelines, Woodwards Stores, B.C. Gas and Canadian Forest Products. His logged hours were in the thousands flying to Europe, the Caribbean and North America from the north slope of Alaska to Mexico and 43 states in-between.
His great regret in retiring was he could no longer fly over the beautiful mountains of B.C. His disappointment was tempered, however, by his new haven, his workshop where he made some incredible furniture and souvenirs for family. Del had the ability to fix most anything sometimes accomplished by gentle nagging. Del and Darlene took advantage of airline affiliations to travel to Caribbean often, Hawaii, cruises and annual trips to Mexico. They spent over 30 years trailering western Canada and the U.S.
Del left many friends and acquaintances with memories of his quick wit, jokes and always his laughter. Many younger friends all referred to him as “Ol Pal, Dad Popster or just plain fun.”
No funeral by request, a Celebration of Life will be held in Point Roberts early in July. Messages of remembrance graciously accepted at smith25@dccnet.com In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to B.C. Children’s Hospital.
Wheels Up At 0636 April 2/10 Fly Free, Dad.
Eugene Erhart HofstedtNov. 18, 1924 – Feb. 8, 2010
Eugene Erhart Hofstedt, 85 years, of Point Roberts, Washington, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, at St. Francis Care Home in Bellingham.
Eugene was born on November 18, 1924, the son of Erhart and Alice Hofstedt, in Superior, Wisconsin. He is predeceased by his twin brother, Harris Leonard Hofstedt – separated at birth, and by his younger brother, Stanley Hofstedt, all of whom are now brothers together for eternity.
Growing up during the Depression of the 1930s with a widowed mother, Eugene learned the value of hard work. In April 1943, at the age of 18, Eugene joined the U.S. Army and served with Company I, 180th Thunderbird Infantry Division in Northern France, Germany and Central Europe during World War II.
After WWII, Eugene returned to Wisconsin where he attended university and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for several years. As a Federal Grain Inspector, Eugene traveled throughout the United States and met and married his beautiful wife, Maureen in 1957.
Eugene held a strong interest in studying architecture and design. He was a collector of guitars and antique clocks. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and a good game of chess. He loved to work with wood and is remembered for building ‘the little red barns’ at every one of their family homes from the mid-west to the Pacific. Eugene started playing piano at age nine, becoming a gifted jazz musician who also played guitar, harmonica, accordion and just about any instrument.
In his early years, Eugene played jazz piano at local clubs in Wisconsin and he continued to play jazz piano or guitar in the living rooms of friends, to outdoor venues and some high-end restaurants wherever he lived or traveled. Until recent weeks before his passing, Eugene welcomed the opportunity to play jazz and blues, bringing much joy to those who knew him and didn’t know him, but who all loved the beautiful music he created. Some of Eugene’s favorite experiences were family get-togethers with his children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humour and will be remembered as “Always Loving and Always Loved.” He was “A Good Man” and has been a gift to all who knew him.
Eugene is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Maureen. He is also survived by his four children: Teresa Hofstedt, Jim (Bronwynn) Hofstedt, Moira (Peter) Haagen, and Eric (Odette) Hofstedt and his seven grandchildren: Caleb, Sarah, Maeghan and Caiden Hofstedt, Myles and Alexandra Haagen and Mac Hofstedt.
A service to celebrate the life of Eugene Erhart Hofstedt will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 11 a.m., followed by a potluck at the Trinity Community Lutheran Church in Point Roberts, Washington. A private family internment will be held in the near future in Poplar Cemetery, in Poplar, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made in Eugene’s name to the Point Roberts Food Bank at 360/945-5175 or 360/945-1711, or to any branch of the Salvation Army.
James Mike BogyoOctober 22, 1930 – January 25, 2010
Born October 22, 1930 in Penticton, B.C. and long-time resident of Delta and Point Roberts, Jim Boygo passed away peacefully on January 25, 2010. Jim is lovingly remembered by his sister Vera; his children, Terry Bogyo, Grant Bogyo, Valerie Bogyo, Frances Schweitzer, Connie Welch and their families.
He will be missed by his 21 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Jim is predeceased by his wife, Raymonde; daughter Gloria and brothers Les, Charlie and Bill. Dad had a varied career beginning work in film narration, sports and newscasting in radio and television. He helped start and run the Ocean Star newspaper that served Point Roberts for many years.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and curiosity as deep as the ocean, as high as the heavens and as broad as any vista on a clear day. Thanks, Dad.
Funeral Mass and reception was held Friday, February 12, 2010 in Saint John Vianney Church in Penticton with Father Pat Monette, Presidor. Condolences may be sent to the family through Parkview Chapel at providencefuneralhomes.com.
Bjorn F. HrutfiordJan. 31, 1932 – Feb. 16, 2010
Dr. Bjorn F. Hrutfiord, born in Blaine January 31, 1932 to parents Barney and Bella Johnson Hrutfiord, died Tuesday, February 16, 2010 in Bellingham, Washington.
Bjorn graduated from Blaine high school in 1950 where he was the athlete of the Year, Salutatorion, student body president, and State Farmer in FFA. He graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1954, and went on to attain the Ph.D in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959. He then went to the University of Washington where he had a long teaching and research career teaching pulp and paper chemistry in the Forestry College, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1998.
He was a consultant for Monsanto Chemical Company and Rhone Poullenc Chemical Company for over 35 years. He married the love of his life, Janet Westman, on July 16, 1960. They had four sons, and later adopted her nephew Kurt Thomas after the death of Kurt’s mother, Yvonne Westman Thomas.
Bjorn is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janet and sons, Bradley (fiance Dianna), Brian (wife Shannon), David (wife Kari) and Steven (wife Rachel) all of Blaine, and son Kurt Thomas of Woodinville, WA, and grandchildren Conner Bjorn, Bella Elizabeth, Bjorn William, Svenna Jayne and Resa Brynn Hrutfiord, and step grandchildren Casey and Jeffrey Burkholder and Melissa Younkins, and brother Don (wife Mary) Hrutfiord, and nephews Dan and Chris, all of Blaine.
Bjorn published more than 60 scientific research papers, and after retirement was on the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Advisory Committee and Bellingham Technical College Advisory Board for Oil Refinery operators training.
Bjorn was a collector of old farm tractors, Louis L’Amour westerns, and electric trains. He enjoyed pheasant hunting in eastern Washington, the “Liars Club” for coffee on Thurs. mornings at Cost Cutter in Blaine, and keeping up with the careers of his former graduate students. He had been active as a scoutmaster for his sons as they went through the ranks in Troop 327 in Seattle, and he loved ice cream.
Bjorn and Jan traveled around the world attending chemical society meetings where Bjorn gave many scientific papers including Paris, Stockholm, Melbourne Australia, and mainland China, where they both taught at Nanjing Forestry University in Nanjing China in 1984 and 1986, and Bjorn was a concurrent professor at Nanjing Forestry University.
They traveled extensively in the United States, visiting pulp mills, former students, relatives and friends. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and his Icelandic heritage. In retirement Bjorn and Jan enjoyed their timeshare condo in Kauai, Hawaii, and their home in Blaine, living across the street from the farm where he grew up. He will be remembered and missed by his family and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine, led by Pastor Dennis Wildermuth, at 11:30 a.m. on March 6. Instead of flowers, memorials can be given to the Jan and Bjorn Hrutfiord Scholarship Fund, c/o the Washington Pulp & Paper Foundation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 or a charity of your choice.
David Allan RichardsApril 21, 1954 – Sept. 11, 2009
It is with profound sadness that we share news of the sudden death of David Allan Richards.
Dave was born in Vancouver and lived his childhood between Point Roberts and Boundary Bay. Dave worked as a pilot for Air Canada for 31 years.
Dave will be greatly missed by his loving family; wife Jackie and their daughters Carling, Dannie and Angela of Shawnigan Lake; mother Ruth; sister Kim (Mike) Fenner of Sooke; brothers Stephen (Mary), Allan (Denise), and Mark, all of Point Roberts. Dave was predeceased by his father, Allan Richards.
Dave’s family and friends will remember a man with beautiful eyes and long lashes, a man big-hearted, generous, caring and genuinely interested in everything. Observant and attentive to detail, he filled his home with beautiful photos of Jackie and the girls. He was proud of all his family’s activities, delighted in his home and loved to welcome people into his family’s lives.
After his family, Dave’s greatest joy was flying. It was a passion he loved to share with Jackie and their girls by flying on vacations all over North America. Being a pilot was more than his career, it was his way of life. Through flight, Dave gathered community. He loved treating friends to flights in his own plane.
He was in his element socializing at the Boundary Bay Airport and other small airport coffee shops all over southern BC. Weather statistics, patterns and conditions enthralled him, especially those he gathered at his own weather station which he installed at his house. His attention to detail showed in his professional ability to pilot an Airbus 330 around the world. In addition, he delighted in sharing his knowledge with anyone ready to listen. Dave played amateur hockey with enthusiasm and was an active member of the Shawnigan Lake Community.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Shawnigan Lake School on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1:30 to 4. The service will be in the chapel, followed by a reception in Marion Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the “David Richards Memorial Scholarship” to aid young aspiring pilots would be greatly appreciated, c/o Air Canada Flight Operations YVR 3232, 6001 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, B.C., V7B 1K3. Please forward any thoughts, memories, anecdotes of Dave to Bryan at brj737@yahoo.com. Jackie would like to compile these in a memory book for the girls.
Doris Mae Clark Barnes
Doris Mae Clark Barnes, our loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born December 4, 1929 at home in Bellingham, WA to John and Randi Sandness.
Doris graduated in 1947 from Bellingham High School and worked as a bookkeeper for Yorkston Oil, The Golden Rule, and was owner and operator of Clark’s Store in Pt. Roberts, WA where she spent summers with her family. Doris was very proud of her Norwegian ancestry and hosted numerous family reunions at her summer beach house. Doris enjoyed traveling the world with dear friends. Doris spent her winters in Hawaii where she met and married her husband Johnny Barnes in 1989. She developed a love for the islands and the friendships she made there. Doris also enjoyed downhill skiing, swimming and reading.
Doris was a member of her beloved bridge club for 55 years, a member of the Bellingham Yacht Club, and the Bellingham Golf and Country Club.
Doris was preceded in death by son Keith Newton, her brother Adolf Sandness and sisters June Metzner and Ruth Roy.
She is survived by her husband Johnny Barnes, constant companion and fulltime caregiver.
Children; Kristina (Ken) Peterson, Mark (Kerri) Newton, and Nancy Krommer.
Grandchildren; Taryn (Josh) Bailey, Natalie Peterson, Lauren Peterson, Skye Luke, Ryan Brown and Tyler Newton.
Two great granddaughters; Kate and Sydney Bailey.
Her brother, Arnold Sandness and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mother we thank you for your generous heart, your integrity and your strong work ethic.
We love you Grandi!
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. In Memory of Doris, please do something kind for someone else.
A memorial service will be held 2 pm, Friday, September 11, at Moles-Bayview Chapel on Lakeway Dr. in Bellingham.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Doris in the online memorial guestbook at www.molesfuneralhomes.com
Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
Bayview Chapel-Bellingham