In Memory Of...

This page is meant to be a dedication to the Poulsbo Lions who have contributed so much to our community.  If you have information or pictures about any of our fallen Lions that you would like included here please contact or send the information to Lion Terry Blais at ericandterry@comcast.net.     Thomas Stark Thomas F. Stark, a husband, father, and brother, living in Poulsbo, Washington, died December 11, 2023. He was 82. Tom was born July 20, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Ernst Fowler and Clara Stark. He graduated from Ferguson High School near St. Louis, Missouri in 1959 and received a degree in ceramic engineering from the University of Missouri School of Mines in 1963. He and his twin brother, Jim, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island on November 22, 1963. Tom served in the Seabees from 1963 to 1968. He was deployed to Vietnam, Cuba, and Newfoundland as a Company Commander between 1963 and 1966, and served in Washington, D.C., at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command until an honorable discharge at the rank of Lieutenant in 1968. He married Beverly Ann Frost in Ferguson on Dec. 11, 1965. After moving from Rhode Island to Virginia with the Navy, they settled in Toledo, Ohio in 1968. They adopted two children, Jeffrey Thomas Stark, in 1972, and Rebecca Ann Stark, in 1976, both born in Toledo. From 1968 to 1978 Tom worked as a glass engineer at Libbey-Owens-Ford. In 1978 the family moved to Littleton, Colorado, and Tom worked as a fiberglass engineer at Johns Manville until retiring in 2006. His name is on four United States patents for furnace design. He was passionate about sports and the sporting life. He ran track in high school, cross country in college, and as an adult enjoyed skiing, golf, and racquetball. He was an Eagle Scout as a boy and loved camping and the outdoors -- especially fishing. He also loved to follow professional sports. He was a longtime fan of the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, and the Colorado Avalanche. In 2007 he and Ann moved to Grand Lake, Colorado. They built a house and joined a community of dear friends at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. They moved to Poulsbo, Washington in 2016 to be closer to family. He was an active and dedicated member of many churches, including South Suburban Christian Church in Littleton, the Trinity Church in the Pines in Grand Lake, and Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church. In 2004 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but endured with help from his friends, family, and Ann, who Tom called "the best caregiver in the world.” The disease attacked his body, but not his sense of humor. He was quick with a joke, and later in life could get a laugh with just a sideways glance. He held onto a knack for drawing, remained proud of his military service, and, true to his life as an engineer, always liked to know how things worked. His curiosity helped drive him. He said he fought so hard to live because he “wanted to find out what happened.” He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly Ann; as well as his son Jeff; daughter-in-law Chelsea Wagner-Stark; sister Marye Anne Read; brother-in-law Emerson Read; sister-in-law Barbara Stark, nephews Steven Stark, Michael Stark, William Read, and James Read; nieces-in-law Kris Stark, Karen Mockler, and Jennifer Burke; and grandnephews and grandnieces Ethan Stark, Natalie Stark, Bridget Stark, Henry Stark, Isaac Stark, Carson Read, and Michael Read. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Becky, his brother, Jim, and his nephew, Peter. A service was held at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church Dec. 22, 2023. Donations can be made to the Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA   Dr. Neil Edwin Torvik, aged 81, died peacefully on September 24, 2022, at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, surrounded by his family while his favorite old country and gospel songs played him off to heaven. He was a larger-than-life character who made a strong impression on everyone he met with his unique candor, legendary dry wit, immense generosity, business acumen, community involvement, and love of family. He was deeply proud of his Norwegian heritage and a 50-year resident of Poulsbo until 2020 when he begrudgingly moved to Redmond Ridge to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Born in Ballard on June 4, 1941, he attended Ballard High School (class of 1959) and the University of Washington Dental School (class of 1966). He worked his way through college as a tugboat deckhand for Foss Maritime which sparked a lifetime love of travel and instilled the value of hard work. After graduation, he practiced dentistry for a time in Prince George, BC, where he met “his Canadian souvenir” Margaret Carmody. They married in Vancouver, BC, on March 14, 1970 and settled in Poulsbo, Washington, where he was the third dentist to establish a practice. He built Poulsbo Dental Center in 1974 and developed Plaza 305 with a group of business partners in 1978. He served terms as president of Kitsap County Dental Society and the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club, of which he was a member for 50 years and the 2017 recipient of the Melvin Jones Humanitarian Fellow Award. He was most proud of his family and would tell his friends, neighbors, patients, and perfect strangers all about his four children, who he was pleased were fellow Huskies and successful in their chosen fields (speech pathologist, teacher, attorney, and firefighter/paramedic). He took his family on memorable vacations to Hawaii, Alaska, Disneyland, Mexico, and over a dozen national parks. He visited Norway in his 20’s and took several cruises with his wife (River Danube, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, and the Caribbean). Neil and Meg retired in 2000 and spent almost 20 years splitting their time between Poulsbo and Indio, California. He loved RV life, traveling all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, exploring famous landmarks, sightseeing, and attending bluegrass festivals. In retirement, he took up woodturning and loved giving his handmade bowls, pens, and wine stoppers as gifts. He also enjoyed fishing, yardwork, reading, family gatherings, listening to music at a high volume, debating politics, watching Seahawks football, asking probing questions, sharing his honest opinions, and bossing people around. Despite being an imposing figure, he was loyal, kind, sentimental, and always wanted to take care of others. He passed his love for music and travel down to his children. He lived a full life and had few regrets. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Meg, daughter Anne, daughter Jessica (Shawn Lee), daughter Ellen (Russ Robertson), son David (Taylor), 6 grandchildren between the ages of 6 and 16 (Hannah, William, Lucy, Noah, Leona, and Jimmy), sister Lois, brother Dale Marilyn), sister Mary (Holly), many in-laws in Ontario, Canada, lots of nieces, nephews and cousins, and many lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his father Nils, mother Anna, and sister Ginny. Neil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law who will be missed every day. A memorial service will take place on October 15, 2022 at 11AM at Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary 22272 Foss Road NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Poulsbo Noon Lions Club “Loads of Change” fund PO Box 1244 Poulsbo, WA 98370 in memory of Lion Neil Torvik.     Irving Spellman (July 25, 1925 - March 17, 2022)   Irving Spellman passed away on March 17, 2022. He was 96. Irv was born on July 25, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA. He grew up there, the youngest of Howard and Anna (Zuckerman) Spellman’s six children. After graduating from Dorsey High School, he later joined the Navy, serving in WWII from 1944 to 1946 in the South Pacific. He met and married Eleanor Levine in 1951 and together they raised four children. The couple moved to Woodland Hills, CA and Irv became a general contractor, establishing Spellman Construction. He spent his life working in the residential construction business, eventually partnering with his sons Howard and Ronald. In 1987, he and Eleanor left California and moved to Poulsbo, Washington, where he joined son David in continuing the Spellman Construction tradition. Together they built Irv and Eleanor’s dream home on Fjord Drive, along Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay. The couple enjoyed gardening and traveling, but Irv would continue to be a presence on the jobsite well into his 80’s! He was also active in the Poulsbo Noon Lion’s Club and could be seen cooking up sausages at the annual Viking Fest Pancake Breakfast. Irv loved telling stories and had a million of them! He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor; brothers Thomas and Donald; and sisters Esther, Thelma and Shirley. He is survived by daughter Judith Grossman; sons Howard (Lisa), Ronald (Sharron) and David (Sandi); six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.   Dale Anderson (March 28, 1927 - December 23, 2021) Dale Meredith Anderson passed away peacefully on Dec 23, 2021.  He was born on March 28, 1927 to Martin and Nora Anderson of Poulsbo.  Dale was an only child and grew up in 2 different apartments above the Myreboe Buildings, which his grandfather, H. S. Myreboe  built in downtown Poulsbo. He worked at his father’s hardware store while he went to North Kitsap High School where he was a model student playing football and basketball. After graduating, he joined the Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. When he was on leave he was able to tour Europe with some friends. When he was finished with his Military Service, he moved to Seattle and attended the University of Washington, becoming a member of the Theta Xi fraternity and graduating with a Business Degree. While he was in college, he met the love of his life, Beverly June Parks at a fraternity social. They were married in Seattle on September 22, 1950. He had a desire to become a CPA but along came an opportunity to go into the family Business, Myreboe’s Dry Goods with Uncle Selmer in Poulsbo. Dale and Bev eventually bought out Selmer and changed the name to Anderson’s Dept Store.  In 1969 they moved the business to their new location down the street, which they built.  Soon after they added another building downtown and opened up a junior clothing business named The Wearhouse which Dale’s 2 sons managed. In 1992, they retired and became avid RVers. They loved to travel and became very involved with the Good Sam Club. They put a lot of miles on their RV, going all the way to New England twice in one year. One of the highlights of Dale’s life was traveling to Norway with his son Glenn, where he was able to meet relatives and see the farm in Olen where his grandfather H.S. Myreboe was raised and Trondheim where his grandmother Berit Anderson was born and raised. Dale was also a lifelong member of the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club, where he was able to give back to the community he loved so much. He also was a founding member of the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer for the Poulsbo Fire Department. His wife, Beverly preceded him in death in 2017, and he is survived by his 2 sons, Craig Anderson of Bremerton and Glenn Anderson (Paula) of Poulsbo, along with 3 grandchildren Melissa Tolman (Chris), Kyle Anderson (Katie) and Kristina Garinger (Ross). He was also blessed with 7 Great Grandchildren. He spent the last 4 years of his life at Liberty Shores in Poulsbo, where he made many friends. Our family would like to say thank you to all the staff for the wonderful care he received during his time there. Dale was a positive mentor, family man, businessman and friend to many and will be missed.    Herbert Alan Armstrong, 82 (April 3, 1935-Jan. 13, 2018) Noted civil engineer Herbert Alan Armstrong, whose work as a professional or a volunteer contributed to the reconstruction of Poulsbo’s Front Street and the development of local parks, a nature trail and the waterfront boardwalk, died Jan. 13 at his home in Kingston. He was 82. Memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club or Poulsbo First Lutheran Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Armstrong, the former longtime owner of ADA Engineering, worked as surveyor and engineer in Poulsbo from 1960 to 2013, when he retired. During many of those years, he served on a contract basis as city engineer. He was born on April 3, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Fairbeorn Henry and Betty Armstrong. He received a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Washington State College in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army. He joined what was then Roats Engineering in 1960; the firm later became ADA Engineering. In addition to his surveying and engineering work, he owned and operated Saint Nick’s Tree Farm in Kingston for 40 years and an organic farm stand for 12 years. He was an active member of the Poulsbo Lions Club, Sigma Nu Fraternity, ASCE Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Audubon of Kitsap County and the Dungeness Beach Association. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed the great outdoors and natural areas for hiking, backpacking, bird watching, clamming and crabbing. He enjoyed collecting bird specimens for the Los Angeles County Museum. As a Lion, he was involved in Camp Leo, the ”Hooked on Fish” children’s fishing derby, Lions Eye Bank, and the Lions Pancake Breakfast, among other activities. He enjoyed singing in the choir at First Lutheran Church. He and his wife Elda enjoyed traveling to Europe, Scandinavia, Alaska and the Arctic Circle, Iceland, Africa and the British Isles. He performed in the Bainbridge Light Opera.   Beverly Anderson, 88 (June 12, 1929-June 25, 2017) Bev was born in Cle Elum, WA, to Glen and Eva (Starkovich) Parks. She was a graduate of West Seattle High School in 1947 and went on to attend the University of Washington. She married the love of her life, Dale M. Anderson, on Sept. 22, 1950 in Seattle. Together they owned Anderson's Department Store and The Wearhouse in Poulsbo for 30 years. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo, the Poulsbo Lions, and Grandmother's Club. In her spare time, Bev played the piano, was an artist, lover of animals (especially dogs), and an avid quilter who donated over 200 quilts to Kitsap Community Resources. Beverly's memory will live on with her loving husband of 67 years, Dale; sons, Craig and Glenn (Paula) Anderson; grandchildren Melissa Tolman (Chris), Kyle Anderson (Katie), and Kristina Garinger (Ross); and great-grandchildren, Kinzie, Aubrey, Miller, Cameron, Harvey, Kohen, and MacArthur. Memorial services will be held at First Lutheran Church at noon on July 8, 2017. Interment was held at First Lutheran Church Cemetery.   Richard "Dick" Risley, 81 (1935-September 8, 2016) Written by David Risley My dad, Richard “Dick” Risley, quietly passed from this life at about 3:30 this morning. His 81 years were filled with a love for life and service to others. He was proud to serve his country in the Army, and then his community in the Brooklyn Center, MN, police force as a patrolman and later as a detective. He finished his professional career as Chief Investigator for the Hennepin County Welfare Fraud Department. After he moved to Poulsbo, WA, he continued to find ways to serve through the local Lions club and the Knights of Columbus. Dick joined the Lions Club in 1965 and relished every opportunity to make his community better and help others. With the encouragement of his friends he took the job of club president and found a natural talent for leadership that he used successfully in the Lions Club organization, the Knights of Columbus, as well as his professional life. Aside from his family, he found profound pride in working with Lions and the International Diabetes Association in the 1980s to start a program for teaching doctors and nurses more about diagnosing and treating Diabetes. A program that has spread to 5 states and continues to this day. From welfare fraud to the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, to the Northwest Lions Foundation, and Camp Leo: my dad cared deeply about the many needs that surround us. In lieu of flowers please use your resources to donate to one of the charities that most remind you of my dad.   Emmanuel John Xenos (April 6, 1931 - Aug. 2, 2016) Emmanuel John Xenos lived a full life. He was born on the Greek island of Leros April 6, 1931 and passed away amongst family in Shoreline August 2, 2016. Raised on the beautiful small island of Leros, he was the first born son of John Xenos and Evanthia Riga-Kouranis. He was the eldest sibling of five with brothers Mike, Nick, and George, and sister Stella. He would tell of having a good life on the island filled with family, friends, soccer, beaches and school. The family lived in Aghia Marina and vacationed in their summer home in Etymenia. "Manoli" told stories of how joyous his youth was and yet how difficult the occupation was for his family during WWII. The Xenos family left Leros in July of 1947 and traveled by the SS Marine Carp to New York and then by train to Seattle and made Wallingford their home. Emmanuel enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and served on the Valley Forge until he was called home for an honorary discharge to care for his father, mother, and younger siblings three years later. Manoli met the love of his life, Peggy Dimitriou, and they were married August 23, 1955. They had three children together, John, Jim, and Vicky. He was later overjoyed at having grandchildren, Andrew and Nicholas. Emmanuel worked hard all of his life starting at his father's store on Leros. He opened the Dairy Delight in the U District that later became Kidd Valley, a Dairy Queen and also owned the Porterhouse Eagle Inn in Seattle. After buying the Viking House Restaurant in Poulsbo he moved the family there. He later owned a car lot and the Viking Marine Supply stores. He had a flair for business and being an entrepreneur. Emmanuel was dedicated to his Greek Orthodox Church and served several years on the Board at Saint Demetrios Church in Seattle as well as at Saint Nicholas in Tacoma. One of his favorite experiences was when he hosted Father Homer Demopulos and the Saint Demetrios altar boys on his boat, Chicki IV, up to Blake Island for an enjoyable boat ride and salmon dinner. Emmanuel was active in the Lion's Club and Sons of Norway and enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling - especially back to Leros. Emmanuel is survived by his three children John Xenos, Jim Xenos, Vicky (Ron) Christianson, his grandchildren Andrew and Nicholas Christianson, and sister Stella (Jim) Nelson.   James R. Stark, 74 (July 20, 1941-April 20, 2016) Jim, a husband, father and veteran from Poulsbo, died April 20, 2016. He spent 21 years in the the Navy, 12 in the Seabees, and retired as a commander. He taught at North Kitsap High School from 1990-2005. Jim was president of the Poulsbo Noon Lions when he passed away. He was the first faculty advisor for the North Kitsap Leo Club at the high school. He was very active in most all of the club's activities. A celebration of life was held April 30 at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nels Nelson Rd, Bremerton.   Leonard "Lennie" Baylor (-Feb. 2016)   Sandra Waddell Habecker, 68 (Jan. 20, 1946 - Oct. 30, 2014) Sandy, born to Warren and Ardith Waddell in frigid Fairbanks, Alaska on Jan. 20, 1946, died at Saint Joseph Hospital in Tacoma on Oct. 30, 2014. Sandy was a longtime resident of North Kitsap, living in Hansville while in grade school and later in Poulsbo for her junior and high school years. She returned to Poulsbo in 1985 where she and her husband, Ed Habecker, were partners in Habecker Waddell Habecker Accounting. She enjoyed being a part of the Poulsbo Noon Lions and Poulsbo Sons of Norway. Sandy is survived by her husband, Ed; sisters, Nola Strecker and Penelope McCashland; brother, Ron Waddell; stepchildren, Christina Bame, Mike Habecker and Duane Habecker and eight grandchildren all of California; niece, Kimberly Anderson; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life for Sandy will be held Nov. 29, 2014 at 2 p.m., Poulsbo Sons of Norway. In memory of Sandy, donations to Poulsbo Fishline will be appreciated. Douglas Allen Mong, 74 (Jan. 8, 1940 - Sept. 28, 2014) Douglas Allen Mong, 74, of Poulsbo, WA, passed away on Sept. 28, 2014. Douglas was born on Jan. 8, 1940 in Bellingham, Wash. to Harold and Mary Jane Mong. He was a graduate of Burlington-Edison High School and went on to graduate from the University of Washington. Douglas co-owned Carson Drugs in Poulsbo and worked there 36 years. He was a well-loved pharmacist who was always compassionate to customers. With tireless dedication to the community, Douglas was a member of the Poulsbo Lions since 1963, served on the Board of Martha & Mary, was an active member of the North Kitsap Good Sam RV Club, and a member of First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo. He was an avid Husky and Seahawk fan who enjoyed playing tennis, golf, RV-ing, and traveling. His dedication to humanitarian services was recognized with the Lions Club Melvin Johnson Fellow award. Douglas also served in the National Guard for six years. He is preceded in death by his parents. Douglas' memory will live on with his loving wife of 51 years, LeAnn; sister, Beth Olsen (Patrick Rowe); daughters, Renee Rinker (James) and Michelle Carey (Cameron); and grandchildren, Natalie, Evan, Peyton and Chase.    Lloyd D. Brown (April 1924- Sept. 5, 2014) Lloyd D. Brown, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2014. He was born to Robert and Ruby Brown in Wichita Falls, Texas. Immediately after graduating high school he enlisted in the Army and served in the signal corps in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon his return he completed a history degree at New York University. After graduation he taught in California and sold school furniture in Alaska. He moved back to New York City for further intensive study as a lay professional and qualified to serve in the Episcopal Church. He was called to establish and serve as Principal in an Episcopal Church grade school in Riverhead, New York. It was there that Lloyd met Monica and her two children, Leslie and Malcolm. They were married in July of 1965. Lloyd and his family moved from Riverhead to live in Cherokee, North Carolina so he could serve as the Minster at St Francis Episcopal Church, then on to Newport, Rhode Island where he served as the Administrator at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. When there was no more paid professional work for Lloyd in the Episcopal Church he moved his family to Eugene Oregon. Lloyd continued his work in the church while making his living outside his vocational call to serve. In hopes of a retirement income and a beautiful place to live, Lloyd and Monica moved to Gig Harbor Washington and opened a small English import and frame shop named Elldebees; finally settling on Bainbridge Island in 1990. His passion was always to serve and help others. Lloyd was dedicated to a life of service in many Episcopal churches as a lay reader, lay assistant and lay ministry teacher. He was active in various Lions Clubs and served twice as King Lion. Lloyd’s greatest joy was his four generation family. Lloyd is survived by his wife Monica; his daughter Leslie (David) Carlsen, his son Malcolm (Charlene) Brown; his grandchildren Tristan (Diana) Brown, Emily Brown, Kari (Chris) Gray, Jennifer Carlsen, Keri (Travis) Richard; great grandchildren, Markus, Timothy, Hayden and Sophie; two brothers Herbert (Alaine) of Boise, ID, Orville of Citrus Heights, CA and many nieces and nephews throughout the country and internationally. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.       Garvin Orey Tootle (Aug. 25, 1942 - June 26, 2012) Garvin Tootle, age 69, passed away on June 26, 2012 from metastatic colon cancer. He was a retired Marine Corps officer of 23 years and, until recently, Operations Manager of the Poulsbo Fishline Food Bank. He is survived by his wife, Joan Tootle, one son, two daughters and five grandchildren, all of whom live out of state. To adequately describe Garvin would take volumes, but being a very private person he did not enjoy being the center of attention. To honor this, just a few of his memorable traits will be mentioned here. He had a deep, unwavering love for his country; constantly strived to be of service to family, friends and community; greatly respected work well done and those who did it; and was a great admirer of personal, moral and physical strength. One of his greatest wishes was to be a hero to someone and this he accomplished many times over. He fought this dreadful disease for over seven years and continued to be active until almost his last breath. His greatest passion in the later part of his life was dedicated to Fishline, its volunteers and the clients. This is what motivated him and kept him going daily, long after his advanced disease took over his body. This multi-faceted man could be either charming or fearsome, depending on the situation; however, no matter what, he was always respected, loved and admired by those who really knew him. To honor Garvin's passing, the Poulsbo Fishline Food Bank is planning an honorary memorial/fundraising event to take place sometime in late August. Garvin would be so pleased! Shortly before he passed away, he spoke of regretting not being able to finish his job; he would have loved the idea of continuing to be helpful, even though no longer there.  A memorial bench for Garvin sits in front of the Fishline food bank on Viking Avenue.              Sheldon 'Ike' Sageser (1912-2009) Walt McKerchar (1929-2008) Walt was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 8th 1929. He enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 15 to serve in World War II. He attended MIT, and became an electronic engineer, specializing in electromagnetic. After working in a number of aeronautical companies, he moved to Boeing. Eventually he went into a consulting business for himself and traveled all over the world. His wife Kaye traveled with him. He was renown in his field and received many awards. After the couple moved to Poulsbo, he became a principal consultant of Electromagnetic Engineering. Walt was active in the Seattle Nile Temple. He attended a three-day University of Minnesota clown school to become a Shrine Clown. His greatest reward was in entertaining others. He was a member of St. Antony’s Episcopal Church, Noon Lions, Poulsbo police volunteer, docent at under sea Naval Museum, and charter member Viking Shrine Club. Walt is survived by his Wife, Kaye McKerchar; son Jim McKerchar, daughters; June Tommey and Kim Reeff; stepson, Rick Jennings, six grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one on the way.   Kenneth Norman Sparrow (1922-2007) Kenneth Norman Sparrow, formerly of Poulsbo, died July 10, 2007 in Renton. He was 85. Sparrow was born to William and Hazel Sparrow in Renton on Dec. 30, 1922. He graduated from Renton High School and the University of Washington. Sparrow worked as a music teacher at North Kitsap High School from 1961 until his retirement in 1991. He was an accomplished vocalist and loved music and teaching. Sparrow enjoyed serving his community as a member of the Poulsbo Lions Club where he served as secretary for 14 years, club president and zone chairman. He was also a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was active in the Poulsbo Lions from 1962 through 2005, when he moved to Renton. Sparrow is survived by two nephews, Jack and Bill Sparrow, numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews and friends. Arrangements were handled by Greenwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home of Renton. A memorial service was held July 21, 2007 at Greenwood Memorial Park. Inurnment was at Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be sent to Lions Sight Foundation, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370.   John (JC) Smith JC Smith graduated from East Hampton HS, attended Valparaiso University, and graduated from Purdue University with an EE degree. He then attended Northwestern University and obtained his masters in Math and Business. He worked for Douglas Aircraft, later known as McDonald-Douglas Corp in their Astronautic division and later for Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He was with them for over 45 years. He started on the Mercury and Gemini programs, went on to work the SkyLab and Apollo space programs and retired after working on the International Space Station. He loved the Lions and worked hard to help fund the scholarship fund for high school graduates. His legacy continues as his wife Joyce, daughter Erin, and grandson Robert are now all active in Lions, helping to carry on his ambitions to educate the youth of our country. He was most proud to be called a LION. George Snelson (1913-2005) George Furman Snelson, 91, of Poulsbo died March 26, 2005 at the Martha and Mary Health Center. He was born in Bremerton, Washington on August 9, 1913. The son of Furman and Alda Snelson, he was the firstborn of seven children. His family moved to Arlington and bought a farm shortly after he was born. George was very active in his years at Arlington High School. He was Student Body President, Honor Society President and a member of the band. George was a member of the Football and Basketball and Track teams. In 1931, he won the state title for the mile run and the next year he won second place in the mile. He attended Washington State University for two years and was a member of the band. In 1934, he left college and married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Underwood, also from Arlington. They had three children together, Michael, Lynda and Larry. He worked for JC Penny's in Oregon and Tacoma for many years before moving to the Poulsbo area in 1951, where he opened up Snelson's Department Store. George was one of the founding members of the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce in 1954 and helped start the Miss Poulsbo Pageant that same year. He was the Lions Club President in 1955-56. He was one of the driving forces behind the development of Lions Park and installed the original playground equipment. Recently the Poulsbo Noon Lions honored him with a "Lifetime Membership Award." George was the Chamber of Commerce President in 1960 and was voted "Person of the Year" in 1964. He was an active member of the Poulsbo Yacht Club and was Commodore in 1967-68. He and his family enjoyed boating over the years and traveled all over the Pacific Northwest on the "Phyllis" and the "Lynda." In the last eight years he was an active member in the Poulsbo Yacht Club's morning get-togethers of the members and past commodores. After he retired in 1974, he and Phyllis traveled all around North America with the Airstream Trailer Club. They settled in Mesa, Arizona for many years and he returned to the Poulsbo area in the 1990s. George will be remembered as a well dressed gentleman with a strong handshake and even stronger opinions. He had a love for family history and shared his many stories with those he loved. He was happiest when surrounded by children. George is survived by his brother Charles Snelson of Renton and his children Mike Snelson of Poulsbo and his former daughter-in-law Judy Snelson of Silverdale, Lynda Nilsen and her husband Bruce of Poulsbo and Larry "Butch" Snelson of Port Orchard. He had eight grandchildren, Michele, Lesley, Michael, Danny, Julie, Laurie, Jeremy and Brian; eight great-grandchildren, Aaron, Holly, Jennifer, Jessica, Jenna, Marin, Aliyah, and Avery and one great-great grandchild Alejandra   Robert (Jerry) Schroeder (1929-2004) Robert "Jerry" Schroeder of Poulsbo, WA passed away on January 18, 2004. He was 74 years of age. Jerry was born on February 26, 1929 in Seattle, WA to Edwin and Lillian (Seaman) Schroeder. He graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle in 1946 and from the University of Washington in 1950.   In 1951, Jerry joined the US Navy and was a Commander and Pilot. On June 26, 1954 Jerry married Joan M. Pettingill. He retired from the US Navy in 1973. Jerry was a member of the Poulsbo Lions Club and was also a member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, walking his dog "Charlie" and was an avid reader. Jerry is survived by his wife; two sons, Donald J. (Julie) of Castle Rock, CO, and Michael E.(Margie) of Issaquah, WA; two daughters, Susan Acres (Mike) of Silverdale, WA, and Linda Clark (Rob)of Reardon, WA; one sister, Jean McLaughlin (Bob) of Mercer Island, WA; and 14 grandchildren.