Mike Jamison

     September 21, 2007

     Michael Roy Jamison Nov. 23, 1989 - Sept. 17, 2007 And the beat goes on (in his own words). Some call me a poet, others a guitarist, and then some a lyricist. Me? I say I'm an artist of music. I'm a senior at Eatonville High . Lets see, I play guitar - I absolutely love that thing. I call it my "Baby." I run track, play tennis, and am a pole-vaulter. I love it to death; it's so much fun! And it's what I'm meant to do. I am a religious man believe it or not, and a lot of things I do revolve around that (but there's also a lot that don't, unfortunately). I'm out with my friends a lot; it's just what I do. I wear cowboy boots almost daily, and you won't catch me without a hat on my head, unless someone takes it and that don't usually last long. I like to sit round the fire at night and just chill, it's a passion and a way of life out here.
      Mike was born November 23rd, 1989 in Seattle, WA and passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 17th, 2007. He was survived by his mom Trish Ellis (Chris) and dad Jamey Jamison (Sabrina); brothers Jeremy and Jesse Jamison; grandparents Patti and Ralph Steuber, Joanne Jamison and Patricia Ellis; aunts, uncles and cousins - greatly loved but too many to mention - along with many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by grandfathers Lincoln "Buzzy" Jamison (1981) and A.W. "Buddy" Ellis (2006). Memorial service at Eatonville High School, 302 Mashell Ave. in Eatonville Saturday, September 22nd (12 noon) with reception to follow. Viewing will be held at Fir Lane Funeral Home & Chapel , 924 E. 176th. St. Spanaway, WA. 98387 on Monday September 24th, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Graveside service to follow. 
    The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made at any Key Bank in the name of Michael Jamison to help with hospital and funeral costs. And the beat goes on.

Andy Parker

       August 14, 2007

                                                                                         (photo by Bob Walter)

      Andy is embraced by his sons, Luke, left, and Nate, after the Survivor's Lap during the Eatonville Relay For Life June 14, 2007. He wears a medal given to all cancer survivors who took part in the opening lap of the Relay. 

      Born in Pillager, Minnesota on March 4, 1919, Arnold V. Baardson passed peacefully on July 27, 2007 surrounded by family. His early exploits included work with the Civil Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) as a teenager, being a champion level Golden Gloves boxer, and supervising a Midwestern rural electrification crew at the age of 21. He married his first wife, Gladys, in 1939, and had two sons, Arlen and Wallace. Drafted into the Army during World War II, he served as a sergeant in the 4th Armored Division, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and Patton’s march across Europe.
     He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds to his leg and head and the Silver Star for extracting wounded soldiers from an encircled village in France. He was personally offered a field commission from General George S. Patton that he turned down. A former commander noted in early 2007, “Everyone in the battalion knew him.  He was always wherever the action was.” After the war, he was stationed a year in Japan where he helped reconstruct their industrial base.  
     After his first release from military service, as a union representative for the American Federation  of Grain Millers, he helped negotiate labor agreements with the mayor of Minneapolis, Hubert H. Humphrey.
     During the Korean War, he was called back to service.  Working as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Corps of Engineers, he helped build Grays Army Airfield at Ft. Lewis and the main roads at Yakima Training Center.
      In 1958, he settled in Eatonville with his second wife, Audrey.  Here they raised their three children, Bruce, Brenda and Brett on a 100 acre farm located near Clear Lake. During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked a variety of
jobs and remained active in union activities, serving as the vice president for his local bargaining unit.  In 1979, he retired as the Diesel Shop and Road Crew Foreman for the McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary. 
     He was active in the Eatonville Community, belonging to the Eagles and American Legion and serving several years as a member of the Eatonville Planning Commission.  He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
     He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Audrey; sons Arlen (Mary Ann) of Minneapolis, MN, Wallace (Yvonne) of Bremerton, Bruce (Colleen) of Eatonville, and Brett of Hazen, ND, and daughter Brenda Rodriguez (George “Rusty”) of Eatonville; grandchildren Debra, Doug, Duane, Diane, Brian, Austin, Vinny, Angela, Steven and Shane; and great grandchildren Toni and Richmond.
     There will be a graveside service at the Eatonville Cemetery on Thursday, August 2nd, at 5:00 pm and a memorial service at the Eatonville Eagles on Saturday, August 4th, at 1:00 pm.  Donations in his memory can
be made to the Diabetes Association of Pierce County, P.O. Box 110427, Tacoma, WA 98411.

      This photograph and tri-cornered flag were displayed during memorial services for Harold Parnell, Saturday July 28. Pictured is young man who, like others of the "Greatest Generation" gave up a good part of their carefree days to fight during World War II. 

     The lovely, historic United Methodist Church on "main street" was filled with friends, relatives and neighbors during the memorial service for Harold Parnell - former business person, volunteer fire fighter, town council member and former elected mayor from 2002 to 2004, until a stroke felled him.
     Methodist Pastor Paul Walker told those gathered the church was "almost filled to capacity" as people brought out more and more chairs to accommodate the numbers of people gathered. There was a large turn out by members of Eatonville's volunteer fire fighters in honor of a man who had spent decades as a volunteer.
     The most prevalent thoughts were about Harold's sense of humor. Stories were told that had  the little church shaking with laughter. One story, in particular, was about Harold hearing the fire alarm in the wee hours,  getting all his gear ready, then as he's leaving the house Jackie reminds him he doesn't have pants on.  
     Many in the audience spoke lovingly of Harold's kindness and willingness to help when needed.  The church, which is Rockwellian in its charm, was part of Harold's work. It seemed if anything had to be for the church Harold was there with hammer, nails, ladder and elbow grease to help get the job done.
     It was noted by those remembering Harold, and his wife of close to 65 years, Jackie, as being people who cared enough about kids to open a center where kids could hang out, play pool and other games. As adults, those kids still appreciate that opportunity.
    Perhaps the most eloquent speaker was Interim Fire Chief Josh Wikander,  who told how Harold was his "role model" and how much he looked up to him, and his dedication to the volunteer fire department. Josh became a volunteer while a high school student. 
    Harold liked to paint in oils and brought his sense of humor into play after having fun with the story about almost going to a fire call with no trousers. Josh said Harold painted a picture of himself running out the door of his house bare legged while Jackie is in the background waving his pants. The painting is in the fire hall.
    Pastor Walker told of a time when racism was still working in Eatonville. In the early 1960s Ogie Enwall owned Swan Lake Dairy and supplied delivered milk to homes and stores. Ogie hired a black man to milk at his dairy. At the time Parnell's had a grocery store on Mashell Avenue. One day some people came to the store and asked Harold to boycott Swan Lake Dairy because a black man was working there. 
    Harold replied, "That is ridiculous" and wouldn't join the boycott. Sad to say, others did, and Ogie, who was color-blind was forced to let the black man go. Not a shining moment in the town's history. But some people, like Parnells, didn't fall into that racist thinking. 
    When all is said and done the best part of Harold and Jackie Parnell was their extraordinary love story. They would have been married 65 years this August. The couple stuck together through everything life threw at them and still remained in love. That is a gift.

       Our much loved father, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 16, 2007, just three months following the passing of our mother, Marjorie J. Butler March 14 of this year.
     Virgil was born in Mogadore, Ohio in 1918. He went to Suffield High School, played both football and basketball. He later worked for Goodyear Corporation and at the age of 19 traveled as a crew member on the Goodyear Blimp up and down the Eastern Seaboard. 
       He met Marjorie skiing at Mount Rainier in 1941 while he was in the Army and stationed at Fort Lewis. They were married September 9, 1942,  and enjoyed almost 65 years of good living and many friends in the community of Eatonville, until four years ago when they relocated to Covington, Washington to be closer to their family.
    His service in the Army during World War II encompassed assignments in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany.  He was a First Sergeant with the 3^rd Ordinance Battalion. He maintained contact with the members of his company throughout his life, visiting many reunions over the years. He returned to Eatonville in 1946 to begin his life with his wife and daughter Joyce Elizabeth.
    Virgil was an active member of the Eatonville community for many years and serviced as a Mason, member of the Lions Club, the American Legion and as a volunteer firefighter. His career with Tacoma City Light spanned over 30 years with most of his time spent at the power house at Alder dam.
    Virgil and Marjorie left Eatonville four years ago to move to the Kent/Covington area where Marjorie resided in an Alzheimer’s facility with Virgil nearby. Virgil is survived by two daughters and their families; Robin and Lannie Jaquish of Covington and Joyce and Fred Galassi of Kent; Grand children Grant Jaquish of Seattle; Joslin Jaquish of San Diego; Shannon Galassi of Seattle; Scott and Molly Galassi of Kent; and Steven Galassi of Kent; and great grandchildren Ethan and Carys Galassi of Kent, Washington.
     Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, two sisters; Eldean Senter and June Fascnaght, and by his great grandson Quinn Butler Galassi.
     The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Quinn Butler Galassi memorial fund, Children’s Hospital, , 50020/S200, Seattle, Washington, 98145-5020.
     Many thank yous from the family for all the kind words and remembrances.  Our parents were wonderful people, fortunate to have had a lifetime of Eatonville memories and friends.  Eatonville represents to us three generations worth of good living and a multitude of extraordinary people. They could not have asked more from life and we are forever grateful.
     No services are planned at this time.

     A member of the "Greatest Generation," Virg Butler's sweatshirt says it all. This photo was taken by Arlen Paranto in May 2006 while Arlen, Bill Jones and  Larry Doll visited  with Virg in Covington, Washington. Arlen said Virg, "...regaled us with funny stories and jokes. He has tons of them."

                                                                                    (photo courtesy of Parnell family)

Former Eatonville Mayor Harold Parnell