ROY W. VAHLBUSCH, 89, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away on Saturday August 10, 2002 at Home Place Special Care in Burlington, WA.
He was born on July 15, 1913 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the son of Walter and Martha McConnell Vahlbusch. He moved to Bellingham, WA as an infant and there was raised and attended school. In the early 1930’s he began working for the Washington State Dept. of Fisheries, working as a hatchery supervisor for hatcheries at Seward Park, Aberdeen Lake and Packwood and finally leaving the Dept. of Fisheries in 1955, after working at the Friday Creek Hatchery for several years.
He later worked as a machine mechanic for the Stokley VanCAmp Cannery in Mount Vernon, retiring in 1975. He was united in marriage to Ethel Bayes in Bellingham on November 28, 1934.
Roy was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed bow hunting and was a state champion archer. He raised pheasants and was and avid rock hound and was a member of the Bellingham Rock & Gem Club. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union.
Roy is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ethel at the family home.
2 daughters, Cindy Hoskins of Bellingham, WA and Terri Young of Fairbanks, AK. His sister, Peggy Fiorito of Lake Goodwin, WA, A nephew, Jan DeBoer of Birdsview and a niece Vanessa Randall of Bellingham and 2 great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Sally Demorest and Roylene Fagan, a granddaughter, Arleneia Turpin and a sister, Winafred DeBoer.
At his request there will be no funeral services. Memorials to Skagit Hospice are suggested. Cremation and arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Roy by signing our on-line guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com