Dennis Skok 1957-2017

Dennis was born on November 28, 1957 and passed away on March 13, 2017 at the age of 59. Dennis grew up in Chewelah and was a proud graduate of the Class of ’76. He excelled in sports and lettered in wrestling, football and track. After high school, Dennis and his cousin Brian set off on a backpacking trip through Europe and visited family in both Yugoslavia and Scotland. That adventure ignited Dennis’ lifelong passion for travel.

Dennis attended college at WSU and graduated with a Degree in Political Science. After college, he was accepted into the Marine Corps, but could not finish the Officer’s Training Program due to a knee infection. He then volunteered to join the Peace Corps and was stationed in Zaire.

After returning from Africa, Dennis completed a year of Law School at Gonzaga, but his love of travel was a more powerful force. To see the world, he spent the next decade working, usually as a sous chef, in several U.S. National Parks (Mammoth in Yellowstone being his favorite). Dennis visited many countries including Egypt where he rode camels by the Great Pyramids, Israel where he lived in a kibbutz and also to tranquil islands in Thailand. Dennis was gifted in learning foreign languages and while taking Russian classes at the University of Washington, he suffered a bike accident that led to a future hip replacement (which he never complained about).

Dennis’s next adventure was teaching English Language classes overseas, first in Korea and then in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Dennis was a little unconventional and used Rock-n-Roll lyrics from his homemade CD’s to help his students with their English! Dennis fell in love with Cambodia and made it his second home. He returned to Chewelah to visit our parents every couple years, but always returned to Asia. Dennis’ last trip home was in 2016 so he could attend his 40th High School Reunion.

He had so many great qualities! He was a voracious reader and had a tremendous mind. Dennis had remarkable recall and could effortlessly produce quotes from history’s greatest scholars to support his point of view or just to simply entertain. He was a great debater and loved to visit with family and friends. Dennis was truly loved by his family and will be incredibly missed, both here and in Cambodia, where he passed away with his girlfriend of many years by his side. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Mary Skok, and leaves behind his brother Flip, and sisters, Margaret (Fitzgerald) and Sheila (Neale). We will miss him forever.

Gary Bean, born May 27, 1941 in Spokane, WA to parents Glen and Loretta Bean, passed away on March 2, 2017 at his home in Chewelah, WA with family at his side.

Gary grew up and attended schools in Chewelah, graduated from Eastern Washington University and taught high school in Clarkston, WA before attending Spokane Community College’s Automotive program. After a year at SCC, Gary worked for Ray’s Truck Service and then became an instructor in Spokane Community College’s Automotive program from 1967 to 1980. Having moved back to Chewelah in 1972, Gary and his dad built another sawmill so they could manufacture their own lumber for the farm. That venture grew beyond farm use and Gary continued in the lumber business from 1980 until health issues prompted his retirement. An avid snow skier, classic car buff, and proponent of education, Gary enjoyed the friendship of skiers, “car guys and gals,” and serving on the Chewelah School Board. Survived by his wife Judy of 55 years; son, Craig; daughter, Connie; and grandchildren, Derek and Cordell Bean; Autumn and Zach Klotz, the roles of dad and grandpa were his ultimate joys. Gary is also survived by a brother, Clarence D. Bean and sister; Glenda L. Jackson; a niece, seven nephews, sixteen great-nephews and nieces, numerous cousins, and many very special friends.

A celebration of Gary’s life will take place on Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m., at Jenkins Jr/Sr High School, Chewelah, WA. The family appreciates memorials directed to Hospice of Spokane or Chewelah Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 257, Chewelah, WA 99109.

Peggy Crawford-Jarman 1948-2017

Peggy Crawford-Jarman was born on November 16, 1948 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She passed away on January 27, 2017 in Colville, WA after a lengthy illness. She resided in Chewelah, WA where she enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She played bingo until she could no longer get out to play due to her illness.

She also ran the pinochle games at the Chewelah Senior Center. Although there were many struggles in her life she was a strong woman, who never complained and was always upbeat. She loved to tell corny jokes and always kept her doctors and nurses laughing. She loved to rescue cats. However, she was not the crazy cat lady, as she only had one cat at a time but the cats she gave a home to lived a spoiled life. She is survived by three sisters and a brother. Two daughters, Ann Cassell of Coeur d’Alene and Alice Jarman of Clayton, WA.

Numerous grand children and great grand children. She is also survived by her close friends she considered family. Peggy did not want a service but we will be having a potluck dinner in her honor on March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Chewelah Senior Center. Please come and share stories about the Peggy you knew.

Janette Melinda Slaughter 1954-2017

Janette Melinda Slaughter, 62, passed away March 2, 2017 at a care facility in Pocatello, Idaho. Janette was born December 23, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah daughter of Zeb Nathan and Edith Virginia Rasley Slaughter.

Janette attended Blackfoot schools graduating from Blackfoot High School class of 1972. In high school she loved journalism and was the editor for the high school newspaper.

During her first year out of high school Janette worked at the Blackfoot Morning News. After high school she went to work in Alaska at the trans-Alaskan pipeline for approximately two years. She returned to Idaho and went to work for J.A. Jones (international construction/engineering company) at the INL. She was very talented at her occupation which took her all over the United States. Janette was a senior administrative accountant where she was in charge of the company’s auditing processes. Her last project with J. A. Jones took her to Spokane, Washington and she fell in love with that area. More

Odd Helge Vaarvik (89) a 19-year resident of the Chewelah area passed away peacefully on February 17, 2017. Born on May 22, 1927 in Trondheim, Norway to Kristian and Helga Varvik. Odd was raised in Norway, began speed skating and skiing at a young age and served as a Lieutenant in the Norwegian Military in Germany, shortly after the war.

Growing up in the Norwegian countryside, Odd and his three brothers skied to school; however their sport of choice was speed skating. They practiced on a pond on their farm. They competed in their first speed skating competition when Odd was 10 years old. Being country kids no one expected much of a showing, but the boys all placed first in their age divisions.
Following his discharge from the military, he acquired a student visa and traveled to Yakima, WA to study aircraft mechanics. While there he was introduced and fell in love with another Norwegian immigrant named Magnhild ‘Molly’ Hansen. They wed in 1951 and divided their early years between Norway and Washington. Their daughter, Helga, was born and attended some school in Norway, while their son, Ken, was born in Washington. Odd spent his career with Western Airlines, which later became Delta Airlines. He worked at Sea-Tac in the maintenance department and skied on the company’s team.

The family lived in Seattle for a time before settling in Bothell, WA. While there as a hobby they raised Norwegian Fjord horses. Odd and Molly traveled during this time competing around the world skiing and visiting family in Norway when they could. Odd skied in Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom racer competitions and Master’s events world wide. More than once he was ranked first or second for his age bracket in these events.

Following his retirement in 1997, he and Molly moved to Chewelah, WA. At age 72, Odd, proving one is never too old to learn new things, took up golf. If he was going to live on a golf course he figured he should learn the game. He became quite good at it and enjoyed many holes with the friends he and Molly had made. Sadly, in 1998 he lost his beloved Molly. He took an extended holiday in Norway following her passing and shortly after his return to Chewelah he met Audrey Whiton. They were wed late in the year and spent 17 wonderful years together prior to her passing in 2016.

Odd was a man full of love, energy and fun. His life was truly blessed. He not only loved working with his hands as a mechanic, skiing and skating, raising the Fjord horses and traveling; he also loved being with his family and friends. He was an amazing mentor and father to his children. He was Ken’s hero. For Helga a new depth to their relationship was discovered when she recently moved to Chewelah. He taught her how to golf and introduced her to the area and people she has come to love. Always an athlete, competing as recently as 2013 in races, Odd loved being a fan as well. He was a big Seahawks, Mariners, Cougar and Husky football fan and of course, he loved the Zags! Odd was a man of many gifts and he will be missed as greatly as he was loved.

Odd was preceded in death by his parents; two wives Molly and Audrey and one brother Martin Varvik. He is survived by his daughter Helga Atwood; son Kenneth Vaarvik; grandchildren Neil (Becca) Atwood, Randy (Colleen) Atwood, Kari Vaarvik, Austin Vaarvik; three great grandchildren; brothers Dagfinn Varvik and Kare Varvik.
The family will celebrate and honor Odd’s life in Chewelah, in late May.

Please visit www.danekasfuneralchapel.com and sign the online memorial.

Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Bruce William Hughes 1955-2017
Bruce passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2017. Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 18th, 2017 at St. Josephs, 1503 West Dean Ave, Spokane WA. Celebration of life will follow at the VFW, 300 West Mission Ave, Spokane WA.

Bruce was born February 23, 1955 in Cincinnati Ohio to Bruce and Jean Hughes.

Bruce married Helen (Scott) Hughes March 30, 1974. Bruce loved to help others and had a hard time accepting help from others. He gave pieces of himself to everyone he touched through laughter, jokes, and volunteering his services.

Bruce is survived by his wife Helen, son Joshua Hughes, daughter Shawnna Molina, brother Gary Hughes, brother Tony Hughes, sister Jeanie Hughes, sister Wilma Hughes, father Bruce Junior Hughes, and ten grandchildren Jaimz, Gannon, Autum, Bradon, Colton, Landon, Blake, Jase, Anderson and Paxton. He loved his family, the outdoors, and celebrating life with his closest friends and family.

The Bruce William Hughes family wishes to send a sincere thank you to the out pour of love and support during this difficult time. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to share a their fondest memory and to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com

James H. Fuller 1939-2017

James H. Fuller (Jim) was born on March 4, 1939 to parents, Henry C. Fuller and Nina (Edwards) Fuller of Addy, WA.
He flew to heaven in a KC-135 to be with his heavenly Father on January 27, 2017.
Jim was raised on a dairy farm just 1 mile north of Addy. He was a 1957 graduate of Jenkins High School in Chewelah, WA.
In the fall of 1957, Jim joined the Navy and served for four years. After his discharge he worked bucking bales for local farmers and also worked at Safeway and Boeing. He attended SCC and earned his degree and license in airframe and power plant mechanics.
He proudly served 26 years in the Washington National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing. During this time with them he served in the Gulf War.
Jim retired in 1997 as Supervisor of Flight with a rank of Chief Master Sargeant.
Jim met his sweetheart, Doris, at an Addy dance and they were married in 1967.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Robert.
Survivors include his wife, Doris, son Jason, two daughters, Heather (Craig) and Kathryn, two grandchildren, Isaac and Teresa, brother Richard Fuller, and sister Ellen Wang both of Colville, nieces, nephews, cousins and one uncle, Bill Bailey of Mesa, AZ.
Services have been held and interment was at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.

Suzanne ‘Suzie’ Patricia Brokaw 1945-2017

Suzanne ‘Suzie’ Patricia Brokaw, 71, of Chewelah WA passed away on February 2, 2017 in Colville WA. Born on May 11, 1945 in Seattle WA to Donald W. and Patricia Jean (Wood) Long.
Suzie spent a large portion of her life in the Seattle area, graduating from Ingraham High School and attending Bellevue Community College, where she obtained her Associate’s degree.
She spent her career with several dentists in the Seattle/Bellevue area. Suzie was a very loving, outgoing person, whose eclectic style full of color, made friendships come easily. To encounter her was to like her and she left a mostly good and always lasting impression on all she met. Though she found love a few times, it was not to last. She carried on and pursued her passions in dental care and the arts.
She worked as a dental assistant through 1990, when she relocated to Colville. Suzie worked for the State of Washington, until health issues forced her into retirement.
While in our area she enjoyed living in Colville and Valley and in her final 10 years, with the wonderful, caring staff at Quail Hollow, in Chewelah. Suzie had a life long passion for pets, especially dogs. Often having three at a time! They provided her entertainment and companionship. She was also a talented oil painter and jewelry maker. Suzie was a voracious garage sale shopper. She loved the Lord and when her health was better she was very involved in church communities.
Suzie was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia and one daughter Heidi Sue McLeod.
She is survived by her father Donald W. Long of Sedona AZ; brother Roger and wife Patricia Long of Bellingham; son Tom and wife Elizabeth Brokaw of Farmington, MN.
A family Memorial will be held in Bellingham, WA later this year.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful staff and all Suzie’s friends at Quail Hollow Assisted Living. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Colville Valley Animal Sanctuary in Suzie’s memory.
Please visit the online memorial at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com and sign the guest book.
Danekas Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with all the arrangements.

Robert Henry Beattie, a 33-year resident of Valley, WA passed away on January 28, 2017 in Spokane, WA. Robert was born on December 6, 1928 in Alberta, Canada the son of Robert Rex and Ruby Elizabeth (Hutton) Beattie.

Robert was raised in Alberta, B.C., where he attended school and graduated in 1946. Following high school, Robert met a young lady from Southern California and on December 6, 1949 he wed Marilyn Jean Fairburn. They began a family and in 1962 moved from Canada to Southern California. Robert retired in 1983; he and Marilyn left the hustle and bustle of California and settled into a quiet lakeside residence on Jump Off Joe Lake. They spent many hours dangling a line in the water and were a vacation destination for their children and grandchildren.

Robert enjoyed his time on the greens and golfed numerous courses in Southern California. He took his family on camping and fishing adventures and shared with them his knowledge of the outdoors. Robert was also an ardent reader of all styles and types of the written word. With grin and giggle, his wonderful sense of humor continues to compliment to lighter side of life and offer lifted spirit to his family and friends. He took wonderful care of his family and was always there to listen, offer perspective and guidance if requested. His absence will extend to the many feather friends he watched over and fed in his backyard throughout the year.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn Beattie, at the home; sons, Glen Beattie and his wife Kathy of Los Angeles, CA, Steve Beattie and his wife, Pam of Colville, WA, Jim Beattie and his wife, Kathy of Chewelah, WA; daughter, Teri Crutchfield and her husband, Barry of Cashmere, WA; sister, Ann Monroe of Quesnel British Columbia; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

A family gathering will be held in the spring to remember the life of Mr. Robert Henry Beattie. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.

Born February 9, 1942 to Dick and Betty Kaiser in Chewelah, Washington, Clint lived a life of varied talents and adventures. He had a childhood filled with fun, friends, and Catholic schooling.

Clint graduated from Jenkins High School in 1960. While attending school he began working in the family construction business, from which he branched out to all types of construction, including dive work. He met his wife Merrilee and they were married in December 1962.

They moved to Seattle and had four children while Clint was working as an auto mechanic. He worked for Carnation and Safeway Milk Plants for over 20 years. He was very active in his boys Scout program and led the group on many adventures from camping to hundred-mile biking trips on which he insisted his daughters were to be included. He attended all of his children’s various school and sport events when he was not at work.

During all of this he was able to manage to include fishing and hunting trips, family hiking and biking, and his great love of photography. He decided while working at Safeway he wanted to make a change so he returned to school to earn an Associate Degree in Business. He became a Business agent then was elected to be the Secretary/Treasurer of Local 66. Debating contracts and bettering the lives of dairy employees was something he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement.

Retirement led to travel all over the world once the children had grown. He and Merrilee enjoyed time spent traveling other countries, visiting friends, and taking photos of everything.

Clint lived every moment of his life, fighting diligently the last few years until he finally succumbed to cancer at home with his family on January 29, 2017.
A memorial luncheon will be held on April 9, 2017 at the Floral Hall at Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98204 from
12-3 p.m. All family, friends, and former co-workers are invited to attend.

Merrilee has requested please, no flowers, if you would like to make a donation, please make one to your favorite charity in Clinton’s name.