Violet Irene Hamer
A service was held for Sequim resident Violet Irene Hamer, who died May 28, 2011, at the age of 97.
She was born Jan. 1, 1914, in Frankfort, Ky., to Arthur and Edna Thomlinson Stockton.
She married Norman Hamer on Nov. 8, 1942, in Fort McClellan, Ala. He preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 2000.

She worked for years as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school in 1968 to get her nursing degree. A Kentucky resident during childhood, she also lived in San Diego, Calif., and Pendleton, Ore. She moved to Sequim in 1984. She loved working in the community services department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her hobbies included gardening and quilting.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Esther and Bill Littlejohn; three grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Victorino.

Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

 

Helen Dent

A service was held for Gardiner resident Helen Dent, who died June 2, 2011, at the age of 91.

She was born on Nov. 27, 1919, in Hudson, Wis., to Charles Frederick and Maude Frances Hochstein Sawyer.

 

She married Howard Dent Jr., on May 4, 1957, at The Dalles, Ore. The couple moved to Gardiner in 1959. They developed land at Mains Farm in Sequim and Sunshine Acres at Diamond Point, all the time breeding shorthorn cattle.

 

Mrs. Dent was active in the Gardiner Community Church and other community activities and was an avid Seahawks and Mariners fan.

 

She is survived by nephew Charles Sawyer of Sequim, and nieces Nancy Berens of Wisconsin, and Susan Sawyer of California; and by grand-nieces and grand-nephews Guy Wenzel, Mark Wenzel, Cindy Large, Vicki Lesar, Kari Beder, Becky Werner, Gale Sigler, Sue Heitzman, Sanurp Slepicka, Andy Sawyer, Vicky Holden and Jeff Berens, all of Wisconsin.

 

 

John Thomas McGhee
John Thomas McGhee, age 79, passed away on June 2 after valiantly fighting various long-term illnesses. John, known to his family and friends as Jack, was born in Malta, Montana on June 8, 1931. 
He died at home in Sequim with family by his side.
While growing up in Lewistown, Montana, Jack attended the local grade school, junior high and high school, graduating in 1948. 
Soon after, Jack enlisted in the Marine Corps and served honorably for 4 years. Jack was a celebrated basketball player, both in AAU and in Marine Corps competition. During this time, Jack was also recognized for his boxing prowess.
Following his service in the Marine Corps, Jack attended the University of Montana and Montana State University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Jack served two years on the faculty of Montana State University before accepting a job as City Engineer for the city of Lewistown, Montana. Thereafter, he joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine as Assistant Director of Plant Services. From there, Jack joined the Del E. Webb Corp. as Special Assistant to Mr. Webb. He then joined M. H. Golden Construction Company as Director of Development where he met Helga Minning, his future wife. In 1972, Jack and Helga started ESCON Development Inc., and began building banks, hospitals, and other commercial properties in the San Diego area. In 1989, Jack and Helga moved to Sequim where they built condominiums and houses before developing “Heritage Square” in downtown Sequim. For several decades, Jack and Helga played an integral role in the SunLand community and the city of Sequim. “Big Jack” will be remembered for his athletic and intellectual skills, his kindness and generosity, and his wonderful sense of humor. He is known as the “godfather” of the SunLand Fantasy Football Leagues and was never far from the top in winnings. He loved to dance, cook and entertain his many friends. His family and friends were the most important things in his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his father John McGhee, his mother Elaine McGhee, and his sister Martha Lang. Jack is survived by Helga, his wife of 39 years, his children Michael McGhee, Patrick McGhee, Gary McGhee, Jaqueline McCormick, Julie Manson, John McGhee, Laurie Shanker, Kathy McGhee, and 12 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Clallam County at 540 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.