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 Terry at ericandterry@comcast.net.   Garvin Tootle (Aug. 25, 1942 - June 26, 2012)       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.   Ken Sparrow (1922-2007) Born in Renton, WA Ken was a graduate of the University of Washington, an accomplished vocalist, and taught music at North Kistap High School for 30 years. Joining the Lions in 1962, Ken served as secretary for 14 years, as club president, and Zone Chairman. Ken was a Melvin Jones Fellow.   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)