Westford Funeral Home & Cremation

Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Westford Funeral Home & Cremation is a family owned funeral provider in Bellingham, Washington.

John McDuffie O'RourkeJohn McDuffie O’Rourke of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully on June 27 at Whatcom Hospice Hou...
08/03/2026

John McDuffie O'Rourke

John McDuffie O’Rourke of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully on June 27 at Whatcom Hospice House, surrounded by his family. He always had a great love for family, enjoyed the many family gatherings, and was proud to be an Irish “O’Rourke.” He was 87, born in Seattle on December 22, 1938, to Ruth and John O’Rourke.

He graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle. In 1958, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea during peacetime. After his military service, he went to work for a title insurance company in Seattle, where he met his future wife, Janice. They were married in 1965, and eventually moved to Bellingham, where he graduated from Western Washington University.

John loved baseball. He played on his high school team, later joined community teams, and spent several seasons volunteering as a Little League coach and umpire. A lifelong Seattle baseball fan, he followed the sport from the days of the Seattle Rainiers and became an avid Seattle Mariners fan after attending their first game in 1977.

John spent his entire career in the title insurance business, working in Wenatchee, Seattle, and Bellingham. He retired in 2006 as corporate branch manager of First American Title Insurance Company in Bellingham. He was a caring manager, always there for everyone in the office and ready to provide a listening ear.

John is survived by his wife, Janice; their four children, Shawn O’Rourke (Kathleen), Amy O'Rourke, Katie Edwards (Chris), and Ryan O’Rourke; their nine grandchildren, Brigit O’Rourke, Ciaran O’Rourke, Sinead O’Rourke, Willamina Warren, Adrienne Warren, Brielle Warren, Haley O’Rourke, Colin Edwards, and Adam Edwards; and his brother, Woody O’Rourke (Sue). He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Patrick (Molly).

John was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be truly missed.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, at Bellingham First Presbyterian Church, 1031 North Garden St., Bellingham, WA. A reception will follow.

Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice House.

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Gregory Darrell DayGregory, affectionately known as “Da Buddo,” passed away on July 25, 2026, in Bellingham at the age o...
07/30/2026

Gregory Darrell Day

Gregory, affectionately known as “Da Buddo,” passed away on July 25, 2026, in Bellingham at the age of 64. He was born on May 13, 1962, in Kennewick, Washington, to Leo and Doris Day.

Greg was a true Southsider, growing up in Bellingham and attending Larrabee, Fairhaven, and Sehome schools, where he met lifelong friends. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, walking the railroad tracks, hiking, camping on Chuckanut, fishing and crabbing in Chuckanut Bay, riding his bike to Larrabee State Park, and walking the creek at Fairhaven Park. He was also a “roller skater,” never missing a Friday night at the Armory open skate. He loved growing up at “1708 Harris St.,” where he could sneak out of his bedroom window at night and sneak back in without getting caught, until Dad shut and locked his window, and he had to knock on the front door to get back in the house.

Greg considered himself a “jack of all trades and master of none,” but he was at his happiest when he was commercial fishing, whether it was in Bellingham Bay, California, or Alaskan waters. He was a great deckhand and enjoyed cooking for his crewmates when he could. In recent years, he studied and became certified to be a part of the plumbing industry. Growing up, he participated in sports, including wrestling, hockey, football, water skiing, and snow skiing, and was an avid Husky fan.

Greg had an incredible sense of humor and could make anyone laugh, often making fun of himself, and, as we all know, he had a lot of material. He was the ultimate “Funcle” - the fun uncle who was dearly loved by all of his nieces and nephews. They called him Uncle Bud, and it was his greatest badge of honor to have that title. He rarely called them by their names; it was always “Skeeterbug, Sugs, Pard, Chops, BD, Cear, Jack, and Seanie.” He got to meet little Jason and knew about his newest nephew, Bodie. He was a proud uncle.

Greg was also a talented writer, artist, and cook who was always pushing food on others. His favorite meal to cook was breakfast; his specialty was fried eggs over easy and bacon, with fried “murphies” on the side, chased by a huge glass of milk. He enjoyed spending time on or near the water, in what he called his “church,” as often as he could. He was not a religious man; he was a spiritual man who believed in the moon, stars, water, and the power of Mother Nature. His hobby was collecting, junking, and jerry-rigging all the things he found while junking, and he was known to drag things home from the side of the road. If it said “free,” it was his. He had a love for animals and loved his boy, “Cooper,” and his girl, “Dre Dog.” They were like the Three Amigos, and he always took them wherever he went. Like a true dog parent, he made sure they took turns riding shotgun in the car.

He was patriotic and proudly flew the American flag. Greg loved music and enjoyed playing the harmonica and drums (though, by his own admission, not especially well). He may have looked like “Popeye the Sailor Man” on the outside, but on the inside, he was very compassionate, tenderhearted, and wore his emotions on his sleeve.

Above all, he was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, and was also a devoted caregiver to his parents during their final years. He was loved and will be dearly missed. Que sera, sera, little brother!

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Doris Day.

He is survived by his brother, Leo Day (Jennifer); his sister, Lorrie Day Grim (Matt); his niece, Stevi Day Crane (Chris), and their daughter, Cearley; his nephew, Jackson Day (Keana), and their sons, Jason and Bodie; his niece, Stephane Simmons (Scott), and their children, Matthew Harris, Brooklyn Clark (Kohlton), Jack, and Sean Simmons; his beloved aunt, Barb Chertock; numerous cousins; and his longtime companion, Carol Richards. A very special thank-you to cousins Tim and Darren and friends Kelly, Dani, and Jason, who were always a big part of his life and were there for him unconditionally.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at the Squalicum Yacht Club, 2633 S. Harbor Loop, Bellingham, on Friday, August 28, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

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John "Skip" L. GibsonJohn Gibson, lovingly known as Skip, passed away at home on June 3, 2026, at the age of 73. He will...
07/27/2026

John "Skip" L. Gibson

John Gibson, lovingly known as Skip, passed away at home on June 3, 2026, at the age of 73. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, unwavering work ethic, and the simple joys that brought meaning to his life.

Skip was born on November 15, 1952, in San Jose, California, to Jack and Marge Gibson. His childhood was spent in Los Gatos, California; Fallon, Nevada; and Visalia, California.

His lifelong newspaper career of more than 42 years took him from Visalia, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado; Reno, Nevada; Springfield, Missouri; and many other locations before finally bringing him to Bellingham, Washington. There, he retired as Operations Director for The Bellingham Herald. He had a lasting impact on the employees at each of the locations where he worked during his career with Gannett and McClatchy. He improved efficiency, was a creative problem solver, and found ways for his employees to be engaged, passionate about their jobs, and proud of the contributions they made. His resourcefulness and creativity allowed him to fix anything except the cancer.

Skip found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of trains and was always fascinated by their history and craftsmanship. He enjoyed traveling, especially the annual trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon, where the beauty of the coast brought him peace and joy. Whether near the ocean or any body of water, Skip appreciated the calm that nature provided.

Skip took pride in his family heritage and ancestry, taking the time to research and document his genealogy across many generations. A particular point of pride was his ability to trace his direct lineage to a Mayflower passenger. His interest in family heritage and history was something he enjoyed sharing with his family through emails, stories, documents, and heirlooms.

Photography was another of his passions. Through his camera lens, he captured moments and scenery that reflected his appreciation for the world around him. At home, Skip took tremendous pride in meticulously maintaining his house and yard. His attention to detail and dedication were evident in everything he cared for, creating a home that reflected his character - orderly, welcoming, and well loved - and a place to share delicious meals prepared by Skip and his wife, Pam.

In recent years, one of Skip’s most cherished companions was his neighbor’s dog, Moe. Their special friendship brought comfort, companionship, and countless smiles during Skip’s cancer treatments. Moe’s faithful visits became a bright spot during a difficult season, and that bond was a meaningful source of joy for Skip and those who loved him.

Above all, Skip will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends, the quiet ways he showed he cared, and the legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication he leaves behind. He lived every day with hope and gratitude.

Skip is survived by his wife, Pam; children Kate, Daniel (Lindsay), Ryan (Andie), and Dustin (Sara); and stepson John Hulbert (Ashley). He was “Gramps” to grandchildren Benjamin, Alex, Madalina, Everett, Ethan, Layne, Dade, Sienna, Sarah, Abby (Matt), Cameron, and Avery; and great-granddaughter Emersyn Rose. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane (Tom) Uchtyil, Suzan (Charles) Oliver, and Gail (Tom) Simon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marge Gibson.

A special thank you is extended to the medical team who helped him through his cancer journey: Dr. Weerasinghe, Dr. Polishchuk, Beth at the PeaceHealth Men’s Cancer Support Group, and Carrie, who kept his body moving as the cancer progressed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bellingham. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Skip’s life, share memories, and celebrate the many ways he touched those around him.

Though he will be deeply missed, Skip’s memory will live on in every train that rolls by, every peaceful walk along the shore, every beautifully tended garden, and in the enduring love of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the PeaceHealth Cancer Center Patient Experience Fund, the Men’s Cancer Support Group, or a charity of your choice.

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Sigrid E. PowersSigrid was born in Bellingham in the old St. Joseph Hospital to parents Carl Westman and Agnete (Iverson...
07/22/2026

Sigrid E. Powers

Sigrid was born in Bellingham in the old St. Joseph Hospital to parents Carl Westman and Agnete (Iverson) Westman. The family first lived in a home on Old Samish Drive and then moved to Marietta, where the family resided until her parents moved into Bellingham proper. Sigrid attended Marietta school and then Bellingham High School, which was housed at Whatcom Middle School. When she graduated in 1940, her class was the first to graduate from Bellingham High School on Cornwall Avenue.

After graduation, Sigrid moved to Seattle, where she was a nanny and attended Griffin Business College. After completing her training, she moved into a Seattle apartment with three friends. One of their big adventures was a road trip to Lake Louise and Banff. Sigrid was hired as a clerk typist at the Puget Sound Shipyard in Bremerton and moved again with friends to their new jobs. It was at the shipyard that she met Bill Powers, and they were married on December 17, 1950, at Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church.

They bought a house in Bremerton and brought home daughter Karen Powers in March 1954. In late 1956, Bill got a promotion, but it meant moving across the Pacific Ocean to Guam. Bill sailed to Guam in December of 1956; Sigrid and Karen embarked on their voyage in February 1957 on the USS David Shanks, arriving on Guam (Guahan) three weeks later.

The family first lived in the village of Tamuning and later moved to Navy civilian quarters at Apra Heights. Sigrid was hired as a clerk into the office responsible for moving Navy and Marine-Corps families’ property on and off the island. She became the office supervisor, a position from which she retired in 1975.

Sigrid chose to be baptized as a Catholic in 1962. Father Alvin, the pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church (Yona, Guam), was the celebrant. She took a turn on the boards in a local theater production, which she never thought she could do. Sigrid overcame her stage fright, and she said that really changed her life. She also took up playing golf, and Sunday was a regular family golf day with Bill and Karen. She was often heard to say, “Oh sugar,” when a shot went awry, which might have included a foot stomp.

In 1970, she and Bill bought property and built a house on Guam where they lived until returning to the mainland. Over their many years on the island, they had a large circle of friends. As friends moved away, Sigrid was the faithful correspondent who kept in touch with all these friends.

In 1977, Bill and Sigrid had both retired and made the decision to move to Bellingham where they built yet another house. After Bill’s death in 2002, Sigrid continued to live independently until 2024, when she was 101.

Because Sigrid had kept in touch with their friends, they were invited to several “Guam reunions” in Las Vegas, where they were able to see their long-time friends from both near and far. As a result of his WWII service, Bill became involved in the Fourth Corner Chapter of Ex-POWs. Sigrid became active in the organization, serving as both secretary and commander of the organization, even after Bill passed away.

Sigrid LOVED to travel! The family used their vacation time from Guam to drive cross-country on two long trips, one from the East Coast to the West Coast, and another from Texas to Washington with many stops in between. They traveled to the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in the 60s and 70s. After Bill passed away, Sigrid visited friends in Arizona and made new friends there as well. She traveled with groups from Assumption Church on a pilgrimage to Fatima and other Marian shrines, ending in Paris. She then went on another trip to Israel. She made three trips to Iceland. The first trip she won in a raffle put on by the Whatcom Icelandic Club; she and Bill added a side trip to Denmark, where Sigrid met a cousin. She then took two more trips, traveling with her dear friend, Pam Spencer. Her last big adventure was in 2019 (when Sigrid was 96) on a river cruise on the Danube, starting in Budapest and ending in Prague. She recently said that she never expected that she would be able to see all these places in her lifetime.

Sigrid has three granddaughters for whom she has always been “Ami.” Her six great-grandchildren call her either “Ami Ami” or “Ami Kiggie.” All the granddaughters have been schooled in fashionable dressing by their Ami’s example. They were recipients of clothes made by their Ami - from pajamas to prom dresses. When shopping for clothes, Ami would observe and comment on the clothing construction, “That’s well made,” or “That’s cheap construction.” As a result, this observation has continued for these three fashion-conscious women.

Sigrid is imprinted on all who’ve met her. Somehow it seemed that she would live forever, but alas, here we are. If ever the phrase “a life well lived” could be personified, her name would be Sigrid Ellen (Westman) Powers.

In lieu of flowers, Sigrid would suggest donations to Hope House, Assumption Catholic School, or a deposit toward the trip of a lifetime.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bellingham followed by a Committal at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale. A reception will follow at Westford’s Broadway Hall.

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Doug WightIt is with heavy hearts that we announce our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Douglas Merton Wight pea...
07/22/2026

Doug Wight

It is with heavy hearts that we announce our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Douglas Merton Wight peacefully passed into Heaven on July 12, 2026, after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer just three months prior.

Doug was born on March 5, 1947, to Donald and Ellen Wight. He was a lifelong resident of Bellingham.

After graduating from Bellingham High School and Western Washington State College, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Ebright. They had a beautiful, loving marriage for 59 years.

Doug was preceded in death by his brother Terry Wight of Bellingham.

Doug is survived by his wife Lynn, his children Carolyn Roy (John) of Blaine, David Wight of Bellingham, and his grandchildren Annie Kilpatrick (Cody) of Kirkland and David Roy (McKenzie Young Roy) of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived by his brother Don Wight (Marilyn) of Bellingham, sister Barbara Wight (Patrick Lipp) of Spokane, brother Steve Wight (Carol) of Ferndale, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Doug had a long and dedicated work life. Upon graduating from Western, Doug was offered a job at the Bellingham Herald as the Personnel and Building Manager, then later as the Community Relations and Circulation Director. After a number of years, Doug was drawn to real estate sales, development, and all aspects of property management. In 1983, he partnered with his father-in-law, Ed Ebright, at Ebright-Wight Realty, and after many years moved on to Windermere Property Management until his retirement in 2023.

Of course, Doug didn’t ever really retire! He loved being active and his life was a life of service. Doug’s passion was to help improve his community where he lived at Lake Samish, at his church, and in the broader area of Whatcom County.

Some of Doug’s areas of service included the Ski to Sea Race Founder Committee, Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of United Way, Kiwanis Club of Bellingham Board of Directors, YMCA Board of Directors, President of Kiwanis Club of Bellingham, President of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors, Bellingham Bay Rotary Club, Founding Director of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, President of Whatcom Hospice Foundation, Hospice House Capital Campaign Cabinet, Whatcom Hospice House Board of Directors, and Fundraising Chairman for Northlake Community Church.

Over thirty years ago, Doug and Lynn purchased Lake Samish Terrace Park, across the street from where they lived. Doug wanted to buy this mobile home park so that he could begin to improve the park and invest in the neighborhood.

During the week, Doug would work at his business in Bellingham and also attend meetings for all the community boards he was committed to at that particular time. In the evenings and on weekends, he would spend time improving the mobile home park, which meant many labor-intensive activities including mowing lawns on his riding lawnmower (which was like a go-cart that went rather fast!) until he finished the job often after dark. Doug also loved riding his tractor to remove snow off the roads so the tenants could get to work during snowy conditions. Digging ditches to fix water lines was also very common throughout those many years - there wasn’t a job that he couldn’t handle… he loved it all!

Doug also loved sports, and especially participating in golf tournaments in later years. His love for the game of golf came naturally as he was athletic his entire life. He was on the football teams and track teams throughout middle school and high school, starting in the fifth grade with track, where he received ‘blue ribbons’ for his speed (in his socks) in the 75-yard dash! He also had a stint in college as a punter before retiring from the sport early due to concussions.

The joy of having children and grandchildren was such a blessing to Doug. He never wanted to miss any of their school sports and activities. He would make every effort to be there to show support and enthusiasm for them… giving tips whenever appropriate!

Doug will be greatly missed as an amazing man with such a heart for people and his community. He was a loving, caring, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather, or “Bopa” as he was affectionately called by the grandkids.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Doug on Saturday, August 22nd, at 2 p.m. at Northlake Community Church (1471 E McLeod Rd, Bellingham).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation or Northlake Community Church.

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Claudia Kaye (Wilson) SmithClaudia Kaye (Wilson) Smith, age 88, passed away on July 15, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1...
07/21/2026

Claudia Kaye (Wilson) Smith

Claudia Kaye (Wilson) Smith, age 88, passed away on July 15, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1938, in Spokane, Washington, to Fred and Marcella Wilson.

Claudia was a homemaker, held various part-time jobs over the years, and pursued her passions for golf and quiltmaking. She and her husband, Jim, married in 1959, and celebrated 66 years of marriage. They moved many times for Jim’s military and professional career, eventually returning to Spokane after Jim’s retirement. They later moved to Bellingham to be closer to their daughters and grandsons.

Claudia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Smith, who passed away on April 22, 2026, as well as by all of her siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Smith) Daugherty and Glenda Smith; son-in-law, Patrick Daugherty; grandsons, Gabriel and Tobias Smith; sister-in-law, Carol McKinley; nieces, Christy and Kimberley, and their families; niece, Cheryl Galbraith of Spokane; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends in Bellingham and on the east side of the state.

Claudia will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose family was an important part of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Claudia will be laid to rest with Jim at Fairmount Memorial Park in Spokane, Washington.

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Sandra "Sandy" M. ShikanySandra “Sandy” Marie (Rosager) Shikany, age 84, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Bel...
07/16/2026

Sandra "Sandy" M. Shikany

Sandra “Sandy” Marie (Rosager) Shikany, age 84, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. At her side were her devoted husband of 63 years, Bill, and her eldest son, Mike.

To those who knew her, Sandy will be remembered for how completely she gave herself to others. Her life was defined by selfless love, quiet sacrifice, unwavering kindness, and an unshakable devotion to her family.

Sandy was born on March 31, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Shirley (Forbregd) Rosager and Viggo Rosager. In 1953, Sandy, her mother, Shirley, and her younger brother, Gary, moved to Wolf Point, Montana. She graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1959 and then attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where she distinguished herself as Homecoming Queen, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society, and class valedictorian in 1963.

It was also at Carroll College that she met the love of her life, Bill. Their marriage of 63 years became the foundation of a remarkable family and a lifelong partnership built on unwavering love, mutual respect, and steadfast devotion.

Although she possessed the intelligence and talent for a distinguished professional career, Sandy willingly set those ambitions aside to dedicate herself fully to raising her family. Motherhood was not simply something she did, it was her life’s calling. Every decision she made was guided by what was best for her husband and children. She worked tirelessly, sacrificed without complaint, and consistently placed the needs of others before her own. She denied herself countless material luxuries so her children could enjoy opportunities and experiences that brought them happiness. She never viewed these sacrifices as burdens, only as expressions of love.

Sandy’s relationship with God was the compass that guided her life. Her Catholic faith was never something she simply professed - it was something she lived each day through humility, grace, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love. She and Bill raised their family to pray together every evening and worship together at Sunday Mass, instilling in their children a faith that would remain one of her greatest gifts to them.

As her children grew older, Sandy pursued another calling that perfectly reflected her lifelong love of learning. She enjoyed a long career as an elementary school librarian at North Park and Meadowlark Elementary Schools in Billings, Montana. She believed deeply in the power of education, books, truth, and curiosity, and she delighted in helping generations of children discover the joy of reading. Sandy’s love of books, reading, and lifelong learning was passed down to her sons and grandchildren.

Later in life, nothing brought Sandy greater happiness than becoming “Grandma.” Her five grandchildren became the absolute lights of her life. They could always count on birthday gifts, Christmas presents, Valentine’s surprises, Easter treats, Thanksgiving packages, St. Patrick’s Day cards, and countless other thoughtful reminders that they were deeply loved. College care packages filled with her famous homemade “Oh Henry” bars and Butter Nut Balls became treasured traditions that her family will forever remember.

Sandy possessed one of the gentlest spirits imaginable. She carried herself with uncommon grace, humility, and kindness. Those who knew her well often remarked that they could not remember hearing her speak an unkind or negative word about anyone. She naturally looked for the good in people and treated everyone she encountered with warmth, compassion, and respect.

She also had an extraordinary love for animals and the natural world. Her family’s beloved Shelties, Rusty, Sonny, and Blackie, were cherished members of the household, and no stray animal that wandered onto her property was ever turned away hungry or without shelter. She was captivated by the wildlife of the American West, especially grizzly bears and wolves, and spent countless peaceful hours birdwatching with Bill. She was also a longtime member of the Audubon Society.

A passionate environmentalist throughout her life, Sandy was also a longtime member and officer of the Sierra Club. She found peace, inspiration, and spiritual renewal outdoors, especially among the majestic mountains of Montana, Wyoming, and Washington, and along the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline. Some of her happiest memories were made camping and hiking with family, friends, and the family dog throughout Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge, Montana. Sandy had a deep fascination with the rugged Beartooth Mountains, and when she discovered topographical maps, she would pore over them at the kitchen table at home and in the trailer at the campsite.

Creativity flowed naturally through every stage of Sandy’s life. She was a gifted writer of short stories and poetry, in which her delightful sense of humor and beautiful penmanship often shined through. She loved photography, art, and Broadway theater, and later discovered a passion for quilting. What began as a hobby blossomed into an extraordinary talent, and she became an award-winning quilter whose beautiful works reflected both her artistic eye and remarkable patience.

More than anything else, she leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love that will continue to guide generations to come. Her life reminds us that greatness is often found not in recognition or accomplishment, but in countless quiet acts of generosity, kindness, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to others. She enriched every life she touched simply by loving so completely.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Bill (Keith William) Shikany; her sons, Michael Thomas (Teresa) Shikany of Bellingham, Washington, and Anthony John (Jennifer) Shikany of Summit, New Jersey; her five cherished grandchildren, William, John, Natalie, Holden, and Palmer; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Rosager; her mother, Shirley; and her father, Francis B. Delaney.

A Memorial Mass for Sandy will be held at St. Pius X Church in Billings, Montana on Thursday, August 6, at 8:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, or a local animal rescue organization - causes that reflected Sandy’s lifelong compassion for people, wildlife, and the natural world.

The measure of Sandy’s life was never found in what she accumulated, but in what she gave away. She loved completely, sacrificed willingly, and left behind a family whose lives will forever bear the imprint of her remarkable grace. Her love remains her greatest legacy.

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William McKay Graham IIIBill Graham, age 79, passed away suddenly on July 12, 2026, in Bellingham.He was born September ...
07/15/2026

William McKay Graham III

Bill Graham, age 79, passed away suddenly on July 12, 2026, in Bellingham.

He was born September 26, 1946, in Bellingham, WA, to William M. Graham II and Ruby E. (Yeager) Graham. Bill graduated from Bellingham High School in 1964 and served in the US Air Force from 1966 – 1970. He married Roberta “Rob” Graham on April Fool’s Day 1995.

Bill worked for over 35 years at the Arco/BP Cherry Point Refinery, retiring in 2006. He enjoyed cars, tractors, and anything with a motor. Bill was an avid “Old Car Guy” and built his own “museum” to house his antique and classic cars, as well as car-related memorabilia.

He was a member of the AARL, Gear Heads, the Skagit Old Car Club, PSA’TMA, and the John Deere 2-Cylinder Club. He spent many happy hours volunteering and would talk cars with anybody.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy, and grandson, Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Rob; son, Bill Graham; stepdaughter, Jenny (Tim) Granger; grandchildren, Chrystal (Adam) Powell, Ross (Kristen) Blankers, Tanner (Hayley) Blankers, Arisa O’Lexey, Justin Clinkenbeard, Ben (Evy) Granger, McKenna O’Lexey, Hannah Granger, Harli Miller, and Devan Graham; and great-grandchildren, Allan, Lilly, Bowen, Emma, Madison, Rowyn, Teagan, Barrett “Bear,” and another one on the way.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22nd, at the Hetterley Pavilion at Berthusen Park (8837 Berthusen Road, Lynden), with a reception following.

Because Bill had such a passion for classic cars, we invite friends and family to bring their classic, collector, or special vehicles to the celebration as a tribute to his life and the hobby he loved.

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