Arlene Rhonwen Forgie
May 15, 1940 – May 8, 2009

Arlene Rhonwen Forgie passed away May 8, 2009 in Friday Harbor, Wash., with her daughters and granddaughters by her side.

Arlene was born to Leslie and Alice Cannon and raised in Victoria, B.C. Canada. In 1959, Arlene married Hugh Douglas Forgie. They were married until 1991. They raised three children together.

In 1969, the family left Canada and moved to San Diego, Calif. In 1986, Arlene and Doug relocated to Friday Harbor where they opened Friday Harbor Souvenir and Gifts. Two years later, they opened a second gift store, Islands’ Own. Over the course of the next five years, their children and their families followed them to Friday Harbor.

Arlene’s greatest joy in life was her family: children, Valerie Boyd (Roger), Jill Peacock, Douglas Forgie; granddaughters, Elizabeth Burdette (Gilberto), Allison Burdette-Kardel (Nick), Melissa Aylward (Sean), Jessica Peacock, Alexandra and Marissa Forgie; great-grandsons, Skyler Burdette-Turman, Weston and Cooper Kardel, Miguel Valadez; sister, Joan Stearn; and brother, Daryll Cannon (Marlene).

Arlene defied the odds and lived four and a half years with lung cancer. She was a true inspiration. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and caring spirit. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Cancer Care Anacortes, the staff of Islands Convalescent Center and her wonderful friends. At Arlene’s request, no services will be held. Remembrances may be made to the Soroptimist International, Friday Harbor Cancer Support Program.

— Family of Arlene Rhonwen Forgie