C. James (Jim) Coughlin died on March 16, 2010, after a long illness. He was 71. Jim was born in Veblen, S.D., to Birinus (Jankord) and Edward Coughlin on Dec. 6, 1938. He lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, graduating from Seattle Prep and Seattle University, and obtaining his master of social work from the University of Washington in 1965.
Bonnie Peakes, secretary of the San Juan Historical Society and Museum and a former Friday Harbor Middle School teacher, died March 20 after a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer. According to the historical society, no funeral is planned. Her survivors include her son, John Peakes; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Scott Leeming; and grandson, William Leeming.
State Sen. Kevin Ranker’s priority bills were approved by the Legislature and sent to the governor’s desk for signature. “We spent dozens of hours both prior and during the legislative session to build consensus around these bills,” Ranker said. “These bills passed with significant bipartisan support in both chambers due to the efforts of numerous individuals including dozens of citizens from our communities.”
Gov. Chris Gregoire on Monday signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, to help continue the legacy of Washington’s farmers for generations to come. “The average age of a farmer in Washington is 57 years old,” Ranker said. “If we’re serious about promoting agriculture in Washington, we’re going to have to encourage younger people to get onto the farms and get their hands dirty.”
Henning Sehmsdorf appears to have won another term on the San Juan Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors. According to unofficial results, Sehmsdorf received 262 votes, Ed Kilduff 229.
Schools that profoundly affect student learning are being awarded for their efforts. A total of 174 schools are receiving Washington Achievement Awards for 2009 — among them, Friday Harbor High School, Lopez Middle and High School, Orcas Middle School and Orcas High School.
Charlie Nash died peacefully on March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – at R House Care Home. Charlie lived most of his 88 years right here in Friday Harbor, all within the same the block. He was born in a home on the corner of Tucker Avenue and Guard Street, the eldest son of Albert M. Nash Sr. and Margaret McSorley Nash. He was followed by brother Albert Jr., sister Catherine and brother Kenneth.
Bob Myhr announced Friday he will seek re-election to the San Juan County Council representing District 6 – Lopez, Blakely, Center, Decatur and Shaw islands. Myhr was elected to the three-member San Juan County Commission in 2005, succeeding Rhea Miller, who resigned. Re-elected in 2006, he served as the first chairman of the new six-member County Council. “I hope I have earned the trust and confidence of the voters and their support for another term,” Myhr said in his announcement.
Donald E. Eaton was scheduled to be sworn in Friday at 1 p.m. as San Juan County Superior Court judge. Island County Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock, who has been filling in here since Judge John Linde died in December, was scheduled to administer the oath of office in a private ceremony in the county courthouse. Eaton’s appointment, by Gov. Christine Gregoire, takes effect Monday.
Former port commissioner and postmaster Charles Nash died March 17 at R House Adult Family Home in Friday Harbor. He was 88. Visitation is March 25, 5-7 p.m., at St. Francis Church, 425 Price St., Friday Harbor. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral is March 26, 1 p.m. at St. Francis.
An opening reception for Concepia Gallery’s first show of 2010 is scheduled March 26, 5-8 p.m., at the gallery, 232 A St., No. 7, Friday Harbor.
The show features the work of two local artists, Sandra Leigh Boyer and Joe Miller. Both artists will attend the reception. The show continues until May 6.
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Isaac Taylor, a 2009 graduate of Friday Harbor High School, recently completed the commercial diving program at Louisiana Technical College, Young Memorial Campus, in Morgan City, La. Taylor has been hired by Bisso Marine, based in Houston, Texas, as a tender on a saturation dive support vessel.
The extensive, intense search for Colton Harris-Moore on Orcas Island has now been scaled back to an ongoing investigation. All available search indicators have been pursued through the efforts of a multi-agency team of county, mainland and federal personnel and assets.
