Obituaries

Marijo Hudson, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in San Rafael, CA on April 14, 2021, following a courageous six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Born in Fauntleroy, WA to Marguerite (Meg) and Jack Neitro, she was a proud graduate of West Seattle High School, class of 1955, and later attended Washington State University. After her first marriage to Robert Steele ended in divorce in 1978, she enjoyed a twenty-three-year long marriage to Gerald Hudson, who predeceased her in 2008. 

Denny Smith loved being around friends and family. Denman Smith went home to the Lord on February 18, 2021. Denny was born on June 24, 1931 to Otto and Frances Smith. He was the youngest of 5 children.

James F. Engelhardt, formerly of Burien, WA, passed away gently April 7, 2021, at age 71. His longtime companion, Marion, and brother, Bill, were bedside with Jim at West Hills Hospital in California when his nearly five-year battle with ALS came to a peaceful end. 

It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon D. Plancich, Sr. announce his passing after a brief illness on April 11, 2021, at the age of 95.  Gordon was born in Dockton, Washington, on September 8, 1925. 

Ramon Duane Tolbert, also known as Ray, Dad, Mr. T and Tony, was born September 18, 1930. After a brief stay in the hospital and rehab center, he passed away the evening of March 1, 2021. 

Debra May Duran-Rios, aged 66, passed away quietly on March 2, 2021. Born April 30, 1954 in Los Angeles, California to father John Duran, and mother Ivy May Pittman. Her years were spent working and raising her family.

As the old pilot’s poem said so eloquently, Henry Sanford “Sandy” McMurray has “gone west”, or in other words, after 99 and 1/2 years on February 13, 2021 Sandy filed his last flight plan.

Sandy was born July 14, 1921 in San Leandro, California to Welborn and Harriett McMurray.  His love of flying began when he soloed at the age of 19.  Flying eventually became his passion, profession, avocation, and except for his family, the core of his life. 

Jennie (Jan) McIntyre (Ingersoll) died peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 96 years of age. Her love of the South Sound area was evident with homes in Three Tree Point, Burien, and Des Moines.  Jennie was born on August 27, 1924 to Golda Belle Sheridan and Gomer Reece Curtis in Sugar City, CO. She was the youngest of three daughters – her sisters, Margarite and Olive, having predeceased her.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Brongil, 65, who was a long-time resident of West Seattle. He was a beloved father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend. Bob had an unfortunate battle with cancer that he eventually succumbed to on January 30, 2021. He fought every step of the way because he knew how important he was to his family and friends who loved him dearly.

On December 1, 2020, Theresa Gallagher (Terry Kremenich) passed away unexpectedly at 58 years of age. Born and raised in West Seattle until striking out on her own shortly after high school graduation, she found her professional niche as a "trained on the job" paralegal in a well-established (65 years), highly regarded West Seattle law firm. She was employed there for 38 years, becoming an important part of the staff that she called her "other family." From the cards and flowers the firm received from their clients, it is clear that they, too, feel a deep loss at Terry's passing.