Raynard Olsen Gabelein

On April 12, 2007 Raynard Olsen Gabelein passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Raynard was born Sept. 16, 1928 to Albert and Cora Gabelein. He grew up alongside his four sisters, Eileen, Alberta, Doris and Loretta. Raynard was born and raised and lived his entire life on the Lone Lake family farm.

In December 1949 Raynard married Beverly Watkins. Together they raised three children, also on the Lone Lake family farm.

Raynard lived life to the fullest. He spent all his life as a farmer; he loved working the land and being with his cows. He also spent a great deal of time as a logger. Next to farming, logging was his second favorite job. In the 1970s he went to work for Washington State Ferries where he retired as an AB (Able Bodied Seaman). He also loved camping, hiking, hunting, fishing and listening to country music.

Raynard is remembered for his willingness to help those in need, whether they needed a pull out of a ditch, a field mowed, some farming advice or help in falling a tree — he was there. But most of all he will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandpa and brother.

Raynard is survived by his wife Beverly of 57 years; two sisters, Eileen Peterson and Doris Stockholm (Norman); three children, daughter Peggy Johnson (Jerry), sons Les Gabelein and Robert Gabelein (Tina); nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed and will live on in the cherished memories of his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday,

April 21 at South Whidbey Assembly of God,

5373 Maxwelton Road, Langley.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Skagit Hospice Foundation, PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.