Ward Thomas Koeberle, 67, died suddenly at his Coupeville home from a heart ailment on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008.

He was born Feb. 5, 1941 to Theodore S. and Sidney Pauline Koeberle in Springer, N.M.

Ward, the son of a civil engineer, was raised throughout New Mexico, graduating from Sandia High School, Albuquerque in 1959.

After graduation, he served a hitch in the Army, being discharged just prior to the Vietnam War. Earning his bachelor of arts degree in industrial arts education from the University of New Mexico, Ward graduated in 1966.

Ward met the love of his life, Jessica Stiteler, daughter of Elmer and Marian Stiteler of Pennsylvania, while both were students at the University of New Mexico in 1963.

After a whirlwind courtship they were engaged on New Year’s Eve and married in Eagles Mere, Penn. on Aug. 27, 1964. Ward and Jessica have always said it was the true meaning of East meets West and Jessica lovingly referred to Ward as “her cowboy.”

Together they enjoyed traveling, cooking and raising their three children. They lived in Alaska until 1976, relocating to Anacortes, where they lived for three years before purchasing a home in Skyline. In 2000, after the kids were grown, they moved to a historic home in Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

Ward lived an adventurous life, taking many turns. In the late 1960s, as an avid skier living in Colorado, he was a member of the ski patrol and taught first aid. Living in Alaska, he worked in administration at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In the early 1980s, Ward captained the Island Ferry and Barge throughout the San Juan Islands. For many years, he has been the owner of Stitches Unlimited in both Anacortes and Coupeville. He was a worshipful brother of the Masons and past Master of the Fidalgo Lodge 77 in Anacortes, and Whidbey Lodge 15, and Lodge member of Bannack 377. He served as a commodore of the Anacortes Power Squadron and maintained a passion for boats and sailing. He was known in many communities for his skill and interest in cannons, starting many parades, competitions and celebrations. His passion for cooking southwestern food and love of hot chilies was well known and he often cooked for community events and ceremonies.

Ward is survived by his wife of

44 years, Jessica, and their three children, son Whitney and wife Jana of Kirkland, son Justin and wife Julie of Boise, Idaho, daughter Johanna and husband Mike Proctor, of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren, Olivia and Colin Koeberle and Oakley Proctor; brother Theodore Koeberle and wife Jan of New Mexico and their two children Kris Koeberle and Karina Wells.

A celebration of Ward’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 at the Elks Lodge, 155 NE Ernst, Oak Harbor. A reception will follow.

The family asks that donations be made to the organization of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.