Obituaries

‘B.J.’ Jean VanDyck, 68, Oroville, died on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 at the North Valley Hospital in Tonasket.

She was born on Jan. 15, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Okla. B.J. moved to the Okanogan Valley in June of 2002 after a long and happy life of homes between here and California, including 17 years on a tug boat at 2nd Mate in Anacortes, Wash. Jean was first and foremost a wife and mother of her seven children plus adopted ones, as well as a foster parent in her last years of her life. Her hobbies included making dolls and home renovation.

Jesse Leighton, 58, Oroville, passed away Jan. 2, 2008 in Wenatchee. He was born in Tacoma, Wash. to parents John and Bonnie on Dec. 27, 1949.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, of Oroville; his children: Stacy, John III, Scott and Amanda; five grandchildren: Ryan, Connor, Tyler, Kimberly and Brandon; two brothers, two sisters, his Aunt Marilyn and three cousins: Mike, Greg and Keith.

Gary Brotherton, 58, Omak, died Jan. 2, 2008 at the Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak.

Gary was born Oct. 26, 1949 to William and Betty Brotherton of Albany, Ore.

Wayne Harold Hackett, 69, Aeneas Valley, died at the Central Washington Hospital on Dec. 28, 2007.

Wayne was born May 11, 1938 to Lloyd and Mary Hackett of Milo, Maine.

Bill Curtis passed away Dec. 3, 2007 at the Tonasket Nursing Home following a three-month stay.

Bill was born Jan. 9, 1927 in Oroville to Rueben and Lois (Brown) Curtis, the oldest of five children. After graduating from Oroville High School in 1945, he joined the Air Force. While in the Air Force acting as an airplane and engine mechanic 747, he was injured sending him to McCormack General Hospital and receiving an honorable discharge in 1947.

Elaine Melvina Aldrich, 81, of Oroville, passed away at her home on Jan. 1, 2008 surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born Sept. 21, 1926 to Jeremiah and Melvina Johnson of Burlington, Vermont.

She is survived by her daughter, Doreen Martineau of Oroville and family.

A memorial service is planned for the spring. A full obituary will be placed in the Gazette-Tribune giving more details on the service.

Dr. Louis C. Vejraska passed away Dec. 19, 2007. Lou was born June 24, 1921 to his parents Louis and Mary Vejraska in Odell, Neb.

He graduated in 1939 from Odell High School. He entered the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1939 to pursue a career in dentistry, graduating in 1945. Lou married the love of his life, Elda M. Hamel, on Sept. 11, 1943 in Beatrice, Neb. After graduation from Dental School the couple set up practice in Pawnee City, Neb. for five years. The marriage produced two sons Steve Alan Vejraska and Craig Louis Vejraska. The family found their way to Omak in the late summer of 1949.

Frances Lenora (nee Gough) Bork passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 at Sunnybank Centre in Oliver at the age of 97 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons John (Elizabeth), Walter (Joyce) and David (Mary) and her daughter Elsa (Grant Lewis). Also missing their Grandma are her 20 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by her husband John in 1965; her daughters, Gertrude, Margaret and Medy Penner; son, Conrad and brother, Albert.

Carlos F. Swayze, Okanogan, beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend passed away surrounded by his family on Dec. 2, 2007 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee after a courageous battle with cancer.

On Nov. 30, 2007 a gentle, loving spirit left this world to be with the Lord and her beloved husband. Annabell (Points) Bloomer was in Wenatchee with her family by her side.

Annabell was born in Stone County, Missouri. on Dec. 11, 1916 to Wes and Arvilla Points; she was one of seven children. Annabell grew up on the family farm in Crane, Missouri. On Sept. 28, 1940 she married Ralph V. Bloomer of Galena, Missouri where they farmed in Stone County until they moved to Oroville.