Roy (Speedo) Wilson

Roy (Speedo) Wilson

Bellingham, Washington – On January 21st, Roy passed away unexpectedly in his Bellingham home. He was born in Seattle, WA on November 13, 1943.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Victoria Wilson, sisters Jean, Pat, Barbara, Sharon, and brother Dave.

Roy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Wilson and daughter, Kimberly Coulthurst (Wilson), son-in-law, Robert Coulthurst, two grandchildren, Reilly Benjestorf and Cameron Benjestorf, brother Jim Wilson, sisters Marg (Margie) Olsen and Judy Wilson.

Third in line of nine children, Roy spent his childhood years in Mountlake Terrace, Washington and graduated from Mountlake Terrace High school. In June of 1961, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.  In 1963, Roy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., where after boot camp, went to communications and electronics school in San Diego. In 1966, Roy was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan.

After returning to the U.S. in 1967, he was stationed in Denver Colorado where he met the love of his life, Marilyn (Zierden). They were married on April 19, 1969.

Roy continued his electronics education in 1970, while stationed in San Diego. In 1974, Roy and Marilyn welcomed their daughter Kimberly to the world, and in 1975, moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he completed his master diver certification.

Roy continued his military career, moving from Camp Lejune, St Louis, and Denver where he retired from active duty in 1982 as a US Marine Master Seargent.

In 1986, Roy and his family moved to Bellingham, WA where they purchased a home in Sudden Valley. During his life as a civilian, Roy worked for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, Sudden Valley Association, and Mt Baker Plywood.

In 2004, Roy retired to spend time with his grandchildren, explore his love of photography, SCUBA diving, fly fishing, archery and riding motorcycles.

Roy had been a loyal member for 20 years of the American Legion Post 7 Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, Marine Corp. League and Legion Riders.  Every other Saturday night, you would be sure to hear Roy sing karaoke.  He volunteered a lot especially cutting, stacking and delivering wood for Veterans in need.  You would see him in the parades with his Viking helmet on, just to get a laugh.  You never knew quite what to expect with Roy, but you can be sure he was going to put a smile on your face.


James (Jim) Shanahan

James (Jim) Shanahan

James (Jim) Lee Shanahan died at home in Everson, Washington of natural causes on Thursday, July 7, 2022.

Jim was born January 6, 1964, to Billy (Bill) Rex and Norma Lou Shanahan (Bushong) in Cordell, OK. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1982. James became an Eagle in 1980.

He joined the Army under the delayed entry program in 1981 and went on Active Duty in 1985. James served in Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He then retired from the military in 2005 from the National Guard.

Jim married Lora Shanahan (Shirley) on May 10, 1986. They recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. James and Lora settled down in Washington to raise their four kids: Amber Shanahan, Cory (Emily) Shanahan, Erica Shanahan, and Victoria (Fiancé, Jerad Kerr) Shanahan. Later their grandchildren; April and Ryleigh.

Jim is survived by his wife; four kids; two grandkids; his father; four brothers; and two sisters. He is preceded in death by our son, Ryan James Shanahan.

Jim spent many years in the Eagle Scout program helping his son Cory and others to earn their Eagle Scout Rank.  Some of his hobbies included playing darts, camping, outdoor cooking, building anything out of wood and spending time with his family.  Most recently, Jim and Lora learned to ride 3-wheel Spiders and joined the American Legion Riders.  Every time you saw Jim on his bike, he was smiling.


Robert (Cheesecake) Boyles

Robert (Cheesecake) Boyles

Robert “Cheesecake” Lee Boyles was born on November 10, 1965 in High Point, North Carolina to Mary Grogan and Robert Boyles Sr., and passed away at age 52 on July 31, 2018 in Bellingham, Washington in a motorcycle accident. Robert served in the Army National Guard from 1982 to 1988 and worked at Lynden Sheet Metal as an HVAC technician.

The Bellingham American Legion Post 7 and the American Legion Riders quickly became Robert’s new family when he and Lisa moved to Bellingham from Ohio in 2014. Robert lived life to the fullest. He said that he was checking things off his bucket list he didn’t even know were on it. He got to do things like snowmobiling, fishing for salmon and his favorite….crabbing, while in Washington. Robert became an avid cribbage player and was always ready to sing Karaoke. His Harley was his baby and rode every chance he could get. He was always had a smile and a hug waiting for you when you saw him. No women ever opened a door when he was around unless they wanted to be scolded. Robert’s southern charm affected all of us.

Robert is survived by his wife Lisa Boyles, his father Robert Boyles Sr., his son Randy Boyles; daughter Sharon McManus; sisters Gina Foster and Traci Lynch, and his brother John Scheck.

Earle “ET” Terry

Earle “ET” Terry

Earle “ET” Terry died peacefully July 24, 2015 at his home in Whatcom County surrounded by friends and the love of his life, Bonnie Steiner. Earle was born December 26, 1951 in Hamilton, Ontario, one of four boys. He is survived by brothers Glen and Thomas and three children in CA. He was preceded in death by his mother Marie, his father Thomas, and brother Kirk. Earle was proud of his service in the Army in Vietnam 1971-1972, the 58th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon with the 101st Airborne Unit as a War Dog Handler with his dog Samson (KIA) then becoming a Machine Gunner, earning a Combat Infantry badge, jump wings and other awards and decorations. His death was due to exposure to Agent Orange during the war. He was described as “a tough SOB with a heart of gold.” His interests were many and varied. He loved his home and with carpentry skills learned from his grandpa, he completely remodeled the home he and Bonnie shared since April 2001. He loved gardening especially sunflowers, music especially the Jack Benson Band, chickadees and riding his motorcycle. Earle was very proud of his membership with the FORWARD Veterans Group, where he was very active in outreach and would help any one, any time, any way he could and the American Legion Riders, who were there for him whenever he needed them. He was loved by many and is missed greatly.

Earle Terry Gallery 1
Earle Terry Gallery 2

John Fassett

John Fassett

John Irving Fassett, 67, of Sandy Point, passed away suddenly April 24, 2013 in Indio, California, a place he loved. He and his wife Linda spent the past 18 winters there as snowbirds.

John was born in Bellingham to Irving and Agnes Fassett on September 17, 1945 and grew up in Ferndale. After graduating from Ferndale High in 1963, John went to work with his father at Fassett and Barr Motors. He joined the Army and served a tour in Vietnam.

In 1969, he married Linda Calvery of Ferndale and they welcomed daughter Lindi in 1978.

John worked at the ARCO Cherry Point Refinery for 25 years. After retiring from ARCO, he was hired by Snelson Companies, Inc., where he traveled across the US as a consultant and safety trainer on various pipeline projects. No matter what kind of job he did, John was always known and respected for his knowledge and work ethic.

If you knew John, you knew he had a heart of gold. John would always be there for a person in need and no request was too large or too small. He was always ready to lend a hand or make an anonymous donation. He wasn’t the sort of person who expected anything in return. John loved serving his community. He had volunteered as a firefighter for the City of Ferndale and had been a member of the local Lions Club. He also served as Worshipful Master of Ferndale Masonic Lodge #264 and volunteered with the Old Settler’s Association and the Ferndale Heritage Society. He built many sets for school plays at Central Elementary School. For many Christmases, John played Santa at local nursing and retirement homes and took the residents to see the Christmas lights around the area.

John was active in the Bellingham American Legion Post #7. He enjoyed riding motorcycles his whole life and attended Trinity Biker Church in Ferndale. He especially loved his Harley, which he and Linda often rode together.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Agnes; sister Joan; and daughter Lana. He is survived by his wife Linda of Ferndale; daughter Lindi of Bellingham; sister Jeanne Epp of Federal Way, WA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janel and Jerry Ernster of Birch Bay; cousin Warner Fosberg of Blaine; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Riders, In memory of John Fassett, Att: Erika, 1688 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham WA 98226.

Jim Langei

Jim Langei

James Alan Langei, age 43, died along with his wife Sterling aboard his boat in a fire during the early morning hours of March 30, 2012.

Jim was born on May 31st, 1968 in Burien, WA to Wayne Allen Langei and Kathryn Lee Langei. He graduated from Auburn Adventist Academy and attended Walla Walla College before graduating from Western Washington University with a bachelors degree in English and a Professional Teaching Certificate. He went on to work for Option Care Home Health before joining Whatcom Educational Credit Union as a loan officer in 2003-present.

Jim was married to Susan Peterson from 1989 to 1994 and they had two sons; Spencer Morrison Langei and Ian Copi Langei. He was subsequently married to Laurel Floyd from 1998 to 2005 and more recently married Sterling Taylor on Aug 7, 2010.

Jim enjoyed riding his Harley and was a longtime member of the Mt. Baker HOG motorcycle club. He was also a member of the American Legion Riders at Post 7, Bellingham. He also enjoyed spending time at his rustic cabin in Maple Falls, vacationing in Mexico and spending time backpacking on an annual “Coast Hike” with his brothers and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his family at the weekly “Langei Family Dinner”. In addition, he was an avid boater, living on his 42′ 1984 Nova Sundeck “The Breakwind” with his wife who operated America’s Cup coffee shop. He spent his weekends cruising the San Juan Islands and was a member of the Bellingham Yacht Club and Dead Pirates Society.

Jim is survived by his parents Wayne and Kathy Langei, brothers Bob and Tom Langei along with their families, and his sons Spencer and Ian Langei (all residents of Bellingham). We will remember Jim as a loving, ever helpful, adventurous father, husband and son whom will be dearly missed.