Late last month Vashon lost two of its most loving parents, generous friends and committed volunteers.

Patricia Birgen, 43, a beloved Islander and critical asset to many Vashon nonprofits, died in her sleep on Saturday, July 24, leaving behind twin 13-year-old sons.

The fiery redhead known simply as Trish to those closest to her was a sharp and compassionate businesswoman who brought her skills to Vashon in 2000, when she moved to the Island to be closer to nature.

Mark DeLoach, who would have been 48 this month, also passed away unexpectedly just days before Birgen, leaving behind a 10-year-old daughter.

Though an Islander of only three years, DeLoach, a principal at the Leadership Research Institute, was deeply involved on the Island and leaves holes in the hearts of many who grew to love him.

Valerie Manusov, a friend of DeLoach who encouraged him to move to the Island, said that although the former college professor tried to act tough, everyone knew of his warm and compassionate nature. “He was generous with his time, his belongings and his heart. … He looked after others more than he looked after himself sometimes,” she said.

Islander Heidi Skrzypek, who became fast friends with Patricia Birgen after discovering they were both single mothers, described Birgen as spirited, vivacious and infectiously energetic. “You wanted to be a part of whatever she was doing, you wanted to breathe her air because she was luminous,” Skrzypek said.

Indeed, Birgen seemed to breathe new life into the nonprofit organizations, both on and off the Island, that she advised in her role as nonprofit consultant, including the Vashon PTSA, Sustainable Tourism on Vashon, the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank and the Backbone Campaign.

Skrzypek recalled that if an organization could not afford Birgen’s services, she often donated her time to them. “She was a real champion for a lot of causes. … She left a great legacy,” she said.

Zoe Abigail Bermet, a friend and former roommate who met Birgen at a Gulf War protest in Seattle in the early 90s, said Birgen was driven by her compassion for others and a strong distaste for injustice of any kind.

“She was very passionate about justice, particularly issues of peace and nonviolence, and about the earth and animals,” Bermet said.

A graduate of University of California, Berkeley, Birgen spent time in Europe and the Middle East on peace missions for Amnesty International during her post-college years.

Back in the states she settled into a well-paying job in Seattle but soon became disenchanted with corporate work, fueling her desire to return to the non-profit sector.

Eva DeLoach (no relation to Mark DeLoach), owner of the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, sought Birgen’s help in establishing the nonprofit Traditions Foundation, which promotes the restoration of indigenous cultures. She echoed Bermet’s thoughts.

“She worked every day to make the world a better place. … She inspired me to keep on my path,” she said.

Mark DeLoach, too, had the heart of a volunteer and a conviction to serve his new community.

DeLoach, whose unexpected death may have stemmed from a recent bout of seizures, served on the boards of both Vashon Youth & Family Services (VYFS) and the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed socializing as well. He also volunteered at Chautauqua Elementary, where his daughter Anabella attended school.

Deanna Gildea, president of the VYFS board, described DeLoach as fun, outgoing and always willing to step in where help was needed.

“We’re really going to miss him,” she said. “It was a big loss for VYFS.”

YYFS director Ken Maaz also appreciated the professional consulting DeLoach brought to the nonprofit and how invested he was in strengthening the organization.

“I know he felt very strongly about wanting to make sure the Island was as strong as it could be, families received the services they needed and children grew up with good opportunities.”

In addition, Maaz said he would simply miss how DeLoach always seemed to have a smile on his face. “He was an all-around good person,” he said.

Birgen’s and DeLoach’s unmistakeable care for others was matched perhaps only by their love for their children.

Stephen Bogan, a close friend of Birgen, described her as a caring and diligent mother who constantly advocated for her sons Quinn and Tristan Birgen. In addition, Birgen strived to instill in the twins the same love for nature she discovered when she was their age, consistently taking time out of her busy schedule to take them hiking and camping.

“She loved the water,” Bogan said. “She loved the beach and being able to take the dog for a walk and be out there in the salty air. She had a soft spot for Vashon”

Manusov said DeLoach was also a devoted father who provided a rock for his daughter Anabella, whose mother passed away when she was just 5 years old. She will be living with her maternal grandparents in Albuquerque, N.M.

“It’s sad that she has to start over yet again, but she’s at least with people she loves very much and who are close to her,” Manusov said.

Bogan remembers that Birgen had a tender heart but a commanding presence, even as symptoms of her multiple sclerosis worsened during the last few months of her life.

Witherspoon also recalls Birgen having a hard time slowing down when doctors advised her to take time off. “Someone said she was trying to rule the world from her couch for the last three months,” she said.

Birgen also remained active in Vashon’s multiple sclerosis support group until the end. Fellow member Kathy Keck said she used her business skills to benefit the group.

“She was the go-to girl. She was really energetic, and really instrumental in raising money for the MS Society,” Keck said. “She organized a group on the Island to walk in the this MS Walk to raise money for research and services.”

Keck said Birgen was and continues to be an inspiration to those in the group who shared her disease.

“She was so positive and she just rolled with punches. … We were all struck with how she could deal with it all,” Keck said. “She showed that she could tread through life with grace.”

As a testament to the support she provided the community, a network of Islanders volunteered to help care for Birgen when she was most ill, helping to ease her burden as she dealt with a myriad of health issues. “People really stepped up to the plate,” Bogan said.

Bogan is one person who continues to step up to the plate. The soft-spoken substance abuse counselor volunteered to care for one of Birgen’s sons should she pass away. Islander Richard Odell is caring for the other.

While the transition is challenging for both the twins and the two men, neither of whom have been fathers before, Bogan said they are moving forward with immeasurable support from those around them.

“(The twins) have a big Vashon family of people who love and care about them and will be there for them as they start high school this fall,” he said, adding that he often reminds himself that his troubles are nothing compared with what Birgen overcame during her life.

“That kind of spirit is what I’m keeping in my heart as a I take on this challenge.”

Bermet, her former roommate, believes that Birgen was beginning to compose her memoirs before her unexpected passing. “I think she was working on the first chapter,” she said.

Sadly, the stories of two well-loved Islanders ended too soon, leaving both heartache and inspiration in their passing.

Manusov, who was also acquainted with Birgen, said the untimely passing of both Birgen and DeLoach was a loss for both the entire Island and for those who were close to them.

“They are both unique people, there will never be another Trish and there will never be another Mark,” she said. “I think both of them touched a lot of people’s lives.”

In memory

A memorial to honor Patricia Birgen’s life will be held 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the Gold Beach Community Club. It will be followed by a potluck dinner. In lieu of flowers, friends ask that donations be made for the continued care of Tristan and Quinn Birgen, Patricia’s sons. Donations can be made at any U.S. Bank to the Estate of Patricia M. Birgen benevolence fund.

Mark DeLoach’s funeral service was held on Saturday, July 31, at Vashon Presbyterian Church. Contributions can be made in his name to Vashon Youth & Family Services or to the University of North Texas, where a debate scholarship is being set up in his memory.