As 2023 dawns, we mourn and celebrate the islanders who left us in 2022. Each of the obituaries in our newspaper this year detailed a vibrant island presence. Here, we again pay tribute to some of these notable neighbors.

Sharon Boyer, a beloved third-grade teacher, advocate for children, world traveler and fierce competitor in local spelling bees, died on Jan. 15, at the age of 75.

William Henri Zike, who found joy and purpose in his pursuit of living close to nature, died on Feb. 22, at the age of 24.

Clay Eastly, devoted father and friend, football coach and mentor to many youths at Vashon High School, died on March 18, at the age of 56.

Gordon Woods Millar, a Boeing engineer by trade, entertained islanders as a Celtic musician and as a performer in many local theater and opera productions. He died on March 20, at the age of 86.

Nathan Dorn, a decorated Vietnam veteran and gregarious presence around town, known for his acts of deep generosity and support to those in need, died on April 4, at the age of 74.

Penny Kimmel, a grocer’s daughter from Vashon who became a media professional and educator in Seattle, and was known on the island as an involved parent with a wide range of creative interests, died on April 20, at the age of 72.

Don Robert Nelson, a skilled homebuilder and fine craftsman who recalled his own idyllic childhood on Vashon and then returned in 1970 to raise his own family on the island, died on May 6, at the age of 86.

Ross Avi Krinsky, a star student and voracious lifelong learner, youth advocate, activist, music lover and friend and inspiration to many, died on June 4, at the age of 37.

Robert Duncan Weir, a veteran of World War II and longtime islander who volunteered for many island organizations, died on June 4, at the age of 96.

Helen Meeker, co-creator of Friends of Mukai, who was devoted to building community on Vashon through her tireless work with many local organizations, died on June 5, at the age of 92.

Joan Howard Kutscher, an accomplished artist who frequently exhibited her work on Vashon, culminating in an exhibition with her son Ted Kutscher, died on June 15, at the age of 95.

William Nothdurft — a prolific and prizewinning author who was known best on Vashon by his pen name, Will North — died on June 19, at the age of 75.

Robert Sanford Luke, who had a distinguished career as a Senior Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State, died on June 20, at the age of 68.

Samuel John Yates, 2nd Lieutenant United States Marine Corps, accomplished basketball and baseball player, a student leader at Vashon High School, and a graduate of Washington State University, died on June 23, at the age of 24.

Sarah Dawn Comstock Stevens, known as “Rande” to many islanders for both her friendly greetings and her pride in her Native American heritage, died on June 29, 2022, at the age of 53.

Bob Snow, a dedicated family man who worked as a navigational specialist on many important projects and was named as Boeing’s “Engineer of the Year” in 1980, died July 18, at the age of 74.

Mary Leslie Robinson, an accomplished artist, organic farmer, teacher, mentor, activist, world traveler and inspiration to many, died on July 22, at the age of 76.

Myrtle June Walls, the owner of the Wall Flower floral shop, Grange leader, seamstress and dedicated volunteer, died on July 25, at the age of 95.

John Beba, whose career with King County Roads spanned 31 years, quietly worked for years to contribute to the community’s safety and well-being. He died on Aug. 11, at the age of 69.

Philip Cushman, a noted psychologist, educator and author, died on Aug. 22, at the age of 77.

Wayne Holt, the founder of the Vashon-based company, Software Research Northwest, which created software products for institutions of higher education worldwide, died on Aug. 23, at the age of 72.

Curt Minier, who built and designed rocket engines for Mercury and Apollo spacecraft before finding a new calling as a skilled furniture artisan and woodworker, died on Aug. 27, at the age of 86.

David Havemeyer Carleton, who among other acts of service worked as a board member and communications director at Vashon Youth & Family Services, died on Sept. 6, at the age of 55.

Larry J. “Kavi” Engel, a home builder who was also a gifted island songwriter, singer and musician, died on Sept. 7, at the age of 74.

Holly Louise Jensen, who shared her Tlingit knowledge and promoted her father’s art business when representing Vashon’s Raven’s Nest Gallery, died on Sept. 10, at the age of 48.

Jadzia Talitha Stevens, an islander who shared ancestry with the Yakima Indian Tribe and was enrolled with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, where her mother and grandfather were members, died on Sept. 23, at the age of 22.

Connor Breen, whose life on Vashon was filled with his love of friends, family, his dog, baseball and the beach, was both a gentle and adventurous soul whose philosophy for happiness was to “Follow Your Truth.” He died on Sept. 27, at the age of 20.

Joanne Calhoun, a mariner with NOAA ships, ARCO tankers and the Washington State Ferries, died on Oct 2, at the age of 77.

Gary Cadman, a proud father, accomplished electrician and “boat guy” who lived for the past 20 years in Quartermaster Marina on “Blossom,” his 1946 Ed Monk cruiser, died on Oct. 13, at the age of 66.

Edward Swan II, a noted author and authority on birds, and a pillar of support, scholarship and mentorship for the avian community on Vashon and beyond, died on Oct. 28, at the age of 59.

Martin Wharey Baker, an islander whose commitment to environmental issues shaped his professional and community life, died on Oct. 29, at the age of 75.

Edgar W. Williams, an Air Force veteran and 747 Captain for United Airlines, a longtime islander who was a Kiwanian of more than 30 years (including time as its President), lover of life, and beloved father and grandfather, died on Nov. 8, at the age of 92.

Sigrid Thomas, who embraced community life on Vashon and was chosen one year as the Grand Marshal for the Vashon Strawberry Festival Parade, died on Nov. 12, at the age of 78.

Nancy Marsten Vanderpool, who after a distinguished career in higher education moved to Vashon and was a driving force in founding the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness, died on Nov. 20, at the age of 86.

Jayne Quig, an award-winning artist who was a member of local artist collectives including Barnworks, Quartermaster Press and Vashon Island Visual Artists, died on Dec. 3, at the age of 74.