Journal of the San Juans, February 03, 2016

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Journal

The

NEWS | Sheriff’s Log [2] OPINION | Reflections on the chief, his work and his life [7] OUTDOORS | Remembering world renowned mountaineer [8] ARTS | Pigs on the Wing in concert [10] SPORTS | Check out the winners [16]

WEDNESDAY, February 3, 2016 n VOL. 109, NO. 5 n 75¢

Community says farewell to Chief Marler A leader, collaborator and family man who will be missed by many By Courtney Oldwyn Special to the Journal

Above: San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Chief Steve Marler passed away on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Contributed photo/ Ken Clark

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, 10 emergency vehicles with lights flashing and more than 30 people came out to honor San Juan Island Fire Chief Steve Marler upon his final return to the island he so loved. He was met on the taxi way by fellow firefighters, both volunteer and retired, ancillary personnel, EMS staff, paramedics, Sheriff Ron Krebs and members of the San Juan County Police Department, airport personnel, friends and neighbors. San Juan Island Fire and Rescue administrative assistant Carolyn Hudson presented him with his white duty helmet before the entire procession of emergency vehicles followed his ambulance to Peace Island Hospital in Friday Harbor. Chief Marler passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, just two days after returning home.

Howard named citizen of the year By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter

The upcoming Knowledge Bowl, a local event that pits high school students and service groups against each other in a riveting game of trivia, will be missing a key player this year, community legend Howard Schonberger, who passed away at age 94 Oct. 24, 2015. Fellow Lions Club member George Johnson reminisced about Howard’s involvement on the Lions team at the Knowledge Bowl, relying on him for his knack of trivia and long, full life. “His lengthy career in newspapers, driven largely by an interest in current events,

helped him immensely with history questions,” Johnson said. “Of course, at the Knowledge Bowl, we’d often tease him when a question about ‘ancient history’ would come up.” Johnson said they would joke with him, if a trivia question was “When was the Magna Carta signed?” the group would say “1066, we know because Howard was there!” Howard was a member of the Lions Club, American Legion, the first male member of the Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, and a board member of the San Juan faction of United Way, and is the Journal’s choice for Citizen of the Year for 2015. He was well-

known on the island for supporting groups that benefitted the community, attending events like the Knowledge Bowl, often to fundraise or just for fun. His youthful energy, positive outlook and tenacity inspired those around him, whether in a professional or casual capacity. Howard was truly an engaged citizen, including his military service in World War II and the Korean War. He consistently marched with the American Legion in the Fourth of July Parade, until his health issues interfered. Although Howard was never on the board of the legion, ex-commander Shannon Plummer said he was See HOWARD, Page 5

We have 42 qualified buyers looking for a home on San Juan Island. If you’re not already working with an agent and would like us to show your house to one of our buyers, give us a call or stop by. We could have your house sold within a month!

“Whenever he had to leave the island he couldn’t wait to return to the life he loved” said Sheila Harley, public information officer for San Juan Fire and Rescue. Chief Marler came to Friday Harbor in August 2007 with his wife Karen after winning the position of Fire Chief for San Juan County Fire Protection District 3 which includes all of San Juan Island, Brown and Pearl Islands. Marler had previously been the assistant chief at the Sonoma, California Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority. Hudson remembers first meeting Chief Marler during the interview process. She arrived with snacks and drinks for the potential candidates and was hurriedly unloading supplies, when Marler quietly pitched in to help. She noticed the other candidates who had been milling around stopped abruptly when they realized they should all be helping too. “This was his nature, not a test to impress or fair better. He was See MARLER, Page 5

Journal deadlines

Display advertising: Friday at noon Classified advertising: Monday at noon Legal advertising: Thursday at noon Press releases, Letters: Friday at 3 p.m.

How to reach us

Office: 378-5696 Fax: 1-888-562-8818 Editor: editor@sanjuanjournal.com


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