Sunday, April 17, 2011

Paul's Treasure Trove

While I was visiting dad in Spokane this past week we enjoyed meeting Paul Staeheli, son of Glenn Staeheli who was the son of Paul and Erma Staeheli.  Paul came to dad's house on Wednesday, April 13 and we sorted through two large boxes of photos, documents and letters which Paul recovered from the home of Pauline Staeheli, daughter of Paul and Erma. 
Pauline is in an assisted living arrangement for Alzheimer's patients and trusted neighbors are disposing of her property.  Fortunately for us, Pauline was a collector of family history and artifacts, some of which Paul has passed on to me. 
I now have a box of Staeheli information to publish on the Staeheli website.  As we read through some letters and other documents we came to understand more about how Staeheli's settled first in Wisconsin then in Addy, Washington.  I am grateful to Pauline and Paul for saving and sharing this valuable collection of Staeheli history.

Bob Dempsey's Passing

Bob Dempsey, husband of Daphne, passed away recently.  There was a celebration of his life at the Bothell Senior Center on Saturday, March 26, 2011.  Attendance was approximately 70 family and friends.  Dad and I saw family who we have come to know these past few years and met some others for the first time. 
Dennis "Den" Dempsey, son of Burt Dempsey, prepared and read a memorial to Bob.  Den has given me permission to publish his tribute to Bob on the Staeheli family website. 
Daphne graciously greeted all the people present to honor Bob.  She is managing well and still drives so gets to appointments and social events as she chooses.

Dad's 90th Birthday

Dad - Thomas Charles Staly - had his 90th birthday on February 14, 2011.  To celebrate we held a party for him at the CenterPlace event center in Spokane Valley on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  Many family and friends participated in the celebration which certainly pleased dad.  A highlight was presentation of a video which had been prepared by my friend, Arlis Hoglen, showing dad's life and some Staeheli family history. 
There was a followup gathering at Old Country Buffet and Sunday morning we had a group breakfast at IHOP.  Family members had travelled from Portland, Arlington, Tucson and Virginia to take part in the activities.