Don & Shirley Hofstrand

Don is survived by two daughters, Mary Kay (Charles) Schneider and Nancy (John) McPeak; four grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) McPeak, Adam McPeak, Lauren Schneider, and Julia (Jason) Schneider-Sease; and two great-granddaughters. Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley Hofstrand; parents, Olga and Atlantis Hofstrand; and his brothers, John Hofstrand and Arland Hofstrand.

Don was born to Atlantis and Olga Hofstrand on December 2, 1927, in Fullerton, ND. He was educated in Snohomish schools and attended Washington State College for one year before serving in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to Washington State College to complete his BS in Electrical Engineering. Don started his thirty-eight-year career at West Coast Telephone Co. in Everett, which eventually became GTE and, later, Verizon. During this time, he completed advanced requirements of certification as a Professional Licensed Electrical Engineer by the state of Washington. After retirement from Verizon, Don was recruited by Boeing Computer Services as part of a contracted team tasked with the design and implementation of a new telephone system. He retired from Boeing in 1985.

Don always maintained a keen interest in computers and developed hobbies in photography and genealogy. He was a lifelong athlete and played golf well into his eighties. By the time he turned 85 years old, he was teeing off every Friday at Legion Memorial Golf Course with a trio of elderly men, ages 83, 85, and 96! “You’re never too old for golf!” he’d laugh.

Don was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Everett. He was involved in civic and service clubs and organizations including the American Red Cross, at the local, regional, and national levels; the Probus club; and the Everett Golf & Country Club.

Don was an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa, as well as an avid WSU Cougar. His positive attitude, persistence, and humor was enjoyed by all. “I’ve been so blessed,” he’d say.

The family wishes to thank all those who have supported us medically, emotionally, and spiritually, especially the caregivers at Blueberry Gardens II Adult Family Home, Bothell, WA.

A memorial service celebrating Don and Shirley’s life together will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:00 am, at the Evergreen Funeral Home, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA, 98203.

Remembrances may be made to the American Red Cross, First Presbyterian Church of Everett, or the charity of your choice.

Shirley Larimer Hofstrand passed away on February 7, 2018.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Donald Hofstrand. Her survivors also include two daughters, Mary Kay (Charles) Schneider and Nancy (John) McPeak; and four grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) McPeak, Adam McPeak, Lauren Schneider, and Julia (Jason) Schneider-Sease. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Mona and William Larimer; and her sister, Mary Jane Larimer.

Shirley was born to William and Mona Larimer on December 14, 1927, in Snohomish, WA. She was educated in Snohomish schools and graduated from the University of Washington before starting her teaching career. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Seattle and Everett, WA, until she retired in 1983. She enjoyed her work and was very proud of her profession. She joked that her ego was fed by 6 year-olds!

Shirley was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Everett. She was also involved in numerous community organizations and served on various committees and boards, including P.E.O., Everett Woman’s Book Club, Everett Golf & Country Club, the Bethany Foundation Board, and the Everett Library Board.

Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and she was always there for her family. She had the most positive outlook on life and never wanted to miss a moment of it. “I’ve always been such a lucky lady,” she often said.

The family wishes to thank all those who have supported us medically, emotionally, and spiritually, especially the caregivers at Bethany 3rd Floor South, Providence Hospice Everett, and Garden Court Retirement Community.

It was Shirley’s wish to have a joint celebration of her life together with her husband, Don. Their memorial service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:00 am, at the Evergreen Funeral Home, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA, 98203.

Remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice Everett, the Bethany Foundation, or the charity of your choice.