Ralph Van Orsdol

Ralph Albert 'Buzz' Van Orsdol, 79, lifetime Aberdeen resident and former tree faller, died Wednesday evening, June 29, 2011 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA. Buzz was born on August 16, 1931 in the home he was raised, in the Wishkah Valley, to Clifton and Ada (Pickernell) Van Orsdol. He graduated from Wishkah Valley High School and joined the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. After his Honorable Discharge he returned to Aberdeen and went to the woods working as a tree faller. On April 15, 1985, Buzz married Charlene Smith in Reno, NV. She died in 2009. Buzz enjoyed doing yard work, growing flowers and feeding the wild birds. He also enjoyed doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, trips to Reno, watching the Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies. Buzz was very proud to say that he was part Chinook Indian and a member of the Chinook Tribe. Buzz is survived by a son James and wife Tracy Sannes of Aberdeen; Five grandchildren and five great grandchildren and a brother James Van Orsdol and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his good friend dog companion "Rusty" who is now with his son and his wife. Buzz was preceded in death by his wife Charlene; sisters: Mildred 'Millie' Lagergren, Beatrice 'Beaty' Disney, Phyllis Harmon and Bernice 'Pud'; brothers: Henry 'Hank', Walter and Norman Van Orsdol. Buzz will be greatly missed by all his Family and Friends. There will be a graveside service held on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 1 PM at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen. The family suggests that donations can be made to Aberdeen PAWS. A card of condolence or of a memory can be left for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are through Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.