In Memoriam

Honoring current and former members who have passed but whose contributions remain a vital part of NKF&R’s story.

Fire Chief James Edward “Jim” Sweeney, Retired
1938 – August 7, 2024

Apparatus Maintenance Supervisor Robert David Lacey
October 15, 1963 – February 25, 2024

Robert David Lacey was born October 15th, 1963, in San Luis Obispo, California, and left us in the early morning hours of February 25th, 2024, from his home in Kingston, Washington. He joins in heaven his mother, Leslie Lacey, his father David Lacey, and his brother Donny Lacey. He is survived by his wife Brandy Lee Ann Lacey and his four kids, Amy Rae (42), Kyler Lacey (29), Karter Lacey (27), and Kelsie Lacey(21).

“My father was an amazing person. He was the kindest and most genuine human being that I’ve ever met. I learned everything from him. Among other skills, I learned how to fix things, how to play cribbage, how to mix a good gin & tonic, and most importantly, how to be a good friend, a good person, and a good husband. My entire life I always knew that we were safe and well taken care of, and any time I had a problem of any kind, I knew the answer – Call dad. He left us far too soon, but before he made his departure, he set us all up with the knowledge we needed to take care of ourselves in his absence. Every time that I repair a car, play through Super Mario World, or win a game of crib, my dad lives on through me. I know that my dad is with me, watching and proud every single day.”
-Kyler Lacey

In 1992 Robert David Lacey married BrandyLee Ann Oliphant, and the two of them embodied love. They built a family and a life with happiness and laughter as the foundation, and their energy together stood as a beacon of love in the world. Their first child, Kyler David Lacey, came into the world in 1995 and started what would be a family of 5. Karter Jason Lacey was born in 1997, followed by Kelsie Elizabeth Lacey in 2003. The five Laceys were a tight, strong family unit. Over the years they spent countless hours together, building their home in Kingston, camping, boating, and playing games on the back patio. While he is no longer with us,Robert will never be forgotten and will be in our thoughts every single day. He loved his family and his community, and he would want each and every one of you to smile when you think of him.

Robert’s wishes were to have a car cruise in his memory. We will be departing from Kingston Middle School at 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 22nd, and will take the route that follows on the next page. The cruise is open to all that wish to attend, led by one of the fire trucks Robert maintained at North Kitsap Fire and Rescue, classic cars are encouraged, but drive what you have. The cruise will be followed by a potluck and gathering at the Lacey’s after the cruise until 4:00. North Kitsap Fire and Rescue is supporting with hamburgers and hot dogs, please bring your favorite side dish.

Commissioner Stephen “Steve” Neupert
January 6, 1941 – February 8, 2024

Stephen “Steve” Edward Neupert, who lived his life in the service of others, died at his Jefferson Beach home near Kingston, Washington on February 8, 2024. He was 83.

Born on January 6, 1941 to Anthony “Tony” and Ruth (Hoffmann) Neupert in Seattle, he and his six siblings were raised in the city but spent many summer days on the more rural side of Puget Sound. Steve was a veteran of the U.S. Army, joining shortly after high school and attaining the rank of Sergeant Major (E9) before retiring. He graduated from Seattle University. Drawn by childhood memories, he purchased land in the newly platted Jefferson Beach Estates and built a cabin that would eventually become his permanent home.

He was a volunteer firefighter for over twenty-five years, serving with Kitsap County Fire District #5 (Jefferson Beach/Indianola) through its merger into Kitsap County Fire District #10 (Kingston) and evolution into North Kitsap Fire & Rescue (NKF&R) where he served as lieutenant and volunteer coordinator. He retired from firefighting when he was appointed to fill a vacancy on NKF&R’s Board of Commissioners in 2005 and was reelected to his third term last fall. He was a dedicated advocate for the interests of those served by NKF&R, learning all he could about the laws governing fire districts and quietly sharing his knowledge through his avid participation with fellow commissioners on the local, regional and state levels.

Steve was a well-known presence around town, having worked at Kingston Lumber for at least twenty years and was honored as Grand Marshal of the Kingston Fourth of July Parade. He was skilled at repairs as well as in new construction, taking pride in training new employees and teaching others how to fix something broken or build something new. These attributes also made him a valued volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County where he lent more than his know-how. Steve assembled as many as ten carpentry kits, complete with power tools as well as hand tools, that he would lend to home recipients to use while they put in required volunteer hours. He had a deep love of trains; Steve was a longtime and active member of the National Model Railway Association, Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers and the Bremerton Model Railway Association. He helped to build the model railway display at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, applying his construction skills in miniature. His personal model train layout features Pope and Talbot’s logging railroads around the Olympic Peninsula.

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Steve quietly lived his faith through humble service. He was an usher at Saint Peter Catholic Mission in Suquamish and a consistent presence at the Saturday evening masses there.

His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by sister Madeleine Morrison of Mercer Island, sister Ann Neupert of Camano Island, sister Eileen (Gunnar) Hermansen of Westport, brother Anthony Neupert (Julee) of Bothell, sister Barbara Helen of Westport, brother David Neupert (Claudia) of Port Angeles, and six nieces and nephews. He is sorely missed by his family and friends as well as by the many people and organizations that benefitted from his abiding dedication, profound generosity and wry sense of humor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Olaf Catholic Church in Poulsbo on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private inurnment with military honors will be held at Kingston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Steve’s memory to Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County (P.O. Box 5347, Bremerton, WA 98312-5347) or the North Kitsap Community Partnership Fund (c/o NKF&R, 26642 Miller Bay Rd NE, Kingston, WA 98346).

Volunteer Tender-Operator John Dankers, Retired
1939 – November 26, 2022

John Dankers, 83, passed away on Saturday, November 26, following a year-long battle with bladder cancer.

John is a native Washingtonian born in Kittitas County. He lived in eastern Washington until his family moved to Kitsap County in the 1940s. John graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1957 and then enrolled at Olympic College in Bremerton. The first in his family to go to college, he continued his education at the University of Washington in Seattle and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1961.

John’s career spanned more than 30 years as a federal government employee and engineer based initially in Port Hueneme, California, subsequently at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and later at Naval Base Bangor. John, and his late wife, Bonnie, settled with their two children, Todd and Lorie, in the Kingston/Eglon area in 1970.

A long-time volunteer with North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, John most recently served as a tender driver based out of Station 81 in Kingston. He started his volunteer service in 1971 in Eglon with Fire District 14.

In his retirement, John was a devoted caregiver for his wife, Bonnie, for several years until her death in 2015. John was also a member of the Olympic Vintage Auto Club, where he pursued his interest in restoring, repairing and tinkering with antique automobiles. John participated weekly in a local hiking club based in Kitsap County and thoroughly enjoyed exploring trails on the Olympic Peninsula and hiking to scenic lookouts. He also enjoyed traveling, having visited 49 states during his lifetime. His greatest joy was spending time with members of his immediate and extended family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Velma Dankers, and his wife of 52 years, Bonnie (Sheka) Dankers. John is survived by his son Todd, his wife Tamara Dankers and their three children Nathan, Riley and Mackenzie, of Arvada, Colorado; his daughter, Lorie Dankers, and her husband Jeff Johnson, of Bellevue, Washington, and their daughter Bridget Johnson, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

A service and reception to honor John’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE in Kingston.

In John’s memory, gifts may be made to ShareNet, a non-profit that provides food and other assistance to local residents in need in the north Kitsap County area and/or to the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Community Partnership Fund, which is managed by a committee of NKF&R department members. This fund provides financial support to community members in need of emergency assistance.

• ShareNet
P.O. Box 479, Kingston, WA 98346
(https://www.sharenetfoodbank.org/donate/)

• NK Community Partnership Fund
c/o North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346

The Dankers family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff at Liberty Shores in Poulsbo for the exceptional care they provided John during his illness. They would also like to thank the many friends and family members who visited and kept in touch with John over the past several months. The encouragement, kindness and support you provided were invaluable to him and our family during this journey.

Lieutenant Christopher James Smith
February 28, 1970 – November 8, 2021

Christopher James Smith died unexpectedly at his Silverdale, Washington home on November 8, 2021. He was born on February 28, 1970 in Edmonds, Washington and welcomed into the loving home of his adoptive parents, Albert David Smith and Christy Maxine (Hitchcock) Smith.

Chris was raised in Kingston, Washington. There, he began his 34-year fire service career at age 16 as a volunteer with the district that became North Kitsap Fire & Rescue (NKF&R), Kitsap County Fire District #10. A natural helper, Chris was immediately drawn to the profession. He attended the Washington State Fire Training Academy near North Bend and, in 1989, was accepted into paramedic training through Oregon Health Sciences University. After completing the program, he honed his skills for several years while working for private ambulance companies as well as for fire departments in southwestern Washington. But Chris longed to serve in his hometown. In 1994, his dream became a reality when he was hired as a firefighter/paramedic with NKF&R. He earned promotion to lieutenant in 2001. Chris actively furthered his skills through training and education, completing an Associate Degree in Fire Command Administration at Pierce College. He also served on the regional technical rescue team. At NKF&R, he was especially well regarded for his fireground skills and his project work; among his many contributions, he was instrumental in developing NKF&R’s first marine response program. Chris dedicated two-thirds of his life to the fire service, delivering attentive and compassionate care to those who needed his help.

Chris loved traveling, woodworking and anything to do with the water; he crewed on several sailboat races, including in contests on the open ocean. He had just purchased his dream sailboat and was preparing to retire in just 18 months.

He is survived by his sister, BonnieSue Smith of Poulsbo; his wife, Svitlana (Levchenko) of the family home; and his son, Cayman, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. He was predeceased by both of his parents.

At the request of Chris’s family, NKF&R and the Kitsap County Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund are hosting an informal celebration of life in his honor on Wednesday, November 17 at 3 p.m. in the Village Green Community Center (26159 Dulay Road NE in Kingston, Washington). Fire service personnel are encouraged to wear Class A uniforms, and the public is welcome to attend. Masks are required at the community center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kitsap Firefighters Benevolent Fund, a registered non-profit, at P.O. Box 1604 in Silverdale, Washington 98383.

Commissioner Fernando “Espy” Espinosa, Retired
July 7, 1937 – December 1, 2019

Vietnam veteran and retired fire commissioner Fernando “Espy” Espinosa passed away on December 1, 2019 after a battle with bile duct cancer. Though the disease may have taken his vitality and caused him significant pain, it never darkened his positive outlook. Espy remained grateful for the blessings of his life up until the end of his fight.

He was born on July 7, 1937 in Herington, Kansas — the seventh in a family of nine children born to Sarah Moncivic and Fred Espinosa. He lost both of his parents before he turned 10. Espy’s oldest brother, Joseph, took time off from his job at the Ford Motor Company to retrieve Espy and his other siblings. “Papa Joe” and his wife Julia raised this expanded family in Detroit on just one salary. Espy left home at 17 to follow an older brother into the U.S. Navy . He eventually became a torpedoman – a move that led him to meet the love of his life and to discover the place he’d call home for the next 50 years. From his first visit to the then-ammunition depot at Bangor in 1960, he loved the area’s people as well as its abundant opportunities for hunting and fishing; Espy knew he’d settle here when he got the chance. He served 18 months in Vietnam where he, like so many others, was exposed to Agent Orange as well as traumatic stress. Just two years before his passing, Espy was granted the benefits due him for his status as a 100% disabled veteran.

While assigned to the torpedo test range at Nanoose Bay, British Columbia in 1967, Espy met Florita “Rita” Botham. He left active-duty military service in 1969; he and Rita were married in Tacoma in 1970. In 1972, the family settled in Suquamish when Espy took a civilian job at NUWC Keyport where he worked for the next 33 years. Shortly after moving to Suquamish, he became a volunteer firefighter with Kitsap County Fire District #4 (Suquamish) and rose through the ranks to serve briefly as fire chief before becoming one of that district’s fire commissioners in 1987. Espy was instrumental in the merger of KCFD #4 into KCFD #10 in 1994; the larger district became North Kitsap Fire & Rescue (NKF&R). He was very proud to have been a part of bringing better emergency services to his community, and unwavering in his support of the firefighters providing that service. Espy remained on the Board of Fire Commissioners until retiring in 2017 at the age of 80.

That same year, after decades of public service on the federal and local levels, Espy fulfilled a lifelong dream of prospecting in Alaska with his step-son, Kenneth. The pair hunted, fished, camped and panned for gold. NKF&R Fire Chief Dan Smith expressed his hope that the father and son would hit the motherlode. “Even if they do,” Smith added, “It couldn’t measure up to the value of all that Espy has given – to country and community.”

Espy was a devoted Roman Catholic, attending St. Peter’s Mission. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Suquamish Warriors, a veterans support group. He was preceded in death by his beloved Rita in 2011 and his step-son Kenneth Botham in 2018 as well as his parents and seven siblings. He is survived by brother Rito Espinosa of Joliet, Illinois; sister Minerva Garcia of North Hollywood, California; step-daughter Dixie Parizek of Silverdale, Washington; scores of nieces and nephews to whom he was a favorite uncle; and innumerable friends, especially Joanne Gipson and the Todd Family of Suquamish, Washington.

Services will be held at the House of Awakened Culture (7235 NE Parkway, Suquamish) on January 22, 2020 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Espy requested that donations be made to the Suquamish Warriors (P.O. Box 215, Suquamish, WA 98392).

Commissioner Martha Louise Lund, Retired
May 19, 1937 – September 22, 2018

Martha Louise Lund, 86, died September 22, 2018 at her home in Hansville, WA. She was born in Terry, MT, May 19, 1932 to Christopher and Emma (Abrahamson) Evjen and is survived by her brother, George; sister, Mary; and children, Joy, Joe, John, Judy, and D.J.

The family farm was between Poulsbo and Miller Bay, and Martha and her siblings would walk the trails to school. At 16, she went to work in Seattle at a downtown movie theatre and an aluminum pots and pans manufacturer.

Martha had four children with her first husband, James Cook, and lived in Kingston across from the old schoolhouse.

In the mid 60’s, she had her fifth child with her second husband, Donnie Lund. The whole family moved to the Lund farm in 1966.

Martha started working at Erikson’s Store in Hansville in 1972 and bought the establishment in 1978. She ran the Hansville “Mall” through the late 1980’s. During the 1970’s, Martha was also a volunteer EMT for the Kingston Ambulance Service and a Sunday School/VBS teacher at the Eglon Church.

From 1982-1988, Martha was the Fire Commissioner for North Kitsap District #14. During this time, she also dealt with her fear of heights by taking flying lessons in Bremerton, and learning to fly a Piper Cub. Because of her involvement with the Hansville community, she joined in helping at the Hansville Church across from her store.

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Martha pursued her desire to travel to India with a women’s leadership group. She went to Europe and England with her son, John, and mission trips to Bangkok, Thailand, and the Philippines with Christ Memorial Church of Poulsbo.

In 1994, Martha was elected Fire Commissioner of North Kitsap Fire and Rescue. She held this office through 2002.

All during this time, Martha worked with the Royal Rangers Bible Camps through CMC. Martha continued to travel, making trips to Hawaii, Florida, and cruises to Alaska. Being diagnosed with dementia curtailed her travels, but Martha kept busy.

Martha lived at her home in Driftwood Key the remainder of her life. Martha was busy with her quilting sewing hobbies, as well as, her grandchildren throughout her time with us.

Such a well lived life has been so beautiful to see, and we are all so grateful to have been able to be loved by her.

Commissioner L.V. “Red” Denson, Retired
July 4, 1922 – October 2, 2017

L.V. “Red” Denson passed away on Sunday, October 2nd at the age of 95. Red was born in Whitesboro, Texas to Viola and James David Denson. Difficult early years would mold the strong character that defined Red’s life.

Red enlisted in the Navy in 1941. In August of 1945 he went on 10 days leave to Washington, D.C., and while there renewed his acquaintance with high school classmate Kathryn Varley. Red and Kathryn wed in March of 1946. In 1976 they retired to Driftwood Key and built their dream home overlooking the Hood Canal. Red and Kathryn enjoyed 62 years together prior to Kathryn’s passing in 2008.

Red was one of the last special patriots who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. In his 34-year career he served on five ships and two submarines, including serving as COB (Chief of the Boat) on the USS Halibut SSN-587. In Red’s final assignment he served as the first Master Chief of the Pacific Submarine Force.

In retirement, Red continued to serve his community. He worked for several years on the Washington Board of Equalization, served as a board member and president of the Driftwood Key Homeowners Association, for 14 years was the Fire Commissioner for the North Kitsap Fire Department, and most recently volunteered extensively with the Hansville Historical Society. Most Sunday mornings he could be found in his favorite pew worshipping with the Hansville Community Church.

Red is survived by son, David Denson; daughter, Linda Coburn and husband Dan; grandchildren, Christy Vartanian and husband Aris, Laura Belanger and husband Johny, Chad Denson, Danni Langston and husband Boone; and great-grandchildren, Jake, Amelia, Jordyn and Charlie. The legacy he saw in each of them meant he could pass from this life having fulfilled his destiny.

Sunday morning, Oct. 2, 2017, Red became reunited with God, Kathryn and many family and friends.

Apparatus Maintenance Supervisor Robert G. Matheny, Retired
July 23, 1943 – February 17, 2014

Robert Garel Matheny, 70, of Kingston peacefully passed away on February 17, 2014. Born on July 23, 1943, in Clinton, IL to Robert and Lavonn (Chandler) Matheny. After graduating from Clinton High he went on to serve in the U.S. Army from June 8, 1961 through June 5, 1964. He later met Cheryl Bowdish and they married on October 29, 1994. Robert was a skilled Apparatus Maintenance Supervisor at North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and upon retirement he had over 22 years of experience. He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Mary Matheny; step-father, Jewell Hartlip. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Cheryl; sons, Robert (Mona) Matheny, Tim Kelly, Shawn (Darcie) Kelly, Todd Kelly; daughters, Julie (Mark) Rogers, Lisa (Greg) Peters, Rhonda (Jason) Boddy; sisters, Corine (J.W.) Looney, Linda (Jerry) Holliger; grandparent, Iola Mandrell; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at the Stone Chapel on February 21, 2014 at 1:00PM with a burial to follow at Kingston Cemetery. All are invited to a reception at North Kitsap Fire & Rescue at 4:30pm.

Firefighter/Paramedic William Robert Jerrell, Jr.
November 26, 1970 – June 6, 2012

Firefighter-Paramedic William Robert Jerrell Jr., 41, passed away at his Bothell, Wash., home on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

Public visitation will be held at the Stone Chapel at Cherry Grove Memorial Park (22272 Foss Road NE near Poulsbo, Wash.) on Tuesday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 13 from noon to 6 p.m. A fire department memorial service, also open to the public, will be held on Saturday, June 16 at the Suquamish Tribe’s House of Awakened Culture (7235 NE Parkway in Suquamish, Wash.) at 2 p.m.

Bill was born to Patricia Fox and William R. Jerrell Sr. on Nov. 26, 1970 in Lawrenceville, Ill., and graduated from Kenai Central High School in 1988. Bill attended the University of Alaska and the University of Iowa where he received his paramedic certification in 1994. After several years of honing his craft at Mercy Ambulance in Evansville, Ind., Bill moved to Washington where, in 1997, he added firefighting to his skill set and became a founding member of a new fire-based advanced life support program. “Medic 13,” based in Chimacum, provided service to the rural communities of eastern Jefferson County, Washington. He went on to work for Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue as a firefighter-paramedic until 2008 when he accepted a position with Kingston, Washington’s North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. He was a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local No. 2819.

Bill’s exceptional skill as a paramedic saved many lives and inspired others in the profession to provide compassionate care through his example of combining detailed medical knowledge with deep empathy. Off duty, Bill exercised his love of the outdoors through gardening as well as camping and hiking. His cooking skills were highly prized among his friends and fellow firefighters as was his sense of humor and spontaneity. He was an empathetic listener who, above all, made everyone and anyone feel welcome in his presence.

Bill is survived by his former wife, Jodi Minker of Port Townsend, Wash.; former partner, Delton Porter of San Jose, Calif.; mother, Patti Thompson of Bothell; brothers David Piper of Bellingham, Wash., Michael O’Brien of Anchorage and Matthew O’Brien of Biloxi, Miss.; sisters Rebecca Jerrell of Soldotna and Michelle LaVigueur of Nikiski; six nieces and nephews; countless friends and his dogs, Skunk, Tazi and Angus. His father, William R. Jerrell Sr., preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Bill be remembered with donations to the Professional Firefighters of Kitsap County Benevolent Association (PFKCBA) at P.O. Box 1604 in Silverdale, WA, 98383.