Roger L. Sonneland

Roger Lincoln Sonneland passed away at his home in Cathlamet on January 2, 2011. He was 87 years old.

Roger was born on February 20, 1923 in St. Helens, Ore., to Blaine Samuel Sonneland and Norma Manning Sonneland. He served in the United States Navy from 1940-1947. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Joan Canham, who was serving in the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service). They met on Roger’s first night’s liberty in Wales. They were married on April 12, 1944. Roger and Joan spent their early married life in St. Helens, Ore. They eventually settled in Longview. Roger was a member of the ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) and worked as a longshoreman and walking boss for many years.

Fueled by his sense of adventure, Roger definitely lived his life to the fullest. He was an avid pilot of small planes and ultralights. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and camping. Roger’s love of animals began at an early age. Throughout the years, he and his family enjoyed the love and companionship of many special pets. His current Labrador, Mabel, will miss him dearly. A plaque hanging in Roger and Joan’s home reads, “If you’re lucky enough to have a house by the water, you’re lucky enough.” Roger felt fortunate to spend the last 18 years of his life living on the banks of the Columbia River. There he enjoyed many hobbies, including sailing, windsurfing, watching river traffic and keeping tabs on the resident osprey nests, as well as the company of many wonderful neighbors and friends.

Roger is survived by his wife Joan; his children Diana (Chuck) Mulligan and Roger (Jude) Sonneland; his grandchildren Jeff (Renae) Gibbons, Jana (Nathan) Schwarz, Simon (Joan) Sonneland, Ana Duncan, Freya Sonneland, Seabreeze Sonneland, Magnolia Sonneland, Connie Mulligan, Sandy(Mike) Kuntz, Karen (Steve) Quarre and Joe Mulligan; and his great-grandchildren Benjamin Schwarz, Ellie Gibbons, Samuel Schwarz, Madison Gibbons, Shawn Bucklin, Annette Quarre, Briana Mulligan and Matt Quarre.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

At his request, no memorial services will be held. A private family gathering will take place. Any memorial contributions can be made to one of the following organizations that held a special place in Roger’s heart: Phelan-McDermid Foundation, PO Box 1016, Venice, FL 34284, in honor of Roger’s granddaughter Ellie Gibbons, who was born with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (www.22q13.org) or the Humane Society and SPCA of Cowlitz County, PO Box 172, 909 Columbia Blvd., Longview, WA 98632.