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IN MEMORIAM  NORMAN McCAULEY GRAHAM 1930-2017
Norman was taken from us in a
fatal car accident on I5. Arrythmia was determined to be the cause. Norman was a true skating enthusiast, competitive skater and coach. He was also a music teacher and taught school in Mount Vernon for many years. He started his skating career in the 40s at the Ferndale Roller Rink in Washington,where the rink owner Ted Bruland, was coaching, and skated from the Whatcom County Skating Club. The club then moved to the Rolladium in Bellingham Washington where he continued his skating competitvely.He was also a member of the Ski Patrol at Mt. Baker. He loved to ski. He married Coral (Kastner) Chalice and had two daughters, Piper and Holly, one son Kevin Graham, one nephew Alan Bruland, and one neice Jami Giammusso. Norman coached skating at Marysville and later at Auburn Washington and was a regular member of the adult skating sessions in Auburn. He will be remembered for his love of skating, and was always analyzing techniques, body position, and proper use of weight on the skates to produce proper edges, right up to his recent visit to Auburn. He attended many Regional and National competitions in his later years, observing and supporting the Northwest skaters and kept current with all his skating friends in Washington, Oregon and nationwide.
HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FRIENDS AND SKATING FAMILY
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ROBERT "Bob" HEMPHILL One of our sports greatest coaches and a true icon passed away on June 1, 2017 in Olympia Washington, not very far from where his legacy in Roller Skating began. Bob was not only a school teacher, and Hockey coach in Washington, but he also served in the submarine service during World War II. Among many of his accomplishments in his life, he dedicated a large portion of his life to roller skating and especially hockey. Although he retired a number of years ago, he had already had a great influence on skaters, coaches, and the entire hockey program.
He built and operated Skateland in Olympia Washington in 1959, where he coached a number of National speed skaters. He received the National High Point Trophy in
1963-64 along with having 6 National Speed Champions. He coached many World Team Speed Skaters and developed many future speed and hockey coaches in the
early 60's. Bob then turned his focus to hockey by helping develop "Puck Hockey". He founded the NW Roller Hockey League in 1964 and it is still going strong today.
He was the designer and producer of the first official Puck used in puck hockey from 1971-1979. He coached the Senior Gold and Junior Divisions in puck hockey,
to 10 straight Gold Medal Placements at the Puck hockey National Championships. He made the crossover to ball or rink hockey in 1980. Submitted by:Jim Stevenson-Bremerton Skateland
-The Northwest sends their deepest sympathy to the Family-
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 Coral Lee Chalice, beloved wife, mother and grandmother,
died Tuesday, February 6th, after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born July 20, 1943, to LeRoy & Adella (Olson) Kastner, Coral was raised and attended school in Bellingham. As a child, she ran the aisles of the American and Mt. Baker Theatres, where her father was manager. Her mother worked full-time as a supervisor at the phone company, so Coral spent a lot of time with her grandmother, who had emigrated from Norway and lived in the family home, and her older sister, Marlene. Hers was a close-knit, hard-working family. From early childhood at age 5, Coral and Marlene were artistic roller skaters, an activity Coral enjoyed up until the final weeks of her life. She skated competitively, winning numerous state, regional and, ultimately, national titles, including her 5th place finish at the U.S. Nationals in her division this past August. In her youth, she competed in freestyle, figures and pairs events. In later years, she focused on both solo and partner dance skating. In addition, she was a coach, mentoring many skaters of all ages. She was admired for her grace and elegance. Through skating, Coral made countless friendships she treasured her entire life. A devoted mother and grandmother, Coral enjoyed sewing and knitting for her family and friends. She made elaborate skating costumes as well as intricate Irish sweaters. Having grown up in a musical family, she had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing in the church choir and also participating in community theater productions. Coral is survived by her husband, Don Chalice, with whom she spent over 30 wonderful years; daughter and her fiance, Piper Lee Eger and Michael Rickert; daughter, Holly Graham; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Lynne Graham; grandchildren, Kyle Cleveland, Austin Clevenger, Christopher Eger, Mason Eger, and Emma Graham; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene & Jerry Bruland; her niece and nephew, Jami Giammusso and Alan Bruland; and former son-in-law, Randall Eger. Cousins Lori and John Daphiny, Sheldon,Loren, Benny, Bonnie Banks. Her friends and family were inspired by the courage with which she faced her illness. She had a positive and cheerful demeanor to the end, comforting her family who were by her side throughout the final days and maintaining her quick wit and sense of humor.
The family wishes to thank everyone for your support
through this very difficult time.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital
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William “Bill” Spooner,of Battle Ground, Washington, began his competitive skating career in 1958. From there he would for the remainder of his life go on
to impact USA Roller Sports with a level of dedication and commitment of to service rarely seen.
Bill’s resume, was nothing short of impressive and included the following honors:
*Charles Wahlig Memorial Life Membership *Gordon B “Budd” Van Roekel Lifetime Service Award *USARS Board of Directors Member *Past Chairman of the USARS Board of Directors *Past USARS President *Secretary/Trustee of the US Foundation for Amateur Roller Skating
His time serving as an official judge, was just as remarkable and began at the age of 15, participating in every artistic discipline while judging at the local, regional,
national and international levels. Bill leaves behind his wife Marian and also a “skating family” of numerous friends and colleagues.
He was without hesitation one of the very best and he is going to be dearly missed by so many. He understood the everyday world that is USA Roller Sports.
Which alone was a testament to his character, but more importantly he was genuine, and he did his volunteer service to USA Roller Sports.
-THE NORTHWEST WILL MISS BILL-
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