A pillar of the Grays Harbor community Vicki Fenton passed away peacefully during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not due to COVID.

Vicki was born at home in McCleary, lived at Schafer Camp, moved to Humptulips, then graduated as valedictorian from Lake Quinault High School. At the age of 16, she served as a Forest Service lookout in a fire tower. She then attended Washington State College (University) and earned a degree in radio communications. She proudly displayed her graduation year 47 on her car’s license plate and treasured her role as a WSC Cougar.

Vicki moved to Aberdeen and worked at the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill shipping office where she met and married William “Bill” Fenton. She became involved in many community organizations including St. Andrew’s Church, Rain Fair, Grays Harbor Community College, Neighborhood Housing, Heart Association, Tall Ships, Grays Harbor Genealogy Society and The Polson Museum.

She was a lifetime member of the Humptulips Grange, an original member of the McCleary Historical group and also recognized as “Pioneer of the Year.” Vicki especially loved researching family genealogy along with her long-time partner and friend Gordon Love. For years they were known to carry their boots and a tombstone cleaning kit in the trunk of the car. Hiking through thick underbrush, they would search out and track down long forgotten cemeteries, recording and relaying histories of often forgotten settlers.

She enjoyed walks on the beach, crocheting blankets, playing her clarinet, traveling, attending concerts, and “watching the world go by.”

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents Jane and Einar Sandberg, her husband William “Bill” Fenton”, longtime partner Gordon Love, and brother John Sandberg. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Jane Scheef (Justin Yeoman-Kaydence, Andrea Fenton-Tyler/Ryder, Joel/Mikki Fenton- Victoria), James Fenton/Maura Cunningham (Kaity), and Natalie Joan Wilson/Paul (April/Jason Lee-Sienna/Hudson, Jace/Jenna-Rae/Janessa).

There was no service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her memory, be kind to your family as Vicki always said “My family is the best!”