The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Lorenzo Dow (LD) Mahoney, 84, of Cathlamet, WA passed away at Baylor Medical Center in Irving, TX, with family by his side, on Friday, 28th of August, 2015 from West Nile Virus. He was in Irving doing what he loved, being a caregiver to his only living brother out of eight siblings.

He was born on the 19th of December, 1930 in Tuskahoma, OK to Frederick A. Mahoney and Sarah (Drummond) Mahoney. He was the youngest of four brothers and three sisters. The family moved to their homestead in Tuskahoma where LD graduated from high school.

LD attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He received his Bachelor Degree in Education. He later went on to receive his Masters. LD was an all-star basketball player. In 1952 he was named to the All-Collegiate Team setting many college records. He served in the Army from 1952 to 1954 and eight years in the Reserves. In his first marriage he was blessed with two daughters, Marie and Marilyn. He taught in Clayton, OK, Concord, CA and in 1960 he grew roots in Cathlamet, WA.

LD met the love of his life Billie Wellenbrock after being introduced on a blind date in 1963. They were married three weeks later and enjoyed 38 years together. He moved Billie with her two children, Terri and David, to Cathlamet in 1963 and has resided there until his death. He educated two generations of students. He was not only an educator, but was the Wahkiakum High School basketball coach for many years and the Student Driver Instructor. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and cruising. One of his highlights was traveling to Alaska with two of his brothers, son David, and grandson Adam for a fishing adventure. LD and Billie loved cruises and enjoyed golf at Skyline Golf Club in Cathlamet. He loved his sports channels. Later in life he became an accomplished artist.

After retiring in 1990, he joined the Brusco Tug & Barge Co. as transportation manager. He made many friends and memories while traveling with crew members to and from vessels. He retired once again in 2000 to devote time to his loving wife Billie when she became ill.

After 52 years, he re-connected with his daughter Marie, and granddaughters Nema and Cassie at the birth of his great-granddaughter, Luna. This brought him much joy.

He is survived by his immediate family: brother Carroll Mahoney; daughter Terri (Bo) Brusco; daughter Marie (John) Moore; grandchildren Adam Wellenbrock; Jesse Burley; Nema (Dave) Kinz-Bush; Cassie (Adam) Zosel; and great-grandchildren Lucas Wellenbrock and Luna Bush; his brother-in-law and true friend, Ron Ward and daughter-in-law and favorite dessert "chef" Vicki Wellenbrock and a host of Nieces and Nephews. Also included are countless friends, colleagues, students and admirers who appreciated his significant contributions to their lives.

LD was preceded in death by his beloved wife Billie in 2001; son David Wellenbrock; daughter Marilyn Hodges and granddaughter Simone Brusco; his parents; and brothers Arnold, Herald, Gerald and sisters Eulah, Alene and Emogene.

A visitation will be held from three o'clock until five o'clock on Friday, the 11th of September, at the Dowling Chapel in Cathlamet, WA.

A service is planned for Saturday, the 12th of September, 2015 at 11 o'clock at the Congregational Church in Cathlamet, WA. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Fred Hutchinson Research Center, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109 or the Cathlamet First Aid Division, 375. 2nd Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

Please offer your condolences at http://www.tdn.com/obits.