Frank Vincent “Vince” Wolf
November 15, 1919 – January 26, 2013
Frank Vincent “Vince” Wolf passed away on January 26, 2013, at the wonderful age of 93 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his four loving children during the last days of his life. Vince was born to Frank Wolf and Ethel (Lohr) Wolf in Portland, OR, on November 15, 1919. He was joined by his brother, Maurice, four years later.
His family moved to Plains, MT, where his father ran the local flour mill. At the age of nine, the family moved to Rexburg, ID. Growing up in these surroundings began his love of nature which was to become a lifelong passion. Vince always had a strong work ethic. To help his family out, at age 10 he obtained a job picking potatoes. After his junior year of high school he worked for the Forest Service in northern Idaho. As a senior in high school his family returned to Plains, Mont., where he met Bonnie Johnston, the love of his life. After graduating from high school in 1936 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Vince and Bonnie dated until he joined the U. S. Navy in 1937, losing touch for a time, but fate reunited them in Seattle in 1944 while Vince was stationed as a radioman at Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island. They were married on January 28, 1946, in Waldport, OR. They made their first home at Battle Point on Bainbridge Island where Vince was stationed at the time. Their first child, Gregory, was born later that year, followed by son Fritz in 1953, daughter Janice in 1955, and daughter Bonnie Laurie in 1960.
Vince enlisted in the U. S. Navy on November 17, 1937, and retired as a Chief Radioman on May 4, 1959, after serving 22 years. After basic training, Vince was stationed on the USS Conyngham, a destroyer in San Diego. In 1940 the Fleet was moved to Pearl Harbor. Vince’s ship was sent back to San Francisco on November 11, 1941 and he was reassigned to Bremerton Naval Radio Station. He worked in Naval communications with the fleet using International Morse Code. In 1942, Vince was reassigned to Dutch Harbor, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. Dutch Harbor was attacked on June 3-4, 1942, by the Japanese. From 1943 through 1947 Vince was stationed in various places, including a British destroyer. During this period he was stationed for a time at Battle Point on Bainbridge Island. From 1947 through 1949 Vince was assigned to Guam. After Guam, he was assigned to ships that visited countries on the coast of Asia. The last ship that Vince served on was the USS Savage, and Vince designed the logo that appeared on the ship.
After retirement from the Navy, the family settled on Bainbridge Island. Vince worked at Island Lumber, Bainbridge Hardware in Winslow and for many years at Lumbermen’s before retiring in 1985. His years of experience made him a favorite resource for many local do-it-yourselfers. Vince believed that work should not be your whole life and one should follow your passions. For him that included art, reading, woodworking, nature, and most of all, family. He always was there for his family and made time to be involved in his children’s activities. Vince and his wife, Bonnie, enjoyed their retirement years together. They loved their life on Bainbridge Island and often got together with their children and grandchildren. They traveled, including two trips to Germany. Vince’s beloved wife, Bonnie, passed away in 1991 and he said this loss was the most difficult event he had experienced in his life.
As a boy, Vince was always interested in whittling wood, but he did his first true woodcarving in 1958 while on a ship in the Navy. He was self taught in this art and became a master woodcarver, earning numerous awards and accolades over the years. Polly Dennis, one of the founders of Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, was impressed by Vince’s work and his carvings were featured in exhibits in the early years of the gallery. His subject matter and style of carving covered a wide range, including various water birds, animals, Native American art, folk art figures, Old West figures and human form. He also did other types of woodworking such as cabinets, furniture and birdhouses. In later years he branched out into bronze sculpting. Macular degeneration began to take his sight about 14 years ago which eventually ended his ability to produce his beautiful work. Vince was an avid reader, a great lover of nature, an honest and giving man, compassionate and creative. This gentle soul was admired and loved by all who knew him. He will be so dearly missed.
Vince is survived by his son Gregory Wolf (Tobie) of Shoreline, WA, son Fritz Wolf (Manon) of Seattle, WA, daughter Janice Miller (Frank) of Bainbridge Island, WA, and daughter Bonnie Nesheim (David) of Kodiak, AK; grandson Erich Wolf (Bette) of Shoreline, WA, granddaughter Andrea Wolf of Shoreline, WA, granddaughter Malia Miglino Wolf of Los Angeles, CA, grandson Jordan Nesheim of Portland, OR, granddaughter Nicole Miller of Bainbridge Island, grandson Vincent Miller of Suquamish, WA, granddaughter Olivia Nesheim of Kodiak, AK, and great-grandson Jack Beltz Wolf of Shoreline, WA, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Vince was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ethel Wolf, his brother Maurice Wolfe of West Linn, OR, and his wife, Bonnie, who passed away on April 28, 1991.
A private family graveside service was held at Kane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of Vince’s favorite charities, West Sound Wildlife Shelter on Bainbridge Island or a charity of your choice.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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