"... To preserve the memory of the Washington State Department of Transportation fallen workers and to provide assistance
WSDOT Memorial Foundation
WSDOTMF: Supporting Employees and Families in Need
The Washington State Department of Transportation Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing financial assistance to WSDOT employees disabled in the line of duty, families of Fallen Workers, and those impacted by catastrophic illness or injury. Funded by donations and events, the Foundation is governed by a board of directors and registered with the Secretary of State, Combined Fund Drive, and the IRS.
Donate to Help With medical expenses
Ray Willard, Maintenance Operations
Ray was seriously injured in a non-work-related accident at home. Ray was life-flighted to Harborview with several broken bones and a punctured lung. Ray has undergone two surgeries already with at least one more scheduled. Ray is expected to be in the hospital for over a month recovering from his injuries. Shared leave is not anticipated for this first phase of recovery. However, the recovery is expected to last several months with intensive physical therapy. Shared leave may be considered at some point.
Ray (right) receiving his 40 years of WSDOT service recognition in August from Pasco Bakotich.
2025 Annual Meeting
Passing The Torch
Outgoing President John Conrad and incoming President David Sowers
Valley Electric
Foundation President John Conrad recognizes Valley Electric as a five-year associate corporate member. Jamie Stuart accepted the award on behalf of Valley Electric.
Council 28
Council 28
Foundation President John Conrad recognizes Council 28 as a five-year associate corporate member. Ashley Fueston accepted the award on behalf of Council 28.
Monthly Memorial Tribute
This month we pay tribute to and remember these WSDOT employees who died in work zone incidents:
Edward N. Abrams, Sept. 9, 1977, Southwest Region, Maintenance Lead Technician. Edward was trying to unhook a tilt bed trailer from a dump truck when he was struck in the head by the trailer hitch.
Albert E. Holman, Sept. 19, 1956, Northwest Region, Bridge Maintenance Technician. Albert fell to his death from the Deception Pass Bridge while working on a painting detail.
2025 Worker Memorial
The Memorial Foundation directors attended the Worker Memorial Event in Olympia on April 23, 2025, to honor and remember the WSDOT fallen workers. Foundation President John Conrad read the names of all the fallen workers at the event. Other speakers at the event included Pasco Bakotich (WSDOT), Belle Williams, Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith, and State Patrol Assistant Chief Shannon Bendiksen.
As pictured L to R: Steve Nevey (WSF), John Vezina (WSF), Andrea Fortune (Foundation Director), Mike Frucci (Director), Julie Meredith (Secretary of Transportation), Pasco Bakotich (Director), Todd Trepanier (Director), Don Clotfelter, Troy Cowan (Director), Dave Bierscbach (Treasurer), Chris Keifenheim (Director), John Conrad (President), Jay Wells, Mike Gribner (Director), Pat Morin (Director), Tom Pridmore (Facilities), Bill Ford (Executive Director), Doug Vaughn (Director), Zack Aguirre (Maintenance-MAP Team), Charles Smith (HQ Maintenance) and Jacob Hausdorf (Emergency Management)