"... 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.
Monthly Memorial Tribute
This month we pay tribute to and remember these WSDOT employees who died in work zone incidents:
Edward Bowles, July 5, 1955, Eastern Region, maintenance technician. Ed injured a finger while fixing the tail gate latch of the truck. He was immediately treated by a doctor but died several weeks later from tetanus.
Robert J. Forrest, July 7, 1982, South Central Region, transportation technician. Robert was on a paving project and walking with his back to the paving truck when he was struck by the truck.
Gordon Burlingame, July 17, 1992, North Central Region, avalanche control supervisor. “Gordie” was working alone to remove a 29-foot high radio tower from a dormitory building roof at Berne Camp on Stevens Pass. The tower became unstable, fell and struck him.
Patricia L. Oberg, July 19, 1989, Southwest Region, transportation technician. While on a survey crew, rocks at the end of a rock quarry gave way. Patricia fell to the bottom of the quarry, suffering head injuries.
Paul J. Yandt, July 29, 1953, South Central Region, maintenance technician. Paul was killed while working south of Connell when a truck and trailer pinned him against his highway department truck.
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)