"... To preserve the memory of the Washington State Department of Transportation fallen workers and to provide assistance
"... To preserve the memory of the Washington State Department of Transportation fallen workers and to provide assistance
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.
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.
Paul is an Eastern Region maintenance worker who was seriously injured in traffic collision recently. Donations are being accepted and will be sent to his family.
Please use the button below and be sure to include Paul’s name with your donation.
Paul Weber Testimony
Join your business as an Associate Member of the Foundation. Your benefits include a membership plaque, yearly recognition, newsletter, a link to your website on our website, and use of the Foundation logo. Most importantly, you will be helping WSDOT employees in their time of need. New members have an opportunity to select an item from the Foundation Gift Shop for free. Donors should consult the Sponsorship Application by clicking HERE.
There is a limited time opportunity in addition to the regular associate membership if you choose to become a Charter Associate member for an initial fee of $1,000 (and $750 each year thereafter). Charter members will be recognized annually.
If membership isn’t right for you at this time you can also support the Foundation by making a one-time donation. Every donation helps us fulfill our mission!
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)
Please reach us at info@wsdotmf.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
WSDOTMF is a charitable organization dedicated to providing aid and support to those in need.
You can donate to WSDOTMF through our website by clicking on the 'Donate' button on the homepage.
Yes, all donations made to WSDOTMF are tax-deductible.
The Washington State Department of Transportation Memorial Foundation aims to expand programs and scholarship opportunities across our state. Together we can make transportation safer for everyone. We value your opinion and thank you for visiting The Foundation online. Click Here to contact one our board members so that we may direct your inquiry to the right person.
WSDOT Memorial Foundation 120 State Ave. NE, #303 Olympia, WA 98501
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