Warner William Karshner

Obituary Warner W. Karshner Warner William Karshner died suddenly on Friday, July 18, 2008 in Gig Harbor, WA. He was born on August 12, 1946 to Don and Gayle (Buchanan) Karshner in Palo Alto, CA. Warner was raised in Arcata, CA where he began his educational career at College Elementary School. He graduated from Arcata High School, where he was named the outstanding male graduate for his accomplishments in theater, music, politics and academic achievement. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1968 Warner joined the Peace Corps, serving in Malaysia for six years. He earned his PhD in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Warner went on to begin his professional career in Puyallup, WA at Good Samaritan Hospital. It was in the Proctor neighborhood of North Tacoma where he welcomed his family with the births of his two sons. In 1990 he and his family moved to Gig Harbor where he continued his career as a licensed psychologist. Warner was very proud of his work within the communities of Gig Harbor, Tacoma and Puyallup. He found great satisfaction in collaborating with the Puyallup School District to ensure that his great uncle and aunt's mission continue through the Paul H. Karshner Museum. Warner was honored to promote strong educational programs within the Peninsula School District and was honored in 2000 and 2001 by the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce for his Community Service. He also received the U. S. President's Volunteer Service Award for community service in 2007. Warner was nourished by his love of family, friends, colleagues and the out-of-doors. He was tremendously proud to see both of his sons graduate from college and found true joy in his annual family vacations. Warner leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Diane Nason; sons, Eric Karshner, Park City, UT and Brett Karshner, Seattle, WA; his mother, Gayle Karshner, Arcata, CA; his brother, Gary Karshner, San Antonio, TX and very special nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. A celebration of Warner's life will be held Sunday, July 27th at 1pm at the Tacoma Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Warner Karshner Memorial Scholarship, Peninsula School District, in care of The Family Center for Behavioral Health, 4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 302, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.