Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Catherine “Cathy” Cook

Today we’re introducing Catherine Crabtree Cook of Hoquiam, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). She was recognized for her dedication and commitment to preserving records related to Grays Harbor County.

Cathy has worked diligently for many years to preserve obituaries and death notices for individuals with Grays Harbor County ties. When she began this project, she organized small work parties at her home to tape obituaries to index cards that she had carefully trimmed and dated from the local newspaper. Today, Cathy oversees an obituary collection that is scanned, indexed, archived and available on the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society’s website. To date, the index includes more than 80,000 individuals.

Cathy’s efforts to make the collection as complete and accurate as possible have allowed researchers from all over the world the ability to request a copy of their ancestor’s obituary. For her commitment and dedication to this project and the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.