Asbjorn Karsten Malones died peacefully at his home in Coupeville on April 8, 2011. He was 87 years old. Born in Aandalsnes, Norway to Sverre and Marit Malones, he was one of six boys and one girl. His teenage years brought many hard lessons, as Norway and his hometown was under German occupation. During his time in the” Old Country” he lived life to the fullest while learning his craft as a carpenter. Karsten was an avid mountaineer, scaling some of the highest peaks in Norway. Soccer was always in his life. He played for his home town league in Aandalsnes as well as in the Seattle area.

Karsten was always looking for adventure. This wanderlust led him to join the Merchant Marines where he traveled the world visiting far off ports. On a visit home, he met and married the love of his life, Aase Saunes. But his search for adventure was still not complete. In 1955 the now family of four, immigrated to Seattle. Even though he did not know any English, Karsten found work. He gained a reputation as an excellent builder and later a highly sought-after finish carpenter. He did a great deal of detail remodeling work including working for U.S. Sen. Warren G. Magnuson.

Karsten and Aase purchased a lot in Admirals Cove development in the early 1970s where he built a weekend retreat. Commuting between two homes became difficult so eventually they enlarged their cabin and became full-time residents of Whidbey Island.

Karsten enjoyed music, dancing and nature. He was always willing to help others, and later in life pass on his knowledge of his craft to others.

He became a friend to everyone he met. He was a great father, a wonderful grandfather and was looking forward to spending time with his new great grandson.

Karsten is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Aase Malones; his youngest brother Svein Malones in Norway; his daughter and son-in-law Anita and Mark Needler of Oak Harbor; two grandchildren, Lisa Anne Needler of Green Bay, Wisc., Sarah Marit and her husband David Rosa of Pensacola, Fla.; and one great- grandson, David Asbjorn Rosa of Pensacola.

Karsten was preceded in death by his son Steinar Malones.

Memorial services will be held at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home and Cremation, Oak Harbor.