Remembering Craig K. Coach, West Seattle HS Class of 1968

Family and friends have said goodbye to Craig K. Coach, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Craig Koch Coach died this morning (April 15th) after a short battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his loving wife Mary; his sister Karen (Bill) Smitherman of Tacoma; his brother Chuck (Lynnette) of Albuquerque, NM. Preceding in death are his parents Ray Sr. and Laura Jean Coach, and his brother Ray Coach, Jr.

Craig graduated from West Seattle High School, Class of ’68, and the University of Washington. He loved his time with his poker buddies, “Go Class of ’68!”

The family sincerely thanks the help of Providence Hospice staff for their compassion and understanding.

At Craig’s request, there will be no services. Memorials can be made to the West Seattle Alumni Association or Providence Hospice Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

21 Replies to "Remembering Craig K. Coach, West Seattle HS Class of 1968"

  • Steve April 15, 2017 (9:35 pm)

    I lived in a mother-in-law house across the alley from them. Nice couple, sad to read about his passing.

  • jim April 15, 2017 (9:58 pm)

    i will always remember coach for his kind words and reality .he was one of a kind to us ..we love you pal   jim  and jett

  • Patricia April 15, 2017 (10:36 pm)

    Oh Ruby, I am so sorry. You have lost your best friend. I will miss him greatly. I will however always think of him when I see fresh ripe peaches that he so enjoyed.

  • dsa April 15, 2017 (10:47 pm)

    It’s been several years since I’ve seen Craig, but because of his wit and enthusiasm I thought of him often.  I remember taking him home for some reason once and upon showing me the bungalow he says:  “Isn’t that the perfect West Seattle home?”  And then he proceeded to hand a squirrel a  peanut. 

    Take care of yourself Mary

  • Lisa at WS Thriftway April 15, 2017 (11:19 pm)

    So sorry to hear about Craig passing:( he was always in good spirits, kind , funny and relaxed positive energy…he will be missed greatly. Love to Ruby Roo

  • Victoria April 16, 2017 (8:11 am)

    So sorry to hear about his passing.  My thoughts are with you Ruby and his family.

  • Larry Giese April 16, 2017 (9:57 am)

    I remember Craig from high school, I think he was a cheer leader (not sure that is the proper name for what he was) lol. He was always so upbeat and part of the WS elite class. I am so sorry to hear of his passing as well as the passing of a couple other WS alumni this past few weeks.  My heart goes out to his family as I am sure he will be sorely missed.

  • PF April 16, 2017 (12:09 pm)

    Ruby so sorry to hear about your loss. Coach was quite the character!!!!  Things will change greatly now that he is gone but hopefully you will gain strength from your memories. Did not even know that he was sick, we just thought that you guys were hunkered down for this wet winter. No services, too bad. We will keep an eye out for you. Your friends, Paul and Donna. Dont  be leaving West Seattle.

  • Tim April 16, 2017 (1:29 pm)

    I’m so sorry to hear about Craig, Ruby.  I’m glad I got the chance to meet him.  He was always happy and ready to joke around without a problem.  Hopefully Sharon and I will see you after you’ve taken a moment.

  • tj April 17, 2017 (9:37 am)

    Dear Ruby,  We are saddened to hear of Craig’s passing.  Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Sending you much love, The Johnson Family.

  • yvonne zaske April 17, 2017 (10:58 am)

    Dear Ruby, I am so very sorry to learn of Craig’s passing. I do hope that you have the love and support that give you the strength and comfort in dealing with your loss. I loved Craig’s quick wit and engaging smile and will remember him with warmth in my heart. I’m sending love beams to you my swim buddy!

    Big hugs and love, Yvonne

  • Cal and Gail Gagner April 17, 2017 (1:36 pm)

    Shocked and so sad to hear of Craig’s passing. Cal enjoyed playing softball on The Dirty Sox back in the day. I met Craig and you at The Bridge after an WSHS All School Reunion, remembering how much you both loved music and dancing. That’s how I’ll remember you two. RIP Craig❤️🙏🏻❤️

  • Jami Vaux April 17, 2017 (2:32 pm)

    Ruby darlin’ my heart is with and and Craig’s family. He was so special, kind hearted, wonderful spirit. Though I hadn’t seen you lately I always enjoyed running into you two and having a light hearted fun loving chat that always included some good laughs. Take care hope I see you sometime soon, maybe the all school reunion. Hugs, Jami Vaux

  • Dave Chew April 17, 2017 (3:06 pm)

    Ruby, I’m heartbroken right now. I loved Craig like a brother.  Whenever he called to get a poker game going I loved to just talk with him about anything and everything. And of course the poker games were very special. As much gabbing about what’s going on and reminiscing about the good old days growing up in West Seattle and of course our class of 1968 as playing poker. Craig will always have a special place in my heart.  My heartfelt condolences to you and Craig’s sister and brother.

  • Cathy Davis McLellan April 17, 2017 (5:22 pm)

    ahhhhhh I am so very sorry for your loss Ruby! It was always a pleasure to see you &  Craig.  I remember our nice chat at our last class reunion.  May happy memories fill your heart😊

  • Steve & Terri Saxlund April 17, 2017 (5:38 pm)

    Ruby, so sorry for your  loss , Craig & his sister Karen & brother Ray  were  neighborhood friend’s  his parents were so well known, great memories from those junior high years at the Admiral, I  remember  Mr Coach  & Ray both working together , just a great family  and so sorry again for you all. Dang shocker 😰

  • Trish Maguire April 17, 2017 (6:10 pm)

    Ruby,
    I too will miss Craig’s love and laughter, whenever I ran into you both. Actually never saw one or the other, always the two of you Craig would call occasionally to chat and see how things were,  he was so great to talk with. My best wishes are for you Ruby,  if you are ever up for a walk in the Park give me a call
    Blessings and Love,

  • Bill & Diana Borrow April 17, 2017 (11:15 pm)

    Rube ..I’m still in shock…he and you were the glue that held so many of us “brothers of poker” together… we will miss his warmth and gift of gab. I mean the man could talk with anyone.  

    Di and I spent the week end thinking back on Pahoa days, Kona Divers and the mahi mahi, eggs and rice at Ken’s Truck Stop in Hilo… Craig will truly be  missed ! The best to you and Craig’s family…

  • Rob April 18, 2017 (7:21 am)

    Craig and Ruby were amoung the first neighbors to welcome us to this neighborhood; the kind of neighbors you always see walking in the neighborhood, or at the store nearby, or at summer block parties.  Craig always had a kind word or a story, or wanted to chat about local politics and neighborhood news.  We will miss him.   Our thoughts go out to Ruby and his family.

  • margaret April 18, 2017 (9:41 am)

    Ruby, I am so very sorry.  We go back to the beginning.  After things settle down, give me a call. I will be there for you dear friend

  • Rick April 19, 2017 (10:07 am)

    Very sorry to hear of Craig’s passing…..He was very kind to me back in the day…..He will be missed by many he touched……

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