West Seattle, Washington
18 Wednesday
Family and friends will gather October 4 to remember John Enger. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:
John Enger was born in Princeton, MN on January 30, 1949 to Harold and Phyllis Enger. The family moved to Seattle in 1955. John graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967. In 1971 he graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Washington, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a track and field athlete.
John married his first wife, Jackie, in 1971 and they welcomed Ian on August 1, 1974.
In 1971 John began working for what would later become known as The Banana Pages, a local independent yellow page publisher. He would go on to become the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Co-Owner before selling the company in 1997/98 and retiring in 2005.
John married Karin in December of 1984. On November 12, 1986, their daughter Tori was born.
Rotary was a pivotal part of John’s life. He joined the West Seattle Rotary Club in 1975. Throughout his time in Rotary, he had held almost every position within the club. He served as the District Governor of Rotary District 5030 for the 2014/15 term. He truly upheld the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” John was always willing and eager to help in any way he could – for Rotary, for the community, for friends, and for his family.
John loved being a father, but he loved being a grandpa even more. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was so proud of Ian’s children, Treyton and Marissa. He loved spending time with Tori’s children, Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan. Even when he was no longer able to communicate well, just seeing his grandchildren would put a big smile on his face.
John lived a life full of things he loved. He cherished his time with the “boys,” hiking, shrimping, spending time in Chelan, “The Feast,” etc. Some of his dearest friendships lasting nearly 70 years. He loved traveling with Karin, especially cruising. They traveled to six continents together, including Ethiopia for a Rotary International Polio Vaccination project. John and Tori also traveled to Kenya together on another Rotary project. One of his greatest passions was Seattle sports. A Charter Season-Ticket Holder for the Seattle Seahawks, John rarely missed a game. He loved his Seahawks, Huskies, and even his sometimes painful to love Mariners. Beyond following his beloved teams, he was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia.
After a very fast but brutal battle with bile duct cancer, John passed away July 30, 2024. John is survived by wife Karin, daughter Tori and grandchildren Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan, son Ian and grandchildren Treyton and Marissa, and brother Tryg. We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 4th at South Seattle College Brockey Center starting at 1:00 pm. Please wear Seattle sports apparel in honor of John. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s name to help eradicate polio.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather Monday to remember Gladyne Douglas, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
Gladyne Rose Douglas passed away peacefully in West Seattle on August 16, 2024 at the age of 90. It was exactly eight months after the passing of her loving husband, Richard “Dick,” of 70 years.
Gladyne is survived by her five children: Debbie Valentine, Steve Douglas (Terry), Deanne “Coco” Douglas, Susie Szatkowski (John), David Douglas (Laura); eleven grandchildren: Curtis, Jr. (Sara) and Dennon Douglas-Majors; Chad, Rory (Laura Belle), Brady (Samantha), and Jake Douglas; Natalie Ceis (Nate); Jason and Matthew Szatkowski; Benjamin and William Douglas; and four great-grandchildren: Curtis Douglas-Majors III; Cormac, Augustin, and Jett Douglas. She was preceded in death by her sister Geri Thibodeau (Joe), along with her loving husband Dick.
Gladyne was born on January 25, 1934 in Seattle, to Guido and Annie Lucchesini. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming when she was about 2 years old, and her sister Geri was born there when she was 7. They relocated frequently within California, moving to Burlingame, where she stayed until she was 12. Then they relocated back to West Seattle, where her father took over the family business, The Delridge Tavern. Gladyne attended Holy Rosary High School, an all-girls school at that time. She went on to attend the University of Washington (UW) for 2 years, where she studied business and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. During her time there, she formed lifelong friendships with many of her sorority sisters.
At fourteen, as a cheerleader for Seattle Prep, she first laid eyes on Dick Douglas at a Seattle Prep football game and developed a serious crush on him, though she was too young to date. During Rush of her Freshman year at UW, Dick, a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, caught sight of her. It was during her sophomore year that they finally became acquainted. Their first date was in February, and by March, Dick had given her his fraternity pin. In October of that same year, Dick proposed to Gladyne.
During Dick’s leave from the Army, he and Gladyne were married on December 26, 1953, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Following the wedding, they traveled to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Dick was stationed. They settled into the officers’ quarters, and Gladyne was absolutely thrilled to leave her parents’ house behind. However, after six months, Dick was deployed to Korea, and Gladyne returned to Seattle to live with her family. Dick returned when their first child was nearly one month old; they settled in West Seattle; and Dick began his career with Boeing.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gladyne and Dick raised their growing family together. Gladyne excelled as a Master bridge player, a seamstress, and an upholsterer. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed playing board games and cards with friends and family. In 1971, she launched a successful career as a realtor with Sound Investments, a challenging feat in a male-dominated industry at that time. Known for her integrity and honesty, Gladyne earned a strong reputation in West Seattle, securing numerous sales awards and the trust of many clients. Despite her success, she chose to leave real estate in 1984 to accompany Dick to Saudi Arabia for a Boeing assignment.
Gladyne and Dick spent two years in Saudi Arabia until 1986, where they explored many exotic destinations across the Middle East. During this period, Gladyne traveled with a women’s group to India, with the highlight being a meeting with Mother Teresa. Upon returning from Saudi Arabia, she reentered the real estate field for two years before retiring for good. Dick retired in 1990, and they split their time between summers in Seattle and winters in Sun City West, Arizona, where Gladyne had many hobbies, a few being: volunteering within the community, participating in bridge tournaments, and playing tennis.
Gladyne had a deep appreciation for the arts, from museums and theatre to symphony performances. Each year, she and Dick looked forward to their annual trips to Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival.
Gladyne had a true gift for making every holiday and special occasion memorable. Her wonderful cooking and eye for making everything look beautiful created an atmosphere of warmth and joy at every gathering. A woman of strong Catholic faith, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Whether she was hosting friends and family at her home or simply enjoying time with loved ones, her vibrant spirit and positive outlook touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Douglas residence.
To share your condolences and memories of Terry, visit www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gladyne-Douglas
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering Maria Pertik and sharing this remembrance with her community:
Maria “Dr Mo” Pertik R.N./Ph.D. had many talents, but she was a dangerous cook. She specialized in kitchen explosions and fires.
She died joyfully on 9/3/2024 with her daughter and husband by her side. Maria stayed true to her belief in herself and ability to accomplish many dreams. She travelled the world, ran two marathons, volunteered at the free clinic and national parks, wrote two books, and cared for her mother with dementia. She worked as a nature guide for children in the Seattle parks and was a medical volunteer in the Amazon Basin.
On an airplane flight, she was the only passenger to jump up to help when a man lost consciousness, and ended up saving his life. She opened her home to strangers who needed help, and recently became a loving grandmother to baby Laila.
She faced death head on, embraced the impermanence of life, and spread her light wherever she went. She made the world a better place.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
We learned last week, via a post in the WSB Community Forums, that a longtime reader had died suddenly. That was a fitting place for the original announcement, as Mike Stahl contributed so much to discussions there back in the forums’ early (pre-social-media) days. He enhanced many news-comment discussions too. But his story went beyond discussion participation, as noted by the friends who announced his passing, as they provided this proper obituary to say goodbye:
Mike Stahl (miws to many of us) was a (mostly) lifetime resident of West Seattle.
He lived in many of West Seattle’s neighborhoods including South Admiral, Morgan Junction, and Highland Park. Mike graduated from Chief Sealth HS in 1976, and was a cashier for McLendon Hardware.
Although Mike was a self-described introvert, he remained active in his communities both online and off. Known as “miws” on the West Seattle Blog, he remained engaged with local happenings, commenting on posts until a couple of days before he died.
He was also a longtime volunteer for the local animal welfare nonprofit Furry Faces Foundation. He could be found as a greeter and cashier for the annual gift-wrap fundraiser at Beveridge Place, and table host during West Seattle Summer Fest.
Mike was an advocate for the homeless, having experienced homelessness himself and spending time living in a tent in the original Nickelsville encampment, as well as trying to navigate the system of local shelters when he got too sick to stay in a tent. He stayed active in the Facebook group “Facing Homelessness,” where he offered encouragement and hope to others dealing with the challenges that come with being unhoused.
When anyone talks about Mike, they remark on his “cheerful attitude,” or kindness, or resiliency. This despite his many years, particularly as an adult, of varying life-altering illnesses and their lifelong effects.
Since July of 2023, Mike was a resident of Park Place Senior Housing in the NewHolly neighborhood. He was happy there because he was able to maintain his independence in his own apartment, and able to get a helping hand whenever he needed it. The facility’s front desk host noted, “He was one of the few people who would lift his head and say ‘hello’ whenever he walked by.”
A remembrance in Mike’s honor will be planned and announced on the Blog.
We were lucky to have met Mike in person; when we tabled at local summer events, he would almost always stop by and say hi. But we knew him best online – as “miws,” our archives show, he posted more than 4,000 comments. (His first one, in March 2007, was so typical of his helpful nature, offering detour advice in a road-work discussion.)
Family and friends will gather Monday (August 26) to remember Garth Wheeler, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Garth Wheeler in the early morning hours of August 17, 2024. Garth died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodinville, on property he purchased in the early 1970s, and on which he built both his family home as well as his retirement home. Garth was 88 years old.
James Garth Wheeler, known as Garth, was born on May 17, 1936 to Wallace (Bud) and Elsie K. (Midge) Wheeler in Tacoma. Garth, who was the oldest of three children, had two younger sisters, Karen and Judy Ann. Garth grew up in Eastern Washington and attended high school in Richland, Washington. After graduating as a Richland Bomber in 1955, Garth joined the Navy where he became a ship’s purser and served on the USS Lyman K. Swenson. Garth enjoyed various deployments throughout the Pacific while in the Navy, and was also stationed in San Diego and San Francisco, California. His purser days instilled the love of accounting that Garth pursued as his career for most of his life. Following four years in the Navy, Garth attended Eastern Washington University and graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in accounting in 1962.
After graduating, Garth joined the public accounting firm of Touche, Ross, Bailey & Smart, and earned his public accounting certification in his first year, placing first in his test class. Garth spent ten years as a practicing CPA with Touche Ross before joining Lynden Transport Inc. as controller, moving his family from Bellevue, Washington up north to Lynden, Washington, near the border with Canada. After two years with Lynden Transport, Garth accepted a partnership role with Clark, Nuber & Co. in Bellevue, Washington, and relocated his family to Woodinville to live on three acres of property he purchased a few years prior. Garth continued to pursue financial-related positions of responsibility throughout his career, including with Howard Schultz and as head of finance and administration at Forest Ridge High School. Garth enjoyed not only financial work, but also spending time teaching and mentoring hundreds of people he worked with throughout his career. He eventually hung up his calculator after 50 years in the professional world.
In 1960, Garth met the love of his life, Roberta Ruth Beck, while attending Eastern Washington University. Roberta was born in 1941 and raised in Spokane, where she attended Rogers High School, graduating in 1959. Garth and Roberta began dating while attending Eastern and both transferred to the University of Washington two years later. The happy couple was married on December 17, 1961 in Spokane. Garth and Roberta raised a large, loving family of five children; Jay, Scott, Laurie, Sherry and Craig. They became grandparents in 1994 and at last count enjoyed 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Garth lived and exemplified his Christian faith throughout his life. He dearly loved and was deeply committed to his wife and family. Garth was known for his calm demeanor, quick wit, and his ability to make everyone feel comfortable and accepted. Garth loved trains. Rumor has it that when Garth found out that Roberta’s dad was a railroad engineer, his decision to marry Roberta was finalized. Garth loved the University of Washington Huskies, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Seattle Mariners, but only if they were winning. His other true love was reading and working puzzles. Garth was the ultimate handyman throughout his life, building a significant portion of the family home with the help of his two oldest sons. He loved construction projects, remodeling, and repair work – but mostly when it involved working with one of his children or helping out relatives or friends. Garth was always willing to help and brought his loving personality and quick wit to everything he did.
Garth is survived by his wife, Roberta, sister Karen, sons Scott and Craig, and daughters Laurie and Sherry. Garth was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Sister Judy Ann, and oldest son Jay.
A memorial service for Garth will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2024 at West Side Presbyterian Church, located at 3601 California Avenue SW in West Seattle.
Please share condolences, photos, & memories of Garth on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Garth-Wheeler
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather August 30 to remember Terry Sackett, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Marilyn Theresa Sackett, lovingly known as Terry, was born on July 31, 1946 in Glendale, California, and passed away on August 11, 2024. Moved to West Seattle at 5 with her family. Terry grew up on Marshall Avenue, attending Holy Rosary Elementary, graduating in 1960, and Holy Names Academy, graduating in 1964 before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of Washington in 1971.
In 1969, Terry had the opportunity to travel to Europe and Japan to visit family and friends, a journey that ignited her lifelong love for exploration. On July 1, 1972, she married David Sackett. They shared a love of reading and music. The following year, she embarked on a remarkable 36-year career at Boeing as a Technical Drafter for the AWACS program, a trailblazer in her field as one of the few women to hold such a position at the time. In 1976, Terry and David purchased a home just a block from her childhood residence. A few months later, their daughter Danielle was born.
Terry was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter, especially after her divorce in 1987. Choosing to remain single, she dedicated her life to raising Danielle. In 1990, Terry welcomed John into her life, who would later become her son-in-law. She guided him through college, teaching him to read and how to study, ensuring he would be a strong partner for her daughter.
The 1990s were marked by Terry’s love for travel with her family, particularly to Long Beach, Washington, her favorite destination. She cherished her stays at The Breakers, where she enjoyed flying kites, strolling along the boardwalk with her family, and indulging in a passion for fishing. Though she dreamed of moving there, life kept her in Seattle, where she continued to visit and create lasting memories.
In 1994, Terry became a grandmother to Christopher L. Otey, her pride and joy. She attended his baseball games, took him to school, and spent countless hours nurturing his growth. She also cherished her two other grandchildren, Miranda J. Otey, born in 2003, with whom she shared a special bond as fellow middle children, spending mornings watching Looney Tunes and completing puzzles together. Abigail J. Otey, born in 2012, the youngest of the family, held a special place in Terry’s heart. She helped Abigail with her schoolwork, attended her ballet performances, and enjoyed late-night conversations that stretched into the early morning.
After retiring from Boeing in 2009, Terry spent her days enjoying her favorite game shows, relaxing, and doting on her grandchildren. She often traveled by train to Portland with her grandson Chris to visit family. Terry had a deep love for dogs, with her favorite being a beloved companion named Dogberry. She was passionate about education and family, values she instilled in all who knew her.
Terry was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Margaret Dearey. She is survived by her older brother James (Jim) Dearey, her younger brother William (Bill) Dearey, Daughter Danielle Otey, her grandchildren, and her beloved family members.
Terry’s legacy of love, dedication, and strength will be cherished by all who knew her. Her memory will forever be treasured by her family and friends. Services will be held at Holy Rosary Parish in West Seattle on August 30, 2024, at 11 am.
To share your condolences and memories of Terry, visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Marilyn-Sackett
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Six years after she and her husband closed their longtime West Seattle Junction shop Terjung’s House of Gifts (4547 California, now Jet City Labs), Gloria Terjung has passed away. Here’s the remembrance we received today:
Gloria Marie Terjung (Pucci)
February 24, 1930 – August 3, 2024It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Marie Terjung (Pucci), our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and auntie. Gloria now joins her cherished husband, Gregor, who passed away in January of 2023.
Gloria was a life-long West Seattle resident and a proud and active member of her community. Born to Peter and Ethel Pucci, she was raised in the Italian neighborhood of Youngstown in West Seattle. Her family eventually moved 3 times: to Fort Lawton in the Magnolia area, Black Diamond on Lake Sawyer, and then to the Morgan Junction area of West Seattle. In adulthood, Gloria moved within the West Seattle area 4 more times. She attended Frank B Cooper School, West Seattle High School, and graduated from Tahoma High School in 1947, then married Gregor in the fall of 1950.
Gloria’s professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence, starting with clerical positions at John Hancock and Boeing, and devoted over 30 years of service as the Assistant to the Director of the Seattle Housing Authority. She also supported her husband Gregor’s daily operation of the family business Terjung’s Studio of Gifts in the West Seattle Junction for over 50 years. Her commitment extended beyond the workplace as a member of Soroptimist International of West Seattle, where she worked to enhance the lives of women and families in her community.
Gloria was a woman of many passions and found joy in gardening, sewing, camping, bookkeeping, boating, tennis, painting, playing the piano, listening to her grandson play the clarinet, ice cream, popcorn, clam chowder, and the color blue. Her culinary skills were renowned among family and friends, especially her famous spaghetti sauce, potato salad, and apple pie, which will be fondly remembered at family gatherings.
Gloria was known for her strong determination, tireless work ethic, and dedication to her loved ones. Her presence was a source of strength and inspiration, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
Gloria is survived by her daughters Gina McCullough Grohs and Gail Spores (Beldon); grandson Reis McCullough (Azusa); great granddaughter Noelle; sister Marlene Schlittler; niece Donna Irving and nephew Craig Schlittler; who all will remember her spirit, her laughter, and love for her family.
To share your condolences and memories of Gloria, visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Gloria-Terjung
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering Roberta McKechnie, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Roberta Wilma McKechnie
August 10th, 1952 – July 18th, 2024Roberta McKechnie (Bobbie to some) passed away peacefully in her home in the farm lands near North Branch, MI on the morning of July 18th, 2024 of natural causes.
Roberta was raised in the farm & ranch lands of Cle Elum and Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington and attended Easton High School. She was retired from the Seattle Department of Transportation, where she worked as a concrete finisher/mason and restored the historic cobblestone streets in Seattle. She moved from her lovely home in Lowman Beach area of West Seattle to be with her son Titus and daughter-in-law Cathy Preston and grandchildren near North Branch, Michigan.
She loved her cats, weaving, reading, gardening, cooking, and entertaining. She cherished the outdoors and hiking, fishing, and road-tripping the West in the camper van with her husband and family. Gardening, fixing breakfast and thick coffee for friends and family and being within nature made her feel most at home.
She is survived by her best friend and best husband Wes (Jr) McKechnie, children Titus Preston and Vivian McKechnie, and 6 grandchildren, Abby Zimmerman (Dean), Kailey Preston (Ryan), Emma and Lizzie Preston, David Stafford, (Katherine) and Cassandra Marie. She was preceded in death by her daughter Celeste Preston, her in-laws Wes (Sr.) and Berniece (Ryan) McKechnie, and father Robert Linza & mother Selma Hyde. Her special friends were Denise and Steve Worthington, Greg Whittle and wonderful cats B.C., Jack the Cat, Bessie, and Lady, they all gave her great comfort. God bless you in your well-deserved peace; we will keep your memory alive until we see you again, we love you, and miss you so.
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite animal shelter.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather September 27 to remember Paul “Mike” Wilson. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:
Paul Michael Wilson, affectionately known as Mike, a cherished longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away on June 27th, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on July 26th, 1951, to Paul Leroy Wilson and Rosemary Anne Tierney Wilson, Mike’s life was a testament to love, friendship, and service. Mike is survived by his devoted wife Pam Wilson, his sons Thomas (Emily) and Michael (Christina), and his beloved grandchildren Henry, Jack, Michelangelo, and Callahan, who affectionately called him “Papa.”
Mike’s early years were filled with joyous memories of boating adventures in the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, fishing trips, and carefree days at Alki Beach. Whether he was roller skating, skim boarding, or simply soaking in the local community, he embraced life with enthusiasm and joy.
As graduate of West Seattle High School, Class of 1969, Mike began his adult life by serving his country in the Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate on the USS Cochrane from 1970 to 1973. His naval service was marked by the formation of lifelong bonds. Upon completing his service, Mike attended North Seattle Community College and University of Washington, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Following college, Mike briefly worked with his parents at their unemployment agency before embarking on a career with UPS as a truck driver. It was at UPS where Mike’s dedication to workers’ rights blossomed; he became a shop steward, fiercely advocating for fair contracts. His passion led him to a distinguished career as a business agent with the Teamsters Union, first at Local 174, 313 and later at Local No. 763. Known as a formidable negotiator, Mike was renowned for his thorough investigations and adept application of labor rules, law, and contract language.
In 1980, Mike met the love of his life, Pam, and they made their home in West Seattle, where they started their family. Beyond his professional achievements, Mike was deeply involved in his community, coaching his son’s basketball and baseball teams, and contributing to the Holy Rosary Christmas tree lot. He cherished time spent with his family, teaching his boys to play cribbage and golf, and was always fond of visiting Husky Deli for his favorite ice cream. Mike found immense happiness in road trips to Sun Valley and family vacations in Lake Chelan. He delighted in the outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery and family escapades which included fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, and floating the river.
Mike will forever be remembered for his warm chuckle, bright smile, and his unyielding kindness and dedication. His legacy is one of love, fairness, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Mike at the West Seattle Golf Course on September 27, 2024, from noon – 3 pm. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Please share condolences and memories on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Paul-Wilson
Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather August 23 to remember Patti Wunder. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:
Patricia (Patti) Lee Wunder
January 18, 1949 – May 16, 2024Patti lived all but one year of her life in West Seattle, attending Lafayette Elementary, James Madison Junior High and West Seattle High schools; then on to Highline Junior College and the University of Washington.
Patti’s faith in and love of God gave her strength and helped sustain her for her entire life and she developed some life-long friendships through her faith. Although there were rough patches on Patti’s journey, she always knew God was walking beside her and loving her.
Patti is survived by her brother, John (Flora), their daughter Michelle (Troy) Johnson and their son Johnny and his son, Seve. She is also survived by her brother Rob (Sheryl) and their two sons, Robbie and Joey, cousins Karen (Yazel), Claire and Charlotte Boudour and many other cousins.
Patti’s memorial service will be at Peace Lutheran Church, 8316 39th Ave SW, on August 23 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the HealthWell Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather August 10 to remember John Kremenich, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
John Kremenich, current resident of Puyallup and former longtime resident of West Seattle, was called home in the early morning hours of June 11th, 2024.
John was born to Petar and Mary Kremenich in the village of Kornić on the island of Krk, Croatia (former Yugoslavia) in 1936. John would have much rather stayed in his beloved village tending to his animals, growing olives & grapes in the family orchard, and farming with his loving grandfather, but America was the premier destination and land of opportunity at the time, and so began John’s journey and legacy. He begrudgingly emigrated to the United States in 1954, to join the rest of his family, residing in the Croatian Riverside Community in West Seattle, and began working for the railroad with his father, as well as catching the eye of his future bride.
Even though he was not yet a U.S. citizen, he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Korean demilitarized zone, after the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to West Seattle, working for the railroad and rekindling his romance with his sweetheart, Eleanor, laying down his roots and starting his own family, raising three children.
John was a hard-working, self-made man, proud of his Croatian heritage, but extremely grateful for the opportunities given him in America, learning English on his own and constantly striving to improve himself. He exemplified the American Dream, that if you worked hard, and believed in yourself, anything was possible, a belief that he often talked about and passed onto his family and friends. He possessed an uncanny mechanical aptitude which enabled him to troubleshoot and fix most anything, always willing to “pay it forward” and lend a hand with his expertise to those that needed it, and pass on his knowledge so that others could benefit. This perseverance and talent allowed him to move on from the railroad, eventually working for United Airlines as well as a host of major hotel complexes and chains, maintaining mechanical, HVAC, and refrigeration systems, which culminated in a career as Head Building Engineer for the Safeco Corporation, responsible for the daily mechanical operations of the university district Safeco Tower as well as oversight over all the major east/west coast Safeco facilities … quite the accomplishment for a young man arriving from eastern Europe decades earlier, unable to speak English, with nothing more than the shirt on his back.
John & his wife remained longtime West Seattle residents as empty-nesters, and after retirement, moved to Puyallup to enjoy their golden years where John could spend his free time doing the things that he loved…gardening and tending to his beloved roses and meticulous landscaping, making frequent trips to the family vacation cabin retreat, traveling for pleasure and to visit his out-of-state family, and enjoying visits from his family and friends. John was a quiet, soft-spoken man, devoted to the lives of his family members and friends, as well as those close to them, and although folks may not realize it, he did whatever he could behind the scenes without any fanfare, to ensure their success.
John is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Eleanor Kremenich, son and daughter-in-law Allan & Diane Kremenich, granddaughter Shelby Kremenich, daughter Lisa Caffee, grandson Matthew Caffee, sister Frances Petervary, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death and welcomed home by his eldest daughter, Theresa Kremenich-Gallagher. Services will be held at All Saints Parish, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup, on August 10th, 2024 at 11:00 am, with reception following. A private graveside service with family will occur at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle at a later date.
The bells of The Church of St. James in John’s native village of Kornić rang out in sorrow on June 17th, 2024 to honor the loss of one of their own, and to call him home. There are many words to describe the impression John had on the lives of his family and friends, but his nephew summed it up best: “He was always the best man in the room, the kindest, the most sincere and our world without him will be a bit smaller.”
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
A memorial service is planned at 4 pm today in Normandy Park for the woman who served as a state legislator for our area for many years. Georgette Wald Valle was just four months away from her 100th birthday when she died on July 10th. Ms. Valle was a Democrat who served 12 terms in the State Legislature, including representing the 34th District 1987-1997. This photo was taken during those years, in 1989:
(Photo from Paul Dorpat Collection)
That’s Ms. Valle at right during a demonstration on the Admiral Theatre‘s closing night, when its future was in question. In addition to her service as an elected official, she also was involved with a long list of organizations from here to Burien, among them the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center of West Seattle (now the Center For Active Living), and Southwest Youth and Family Services. She founded the Environmental Science Center at Seahurst Park (to which you’re invited to donate in her memory). Environmental advocacy was a passion of hers, and environmental issues were a major part of what she championed in the Legislature. Ms. Valle stayed active long past her political career, which also included a stint on the Burien City Council; WSB archives feature this photo of her at the 2011 34th District Democrats‘ baseball game.
(With Ms. Valle and then-34th DDs member Karl DeJong is then-governor candidate Jay Inslee)
Ms. Valle, who was born into a Minnesota farming family, is survived by her two children and four grandchildren. Her memorial service is planned for 4 pm today (Tuesday, July 30) at Normandy Park UCC (19247 1st Ave. S.), to be followed by a reception.
Family and friends are remembering Lynn Jackson, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Lynn A. Jackson passed away on July 7th, 2024.
Lynn was born on May 5th, 1951 in Iowa City, IA, to Rod and Mary Taber, after which they moved to Gross Pointe, MI, where she would spend her formative years growing up and making life-long relationships.
After meeting, falling in love with, and marrying Dan Jackson and having two children, she would eventually relocate to the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, where she worked as a nurse and built a wonderful life for her family that included a network of loving friends who would remain dearest to her for the rest of her life.
Lynn was preceded in death by her husband Dan Jackson, and is survived by her children Brendan & Mairi (Duane), her grandchildren Dea, Aria, Aidan, & Lyric, Dan’s children Ian (Paula) & Jenna (and grandchildren Robbie & Savanna), her little brother and forever-sister-in-law Scott & Barb, her big sister Mary K (Dave), all of the beautiful Taber/Berry nieces & nephews, and countless more family members and friends from all walks of life.
A memorial service honoring Lynn is planned this month in West Seattle.
*Yaya is now in a better place, forever being followed by her moonshadow*
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Gloria Gaupp. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:
Gloria Jean Gaupp, age 94, of Seattle, died peacefully at Aegis Living on July 5.
Gloria was born in Seattle in 1931 to Nellie and Charles Gaupp. Gloria lived her entire life in West Seattle and attended West Seattle High School and Western Washington University.
While at Western Washington University, she was the Homecoming Queen and a member of the Viking Cheerleading Squad. After graduating, Gloria embraced her passion for teaching and shaping the lives of young people by teaching for over 60 years. She leaves behind thousands of former students, friends, colleagues at her church, and in her West Seattle neighborhood where she lived for 86 years.
All are welcome at the service celebrating Gloria’s remarkable life on Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 am at Galilee Baptist Church, 11517 SE 208th St, Kent.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather July 28 to celebrate the life of Ed Landin. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Edward Joseph Landin passed away on January 18th, 2024.
Ed was born in Seattle to Wilfred Eugene Landin and Eunice Slack on June 14th, 1947. Ed is survived by his three sons Edward, Joseph, and James, and his sister Virginia Landin. Ed and his wife Judy, who predeceased him, were laid to rest at Tahoma Cemetery earlier this year.
After serving in the Navy, he worked as an IBEW Electrician until he retired. He dedicated his time to his family and his community. He spent over 30 years volunteering to provide a means for children to play organized sports in the Southwest Seattle area and beyond.
He is most well-known for his support for Red Shield and SWAC (Southwest Athletic Club) by coaching, fundraising, and a slew of things he did to support the organization. He will be missed.
A celebration of Ed’s life is scheduled from 3 PM to 5PM on July 28th, 2024, at the White Center Eagles, located at 10452 15th Ave SW.
All who knew Ed are welcome to come and share stories, memories, and pictures.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather August 4 to remember Mo McQuarrie. They’re sharing this remembrance with her community:
Maurene “Mo” (Steele) McQuarrie passed away April 16, 2024 in her West Seattle home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Seattle on August 4, 1950. The middle of 5 children born to Lester and Jean Steele. Older brothers Dick and Dave and younger brothers Chuck and Don. Maurene married her high-school (Chief Sealth Class of ’68) sweetheart Fred McQuarrie on June 28, 1969. Fred & Mo raised their 3 children, Lindy (Joe) and twins Lesley (Yuki) and LeighAnne, and sometimes, when needed, extra kids too, here in West Seattle.
Mo was passionate about education and enrolled her kids in a Montessori preschool, well before it was cool – she was ahead of her time! She dedicated her life to giving her kids the best educational foundation she could. She volunteered a few days a week at Montessori while Lindy was in kindergarten. She had no idea her volunteering “just a few hours in the morning,” then assisting in the classroom a few days a week, would land her in a 20+-year teaching career. In 1988 she earned her Montessori Teaching Certificate and began teaching her own preschool/ kindergarten class. She really loved children. Fred called her the child-whisperer; she really was amazing. She wanted nothing more than to protect and teach children. She was a dedicated teacher and enjoyed her classroom for many years. She taught so many wonderful students; we couldn’t go to Target, anywhere in the Junction, or Thriftway without running into “her kids.” She was magical about how she presented new information to her students; it was like she was giving clues to solve a puzzle. She loved watching the delight when kids solved their puzzle. Little things like explaining how letters have names and sounds, then watching them put all the pieces together, and voila! A new reader was born!
She said she was ready to retire from teaching in 2007, but she never really retired from teaching. In her retirement she chose to be a stay-at-home grandma. She was incredibly dedicated to her grandbabies, helping them with their milestones and using her years of Montessori knowledge; she peppered a fresh batch of McQuarries for preschool. The grandkids hold her wisdom with the upmost respect, because after all, “Grandma is a teacher!”. She was magical; from birthdays to holidays, she was able to conjure up some magic and make their day sparkle.
Mo loved traveling with her bestie Dolores. They saw Italy, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Switzerland together. Their adventures were full of beautiful sights, delicious food, and occasionally, crime-fighting!
To say that she will be missed is an understatement. She will be loved always and missed forever.
Maurene is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Jean Steele, and her brothers Dave and Don Steele. She is survived by her crew of “Oldie Moldies,” brothers Dick and Chuck, her husband of 54 years Fred McQuarrie, daughters Lindy, Lesley, and LeighAnne, as well as her cherished grandkids Joey, Bridget, Gus, Mateo, Russell, and Ariana.
Services will be held to honor her graduation of this life August 4, 2024 at 2 PM at the Burien Community Center Address: 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien. If you are a former student, parent of a student, or a person who knew how awesome our mom was, please consider joining us in celebrating her life, details can be found online here – please RSVP.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather July 26 to remember Kelly Jean Wilson, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Kelly Jean Wilson, a lifelong resident of West Seattle, passed away on April 30, 2024, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on May 21, 1957 at the Doctors Hospital in Seattle to Dale and Peg Wilson. Kelly attended Hope Lutheran School, Denny Middle School, and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1975.
Following her high school graduation, Kelly attended beauty school and embarked on her career as a hairstylist. She worked at salons in Pioneer Square, South Lake Union, and 9th & Lenora, before starting her own salon in the Trigger Building in Sodo. Kelly reluctantly retired in December 2021 due to her illness.
Kelly also worked part-time for Seattle sports teams, concerts, and shows at both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. As someone who loved being around others, she enjoyed the camaraderie of her coworkers and interactions with the fans.
In addition to her work, Kelly had a passion for playing sports and being active. In high school, she lettered in volleyball and track. She played soccer for many years in an adult league as well as Gaelic football for the Seattle Gaels. Kelly also loved attending her kids’ sporting events, cheering them on from the sidelines. She was a fan of all the professional and college teams in Seattle and the Zags in Spokane. Later in life, Kelly enjoyed attending yoga and fitness classes and missed them terribly when she became too ill to participate.
Kelly loved going on camping trips with family and friends and enjoyed her time traveling throughout Europe and her multiple trips to Ireland.
Kelly had many lifelong friends, especially from high school. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her community and those around her, and her courage to take on any challenge that came her way.
She will be greatly missed by her partner Alan Gaskin, daughter Sara, son Joe (Margaret), sisters Vicky and Tammy (Marvin), brother Larry (Semie), as well as her many nieces and nephews and extended family.
A memorial service for Kelly will take place on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 7001 35th Ave. SW.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering George Felhosi, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
George was born June 6, 1939, in Óbuda, Hungary, a small, unincorporated town north of Budapest.
Born into a small family and the older brother of one sister, George fled Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. He was given two American dollars, so his father told him to run to the neighboring country of Austria with his neighbor.
After three days of arduous travel by foot, George made it to the Austrian border, where a farmer picked up the two young men in his tractor and took them to the Red Cross Refugee camp in Coasetanburg. After weeks in a retired military barracks, he and the other Hungarian men were bussed to Lido, Italy, on December 17th, 1956. There, the Italian consult offered them a choice: volunteer for service in the U.S. military for citizenship or learn Italian. Unfortunately for George, he was not 18; along with three other boys, he lived in Milan until his birthday.
Flying to Frankfurt, Germany, he and 40 other refugees were sworn into service for the U.S. Army. From there, he was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he attended an English language school for six months in 1957. Then, after finishing basic training, he was shipped off to Fort Lewis, Washington. From there, he was sent to Camp Kaiser, Inchon, Korea, where he served as a machine gunner in the primary invasion defense group, enduring 13 months of active conflict without leave. After his tours of duty in Korea, he transferred to the Atomic Fallout Recovery Division, then to the military sports club, where he played soccer for the American team, traveling for two years. Being discharged on June 27th, 1962, he returned to Seattle, getting a job at Bethlehem Steel for six years before becoming a longshoreman in 1969, working for 35 years at the Port of Seattle and retiring in 2004.
George’s love for skiing, Formula One, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles took him all over the world. George was a dedicated and loyal friend who we will all dearly miss.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather July 23 to remember Alice Elliott, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Alice Marie Elliott
11-22-1923 to 6-14-2024Washington State lost one of its Centenarians with the passing of Alice Marie Elliott of West Seattle on June 14, 2024.
Alice was born on November 22, 1923 to Fredrick and Agnes Grauvogl in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. She celebrated her 100th birthday this past November. Alice delighted in receiving personalized 100th birthday congratulation letters from U.S. President Joe Biden, WA Governor Jay Inslee, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
After high-school graduation in 1940, she attended the University of Wisconsin and Madison Business College. She returned to her hometown and worked eight years at the State Bank of Cazenovia.
She met Dennis Elliott in her tiny hometown. Romance blossomed, in spite of Dennis serving in World War II and moving to Seattle. In May 1954, Alice followed Dennis, and they married July 2, 1954. Sadly, Dennis passed away unexpectedly in 1975. Alice never remarried.
Alice’s banking career spanned 42 years, including 31 with Washington Mutual Bank in Seattle, starting as a teller and promoted to head auditor in 1974. She retired in 1985.
Alice enjoyed traveling with Dennis and good friends, exploring the U.S. and traveling internationally from 1970-97, including Germany to learn about her Family heritage. She liked cruises, beaches, music, and sports.
In 1996, Alice made the trip of a lifetime from NY City aboard the Concorde SuperSonic jet to Paris, returning via the Chunnel to London to board the Queen Elizabeth II luxury ship. A thrill, seeing the Statue of Liberty off the QEII deck at the end of the Transatlantic cruise.
Honestly, Alice’s front-window Seattle downtown waterfront view from her Alki condo inspired her independent living until November 2023.
She cheered Mariners, especially Ken Griffey, Jr.; Seahawks and Sonics. She was a proud 12. She visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Alice loved Hummel figurines, strawberries, mochas, Ivar’s crab cakes, chocolate martinis, denim jackets, Fifth Avenue Theatre, her Pomeranian dog “Ginger,” and hairdresser Missy. She volunteered at Mount Saint Vincent 20 years.
Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents, brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Joyce Grauvogl of Wisconsin.
Survivors include Goddaughter Dee (Joe) Strecker of Bellevue, nephew Steve (Polly) Elliott of West Seattle, longtime friend and Guardian Carol (Bruce) Hedrick of Lynnwood, her condo association Family, and many friends in Seattle and Wisconsin.
Funeral Services will be July 23, 2024 @ 11:30 a.m. at Providence Mount Saint Vincent Chapel, third floor, 4831 35th Ave. SW. Private inurnment at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline. Emmick Family Funeral and Cremation Services is entrusted with cremation.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering Alden Van Campen, and sharing this with the community:
Longtime West Seattle resident Alden John Van Campen Jr. passed away June 18th in Stanwood, Washington.
He was born in Seattle on 3/30/1930 to Alden Van Campen and Lillian Whitmarsh Van Campen. He spent his early years in the Ravenna, Richmond Beach, and Queen Anne neighborhoods. He attended John Hay Elementary School and graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1948. He served in the USAF from 1950-1954 and was stationed in Japan and Guam during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he began employment with Boeing, where he worked until his retirement in 1990.
He married Virginia Ann ‘Gini’ Larson in 1955 and moved to West Seattle, where he lived until 2023. Alden and Gini were blessed with four children and spent many happy years at the family cabin on Vashon. Alden was a self-described “Car Nut” and had and restored several classic cars throughout the years and was very active in attending the various car shows in western Washington. He also was an active motorcyclist, selling his last bike under family pressure when he was 83, he later tried a fast one, buying a moped when he was 88 to go to the cabin, until pressure from family made him return it. After his wife Gini passed away in 1991, he led a very active life traveling the world, building what his family described as a house around a garage where he kept his show cars, motorcycle, and however many other vehicles he had, never less than two more, wintering in Palm Springs and later, Arizona, spending lots of time at Vashon, and dancing at the White Center Eagles every Friday night.
After being diagnosed with Dementia in 2020, he had to make the toughest decision of his life and give up his beloved cars and move into the first of three assisted living facilities where, ever the ladies man, he never was without female companionship, he never lost his wit, and when asked if he had a new lady friend at the last place, said, “Well, you know Jack, I never plan it, these things just kind of happen.”
Alden was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald, his sister Mary, his daughter Kristi, and his wife Gini. He is survived by his children, John (Jack) (Jodi), Cyndi (Rob) Sparrow, Kurt (Ariel); grandchildren Amy Taylor, Jacob Sparrow, Kyle Sparrow, Kailey Gardin, Dylan Van Campen, and Matthew Van Campen; great-grandchildren Hunter, Riser, Dominic, Damian, McKenna, Cambri, Ember, Milo, Elena, and Emilia.
There will be no services at his request.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends will gather Thursday to celebrate the life of Lena Morel. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:
Lena (Angelina) Rose Morel
Born May 13, 1923, in Seattle to Joseph and Louise Merlino. She went to be with her beloved husband Leon on June 12, 2024. She was 101 years old when she passed away.
Lena was preceded in death by her mother and father Joseph and Louise Merlino, husband Leon, infant son John, and brothers Ernest and Michael.
She brought into this world four sons: Paul, Eugene (Beth), Stephen (Kathy), and Mark (Deanna),
Grandchildren Ryan (Marell), Angela (Ryan Binder), John, Stephanie, Melisa, Tim, Rachel, Anthony (Chelsea), Nicole (Curtis), Jeremy, Christopher (Shaunnacy), Dale (Anna), Stacey (Paco).
Great-Grandchildren Sam, Charlie (Angela), Addy, Evie (Ryan), Lena (Anthony), Natalie, Haley, Kate, Lindsey (Nicole), Preston, Kennedy (Christopher), Savannah, Logan (Dale), Charlotte (Stacey).
Lena attended Beacon Hill Elementary in Seattle. She was very proud of graduating from Immaculate High School and attended many class reunions. In her early life she worked at the family-owned Mission Macaroni, Majorette Macaroni, in the bakery department at the Bon Marche, and at Morel Foundry.
Celebration of life will be June 20th, at an 11:00 AM Catholic Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle. A reception will follow in the OLG church hall. Interment will be at Holyrood Cemetery.
Special THANKS to all the staff at Aegis Living West Seattle for the incredible and amazing love and care they showed our mother.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in West Seattle, where mom volunteered for many years.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering Al Boss, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Al Boss — an everyday hero who made people laugh with his sarcastic wit and irreverent sense of humor — died May 19. He was 63.
Boss was taken to Harborview Medical Center and put on life support after a fall. He was leaving a performance May 14 at the Salon of Shame, a theater in the International District showcasing bad writing from people’s adolescence.
Around 50 of his friends and family lined a hallway outside of the Intensive Care Unit of Harborview to say their tearful goodbyes. In his hand was one of his “Get out of hell free” cards. His son, Nathan, 25, knew he would appreciate it. Boss liked to give out these cards to people to cheer them up.
On LinkedIn, Boss referred to himself as a web developer, accessibility engineer, and a human Swiss Army knife. He prided himself on being a divergent thinker and was known for coming up with ingenious ideas.
Former colleague Elizabeth Inglese called Boss “seriously brilliant.” “He had a way of problem solving that took all components of a situation into consideration. He could look at scenarios from a 50,000-ft view but also from a boots-on-the-ground perspective. With everything he did, he approached it thoughtfully, carefully, and with a light sense of humor.”
Boss’ friends and family describe him as a frustrated optimist who was passionate about his family, loved ones, and giving back to his community.
He was a longtime volunteer for the Seattle King County Clinic, a giant four-day free health clinic at Seattle Center that provides dental, vision, and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access or afford health care. Project Executive Julia Colson told the family Boss will be dearly missed. “He was incredibly kind, dedicated, funny, and always fully present, engaged, and thoughtful. We are incredibly grateful for the time he spent with us, his commitment to making the world a better place, and the bright light he brought with him wherever he went,” she wrote.
Boss was also a long-time volunteer for the Seattle chapter of the Red Cross in disaster services. He was a board member for Third Place Technologies, a sponsor of Electric Sky art camp, which he looked forward to each year.He also volunteered at Creative Mornings – Seattle, was on the King County Library System Computer Advisory Group, served as the Puget Sound chapter president of the University of Missouri Alumni Association, and offered technical support to several nonprofit organizations, including Cancer Lifeline and Habitat for Humanity.
He taught web courses at South Seattle College and Cascadia College. One of his signature lessons was having students create a website that had the “worst user experience” to show students how they can often learn better from mistakes and what not to do.
He even opened his home to two young men facing housing insecurity and gave them stability and hope. One of those young men said Boss asked him what he wanted to do. He replied, “connect with people,” so Boss paid for acting lessons.
Boss knew life wasn’t easy. He grew up in Potosi, Missouri, a historical town of 2,500, located 72 miles southwest of St. Louis. His father, Marvin Boss, owned independent dry goods stores; his mother, Joyce Boss (Schneidman), managed the household. He was always the center point of their lives, and was also much loved by his older brother, Steven Boss, though they didn’t grow up together. He grew up with lots of open space and dogs, but he talked about being bullied for being Jewish, said his wife, Laura Duncan Boss.
One of Boss’ recent joys was discovering his birth relatives from DNA research. He was adopted and deeply enjoyed getting to know a new side of his family. He even spent the weekend before his death at the wedding of a nephew in California.
Boss graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in medical anthropology and community development. After graduating, he followed friends who moved to Seattle, and he met his wife in a French class at the University of Washington. She said they would talk in their cars for hours about everything. They were married in October 1991 in the Chinese Room at the Smith Tower. Their only child, Nathan, was born in 1998.
Laura Boss said her husband would take Nathan all over West Seattle as a baby and the two became such a favorite in coffee shops that Nathan asked if he could invite all the baristas at one coffee shop to his birthday party.
Boss started working with King County in 2005 on the web team. His colleagues said he spoke his mind in a clever way, using allegories, metaphors, puns, and clever acronyms. When arguing the case against pop-ups, he told a colleague, “How would you like it, if before you go shopping at Home Depot, you were asked if you would like to hear the history of Home Depot?”
Boss was admired for his passion for good user experience and accessibility. His interest was likely fueled by his own unique challenges. He had prosopagnosia, a condition where you have difficulty identifying people’s faces.
Recently, Boss became a dog dad after years of raising cats. A friend had asked his family if they would foster a German Shepherd she had rescued. But it was love at first sight. Boss and 73-pound Viktor, now 3, were inseparable and often traveled by bus to local dog parks.
Nathan Boss, who called his dad a saint and his best friend, said one of the greatest lessons he learned from his dad is to get creative, not mad. He said when his dad was in high school, he was tired of a kid stealing his spray deodorant so he disguised a can of spray paint with a deodorant label. According to his dad, the kid spray painted his armpits black and never bothered him again.
Albert W. Boss truly leaves the world a better place and has taught us all so much about having fun, giving back, showing up, and thinking outside of the box.
In memory of Al, the family asks that you become an organ donor, and find a way to give back to your community.
Al’s wife Laura was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. If you would like to help with her current and future health-care costs, you can do so here.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Family and friends are remembering Ken Olson, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Kenneth Raymond Olson, known affectionately as Ken or Kenny to his friends and family, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 4, 2024, in his native Seattle. Born on August 22, 1931, at Ballard Hospital, Ken’s journey through life was marked by his enduring charm, wit, and creative spirit.
Ken was a proud alumnus of West Seattle High School, where he began to shape a life full of accomplishment and service. Inheriting a strong work ethic, he took the reins of the family business, the Wardrobe Cleaners, which he ran successfully until his retirement in 1995. Ken’s entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop at the family business; he ventured into real estate and enjoyed working with various Seattle institutions, including the cruise ships docking in the city, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Seattle Sounders. His love for sports was further highlighted by his role as a part-owner and booster club president for the Seattle Rangers, the first professional football team in the city.
Ken’s passions were as diverse as his professional endeavors. He was an avid golfer, achieving the remarkable feat of shooting his age at 67. In his younger years, Ken was a fast-pitch softball player, demonstrating his athletic abilities and competitive spirit. His membership in the FreeMasons, Elks, and Eagles underscored his commitment to community and fellowship.
A true social butterfly, Ken relished socializing with friends, and he was known as an avid storyteller. In the words of Ken, “That was impressively unimpressive.” His humor and friendliness could light up any room, and his creative nature was evident in his various collections, which ranged from memorabilia to furniture and hats he made that he would joyfully share with others.
Ken is predeceased by his loving wives, Jeannette Olson and second wife Ginger Olson. He is survived by his three sons with Jeannette, Kenneth, Keith, and Kevin Olson, along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and cherished. Ken’s legacy is not only in the successful paths he forged but also in the warmth and laughter he brought into the lives of those around him.
Those who knew Ken would say that he lived by his own rules, he had a spirited Swedish demeanor, unwavering determination. and a reserved nature. Always self-composed, and a fortress of feelings.
Kenneth Raymond Olson’s life was a testament to the power of positivity, humor, and creativity. His friendly demeanor and his ability to find joy in every aspect of life left a lasting impression that will be carried forward by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Ken will be dearly missed, yet fondly remembered as a man who enriched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on his community (West Seattle) and beyond.
Please share memories, photos, and condolences for Ken on the Tribute Page at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Kenneth-Olson
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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