Family and friends will gather April 27 to remember Tricia McLean, and are sharing this remembrance now:

Tricia Lynn McLean; October 6, 1962 – March 18, 2024
An Obituary and Love Letter from a Brother, for a Sister

Tricia died. Tricia. Died. …

Two words that are so opposed to one another that, when uttered together, it is simply incomprehensible.

“Wait… Tricia? Died? What?! No!?!”

Our hearts skipped a beat, our stomachs dropped, our mouths went dry, and those words spun relentlessly in our heads as we struggled to comprehend the incomprehensible. Yet, that is what occurred on Monday morning, March 18, 2024.

At the time of this writing, full comprehension only now setting in, acceptance still far ahead, there is a case to be made that contradicts those words and this tragedy: Tricia didn’t die. Tricia lived!

Born Tricia Lynn Owen on October 6, 1962, she was the second of five children to Robin and Beverly Owen. This was a Catholic household, so the kids came fast and early, close together. It was loud, busy, often hilarious, sometimes maddening. But mostly wonderful – in that classic middle-class 1970s ‘Brady Bunch’ sort of way. We shared bedrooms, rode bicycles, traveled in station wagons, ate at the table, said grace, camped, went fishing, watched drive-in movies, attended softball games – all of it. And all of it together.

Yet, somehow, the five of us managed to carve out our own individual identities. Some would say we were independent. Some would even say we were fiercely independent. And none of us more fierce than Tricia. She always had a certain determination about her. I think she considered herself somewhat of an underdog. She had a chip on her shoulder that fostered the audacity to rise above her perceived commonness; to be that person capable of proving anything she believed was right. A rebel. She lived.

As we all grew, grade by grade, matriculating through St. Anthony’s School in Renton, and on through Renton High School, this strong-willed rebel became a stunningly beautiful young woman, utterly devoid of conceit. She hated her hair. But she loved style. Britannia jeans, painter pants. Tricia was the taste-maker among us. She brought disco into our house. She loved soul. Dad didn’t much care for it, but that was counterculture. That was breaking the mold. She was just so damned cool. And that was the life… she lived.

And as she grew into adulthood, that chip on her shoulder began to fill with intellect, cerebral prowess, dignity, and class. She became resolute in her opinions and her choices. She was someone who seemed determined to manifest her own destiny. Tricia went on to college at Central Washington University. She valued education. She said many times, even then, that she would prioritize education in her family. College, she said, would be a requirement, not a choice. This, coming from a young lady who had grown up in a blue-collar, working-class home. Again, breaking the mold.

And she was right. I think college is where Tricia put all the pieces of that fierce independent personality, keen intellect, and sheer beauty together. She formed lifelong friendships, brought college radio home in the summer (Dad didn’t much care for it), and she traveled, spending a summer in France. She lived.

And oh the boyfriends… so many suitors; so little chance…

Until one day, having graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting and beginning to forge her career doing the books for a small wholesale bakery, in walks this young man with sandy blond hair, a big wide smile, and a casual, confident demeanor. He shared her ambition, love for education, and so many formative experiences in common, growing up. All packaged within a rakish, boisterous attitude that contrasted with Tricia’s ferocity. It was, indeed, a match made in heaven.

This, of course, is a love story of its own. But, suffice it to say that I think Chuck McLean was the first man in Tricia’s life that ever truly fascinated her. She would tell me years later, “I wasn’t sure about Chuck at first, but each day with him just kept getting better, then each year, and so on. And it still just keeps getting better.” That stuck with me. That’s living.

Tricia and Chuck were married in a beautiful winter ceremony in Seattle on December 21, 1990, and found a house near Lincoln Park in West Seattle. She gave birth to two girls, Chelsea and Julianne, and a boy, Charlie (Chuck). The birth of her first child seemed to have a profound effect on her. My sister, Tracee, said that at the moment Tricia held her newborn daughter in her arms, her true faith awakened.

They raised their family in the Catholic Church at Holy Rosary Parish in West Seattle; the kids attended school there. And of course, Tricia became integral in that church and school community, even becoming the chairperson for organizing WestFest, a huge carnival-like fundraising event for the parish, and President of the School Commission. She loved her church and lived her faith.

She lived.

As her children grew (all of them attending college, of course), so did Tricia’s career. She started at the Seattle Storm in 2008 when she was hired as the Vice President of Finance and Human Resources and in 2014, became their Chief Financial Officer. The Storm had become as much her family as her church had been. She made room for all of it. Tricia was the biggest Storm fan I knew.

What I didn’t know was just how accomplished she was. In 2019 she was recognized by the PSBJ as a CFO of the year honoree. I had to find out from Chuck. It wouldn’t surprise me if only very few of her friends and family knew the full scope of her accomplishments because Tricia was the last person to bring praise or attention onto herself. She never craved the spotlight, often choosing to spend birthdays away somewhere with Chuck. She would hate all this fuss about her, now. But that’s what happens when someone you love suddenly goes away. With so many friends and colleagues – too many to list here – and her family who are her everything…

And here we all are, still in shock. Tricia was always such a straight shooter; she didn’t mince words if she had an issue with you. Indeed, I can only imagine that she is currently having a few words with God about the timing of all of this. And yet, nor did she mince words if she told you how proud she was of you, or how much she loved you.

So neither will I. This sucks. There is no silver lining that I can see to such an amazing person being plucked from us at this time. Although, I don’t suppose any time would be ideal – Tricia just kept ascending. This final ascent is hard for us. But Tricia’s faith was strong. And so must ours be, for if we lose it, we jeopardize the chance to see her again.

So let us all go on, and live like Tricia would, or as best we can. Because if we don’t, it’s death.

There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, 27 April, 2024 at 11 AM at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tricia’s name. A few of her favorite organizations include Mary’s Place, Holy Rosary School – Fr. Mallahan Endowment Fund, and Turn Point LIghthouse Preservation Society. (The Lighthouse is where Chuck proposed and Tricia said “yes!”)

(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 Kath Giles and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Kath Giles died Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She ended her battle with cancer surrounded by family at her home in Mukilteo.

Kath grew up in West Seattle, attended Holy Rosary and Holy Names Academy. Kath met her husband George while working in a cannery in Seldovia, AK. They were married in 1968 and had three children while moving across the country for the military and George’s career. They lived together in Alaska, Washington, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania. After the untimely death of their son, Peter, they retired and returned to the Seattle area to be surrounded by family, friends, and in the area they love.

Kath was the de facto matriarch of a large and loving family. She loved jazz music, especially Ella Fitzgerald. She was often the first to lead a sing along of jazz standards. She spent hours tending to beautiful gardens in all of her homes, even becoming a master gardener. She had a soft spot for young children and would often teach them arts and crafts or be their pen pal. She worked as a preschool teacher. She was referred to as a “grand-neighbor.” She and George loved to travel and often did it with a large group of friends. Lastly, Kath loved to entertain – her home was a second home to many.

Kath is survived by her husband, George of Mukilteo, son Craig (Heidi) of Fort Collins, CO, daughter Monica Fuith (Chris) of Medford, MA, and two granddaughters, Camille and Natalie.

Kath was preceded in death by her parents Richard C. Kelly and Cecelia Kelly (Dick and Tommy) and her son Peter Giles.

There will be a celebration of life planned for the summer of 2024.

(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 Jo Oss. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Mary Jo Reichelt Oss was greeted by our Lord on March 14, 2022 and was reunited with her husband Richard, son Rick and Brother Edward. She was 90 years old.

Jo was a lifetime resident of West Seattle and Arbor Heights. She was an active member of West Side Presbyterian Church until her later years. She was a member for almost 70 years.

Jo started working when her children were little, doing home typing. She then worked for many years at a finance company. She finished her career with City of Seattle. Jo worked for the City of Seattle for over 25 years and was an Administrative Assistant to three Seattle mayors.

After she retired, she volunteered weekly at West Side Presbyterian Church and the Seattle Aquarium.

Her favorite activity was gardening and you could always find her outside tending the hundreds of roses in her yard.

She was an advocate of animal rights and supported many animal rescue centers such as Seattle Humane and Best Friends. Her home was never without a kitty or two.

Jo was also a baker. She enjoyed keeping family and friends well stocked with cookies, especially chocolate chip. Her home would fill with the tantalizing smell of Christmas cookies every December.

She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her last 14 months were under the loving care at Florence of Seattle.

She is survived by son David and Debi Oss, daughter Michele and John Malgren, grandson Ryan and Jessica (Meadowe, Maxim), granddaughter Allison and Scott (Macieo, Jack, Eleanor, Lainey and Andrew), granddaughter Lynnette and Craig (Orin, Karis), and granddaughter Olenna and David (Ezra and Georgie).

It is hard to sum up the life of a remarkable woman in just a few words. Jo is so missed and loved forever.

(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 Joanne Moon, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Joanne Rose Chicketti Heald Moon was born in Seattle on 2/18/1936 and passed away on 3/24/2024 in Buckeye, Arizona.

Joanne was born to Liberto Chicketti and Josephine Malaspino at Sisters of Providence. She was raised in what was known as Garlic Gulch in the Rainier Valley and graduated from Franklin High School in 1954. Joanne married Charles Heald in 1955, and they had two children together, Jeff (1955-2024), and Jodi in 1957.

After the end of her first marriage, she married George C. Moon (1924-1981) in 1965 and moved to West Seattle, where she lived until relocating to Arizona to be near her children in 2019. Joanne could be seen daily in the many years she lived in West Seattle up and down California Ave or along Alki on her five mile or more walks. She enjoyed her two fingers of Scotch daily at 5:00 PM, not 4:45 or 5:15 God forbid, 5:00.

Joanne lost her son Jeff in January of this year and is survived by her daughter Jodi Van Campen (Jack), her grandchildren Amy Van Campen Taylor, Ryan Heald, Jacinta Heald, and Dylan Van Campen. Her great-grandchildren Olivia, Collin, Dominic, Damian, Elena, Emilia, and soon to come great-great-grandaughter Ava, her stepdaughter Leona Moon, her daughter in law Donna Heald, her sister Rosemary Rutherford (Denis), nieces Nickie and Leslie Rutherford, and extended family and friends.

There will be no services, at her 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 next month to celebrate the life of Rob Gee. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:

Robert (Rob) Allen Gee, Jr., 59, of West Seattle, passed away on January 15, 2024 following a sudden illness.

Rob was a lifelong West Seattleite, attending Genesee Hill Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and graduating from West Seattle High School in 1982. He served over 30 years as a dispatch driver for the Seattle Times. After his retirement in 2014, he continued to work as a ride-share driver, enjoying the flexibility in his schedule so he could be available to his family. In addition, Rob was an accomplished guitar player and shared his passion for classical guitar by giving private lessons and posting online videos.

From Rob’s earliest days, he was known and loved for his deeply kind spirit, his quiet yet strong presence, his love and commitment to family and close friends. He was a devoted and caring father to his young son Troy, taking great pleasure in spending time with him and watching him grow into the adolescent he is today. In earlier years, he enjoyed working on houses, road trips (by car or motorcycle), his Rhodesian Ridgebacks Zach and Eli, fishing, basketball, and could play a mean game of chess (even by snail mail in the pre-computer era). He attended Westside Free Methodist Church for many years.

Rob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Beverly Gee, with whom he shared a lifelong friendship and partnership. He is survived by his son Troy, his sister Penny (Steve Oliver), close cousins Dale Robinson and Ron Moore, and other extended family.

A celebration of Rob’s life is planned for mid-April. Please visit this link to share a memory about Rob: emmickfunerals.com/obituary/RobertRob-GeeJr. Additional information on the celebration of life will be posted at the link as it becomes available.

(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 this afternoon to celebrate the life of Margaret Culbertson, and are sharing this remembrance:

In Loving Memory of Margaret L. Culbertson
June 19, 1927 – February 27, 2024

Margaret L. Culbertson, born on June 19, 1927, peacefully passed away on February 27, 2024. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, auntie, sister, and dear friend. Margaret’s life is a testimony to love, resilience, and the bonds of family. She touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Born to John and Jenny Bugenhagen in Wardner, ID. They then moved to Yakima, where Margaret spent her childhood and began working in orchards and canneries. She had 2 sisters; Remona and Dorothy preceded her in death. In 1945, Margaret moved to Seattle, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Louis “Tex” Culbertson. They were married for an impressive 64 years, having exchanged vows on July 31, 1946, at Fort Lawton in Seattle.

Margaret and Louis were blessed with three sons: Dale, Jim, and Sam. Her family continued to grow with the arrival of two grandchildren: Cherie’ and Sean. Seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren brought joy and laughter to her home.

Margaret enjoyed bowling and was an active participant in leagues at Roxbury Lanes and West Seattle Bowl with friends and family. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, playing many card games, Mexican train, and board games with family and friends.

Margaret had a green thumb and found solace in her garden, where she especially loved her roses, dahlias, and violets. Her flowers’ blooming was a testament to her nurturing spirit. She also had an amazing vegetable garden where she worked with Louis, and then she would do a lot of canning to provide delicious food for the year. The best canned peaches, pears, green beans, tomatoes, corn, and salsa would come from Margaret. But what she is most famous for is the best strawberry jam in the world! She couldn’t make enough to keep up with the demand.

She was always known for her warm hospitality and open arms. Thanksgiving dinners at her house were a cherished tradition. The warmth of the family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter, made those moments truly special.

Margaret’s life was woven with love, laughter, and the bonds that span generations. While we celebrate her life, let’s remember the impact she made and the memories she leaves behind.

Margaret’s Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4:30 pm, March 10, 2024, White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW. Please feel free to come by and share a story or two and enjoy hearing other stories.

There will be a private family-only graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Margaret’s name to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital – Support Health and Healing – MultiCare Foundations in Tacoma. This charity was near and dear to her heart, and she still made donations to them.

(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 Lorraine Presley, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Lorraine Rachelle Chevalier Presley, October 21, 1941-January 30, 2024

Born in Victoria, BC to Marie and Edgar Chevalier. Raised in Mornville, Alberta, Canada. As a teen, the family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where Lorraine graduated from high school. She wanted to go to college and become a doctor; however, her father would not allow it, because “she was a girl, and girls do not become doctors.” In 1962, while attending nursing school at a junior college, she noticed an advertisement for a stewardess job with United Air Lines and applied. She was the only woman of twenty-five applicants chosen for the job. She flew out of Chicago before transferring to Seattle in 1963. She settled in West Seattle and traveled the world – meeting politicians, celebrities, influential businesspeople and even an occasional mafioso! She shared many stories of her adventures in a world that was certainly a different era.

Lorraine met William (David) Presley, and they married in 1968. She had to leave her job due to regulations at the time requiring stewardesses resign once married. They made their home in West Seattle to raise their children Kari and Michael. In 1977 she chose to return to college, earning her RN degree then working at Swedish Hospital. In early 1980, she joined a class-action lawsuit against the airline for its regulation forcing stewardesses to resign upon marriage. The women won the case, and she gained her job back as a flight attendant with United. This gave her the freedom not only for herself to travel again, but her family were also able to travel. On occasion (for a change of scenery) she flew and lived out of Narita, Japan and London, England. She also flew out of San Francisco. Lorraine retired in September 2001.

In 1997 she and David moved to Grants Pass, OR. In 2008 she returned to West Seattle to be near her daughter and son. At age 65 she took an intensive three-month course to renew her Washington State RN license, working at Northwest Kidney Center. Lorraine returned to Grants Pass in 2019 to care for her husband. In January 2023 she was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. After a year bravely fighting cancer, Lorraine passed peacefully, quickly and without pain, her family by her side.

Among her talents, Lorraine possessed the highest standard of entertaining, cooking, presentation, and caregiving. She was an excellent seamstress. Making everyday clothing, one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes, and designer-worthy formal wear. Her cakes were beautifully decorated and tasted amazing. In retirement, she volunteered at soup kitchens and medical expeditions in Louisiana, Chicago, Grants Pass, and Seattle.

Lorraine was a strong, smart, creative, caring woman who gave so much of herself to all
who met her and will be greatly missed, never forgotten. She is survived by her husband David, children Kari and Michael, her sister Colleen and husband (Russ), their daughters (Dory, Michelle), sister-in-law Sue Soderstrom, her nieces (Joy, Janet, Debbie, Michelle, Susan, Diane) and nephews (Kevin, Tom). Per her request, there will be no memorial service. Her ashes are to be scattered over Puget Sound and Paris, France.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation in her spirit to any of her favorite organizations: Remote Area Medical (ramusa.com), Planned Parenthood, and Habitat for Humanity.

(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 Kim Buty, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Kim David Buty passed away at age 68 on February 9, 2024, at his beach home in West Seattle. He was born November 9, 1955, in Seattle, the fourth child of Frank and Bettie Buty. He attended Our Lady of Fatima Parish School and O’Dea High School, later studying at Western Washington University and then graduating from the University of Washington. He was married August 7, 1982, at Holy Rosary Church in Seattle.

Kim started working for his father’s Independent Delivery business at an early age and later owned and managed Master Movers, another family enterprise that was one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Seattle. Initially his main customer was Washington Natural Gas. His customer base evolved as he specialized in moving seniors into retirement homes. His efficient work and kindness toward seniors gained him many friends in Seattle retirement residences.

Kim was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and cousin to a large extended family. His fun-loving nature brought him a wide circle of friends as well. For him, hosting a large gathering on the Fourth of July was always the highlight of the year. He was a 38-year member of the Northwest Alfa Romeo Owners Club, serving three years as treasurer and two years as activities chair.

Kim enjoyed sailing and boating, beach time, his Samoyed dogs, tropical fish, travel, restoration of antique clocks, and gardening. He took pride in his garage he organized to house and display vintage cars and all things Alfa Romeo.

Besides his parents, Kim was predeceased by his sister, Sherry, and nephews Ryan and Nicholas. He is survived by his wife Paula, son Rocco, brothers Frank (Carlene), and Steven (Erin), nieces Nina, Christie Heartquist (Scott), and Shelley McCanna (Pat); nephew Mario (Janelle), as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. And Kayli, the family’s Samoyed.

Memorials may be made to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Family burial service will be at Calvary Cemetery.

(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 Darrellee Pavey, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Darrellee Pavey of West Seattle passed away on December 26 at Swedish First Hill after a nine-year battle with lung cancer.

She was born on January 6, 1951, to Fred and Helen Ihrig, in Seattle. She was raised by her mother, spending time in Oklahoma as her stepfather was stationed in Ft. Sill, then later lived in South Park, now a portion of Tukwila. Later she moved with her mother to West Seattle, where she attended Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School. It was in this timeframe she met her future husband, Pat Pavey.

Darrellee was married on October 29, 1971 and started homemaking with her husband and first son, Sean David, in the South Admiral area until a new home was built in the Fauntleroy Springs area. Having moved only 200 feet from Fairmount Park Elementary School, she took up her passion to work with children and was employed by the school to watch over children during their breakfast and lunch breaks. She also took up being a mother to her second son, Travis Christian.

It was the spring of 2015 that she was rushed to Swedish First Hill hospital only to find out she had small cell lung cancer and started the long path to tratment, including three rounds of chemotherapy as well as radiation treatments. Even with this devastating diagnosis, Darrellee continued on with her loves. One of those loves was the raising of her Golden Retrievers, raising four of them. A second love was her home and garden, where she spent most of her free time.

With her husband’s retirement from the Seattle Fire Department, and her sons long moved from the family home, Darrellee made an effort to maintain a carefree life even with her ongoing treatments for her cancer, but in the end the cancer won out. The year 2023 became her toughest challenge, and with visits to the hospital lasting longer it became obvious she was losing the battle. Nevertheless she maintained her poise and did not let the inevitable sway her. She had promised her brother that she would make one more Christmas and that she did. She also made her fifty-second marriage anniversary, celebrating while in Swedish. Her passing was not a surprise but it still left her family in heartbreak. She is survived by her brother Nick Barrie, sons Sean David and Travis Christian, and her husband, Patrick.

(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 Jeff Heald. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

Longtime West Seattle resident Jeff Heald died at his home in Buckeye, Arizona, on 1/3/2024 after a hard-fought battle against a very rare Salivary Gland cancer which metastasized into Lung Cancer.

Jeffrey Stephen Heald was born in Seattle on 9/18/1955 to Charles Heald and Joanne Chicketti Heald, and passed away surrounded by family on 1/3/2024.

Jeff attended Lafayette Elementary School, James Madison Jr. High, West Seattle High School Class of 1974, and finally Western Washington University, Class of 1978. Jeff married Donna Taylor in 1977, and settled in West Seattle, before moving to Mukilteo in 1995. Jeff and Donna had three children, Ryan in 1978, Danielle in 1981, and Jacinta in 1983; sadly Danielle did not survive more than a few hours. Jeff was co-owner of a commercial drywall construction company, Firstline Systems Inc., starting in 1987, where he was also CFO before retiring in 2015. Jeff and Donna had several vacation homes in Arizona over the last 24 years before finally settling full time in the residential community of Verrado in Buckeye.

Jeff loved all sports and played Soccer until he was 60, but his passion was Golf, which he played at least three times a week until he wasn’t physically able last summer. Jeff was also a huge New England Patriots fan for many years and traveled around the country with his family to watch them play.

Jeff loved life, his wife, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and his many friends. Jeff is survived by his wife Donna, son Ryan, daughter Jacinta, grandchildren Olivia and Collin, and great-granddaughter Ava arriving in July, his mother Joanne, sister Jodi Van Campen, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Verrado Golf Course Grille on 2/24/2024. And another will be held in Seattle this Summer, date and time TBD.

(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 this Saturday to remember Bill Whetham. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community now:

It is with great sadness that we announce William John Whetham (Bill), 84, passed away on February 8, 2024, after complications from a heart attack.

Bill was born to George and Inez Whetham in Niagara Falls, New York, on May 15, 1939. After graduating from Niagara Falls High School, he earned advanced degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Michigan and the University of Washington. A brilliant but humble man, he worked for Boeing for 40 years, obtaining 11 patents.

He is survived by Margaret, his beloved wife of 50 years; his five admiring children, Jennifer, Matthew, Catherine, Lizzy (Michael), and Caroline; and his first grandchild and namesake (due in May). Bill was always there for his family: we deeply miss his stable, stoic presence.

There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle, followed by a reception. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bill’s name to Father Charles’ prenatal and maternity clinic in Uganda, where a generator is needed to prevent medications being spoiled during frequent power outages: https://bit.ly/DonateInBillsName He was also a faithful supporter of the Union Gospel Mission and the Salvation Army.

If you can’t join us, it will be live streamed! Here is the information for the livestream:

Main Site

Scroll down to “Livestreaming Services”

Vimeo Link (Direct)

FB Link (Direct)

Please share memories, condolences & photos of Bill on the tribute wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/William-Whetham

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 February 17 to celebrate the life of Tom Slattery, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

Tom Slattery, 74, died the morning of January 22, 2024, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle against lung disease.

For his children, grandchildren and community, Tom leaves a legacy of advocacy for children, education, racial justice, and nature preservation.

Tom was born December 4, 1949, to Joseph and Helen Slattery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He grew up an active and curious kid in Columbus, Ohio developing an early love for books and cars. Tom attended and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1971 with a degree in education.

Following college, Tom moved to San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, Tom would meet his wife and best friend, Pat Reh, and they would welcome two of their three sons, Rob and Reed. Dale would arrive after the family settled in Washington state.

Tom enjoyed sharing music with others nearly as much as he enjoyed listening to it himself. Nothing would make him happier than turning someone on to a new favorite song or artist. He also had a gift with words and could easily evoke laughter through his quick wit and clever turn of phrase.

Throughout his adult life, Tom was never far from a camera. The result is literal volumes of photos of his family, friends, places he traveled, cars he admired, plants and birds. Oh so many photos of birds. He loved the minute details that differentiated them and the wide range of colors displayed on their feathers. He also felt this way about his four grandchildren that continuously delighted him and kept him young.

Tom spent the second half of his life in White Center with a backyard that yielded the many vegetables he would grow, sanctuary for the many birds he would photograph, and a place for his children and grandchildren to gather and play. It was in White Center that his commitment to community, specifically to the safety and wellbeing of children, would take root and grow. He served 16 years on the Highline School Board and worked for several non-profits toward these ends.

In retirement, he turned those countless photographs into books that he would gift to family and
friends. He would spend hours building intricate and different birdhouses he would display throughout the house. Together with his wife Pat, there were numerous trips to places such as Costa Rica, Belize, Palm Springs, San Miguel de Allende, and a final trip taken in the fall of 2023 on a riverboat cruise north on the Mississippi River, surely evoking the tales of his beloved author, Mark Twain.

Tom is survived by his wife Pat; his sons Rob (Marissa), Reed (Roxanne), and Dale (Jean); his grandsons Isaiah, Marcos, and Lucas; his granddaughter Izzy; and his brothers Bill, Ed, and Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents and many dear friends.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, at 3:00 p.m. at Mount View Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Kubota Garden Foundation.

(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)

That reader photo shows more heart lights in Gatewood – which we learned, after featuring two others, are not just for Valentine’s Day; some homes are displaying hearts in honor of a beloved neighbor who recently passed away. (Added – here’s neighbors’ video of more of them.)

The family of that neighbor, Valerie O’Mara, had in fact sent us this remembrance, as they prepare for her Celebration of Life on February 24:

Valerie Barrs-O’Mara, PA, of West Seattle died on January 26, 2024, at the age of 66. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side, after a nearly six-year battle with ALS.

She was born on December 17th, 1957, to George and Margaret Barrs, in Rockford, Illinois. She was raised by her mother, along with her two siblings, Kathy and Casey. Valerie and family moved to New Jersey when she was 16, where she graduated from Livingston High School. She attended Drew University, where she met her husband-to-be Michael, in her sophomore year. They met in Chemistry and wound up at the local pub after class. She graduated with a BA in Zoology in 1979. She often spoke of her college days and the lifelong memories that were made. She went on to attend Cornell Medical School’s Surgeon Assistant Program, in New York City.

Valerie and Michael moved to Seattle from the East Coast in 1981, after Valerie accepted her first Physician Assistant position with Providence. She was a PA in Cardiothoracic Surgery for nearly 40 years, with the bulk of her career at Overlake Medical Center. Before retiring in 2019 due to ALS, she served as the Valve Clinic Coordinator with Overlake-Kaiser Permanente, a role she cherished and loved. Her career was a true joy in her life. She cared deeply for her colleagues and the many patients she served. Upon her retirement, Overlake named an operating control room in her honor, in recognition of her 31 years of compassionate care and dedicated service to the Overlake Cardiac Program. She did get a kick out of having her own “control room.”

Valerie was a natural leader. She organized countless events for her children’s schools (Tilden and Our Lady of Guadalupe) including Halloween carnivals, field days, auctions, and fundraising. As a good friend pointed out, she accomplished more in one day than the rest of us get done in a month.

On March 9th, 2018, Valerie was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Even faced with this horrible diagnosis, she maintained her positive attitude and love of life. As Valerie has always done, she got to work quickly. She and her many supporters on “Team Badass” raised thousands of dollars to Walk to Defeat ALS. She served as a board member at the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Association. She was on the organizing committee with MLB for Lou Gehrig Day. In 2020, Valerie threw out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners’ First Annual Lou Gehrig Day, with family and friends cheering her on. As a longtime Seattle sports fan and a Mariners season-ticket holder for 30 years, this was a proud moment for her.

Valerie had many relationships she cherished deeply. Her husband of 41 years, Michael, was her caregiver throughout her long battle with ALS. He lovingly took care of her and often said being her caregiver was “the most important job of my life.” They found humor in the day-to-day things and laughed often. She loved her three children, John, Caitlin, and Keegan deeply, and her life centered around being their mom. She had a wonderful, close relationship with her sister Kathy and her brother Casey, who supported her and visited regularly throughout her fight with ALS. She loved her grandchildren Tilly (5) and Hugh (2) more than anything in this world. It was not uncommon to see Val, with Tilly riding on her wheelchair, going through her neighborhood or down to Lincoln Park. She also had many friendships, new and old, and she maintained those relationships seamlessly. She was fiercely loyal to friends and cherished them. As a close friend said, “She had a way of making each one of us feel like her favorite.”

It is hard to sum up who she was because she was such a force. She meant so much to so many. She was thoughtful, smart, generous, optimistic, and non-judgmental. She was quick to smile and had a great laugh. She always followed through with what she said she was going to do. She would often let the “f-bomb” slip when telling a (longwinded) story. She was simply the best and will be missed immensely by her friends and family who loved her. She fought courageously and beat the odds, living six years with ALS. She battled this terrible disease with grace and strength until the very end. Her granddaughter Tilly says it best, “Grammy can walk again”.

She is survived by her husband Michael, her children John (Kelly), Caitlin (Dale), and Keegan; her grandchildren Tilly and Hugh; her sister Kathy (Tony); her brother Casey (Liz); her half-siblings Lance (Kathy) and Kerry; and her sister-in-law Kathleen (Gary), as well as her cousins, aunt, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on February 24th at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle at 1 pm. We also plan to celebrate her in Pennsylvania in the Spring.

Memorial donations may be made in Valerie’s honor at either:
ALS CURE Project: alscure.org/donate
The ALS Association: 19717 62nd Ave S, Suite D101, Kent, WA, 98032

(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 February 10 to remember Freda Ricord, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:

Flora Alfreda ‘Freda’ Ricord
January 11, 1929 – January 22, 2024

Freda was born in Colorado and moved to West Seattle with her husband George in 1952. They bought a house on Genesee Hill, where they raised three children and lived for the rest of their lives.

Freda was very active in her church, West Side Presbyterian, where she was a member for 70 years. She was a MOPS mentor for over 30 years. She was active in youth ministry teaching Bible school, Bible studies, and attending youth retreats for over 60 years. She participated and led the Women’s Association, taught adult classes and served on 2 pastor-nominating committees. She loved to sing and was in the church choir. She was also active in the local PTAs and tutored high school math students.

Freda was an avid reader and she loved to knit, for herself and others. Most of the WSP babies wore her ‘fruit and vegetable caps’. She loved sports – there was always a game of some sort on the TV and she followed all the Seattle teams. Freda loved an almond croissant from Bakery Nouveau and a cone from Husky.

Freda and George had three children – Albert (deceased), Rhonda and Tim (known as TR), four grandchildren – Jordan Nichols, Kieran Nichols (deceased), Sam and Eli, and three great-grandchildren – Jaxon, Henry, and Inna. Tim’s wife Patty Sanders, Sam’s wife Emily, and Jordan’s partner Monika completed Freda’s family. She also considered the Aronson clan family. She touched and influenced many lives and will be missed by family and dear friends.

A memorial will be held for Freda on Saturday, February 10th at 1 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church – 3601 California Ave in West Seattle. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Continuum Hospice Care or Habitat for Humanity in Freda’s name.

(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 Susie Tennant and sharing this tribute with her community:

Susie Tennant, September 11, 1962 – January 18, 2024

Our beloved Susie Tennant passed away at her West Seattle home after several years living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurological disorder.

Susan Marie Tennant was born in Stuttgart, Germany, the third child and second daughter to Charles Edward Tennant (1937-2023) and Mary Jo (Sigler) Tennant (1938-present). As an army brat, between 1962 and 1980 she lived in Germany, Laos, Alabama, Kentucky, California, Arizona, and Virginia. She graduated from Lake Braddock High School in Burke, Virginia, then moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington like her grandmother “Sazzy” Sigler.

Susie and husband Chris settled in West Seattle in 1995, making their house (known as the Pirate Flag House) a home for their daughter Ella, son Eli, and many, many pets. The West Seattle community was held deeply in Susie’s heart. Susie popularized and branded the acronym WSHC (West Seattle Hardcore) as a beacon for community good. Susie championed all of the West Seattle schools where her children attended, and loved shopping at small businesses in the Junction, especially Husky Deli and Easy Street Cafe, where her children worked.

The most common words used next to Susie’s name — after mother and friend — are champion, advocate, and cheerleader. Many remembrances of her point out that people wouldn’t be who or where they are, and institutions wouldn’t exist, were it not for her support and generosity. She used her remarkable social skills not for self-gain, but to empower others and build community.

Her illustrious career encompassed, among others, Tower Records, Geffen/DGC Records (The David Geffen Company), Sub Pop, Experience Music Project (now MoPOP), KEXP, BMG, Town Hall Seattle, and The Vera Project. The last of those is an all-ages nonprofit space dedicated to community transformation through youth-driven engagement in music and art, which was a subject very close to Susie’s heart. When she was no longer able to work full time, Susie focused on improving her children’s schools. Her substantial community work and activism included Music for Marriage Equality, which played a pivotal role in legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state, and co-founding the Ladies Who Lunch affinity group for hundreds of women professionals in the music and entertainment industry.

Some musical artists of whom Susie was an early champion, and whose careers she helped shepherd, include Nirvana, Weezer, Beck, Sonic Youth, Teenage Fanclub, Hole, and myriad others. With a steadfast belief that great art deserves exposure, Susie insisted that commercial success didn’t have to clash with integrity, something which had seismic implications in Seattle as well as globally.

Susie loved Indian and Thai food (five stars, extra hot sauce), Freaks and Geeks, Nick Drake, thrift shopping with her daughter Ella, gardening, Betsey Johnson, frozen Snickers, big boots, Big Star, independent retail, WSHC, and Halloween. She could go from frenzied hilarity to loving therapist in a heartbeat, never resorting to negativity to score points or land a joke. Deeply committed to fairness, equity, and justice, she never tore someone down to lift someone else up. Susie was often in rooms full of famous musicians, but it was always clear who was the rock star.

Susie is survived by her husband Christopher Swenson, daughter Ella, son Eli, and mother Mary Jo, as well as her cherished siblings and loving adversaries Stephen Victor Tennant (Marianne Adames Tennant), the older and more handsome brother; William Glenn Tennant (Heather Milkman Tennant), the younger and fitter brother; and sister Catherine Tennant McGuire (Lee A. McGuire Jr.). She enjoyed 12 nephews, four nieces, eight great nephews, four great nieces, and counted 15 surviving cousins.

The best memorial contribution is to pay it forward Susie-style by sharing your knowledge, relationships, and love with friends and colleagues. Monetary remembrances can be made in her name to Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare Susie Tennant Memorial Fund (smashseattle.org/susie-tennant), Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital (smoochforkids.com), MusiCares (musicares.org), The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org) or the University of Washington’s Brain Aging and Dementia Research in the BRaIN Lab Fund (give.uwmedicine.org), where Susie made a legacy donation of her brain for research.

A public celebration of Susie’s life will be announced at a future date.

(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)

The family of Patti Schaefer Newman is sharing this remembrance with her community:

Patricia (Patti) Schaefer Newman, 66, of Seattle, died of a brain tumor on 1/16/24.

She was born in Seattle in 1957 to Marilyn and Bob Schaefer. Patti attended Central Washington University, earning her degree in teaching. Patti had many jobs, but most will remember her for her creative passions, such as baking and weaving. She was a proud graduate of West Seattle High School, class of 1975.

Patti leaves behind her children, Maclean and Lilli. She is survived by her siblings Diana, Scott, and Judy.

In lieu of flowers, please spend time exploring your creative passions in memory of Patti.

She can be seen in the 1975 reunion photo, second down, second row from the top, 4 over from the left:

(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 remembrance from the family of Charlie Nickels, gone three years:

Charlie Nickels

May 22, 1995-January 22, 2021

It seems like just a moment and also an eternity that you’ve been gone. You are loved and missed every day.

Family and friends will gather next Saturday to remember Joan King, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Joan Muir Batson was born on June 25, 1934 to Phil and Melba (Muir) Batson in Seattle, and passed away peacefully in the company of family and friends on January 5, 2024.

She was proud of her old West Seattle family, who first came to the Alki Beach area in 1919. She grew up in the Admiral district, but spent much of her time with her Grandmother, Martha Muir, who owned restaurants at Alki and later the Junction, one of which was located at the current site of the Great American Diner.

Joan attended Lafayette Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, from which she graduated in 1952. Her father, a Civil Defense official at the time, was posted to Washington, DC, so Joan spent her sophomore year attending high school in Alexandria, VA.

After briefly attending the UW, Joan left school to marry Ralph Seamens, and embarked on her true vocation: wife, mother, as well as a vocal and active member of her community. For many years, she was active in the West Seattle Hi-Yu, the West Seattle Art Club, the YWCA, Girl Scouts, and other organizations. Joan belonged to the West Seattle (now Admiral) UCC in West Seattle, and later Bellevue First Congregational Church, where she added her beautiful voice to their choir. Joan proactively raised her three daughters to be strong, independent woman (and college graduates!), and good mothers as well. No one could surpass her in entertaining, whether it was a picnic on the beach or a pull-out-all the-stops family holiday dinner, and doing it with, as many people have observed, so much elegance.

In 1977, Joan married Robert King, sharing a blended family, beautiful homes, and many trips and adventures on their boat, The Sceptre. After Bob’s untimely death in 1994, Joan left their house in Bellevue and purchased her own home at Providence Point in Issaquah where she resided until health issues prevailed.

While serving on the planning committee for their 50th high school reunion in 2002, Joan became re-acquainted with Tom Knapp, a fellow classmate from 1952, and they were together, sharing more trips and adventures, until her passing.

Joan is survived by her children and their families: Karen Dobbs, Jill (Jim) Gilliom, Renee (Brian) Thorngate, Chris (Karen) King, and Diane King (Jim Bowden); grandchildren Laura (Nick) Mitchell, Mark (Kelly) Wissing, Rachel Gilliom, Jacob Thorngate, Camden Thorngate, Julie Swanson, and Brian Loberg; great-grandsons Henry, Colin and Sam Mitchell. These children were all the Lights of her Life. Her dear partner Tom Knapp also survives her.

Services will be held at Bellevue First Congregational Church on Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 PM. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Bellevue First Congregational Church, the West Seattle High School Alumni Scholarship program, or to any local charity benefitting children, families or the elderly. Arrangements by Sunset Hill Memorial Park.

(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 January 27 to remember Janet Miller; here’s what they are sharing with the community now:

Janet Virginia Miller – reader, artist, wife, friend, mother, grandmother, aunt – died in her sleep, two months after a stroke, on December 29 in Spokane. She was 81.

The daughter of Harold Eastburg and Jane Humphrey, she was born September 25, 1942 in Spokane. Janet learned to read at 3 and never stopped. Her favorite book was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, which she reread annually since she was 10.

She graduated in the first class through Shadle Park High School. She dreamt of becoming a stage actress, a costume designer, a fashion illustrator, and/or a fiction writer. Her vocational profile recommended she become a librarian.

She attended Whitman College for one year, where the only things she learned were “how to drink and smoke.” She returned to Spokane, married Dennis Miller, and had two children and dozens of cats. Following his new job, the family moved to West Seattle in 1977. They were members of West Side Presbyterian Church, she for 39 years. She edited the church newsletter for 25.

Janet and Dennis were married for 45 years before his death in 2007.

She never lost touch with her high-school sweetheart, Dick Gibson, a journalist living in Des Moines, Iowa, talking and writing often. Dick encouraged Janet to move back to her childhood neighborhood, which she did in 2020. They planned on Dick moving back to Spokane too, before his death in 2021.

Over the decades Janet expressed her art by sewing dolls and their clothes, cutting silhouettes, building paper flowers, and making Christmas ornaments. She is known for her Scherenschnitte, the German art of paper cutting, and had drawings published in Paperdoll Review. Her latest craze was building paper house dioramas and pop-ups, such as her annual Christmas card.

She mentored her granddaughters, great-nieces, and a friend’s daughters, by teaching them to express themselves through arts and crafts.

Janet was known for her collection of large, bright earrings. She kept her mind sharp by reading mysteries and literature, following national politics, and beating the rest of us at Wordle.

Janet is survived by her son, Matthew and his partner, Kimberly Kelstone; her daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law Kai Molvik; three grandchildren, Maggie Molvik, K.C. Molvik, and Nathaniel Miller; her cat Sailor; and her friend of fifty years, Pamela Barclay. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; her sweetheart, Dick; and cats too numerous to name.

A memorial service will be 11:00 Saturday morning, January 27, at West Side Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

Janet loved red roses. Or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; to Wheelchairs for Nigeria; or to your local libraries and schools encouraging young girls to read, write, draw, and dream.

(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 January 20 to remember Terry Menstell. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:

Terrence (Terry) Anthony Menstell, age 63, of Seattle, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Terry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Leslie; his mother Marian; brother Steve; sisters Virginia and MaryLynn; his children Elizabeth (Tyler) and Katharine; and his grandson August. He was preceded in death by his father Robert and his brother John.

A proud graduate of the Culinary Arts program at Seattle Central College, Terry worked professionally as a chef in a variety of Seattle-area establishments ranging from the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, the Lakes Club, and the Harbor Club to senior living communities including Madison House – Kirkland, Queen Anne Manor Senior Living, and Sunrise Senior Living – Mercer Island and Bellevue.

A loving and dependable son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, co-worker, and boss, Terry always lent a cheerful and generous helping hand – from picking staff up and driving them to work on snowy early mornings, dead car battery rescues to computer troubleshooting, multiple household dump runs, and moving day help – truck and heavy lifting all included.

A memorial service will be held at (updated location) Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) in West Seattle at 12 noon on January 20, 2024, followed by a light lunch.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to FareStart: https://www.farestart.org/donate.

To share a memory about Terry, please visit the Dignity Memorial site: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/terrence-menstell-11611935

(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 Tuesday (January 9) to remember Huntley Mann. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

Huntley Shaw Mann Jr. went peacefully to be with Jesus on December 20th, 2023. He was the only son of Huntley and Ina (Whitehead) Mann. He was 91 years old. Huntley was born and raised in West Seattle and spent most of his life there.

Huntley loved to fish and hunt. His love for fishing and the outdoors began when he was a kid, spending summers in Alaska and Southern California helping his dad on his fishing boat. The love for fishing followed him throughout his life.

He met Marlene Hill at West Seattle High School and they married in 1952. After getting married, he served his country in the Navy overseas. Huntley was trained as a machinist at the Edison School in Seattle. He had the gift of being able to fix anything. Huntley and Marlene were blessed with seven beautiful daughters, 23 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

For 35 years, he took his family and friends on camping trips throughout Washington state, teaching them the art of fishing and boating. Baker Lake Resort was one of his favorite places and holds many loving memories with fishing stories, boating activities and camping fun with family and friends.

Huntley was a faithful friend to many and a constant support to his family over the years. He filled voids and helped so many, quietly, not wanting any accolades. Later in life, he regularly got together at the Metropolitan Market with his friends to share a morning cup of coffee, fellowship, and catch up on the latest West Seattle news. In his later years, he became an avid reader of all genres; historical, mysteries, and thrillers were among his favorites.

Huntley loved his family, a hot cup of tea with his grandma’s Scottish Shortbread or a good chew and all the family dogs that passed through his home over the years. He always had a treat for them when they visited. His grandkids could always count on an Almond Roca treat and a cribbage game when they came to visit.

During his last days when asked what words of wisdom he wanted to share with his family, he said, “Don’t do drugs and Go to Church!”

He always said “I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.” And he was!

He will be forever missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of his family and friends and all who loved him. Our hearts rest in the knowledge that our dad is alive and well in the arms of Jesus!

Huntley is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marlene; his seven daughters – Rhonda (Shane) Stanley, Denise (Saeed) Mahboub, Desiree Kjorsvik, Roxanne (Jon) Tunison, Deanna (Steven) Smith, Rachel (Jon) Daniels and Marlo (Michael) Maddy; 23 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service for Huntley on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Forest Lawn, 6701 30th Ave. SW). Following the service, a celebration of life gathering will be held at the Mann house.

(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 January 19 to remember Steve Lacher. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now with his community:

Steven Joseph Lacher
July 4, 1957 – November 21, 2023

Steve passed away peacefully with his siblings by his side after a very courageous, hard-fought 4½-year battle with cancer.

Steve grew up in West Seattle, graduating from Holy Rosary Grade School in 1971 and O’Dea High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Steve toured Europe on his 10-speed Schwinn bike between his Junior and Senior year on his own. After graduation, Steve attended Washington State University. Steve’s love of the outdoors and fishing took him to Alaska, where he spent several summers crabbing in the Behring Sea. Steve joined the US Navy in March of 1985, where he went to school learning the skills as a Boiler Technician. After his medical discharge from the Navy in October of 1989, he continued his education at Seattle Central Community College, earning an AS in Mariner Engineering. Steve used his education to work in his field in both Alaska and Washington. Steve’s last position was with the State of Washington as a Stationary Engineer 2 at Fircrest DSHS, where he retired July 1, 2023.

Steve loved his family, his solitude, his dog Bella, the outdoors, fishing, and all things football. He was disappointed with where the Seahawks were when he passed and had really hoped to be around to see the Huskies play in the National Championship.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Karlene Lacher and his beloved dog Bella. He is survived by his siblings Jean (Michael), Jolene, Jill (Mark), and Joe (Joy) and his nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM with reception following at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW.

Not being one who enjoyed dressing up, and with his love of football, one of Steve’s last requests was that everyone attending his service come wearing your favorite NFL or college football team attire or colors.

The family would like to thank Dr Henry Li and his staff at the Polyclinic Seattle for fighting Steve’s battle with him. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice of Seattle for the care and respect they gave Steve in his final months as well as the support given to our family.

Remembrances may be made to: Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 2811 S. 102nd St., Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168, or Seattle Humane Society, or to the charity of your choice.

(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)