Remembering Warren Lawless, longtime West Seattle entrepreneur and community advocate, 1918-2014

(2012 photo courtesy Karl Sutter)
West Seattle has lost a giant. Warren Lawless died early today at the age of 95, according to his friends and colleagues at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.

Less than two years ago, the club honored Mr. Lawless for his 50 years of service. In 2008, Mr. Lawless was recipient of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Community Service Award.

In addition to being a community-service champion and volunteer, his resumé included decades in publishing, including as founder of the West Seattle directory known as the Banana Pages. He was a writer as well, with a column on WestSeattle.com in recent years. He also worked in the osteopathic profession for more than 30 years, including service as executive director of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association and chairing the board of Western University of Health Sciences.

He continued a very active career in public service until the end; just a month ago, we photographed him as he volunteered during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. He was a past president and most recently the club’s Secretary Emeritus.

We will have more later about Mr. Lawless’s life, including memorial information when it’s available.

ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: A memorial service has been announced for Saturday, January 25th, at the West Seattle Golf Course, 2-6 pm.

6 Replies to "Remembering Warren Lawless, longtime West Seattle entrepreneur and community advocate, 1918-2014"

  • WS gal January 13, 2014 (10:38 am)

    My heart just sank. A West Seattle treasure.

  • miws January 13, 2014 (11:51 am)

    R.I.P. Warren….

    .

    Mike

  • Linda Cox January 14, 2014 (12:42 am)

    Yes, we have lost a very active member of our community. Nothing could honor Mr Lawless more than other folks in our community pitching in and volunteering. Kiwanis of West Seattle is a great way to get involved.

  • Dow Constantine January 14, 2014 (5:53 am)

    Warren Lawless has been our neighbor for nearly 50 years and as fine a man as one could meet. My condolences to his Kiwanis family and everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

  • jennifer lawless January 14, 2014 (2:03 pm)

    Papa will be having a memorial service on Saturday the 25th 2-6 @ the West Seattle golf course clubhouse. please attend thanks!

    • WSB January 14, 2014 (2:11 pm)

      Thank you – we’ve been waiting to hear about that – will add to story. – Tracy

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