It’s “more than an obituary,” declared the subject line for the e-mail that began, “A neighborhood icon has recently passed away. He (and his huge, friendly dog) always walked the streets and so many people knew him — if not by name — and will miss his presence and be wondering what happened to him.” So this is in memory of North Admiral resident Jake Ellis Couch, gone at 83:
This sad news comes after a very long struggle with health problems that peaked on March 24 when Jake agreed to go to Virginia Mason Hospital. Tests showed massive damage to his heart and other organs from a silent heart attack some time ago. He was able to enjoy a few days visiting with family and friends while receiving excellent care from the hospital staff until his death on April 2.
Jake was from a proud fourth-generation West Seattle family. His great grandmother came north from California in 1902 in a covered wagon and settled on Gatewood Hill. He grew up in the North Admiral neighborhood and attended Lafayette, Madison, and West Seattle High, graduating in 1950 when he volunteered for service in the Korean War. Jake was a devoted family man who worked for Seattle City Light Underground, enjoyed skiing, the cabin he built near Crystal Mountain, the farm in Duvall, wood carving, and socializing with north Admiral neighbors while walking his dog.
We are so grateful to friends and family for concern and support. Your presence in our lives has given us the gift of joyful memories. No flowers please — remembrances can be made to your favorite charity.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
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