West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

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month : 05/2017 330 results

West Seattle weekend scene: Clouds return, beautifully
May 29, 2017 10:03 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Clouds return, beautifully
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

After a holiday weekend full of sun … clouds returned before sunset. But they returned in a beautiful formation – altocumulus clouds, according to @WestSeaWx. The photo above is from Kevin Callahan in Seaview; thanks also to Philip, Stephanie, and David for similar views.

P.S. Forecast says we have a chance of thundershowers tomorrow afternoon/evening!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police searching for car-theft suspects
May 29, 2017 7:48 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:48 PM: If you’re noticing the police presence in and near the 6700 block of Beach Drive SW [map], here’s what the search is about, according to SPD radio – two men stole a car, dumped it there, got out and ran. One suspect is reported to have run uphill toward 48th SW, another one southbound on Beach Drive. Descriptions we’ve heard are partial – one described as Hispanic, around 30, white tank shirt, jeans; the other described as white, mid-30s, 6’2″, baseball cap, red shirt. We haven’t heard where the car was stolen from – we’ve only heard it described as a Subaru.

8:03 PM: Still searching, with a K-9 team among the responders.

8:35 PM: Just talked with police who were with the stolen car (photo added above), whose owner is now retrieving it. They told us it was taken in the 4000 block of California. Meantime, a second K-9 has joined the still very active search.

9:39 PM: No further updates. If we don’t hear anything more, we’ll follow up with SPD in the morning.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Memorial Day ceremony reminds that each fallen fighter ‘has a story’
May 29, 2017 5:55 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

The numbers were daunting … the personal stories heartbreaking yet inspiring.

West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2713 joined forces again today for our area’s official Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery (WSB sponsor), a half-hour tribute to those who served and sacrificed.

Atop our story, you can watch video of the entire ceremony, starting just after Forest Lawn’s Hank Kerns welcomed everyone, mentioning the cemetery and funeral home’s 115-year history and commitment to the future.

Post 160 Chaplain Kelly Wadsworth gave the invocation, followed by Post 2713’s Ben Squires with two very personal stories.

He told of the day 66 years ago – June 2, 1951 – when two Marines came to his family’s door to deliver the news that his brother, Sgt. Walter L. Squires, had just been killed in action in Korea. At the time, another brother, Al Squires, had just enlisted in the Marine Corps and was also far from home, training in Southern California. Ben Squires’ memories were clear and painful, of his mother being presented with the telegram announcing her son’s death.

Fifteen years later, he continued, he himself was a “forward observer” in Vietnam – he explained that meant someone who “goes out with the infantry” and if they encounter trouble, they call in reinforcements. While he was out one day, a fellow servicemember was killed by an explosion, just yards away … 19 years old, engaged to be married, less than a month to go before he was scheduled to go home. “It’s hard to imagine, when you see the graves, crosses, and flags” – like those surrounding the ceremony site at Forest Lawn – “each of them has a story.”

The magnitude of the losses was at the heart of the stories told next by Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes, an Army veteran.

After reading the legendary 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” he spoke of watching a documentary about the 23 cemeteries overseas where more than 125,000 U.S. servicemembers are buried, and tens of thousands more remembered as missing in action: “Mostly ordinary men and women caught up in the calamity of war,” each withe their own tales of “courage and service …It’s for these heroes that we gather today.”

As Hughes recalled, World War I was supposed to be “the war that ended all wars … tragically, it wasn’t.” The sacrifices continue. He told the stories of U.S. Air Force Capt. Mary Therese Klinker, killed in a plane crash on April 4, 1975, during Operation Babylift, rescuing orphans from South Vietnam, and Green Beret SSgt. Mark De Alencar, killed fighting ISIS in Afghanistan just last month.

Capt. Klinker was 27; SSgt. De Alencar, 37. But the average age of those buried in the overseas cemeteries he had mentioned, Hughes said, was just 20 – “they left us too early … but what they lacked in time, they made up in valor.” He urged support not just for veterans but for their families and the families of those who gave their lives in service.

Also participating in today’s ceremony: Boy Scout Troop 284, singer Ross Hauck (with “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem), and Pete Kirkman and Al Keith with “Dueling Taps.” Before and afterward, the Duwamish Jazz Band entertained at Forest Lawn:

And shortly after the ceremony, Post 160 hosted a cookout at its headquarters in The Triangle:

Members and community volunteers began the day by placing flags along California SW in the heart of the West Seattle Junction.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Denny International Middle School staff honored for ‘leadership and inspiration’
May 29, 2017 4:45 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Denny International Middle School was honored by Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland after a presentation at the School Board’s mid-May meeting. Principal Jeff Clark shares the photo and report, saying the staff was:

… recognized by Dr. Nyland for continued success in eliminating opportunity gaps in math and literacy! Congratulations to all of the Denny scholars, staff, and families on this special honor!

We were presented with a framed certificate of appreciation stating, “In recognition of Denny International Middle School’s commitment to eliminating opportunity gaps for historically underserved students. We are fortunate in Seattle Public Schools to have a number of ‘positive outlier’ schools that continue to provide leadership and inspiration for our community. Seattle Public Schools recognizes and acknowledges Denny International Middle School’s hard work, success, and innovation. Denny International Middle School continues to ‘Eliminate Opportunity Gaps’ for our students.

The superintendent also spotlighted Denny’s achievement in his May 19th weekly memo to the board (page 4), noting that the key strategies at Denny include:

o Positive belief in the capability of each and every one of their Denny scholars.
o Standards-based curriculum
o Common units and multiple formative assessments
o Standards-based grading

The memo also mentioned another recent Denny achievement spotlighted here, regional competition in underwater robotics.

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VIDEO: A moving story, and what’s next for a former West Seattle house
May 29, 2017 1:53 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Two months ago, we reported on a house barged away from a lot on the south end of Beach Drive SW whose owners are building a new home. We mentioned that the tip about the move came from local journalist Jenny Cunningham, a former TV-news co-worker of ours who was working on an in-depth story about it for Seattle Channel. Above, you can watch Jenny’s story. And there’s a followup: In the story, you’ll meet the house’s new owner, who, when Jenny interviewed her, was hoping to move it to Poulsbo. We checked with Tawny Davis at house-moving company Nickel Bros, which has been storing the house along the Duwamish River in the meantime. She tells us the move is still on, tentatively set for June 20th – so if you see a house atop a barge passing West Seattle shores on that date, it’s probably this one!

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Celebrate National Trails Day with guided West Duwamish Greenbelt hikes next Saturday
May 29, 2017 12:33 pm
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 |   Environment | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news


(Lost Pond in the West Duwamish Greenbelt)

Explore your peninsula! Next Saturday brings a special opportunity – the announcement and photo are from Judy Bentley:

On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, hike locally without crossing the bridge.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group is sponsoring guided hikes in the largest urban forest in Seattle, on a ridge above the Duwamish RIver. Members of the trails group and Nature Consortium will be on hand to guide hikers and provide information on the history and reforestation of the greenbelt.

The first half of the trail is a constructed gravel trail. The second half is muddier and less developed. There are a few ups and downs and a bit of scrambling but only modest elevation changes, suitable for most ages with appropriate footwear. The trail makes a loop from the south end of the campus of South Seattle College, paralleling the campus in the greenbelt, to the Chinese Garden and Arboretum at the north end of campus, returning to the start along the campus and 16th Ave. SW.

Guided hikes will be at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Meet at 12th Ave. SW and SW Holly Street.

More details can be found here.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group’s work was also featured at the first stop on last Thursday night’s Highland Park Find It, Fix It Walk (WSB coverage here).

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WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY: Volunteers line The Junction with the Stars and Stripes
May 29, 2017 11:10 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

The flags that line The Junction on holidays like this are there thanks to volunteers – and this morning, West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 led the crew.

They gathered to retrieve, tote, and place the flags along California SW in the heart of downtown West Seattle.

The volunteers spanned generations – including the youngest volunteer, Ryder.

This is a busy day for Post 160 members – you’ll also see them at the Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW; WSB sponsor) Memorial Day ceremony at 2 pm, and they’re hosting a free community cookout afterward, starting at 3:15 pm at their headquarters in The Triangle, 3618 SW Alaska – all welcome at both events.

P.S. Volunteer help is also welcome for flag removal this afternoon – meet on the northeast corner of California/Alaska at 5 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY 2017: What you need to know
May 29, 2017 7:06 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news


(Juvenile bald eagle, photographed at Constellation Park by David Hutchinson)

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know this Memorial Day:

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: No regular traffic report today because of the holiday but you can check local cams here. … Metro buses are on a Sunday schedule … The West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule … Sound Transit Route 560 is not running today … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on its regular weekday schedule.

OTHER MEMORIAL DAY NOTES: Here’s the Seattle Parks list of what’s open and what’s not … Schools are closed … Seattle Public Library branches are closed … Today is a U.S. Postal Service holiday … If you’re going to a Seattle neighborhood with on-street pay stations/metered parking, there’s no charge today because it’s a city “free parking” day.

What’s happening today:

HELP WITH FLAGS IN THE JUNCTION: American Legion Post 160 invites you to help put up and take down the flags in the West Seattle Junction – meet outside Cupcake Royale on the northeast corner of California/Alaska at 9 am for the morning help and 5 pm for the evening removal.

COLMAN POOL, FINAL DAY OF FIRST PRE-SEASON WEEKEND: Swim sessions noon-7 pm at the city-run outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1 pm-4 pm (last group admitted at 3:40 pm), it’s the last day of this year’s first weekend of free tours at Alki Point Lighthouse. (3201 Alki SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: 2:20 pm brings a -2.5 low-low tide. 1-4 pm, you will find Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists on the shore at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park – look for the signs.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: The traditional ceremony presented by American Legion Post 160 and community partners is at 2 pm this afternoon at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), all welcome. (6701 30th SW)

AFTER THE CEREMONY: Post 160 invites you to a community cookout at its headquarters in The Triangle, 3:15-5 pm. (3618 SW Alaska)

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BIZNOTE: Tony’s Market opening Saturday, June 3rd
May 28, 2017 9:52 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

After lots of questions about when Tony’s Market – the produce stand at 35th SW/SW Barton (file photo at right) – would be opening for the season, we finally have the answer as of moments ago: Next Saturday, June 3rd. As we’ve been telling all the people who have been e-mailing us to ask, we’ve driven by multiple times a day hoping to find proprietor Joey Genzale there. A short time ago, a texter told us they had just talked with him at the market, and learned he planned to open next Saturday, so we detoured over in hopes he was still there. He was, and told us that the late opening this year – almost a month later than last year – is because the local produce is running so late after the long, rainy winter and spring. He also has done more remodeling inside the stand, so you’ll see some new fixtures when he opens. (If you’re new here – Tony’s is named for longtime proprietor Tony Genzale, Joey’s dad, who died in 2010. Besides spring/summer/early fall produce, the market also sells Christmas trees.)

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UPDATE: Emergency response on low bridge
May 28, 2017 8:09 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

8:09 PM: Avoid the low bridge – there’s a big police and fire response, and the eastbound direction is closed. We’re on our way to find out more.

8:33 PM: Officers tell us they are talking with a person in crisis.

9:20 PM: Still ongoing, and the eastbound side of the low bridge remains closed.

9:44 PM: Via scanner traffic, we’re hearing that the situation is wrapping up, without injury, so the SFD units that had been standing by are demobilizing, after almost two hours.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School state track-meet achievements, including Cass Elliott’s record-time championship
May 28, 2017 7:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports


(Photo by Kristin Arvidson)

West Seattle High School‘s achievements at the state 3A track-and-field meet include a championship and meet record. Head coach Will Harrison reports the meet highlights:

West Seattle junior Cass Elliott‘s outstanding 2017 season culminated with a state championship in the 300 meter hurdles on Saturday at Mount Tahoma High School. Elliott set the 3A state meet record in the prelims on Friday with a time of 37.61 seconds, but that mark did not last long, as he shattered it in the final with a time of 37.11 seconds – the fastest time in the state this entire year for any classification. He also finished 8th in the 110 meter hurdles (15.39 seconds).


(Photo by Erik Bell)

Sophomore Chloe Cunliffe (above) finished runner-up in the pole vault competition on Saturday with a mark of 12 feet. She later took 5th in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, 5.5 inches.

Junior Joe-Kirk Woodbury (below), ranked 16th entering the meet, finished 12th in the boys discus throw at 131 feet, 10 inches.


(Photo by Erik Bell)

In team standings, the West Seattle boys finished 27th, while the girls were 23rd. See full results here.

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SPORTS: State-meet success for Chief Sealth International High School girls’ relay team
May 28, 2017 5:21 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Kristin Arvidson for the photo of Chief Sealth International High School athletes at the state 3A track and field championships this weekend, including the girls’ relay team that took 7th place in the 4×100, 8th place in 4×200. Team member Quinn Wiley (#1150) also placed 6th in the 300-meter hurdles. She’s at left above with relay teammates Chloe Myers (#1147), Jessika Nelson (#1148), Imani Carey (#1146), alternate Carmen Yoshitomi (#1151). The championships were held at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma; full meet results are here.

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Longfellow Creek-area sighting
May 28, 2017 4:46 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Joan for the photo and report this afternoon:

I finally got a picture of a coyote in the Longfellow Creek Holding Basin, south side, located just east of 24th SW between Holden & Webster [map]. He saw me and jumped back so this is the best I could get.

This coyote is scrawny and thin. I saw another that looked young and healthy last week.

People are still letting their dogs run loose here so this is a heads up – go to the offleash park instead and keep your dog safe.

If you’re not sure what a coyote looks like, you can browse our archive of coyote sightings and see other, larger photos from past sightings. You’ll also want to read the state’s advice about coexisting with coyotes.

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UPDATE: West Seattle water-main break fixed
May 28, 2017 12:17 pm
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 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

12:18 PM: Seattle Public Utilities tells WSB that a six-inch water main has broken on Prescott Avenue SW in northeast Admiral [map], and repairs will require shutting the water off for at least four hours. SPU’s Cornell Amaya says about 45 services (households, etc.) will be affected, on Prescott SW and Prescott Place. If you’re in that area, you might already be experiencing lower pressure and/or discolored water. He adds that the water mains in that area are “pretty old, and sometimes they just break.”

1:43 PM: Update from SPU – the crews worked so fast, the water’s already back on.

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‘We should not forget’: 3 West Seattle WWII veterans tell their stories
May 28, 2017 9:40 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Take five minutes in honor of Memorial Day and those who served, by listening to three West Seattle men – all World War II veterans – tell their stories: 96-year-old Harry Rose, US Army Air Corps veteran; 95-year-old John Kelley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers veteran; and 92-year-old Elmer Lindseth, U.S. Navy veteran. The video was produced by The Kenney – where they live – and Jaroslaw Media.

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UPDATE: Fire response in 7300 block 30th SW, unfounded
May 28, 2017 8:21 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Fire response in 7300 block 30th SW, unfounded
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

8:21 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a possible house fire reported in the 7300 block of 30th SW [map].

8:33 AM: Turned out to be an unfounded report, and the call has closed.

8:42 AM: On the way back, we stopped by Station 37 to verify what we had heard on the scanner – they confirmed that before they closed the call after looking around the area, they had talked with the original caller, who said the smoke he had seen was gone. This kind of call is one reason we don’t report exact addresses of fire scenes until we can confirm them in person – sometimes the real-time SFD log shows an approximate or reported address, and might not be corrected for some time (if you see an address on the log that’s in all capitals, it means the address has changed since the original report).

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Ways to enjoy your West Seattle Sunday
May 28, 2017 7:54 am
|    Comments Off on Ways to enjoy your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Last night’s aurora postponed our plans to publish two beautiful sunset photos – so we’re featuring them here instead. Above, by Chris Frankovich; below, by Jim Borrow.

Now, highlights for the second day of your holiday weekend:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: See what all this sunshine has ripened! 10 am-2 pm in the street in The Junction. (California between Oregon and Alaska)

AMERICAN LEGION POPPIES, DAY 2: 10 am-4 pm again today at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), American Legion Post 160 is distributing Memorial Day poppies, as previewed here. (4201 SW Morgan)

LOW-LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Constellation Park south of Alki Point and at Lincoln Park, you’ll find volunteer Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists to help you explore the shore responsibly during the low-low tide, which is -3.2 feet today at 1:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL, DAY 2: The outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park continues its first preseason weekend, open at noon – schedule info in our preview. (To get to the pool, walk or bicycle from either end of the park – here’s a map.)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS, DAY 2: 1-4 pm today, you can tour the historic Alki Point Lighthouse; last group enters at 3:40 pm. Free, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. (3201 Alki SW)

MODE MUSIC STUDIOS PRESENTS OPEN MIC AT SKYLARK: 3-6 pm, it’s the monthly Get On Stage/Get Involved all-ages, no-cover open-mic event at The Skylark, presented by next-door neighbor Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor). Details on the Skylark calendar. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BLUES AND ORIGINALS: That’s what Brian Butler plays, and he’s performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm today. (5612 California SW)

MELANCHOLIC POP: That’s what you’ll find at Parliament Tavern at 8 pm tonight, with Echo Ravine, Mujahedeen, Jordan Campbell performing. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AND THERE’S MORE … on our complete-calendar page.

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PHOTOS: Aurora, seen from West Seattle!
May 27, 2017 11:15 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

11:15 PM: Expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen just tweeted the news of an aurora visible right here, right now:

She had been talking earlier about the possibility, and we were about to fold it in with some beautiful sunset photos we’d received, when she called to say it’s happening now. Here are her viewing tips (main one, “always look north”). More to come!

11:23 PM: If you’re interested in expert guidance while trying to get a look at the aurora, Alice is considering heading to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW).

12:35 AM: Alice reports an International Space Station sighting too.

12:50 AM: She’s moving on to Myrtle Reservoir Park.

ADDED 7:11 AM SUNDAY MORNING: More photos – first, from Jason Enevoldsen:

And from Jamie Kinney:

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CRIME/POLICE NOTES: From the beach and beyond, including dumped/found purse, bicycles
May 27, 2017 10:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Tonight’s roundup:

MOBILE PRECINCT STILL AT ALKI: We’ve been checking every day/night; this evening’s photo is from 57th/Alki around 8:20 pm, just before sunset. Very busy at the beach. We also saw bicycle officers. No major trouble reported so far but shortly after we checked out the Alki area, this happened to the south:

BEACH DRIVE CRASH: Mark sent the photo from a crash response at Beach Drive/Atlas within the past hour. It cleared fairly quickly – before we even were able to turn around (having just left the area) to go check it out. No injuries reported.

CAR PROWLER ON VIDEO: Brian shared this security video recorded early Friday just north of Lincoln Park:

He was awakened at 4:40 am “to the sound of my car alarm going off. Went through security footage and discovered this brazen individual swooping into our neighborhood and attempting to break into my truck. Luckily the alarm did its job and the guy sped off empty handed. Keep an eye out for a light-colored SUV with a roof rack/basket.”

ANYONE MISSING THIS PURSE? The photo is from Bri’Anna:

She says it was dumped in the 4100 block of Delridge Way SW: “They took everything but the earphones and keys. Keys are pretty important and at times hard to replace, so I thought I’d share.” She turned it in at the Southwest Precinct, so contact police if it’s yours.

Also ditched, likely stolen – these two bicycles:

RED BICYCLE: Andrea sent the photo above: “As I was driving through my family’s neighborhood this afternoon, I spotted this red Nishiki bicycle. Not sure if anyone had reported one stolen in West Seattle around Fairmount Park. Found at SW Brandon St and 40th Ave SW. I have brought it to my yard for now …” Yours? We’ll put you in touch.

And this one:

PURPLE BICYCLE: From Cass: “I noticed this bike on Roxbury near the corner of 30th SW a couple days ago. It’s still there, so I’m assuming the owner doesn’t know and hope you can get the word out.”

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Reader report: Truck trouble south of The Junction
May 27, 2017 9:33 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

The photos are from Eric, who says this truck took a wrong turn down residential 41st SW south of The Junction around 11:15 am, “squashed” an SUV, and got stuck “near the Hudson stairs”:

Eric says he empathized: “Driver was really young. I used to drive big rigs, felt for him. He was planning on trying to reverse all the way to Edmunds. I tried to help for half an hour but had to leave.” We don’t know where the truck was trying to go, but the city does have a map of “major truck streets” – Fauntleroy, two blocks east, is the major one in that area.

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Remembering Lorraine C. Foster, 1930-2017
May 27, 2017 6:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will honor Lorraine C. Foster with a funeral mass and burial next Friday (June 2nd) and a celebration of life on June 10th. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Lorraine Cecilia Foster, 86, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2017, in White Center (known to her as West Seattle). She was born on June 3, 1930, in Rolla, North Dakota. Lorraine was preceded in death by her son, Michael Dale Foster, and her sisters, Muriel Pearson, Doris Gardner, Aurora Skelton, Juliette Pearson, and Neoma Jones, and brother Joseph Garceau. She is survived by her husband Harold Dale Foster; her son Jeff and daughter Sue; her grandchildren Kara, Amanda, Matthew, and Mark; her brothers, Bill Garceau, Lloyd Garceau, Jim Garceau; and numerous cousins.

Born to Willie and Anna Garceau and raised on a farm in North Dakota, she was one of ten siblings. She had the most wonderful stories of her time growing up there. She moved to Seattle with her sisters Doris and Aurora to be with their sister Mert (Muriel), who moved to Seattle in 1945. Lorraine started work at Sears & Roebuck in mail order as a Biller in 1947 and stayed at Sears until the mail-order plant closed in 1987.

She met Harold Foster through her sister Aurora in 1948. They had a double wedding with her sister Muriel and Keith (Bud) Pearson, in 1950 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. They had three children – Michael, Jeff, and Suzette. They purchased their home in 1961 and would go on to live there for 56 years, with many family gatherings filling the home to the brim with laughter and wonderful memories.

Harold and Lorraine, parishioners at Holy Family Church, had their children attend Holy Family School, as well as their granddaughter, Kara, and many other cousins.

They went on to purchase camping property at Lake Trask Timber Trails in 1975 with many other Sears & Boeing families. Camping was a joy and an extension of their home. They made many friends over the years and the family would go on to create many more memories there. Her sweets were notorious amongst her grandchildren and their friends; her “hockey pucks,” the most famous of all.

Her funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 2nd, at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in White Center, located at 9622 20th Ave SW; her burial is to follow at noon at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton. Her celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 10th, from 2-5 pm at the White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW.

In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to Providence Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

(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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UPDATE: Van fire at 27th/Roxbury
May 27, 2017 3:51 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Van fire at 27th/Roxbury
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

3:51 PM: If you’ve heard the sirens or seen the smoke (one texter said it was visible from Westwood Village) – Seattle Fire is arriving at a van fire at 27th and Roxbury. The dispatch started fairly sizably because there was concern about “exposure” – possibly to a nearby structure – but per scanner, that didn’t turn out to be the case, and the response is being downsized. We’re still on the way to check it out.

3:59 PM: Fire’s out.

4:05 PM: Talked to firefighters. No one hurt. The possible “exposure” – concern about the fire spreading – turned out to be the tree under which the van was parked, as you can see in the photo we added above.

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TLC for LP: Dozens of volunteers @ Luna Park work party
May 27, 2017 3:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle news


(First two photos by David Whiting)

More than three dozen volunteers weeded, cleaned, and mulched in the Luna Park area this morning. Toward the right side of the top photo is Roxane Rusch, who organized the work party as part of the preparations for a Neighborhood Park and Street Fund project on its way to the area. SDOT-provided river rock is part of the landscaping preps, too:

At right, above, Luna Park Café owner John Bennett was among the volunteers, and he shared the next two photos, starting with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold pulling weeds:

So when you next ride, walk, or run through the area, you can appreciate the volunteer work – and if you would like to help, watch for word of the next work party.


(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

The original vision for the future city-grant-funded work … with the way paved by volunteer help … is in this WSB story.

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