The Beer Junction’s Morgan Herzog has died: ‘He will be forever missed’

Sad news from The Beer Junction:

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our owner, founder, and friend, Morgan Herzog.

Yesterday evening, just before 6 PM, Morgan passed away peacefully at his West Seattle home. After bravely battling multiple myeloma for the past three years, Morgan developed a respiratory infection earlier this week. This happened very suddenly and has taken us all by great shock.

The fighter that he was throughout this entire struggle, he found the strength yesterday morning to leave the ICU, so that he could spend his last few hours at home, looking out at the water, and in the company of his wife, Allison, and brother, Nate, who were both right by his side at the moment he left us. He will be forever missed.

While we were not prepared for this sudden timing, we’ve always been prepared for this possibility, and in Morgan’s honor, and wishes, The Beer Junction will remain here for you, just as you’ve been here for all of us. Thank you for your thoughts and support throughout this difficult time.

Allison, Patrick, and The Beer Junction Team

Mr. Herzog was 38 years old. He opened The Beer Junction almost 10 years ago, originally at 42nd/Alaska until the redevelopment of that site led to the move to its current location at 4511 California SW.

Alki resident January 31, 2020 (12:00 pm)

What a beautiful way to pass. I’m so sorry for everyone who lost him. My heart truly goes out to his wife.

ACG January 31, 2020 (12:04 pm)

My condolences to his family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.

J January 31, 2020 (12:12 pm)

I walked into the Beer Junction shortly after its opening with only a limited knowledge of beer. Morgan was super helpful and extremely nice about my questions. Even years later when the business had moved and grown, or when we would run into him around town, he remembered my wife and me immediately when he saw us. A rare business owner and member of WS community. Condolences to his family and co-workers.

Robert Dlugosh January 31, 2020 (12:15 pm)

I was the architect that designed the new space for him in 2011. He was a really nice client. Very sad.

Nate Herzog January 31, 2020 (9:11 pm)

You did a wonderful job, Robert. Morgan was very proud of what he was able to accomplish there.

Randy January 31, 2020 (12:22 pm)

The Beer Junction is such a big part of what makes West Seattle so great! What an incredible gift Morgan gave to all of us! I am deeply saddened by this news, but ever so grateful. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, and the community.

West Seattle neighbor January 31, 2020 (12:25 pm)

Hugs to you, Allison. We’re so sorry for your loss!

Jack January 31, 2020 (12:26 pm)

I am shocked and so sorry to hear this. Kaddee and I send our deepest condolences.We will hoist a few in his memory.

Jackie January 31, 2020 (12:30 pm)

From your neighboring business – we are so sorry for the loss of a loved one! Jackie & Dennis

KM January 31, 2020 (12:46 pm)

Morgan was always so helpful and friendly whenever I saw him at Beer Junction. My heart aches for all who knew him, and happy he could spend his final moments at home with his family.

WS Taxpayer January 31, 2020 (12:50 pm)

Similar experience as J. Morgan was a good one. He will be missed by the community!

justme January 31, 2020 (5:24 pm)

He was a very inspirational pioneer. He will be missed.

sbone January 31, 2020 (1:03 pm)

This is very sad news…my condolences to family and friends. Morgan opened shop the year i moved into town. I have had the pleasure of watching the business grow, taste many a fine beer and feel welcome every time i was there. I had a beer at the beer junction last night at 5:30…now i know why.

D January 31, 2020 (1:10 pm)

I met Morgan a week after he opened Beer Junction. He was so filled with optimism and had such a good outlook on the business he just started. He had every reason to be as if he saw the future. Going to Beer Junction seemed like a promise being fulfilled every time I walked into it. I love Beer Junction and the staff. Without knowing, I stopped into Beer Junction last night for a beer. It had been a while, and it seemed like I had to be there. The loss of Morgan is more than personal, it is a loss to the community. He reached out and was a person you wanted to like and enjoy. He brought personality to his business and compassion to the community it was birthed in. I will miss you Morgan, I will miss you a lot. Every single time I step into Beer Junction I will always remember you and what you brought to our lives.

ttt January 31, 2020 (1:15 pm)

I am so glad that Morgan took a risk and started the beer junction. We love that place. He had a wealth of beer knowledge. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Julia Jordan January 31, 2020 (1:16 pm)

On behalf of the Board of Directors, members and staff of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce we send our condolences and thoughts to the family and staff. Morgan will be missed.

Nate Herzog January 31, 2020 (9:13 pm)

Thank you Julia.

WSHC January 31, 2020 (1:30 pm)

Such a loss for the West Seattle community. We’ll miss you, Morgan, and raise a beer to you and yours this weekend.

MrsT January 31, 2020 (1:30 pm)

Our family is devastated to hear this. Morgan brought such a valuable meeting place to our community and we will forever be grateful to him for that. Here’s to Morgan and to the continuation of his legacy.

Timothy Loftus January 31, 2020 (1:35 pm)

I moved overseas a few months after The Beer Junction opened, Morgan was so awesome… so friendly, it made me sad that I was leaving just as he was starting up his biz. I’m impressed and inspired that it’s open for business 10 years on… and that Morgan’s legacy remains in tack in the hearts of friends, family and neighbours. Kia kaha

WS REZ January 31, 2020 (1:36 pm)

Rest in paradise, Morgan. My heart goes out to the family and we will continue to go to the beer junction and think of him. At least he spent his life doing something he truly loved.

miws January 31, 2020 (1:36 pm)

Such sad news. I didn’t know Morgan well, but on the few occasions I met him he always recognized me and was always kind. He and the Beer Junction have been such great contributors to the West Seattle Community. Condolences to his family, staff, and friends… —Mike

RIP... January 31, 2020 (1:42 pm)

Gutted to hear this. He was always such a friendly & upbeat person who ran his business well, and took community seriously.

M January 31, 2020 (1:48 pm)

Morgan was one of the first local business owners I met back when I first moved to this great community in 2010 from the east coast and Beer Junction was in its old location. Morgan had left a previous career similar to mine and I’ve always admired how he took this leap to start something he loves. It’s part of what makes me love Beer Junction to this day and I’ll think of Morgan every time I visit. My condolences to Morgan’s family and friends.

Jay Kornfeld January 31, 2020 (1:55 pm)

I loved Beer Junction from the day it opened in the small space across from Jefferson Square. Morgan’s optimism, good nature, and love of beer was infectious. Remember he and Allison doing it all in the early years. We all loved him and the community he and all the others at Beer Junction have created.

Victoria January 31, 2020 (1:58 pm)

This is heartbreaking to hear. My condolences to you Allison and the Beer Junction crew. Big hugs coming at you from your neighbors at VAIN

christine January 31, 2020 (2:17 pm)

so sorry to hear this news! we have loved the beer junction since the day it opened and will continue to do so. morgan was always so helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and always greeted me with a big smile! i remember one time walking up with my baby and realizing that she couldn’t go in. it was thanksgiving time and i had 4 growlers to fill. i saw a huge line inside but took a chance and called. i expected to get a voice recording but no, it was morgan who answered. he came right out, took my growlers, went inside and filled them for me. when he came out they were all nicely labeled – he handed them to me with his big smile and said ‘happy holidays, enjoy’. such a lovely man, he will be missed. glad to hear the beer junction will remain open and we will think of him every time we pop in. thank you for sharing this news (not easy) and for being a part of our WS community! our hearts are with you all!

WW Resident January 31, 2020 (2:43 pm)

Wow, that is sad. I remember when he first opened The Beer Junction in that little spot around the corner from Rocksport. RIP

Mike January 31, 2020 (2:50 pm)

Heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to Allison, Nate, the Beer Junction crew, and Morgan’s family.

TheJunction January 31, 2020 (2:55 pm)

With our love and deepest sympathy to Allison and everyone at The Beer Junction.

Much Love – The Junction

Lane January 31, 2020 (2:57 pm)

A truly amazing person, always eager to help and provide his expertise. I met him when he opened the first location across from Subway at Jefferson square mall. From that small hole in the wall to THE destination to purchase the best beer, Morgan made every trip an adventure. He will be missed!

David A January 31, 2020 (3:04 pm)

So very sorry to hear of Morgan’s passing. As a bit of a beer snob who didn’t know much about beer, Morgan spent time with me at the first location selecting beers to try. He always had a new recommendation for me when I entered the store and never was impatient with me, I will always remember his kindness. Our condolences to Allison, Patrick and the Beer Junction team. He will be missed.

My two cents ... January 31, 2020 (3:32 pm)

Condolences to everyone, family, friends, customers. At a loss of what to say, will just say that the previous comments all have brought out what made Morgan such a treasured asset to our community.

sam-c January 31, 2020 (3:38 pm)

This such heartbreaking news for the West Seattle Community. Condolences and peaceful thoughts to Morgan’s family and friends. We stopped quite a few times at the original location- while our small child was enthralled with whatever it was in the fish tank (? if my memory serves me right- there was a fish tank ?), Morgan answered our questions and made awesome suggestions. We’ve been to the ‘new’ location a little less frequently but we’ve always been impressed by the amazing atmosphere and amazing beer selection. Beer Junction is a unique space and such an important part of the Junction community. Happy to hear that his legacy will continue in this WS treasure.

Nate Herzog January 31, 2020 (9:18 pm)

Indeed you are correct! It was an oscar fish, named Pliny. (Who even happened to make it on the 3rd Anniversary Beer Junction t-shirt!) Thanks for your kind words.

Reeve & Mark Washburn January 31, 2020 (3:52 pm)

How terribly sad. We’re glad he spent his last hours at home with those he loved.

GordonMandt January 31, 2020 (4:07 pm)

Morgan was great supporter of the West Seattle Community and will be missed. His families (his own and those who worked at Beer Junction) will need our thoughts and prayers. RIP Morgan. Gordon Mandt

Mickymse February 1, 2020 (11:27 am)

Add me to the list of folks who remember when beer drinking days were very different here in West Seattle and Morgan first opened shop. He was always ready with a smile and a willingness to chat, answer questions about a beer or two (or six), and ask what more the shop could offer. With each move and business improvement he worked to develop the great community gathering space that the Junction in the Junction is today.He is gone too soon, and I express condolences to his loved ones. Let’s all raise a glass to him!

sc January 31, 2020 (6:54 pm)

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” – Samuel Johnson

Jort January 31, 2020 (7:37 pm)

This is remarkably sad news. Thank you, Morgan, for your dedication and passion for beer. People like Morgan are what makes the beer industry grow and thrive. As for us, our on-a-whim visit to the Beer Junction is literally what caused us to choose West Seattle as our neighborhood.

MD January 31, 2020 (8:43 pm)

We have never met personally nor have our paths crossed. Although I’m fully engaged in the energy Morgan provided this community. The business model and neighborhood contributions that were made by their company and family will always leave a mark in west seattle history.

WS hopeful January 31, 2020 (9:12 pm)

Allyson, so sorry to hear. Holding you and family in my heart!

Chris Dyer January 31, 2020 (10:45 pm)

Greatest guy, Morgan will be missed, so sorry to hear this.

Mike February 1, 2020 (12:04 am)

Always friendly, kind, and helpfully beer-loving. A builder of an original and great West Seattle place. Thank You Morgan.

EB February 1, 2020 (1:19 am)

What a great business he created. Truly a gem in our little village. So sorry to hear this news.

Laurel February 1, 2020 (6:25 am)

What a testament to the good that Morgan and his family brought / brings into the world. He and the Herzogs are held close in our hearts.

Bob Loblaw February 1, 2020 (8:18 am)

For many, Morgan was the heart and soul of West Seattle and the defining spirit of the community. He leaves an incredible legacy that will forever bless the community, and a legion of friends who are more knowledgeable than most about beer thanks to his willingness to pause during his busy day to provide guidance and education. His business will no doubt continue to thrive, as will others he helped spawn in West Seattle and beyond. Sending love and light from LA to Allison, Patrick and all Beer Junction family members past and present. This is an incredible loss. <3

David Pedack February 1, 2020 (9:52 am)

I am so very sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to Morgan’s family and all those who work at the beer junction. I remember the first time I shopped at the old location and had totally forgotten about Pliny the fish! Morgan was a true class act. Friendly, smart, and a real inspiration to those of us still sitting behind the desk in a corporate job. The Beer Junction is a pillar of the community and one of the reasons I hope to never leave West Seattle. Thank you for everything Morgan; rest in peace friend.

hoss February 1, 2020 (11:26 am)

Visited his original spot in the first weeks of it opening and from that visit, was able to foster a growing friendship with Morgan. Every year for WS SummerFest I supplied him security for the store to check IDs and watch the back door. I always made sure that I was sending him the best I had, because he deserved it, and I felt like anything less would be letting down an absolute treasure of a man. Very saddened at this news and my heart and love goes out to his family and friends, he will genuinely be missed and, to be honest, it just won’t feel right this summer without the obligatory email from Morgan asking about security and how everything is going. Love and light to all.

Kyle February 1, 2020 (11:48 am)

Crushing news to say the least. I remember being so excited that I no longer needed to drive to Wallingford or Georgetown to visit a bottle shop. Visiting Morgan at the original small space was always such a joy. Always behind the counter. Always so helpful and excited to share all his knowledge and run down on all the new beers on hand. As life moved on and the shop was moved my visits became less frequent, but Morgan always remembered me when we would meet, say hello and have time for a conversation. God bless him and his vision for this wonderful community asset! God bless to Allison, and all his family and friends.

Seaweed February 1, 2020 (12:10 pm)

It’s not going to be the same around here without you Morgan. You were a good man.

MG February 1, 2020 (12:17 pm)

I just recently completed chemo and stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. I know the struggles he went through. It’s a horrible disease. Very sorry for your loss. My wife and I have enjoyed the Beer Junction.

DP February 1, 2020 (1:36 pm)

Heartbreaking news. I went to the store so often that my wife became suspicious of where I was going. So I took my wife to the store to introduce her to Morgan. As it turned out, no introduction was needed. They recognized each other. My wife was one of Morgan’s high school math teachers at Shorecrest high school. We Always enjoyed running into Morgan and Allison too, chatting and laughing about that day. Will miss you a lot Morgan! Thoughts and prayers to his and Allison’s family.

J February 1, 2020 (2:18 pm)

Absolutely crushing news. I am so sorry. I’ve been a regular since they opened and Morgan has always been so generous; in donations and in conversation. He will be missed. Condolences to Allison and to family.

Ben Skwiercz February 1, 2020 (4:33 pm)

My condolences to Allison, Nate, and family. I also was one of the early customers at the Beer Junction where Morgan was extremely helpful in pointing me to the best beers from various countries I was interested in. I frequently passed him on the street and we exchanged pleasantries.He was very generous as I later became the focal point for working with Morgan when the Veterans of Foreign Wars distributed “Buddy Poppies” around Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day inside the Beer Junction.Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Mj February 1, 2020 (5:40 pm)

38 is way too young. RIP

Scott K February 2, 2020 (9:12 am)

Oh wow — I’ve been a fan of the Beer Junction since the early days but never realized that its owner was my neighbor from LFP. I’m so sorry to hear the news and realize I’d missed the connection this whole time. My condolences to his wife and brother from the Kratzes.

Nate Herzog February 3, 2020 (8:31 pm)

Thank you Scott, was thinking of your mom not too long ago. Wish you the best and hope we get to connect sometime.

Nick Sullivan February 2, 2020 (9:45 am)

My condolences to Allison, Nate, their family and the Beer Junction family. Morgan helped introduce West Seattle to our new favorite beers locally and from around the world. Morgan thank you for being our guide. RIP

Mat February 3, 2020 (12:43 pm)

RIP Morgan, I met you shortly after you opened the Beer Junction after I’d just moved to West Seattle. You were always super nice and honestly excited about what you were doing. I loved going to your store in large part because of you and the atmosphere you’d created. Sending you and your family my thoughts and prayers.

Teri Ensley February 4, 2020 (10:44 am)

Allison, Nate and the rest of The Beer Junction family, My heart and thoughts are with all of you. Morgan will always hold a special place in my heart and memory. He is one of the nicest, kindest, most thoughtful people I ever had the pleasure and honor of knowing. A warm greeting and smile; his chuckle that lit up his face; and expert patience when selecting beers as special gifts.Morgan’s positive energy filled every inch of The Beer Junction and will continue to do so. Hugs and warmth to all of you,Teri

Mike February 4, 2020 (2:57 pm)

Wow! so sad, I had no idea. He was always such a nice guy. Will be missed..

Rex Post February 6, 2020 (12:06 pm)

Morgan was such a nice and friendly guy. Always remembered my name when I came in looking for beer and always helped me find what was looking for. Was always willing to help out with fundraisers where I work as well. RIP and prayers to his friends and family.

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