Remembering J.B. Webster: Fund set up for family

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Since we reported the death of well-known West Seattleite J.B. Webster earlier this week, more than two dozen people have paid tribute to him in comments following our story (see them here). And tonight there’s something new to report: Ian Lurie sends word of a fund set up to help Mr. Webster’s wife Christi and children Tyler, Logan and Eli – he’s created this webpage for it, with information on how to get a check to First Mutual Bank north of The Junction and a link for donating online. Mr. Webster’s memorial is at 11 am next Tuesday, 4/28, at Alki UCC Church (here’s a map).

ws April 25, 2009 (8:57 am)

i am confused on why we need to set up a fund upon someones death, I think the family should supply us with more information on why the fund is set up maybe its for his favorite charity, funeral expenses ect?

But just to ask for money without an explanation is strange.

Am I alone?

cousin Celia from Hobart April 25, 2009 (9:18 am)

I loved my “city slicker” cousin. I was so proud when he went off to Yale. I thought he was the smartest person alive. I used to give him the treatment when he would come to Hobart for a vacation, poor Joe. It was pretty rough on him, the wild country. I took him for a long ride up through the “secret watershed” with the boys from Hobart and we got chased by the water shed patrolman. We were on the run and JB had his shorts on and the horse was sweaty and she decided she had enough and put her head down and off we went sliding in the rocks and dirt. JB came up out of the dust all scratched up and bleeding, what a mess I had gotten him into. I felt so bad. The days after we spent doctoring his wounds and waiting on him and lavishing him with our cousinly love.

I loved my cousin so much and the day he gave me a sweatshirt from Yale I was on top of the world. I shall never forget you, oh sweet cousin of mine. God Bless your soul and I will see you in time.

Cousin Celia Dougherty

56bricks April 25, 2009 (10:09 am)

Yeah, I’ve never understood the money thing either.

WSB April 25, 2009 (11:03 am)

I’m asking if there’s an official line. But really, that’s the first question I’ve been asked when reporting someone’s death – “is there anything we can do for the family?” In this case, yes, there is, and we were asked to share the information. We hadn’t met Mr. Webster but I’m sure in retrospect I saw him a hundred times in his volunteer work as a Seafair commodore, since I’m a parade nut! – TR
.
(added) We’re told he had no life insurance, so his family needs help to cover everything from funeral expenses to living expenses. And that concludes this line of discussion in this topic.

In the know April 25, 2009 (8:52 pm)

The average funeral costs are well over $6,000. The money is needed to help out the family, duh.

4JB April 25, 2009 (8:59 pm)

It was pretty clear where the money was going, duh is right. He left 2 young kids (and one grown) and a wife behind. He was loved by the community. Clearly you aren’t going to contribute to the fund so don’t act like there shouldn’t be a fund. Have a little respect.

Compassion Maybe? April 25, 2009 (11:15 pm)

To WS and 56 Bricks….wish you wouldn’t make comments like this. In case you are not aware real estate is not the best profession to be in right now and it’s been hard for many realtors. You don’t know the family situation and I just hope the family doesn’t see your remarks. If someone wants to do something nice why should it be questioned. It would be kinder to keep your remarks to yourself.

West Seattle Art Attack April 26, 2009 (1:15 am)

Some people choose to send flowers. Some people choose to show respect and compassion in other ways. Flowers are nice but they quickly fade. A donation to a fund can be used for many things by the family and is one of many ways to help them through tough times. Is it that hard to see how a little extra cash might give the family freedom to spend it on things they really need? I’m not sure why that’s so difficult to comprehend. I am sure those that have commented by questioning the motives will be sending beautiful bouquets to offset those of us that prefer to help in a less visible manner. It’s all about helping our neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Anon April 26, 2009 (10:12 am)

This is posted on the NWMLS member site under “Memoriam”

>>A Benevolent Fund has been set up for the family at Bank of America under “JB Webster Family Assistance Fund.” Any donations will go to the Webster family to help support them in their time of need.>>

My question is: are there two funds setup…one at B of A and one at First Mutual or is there a mistake someplace?

Holly April 26, 2009 (10:46 am)

I met JB 15 years ago when I was first starting out in the mortgage business and he in Real Estate. JB was incredibly positive and upbeat no matter what. He brought his full game to every day of his life. JB loved life, his family and friends and gave tirelessly to all. He passing is a reminder to me that life is short and that every moment is a gift to be cherished. Goodbye old friend. You are already sorely missed.

WSB April 26, 2009 (11:04 am)

Anon, I will check with Ian, who set up the page above and asked us to publish it … TR

hammerhead April 26, 2009 (6:52 pm)

he had 2 adult kids.

Teisha April 26, 2009 (8:46 pm)

Thanks for the nod, hammerhead. TT

Anon April 26, 2009 (9:00 pm)

He leaves behind a young child in elementary school, a young middle school aged child, one adult child and his wife…not 2 adult kids.

WSB April 26, 2009 (9:03 pm)

Family photos have been added to the original story –
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=16005
after friends sent them to us today and asked us to add them. Also, re: the funds, they are apparently two separate funds. The NWMLS one cannot be advertised publicly, according to a co-worker/friend of Mr. Webster who has been e-mailing us, although she was not aware of the other one, which apparently was set up by the Commodores. Both are toward the same goal, however – TR

Anon April 26, 2009 (9:20 pm)

TR-Thanks for clearing up the dual accounts question I had.

hammerhead April 27, 2009 (9:26 am)

actually anon he does have 2 adult children

eli and teisha. we don’t mean to take anything away from christie and his “little” kids. but facts are facts.

Teisha April 27, 2009 (10:05 am)

Anon, I am the other adult child, Teisha. I can assure you I do exist. My pain is real and I will be with my little brother Eli and our entire extended family at J.B.’s service. Don’t bother sticking your foot in your mouth again trying to correct us again. It’s hurtful and rude. TT

Anon April 27, 2009 (2:36 pm)

My sincere apologies Teisha for offending you. I’m very sorry for your loss. The comment I made that offended you was made only to encourage people to donate to the “fund”, because two posts above mine, and two other comments questioned the necessity of donations.

I’ve made my donation, and offered my prayers for JB and ALL his family.

Lisa Mundahl April 27, 2009 (7:19 pm)

I would just like to offer my condolences to all of JB’s family. He is, hands down, one of the most loveable, goofy, sincere, funny and honorable men I’ve ever known. He always spoke so lovingly of all his children, and Kristi was his “beautiful bride” to the end. JB had so many passions in life and I think anyone would agree that he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. We all share in your loss but also celebrate our good fortune in having known your dad and husband.

Cheryl Harvey May 17, 2009 (4:46 pm)

I SAW MY SISTER GO THROUGH THIS A YEAR AGO & LOVING PEOPLE WHO CARED DONATED ENOUGH TO COVER HIS FUNERAL EXPENSES. THIS IS ONE THING A WIDOW NEED NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AT A TIME LIKE THIS. EVERYONE HAS A CHOICE, I CHOOSE NOT TO SEND FLOWERS WHEN I CAN MAKE A SMALL DIFFERENCE IN A FUTURE FOR THE WEBSTER FAMILY.

Sorry, comment time is over.