Those who knew and loved Meg McKennon will gather on January 14th to celebrate her life. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

Meg McKennon, 47, of Seattle, passed away November 20th, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 27, 1969. Meg was an integral part of her close-knit family, and her absence will be mourned for their lifetimes.

Meg was generous, kind, and hard working. She deeply touched the lives of family and friends who will miss her distinctive sense of humor and style. In her professional life, Meg was a real-estate broker who led the opening team for the West Seattle Keller Williams office. She then went on to found her own successful real estate and property management office, Dwellings, in West Seattle. Meg was always looking to find the perfect home fit, to lend a hand, or to provide support and employment for those in need. Meg’s unparalleled and heartfelt approach to her profession will be greatly missed by her community.

True to her generous nature, Meg was an organ donor. Her generosity will live on in the dozens of lives her gifts have saved and improved throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Meg is survived by her parents: Nancy McKennon of Spokane, and Kelly McKennon and his wife Michi of Pullman. She is also survived by siblings and beloved nephews and nieces: brother Ruddy McKennon and his wife Sara McKennon and their children, Gracie, Liam and Finley; sister Robin Thaler and her husband Wyatt Thaler and their children Lola and Betty; sister Wendy McKennon and her partner Ben Peterson and their children Tallulah and Atticus; half-sister Skye McKennon; and stepsister Niki Wolkind.

Meg is also survived by the love of her life, a rescue dog named Katie. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Seattle Humane Society. Additionally, it would honor Meg’s memory to learn more about the debilitating disease of alcoholism.

Meg’s life will be celebrated at 2:30 pm on January 14th, 2017, at Dakota Place Park Building, located at 4304 SW Dakota St. Please join us in sharing memories and gratitude for Meg.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather on Sunday to remember Bette Markley, 98. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Bette Markley, born in Seattle on June 6, 1918, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2016 – a full 98 years of life. Bette grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1936.

Working with her Dad in Roullard’s Public Market, she met and married Bob at the close of World War II and together raised their family after returning to West Seattle. She returned to work as a medical receptionist and stenographer to support the family when Bob fell ill. Additionally, she served as secretary to the King County Academy of Family Physicians.

She was always positive, supporting and encouraging others and extending a genuine kindness and concern for neighbors, friends and most especially her family.

She loved to travel. She and Bob toured Europe numerous times in their camper van through their 80s, and she celebrated her 87th birthday on safari in Africa with her brother.

Bette is survived by her brother Richard Roullard (Shirley); her daughter Shannon, sons David (Jeanne) and Scott (Sally); and grandson Galen.

A celebration of her life will be held at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) on Sunday December 18, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to The Kenney Foundation, Resident Care Fund; 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136-2008.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A celebration of Joel P. Eggert‘s life is now set for December 18th, one week from today, starting with a memorial ride. His friend Jamie Burton Chamberlin shares the details tonight, after this remembrance:

Joel was a very special man to so many people. He was a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather, a grandson, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a friend and most importantly, a lover. He was a lover of everything and everyone. Joel always had a camera in his hand as he found the beauty in everything and wanted to capture it. Joel died doing what he loved in the city he loved.

In a tragic accident, he crashed his motorcycle in West Seattle on Sunday, December 4th, on the way home from watching the Seahawks annihilate the Panthers. His motorcycle was not just one of his many passions, it fed his soul. He lived to ride and was never far from his amazing group of motorcycle brothers.

Joel was an artist. Always drawing, designing, and welding… he made incredibly beautiful things. He worked for Delta Marine and in his years there he marked dozens of amazing yachts with his beautiful designs. Joel lived for music… his soul sang to all of us. Most every night you would find him somewhere, whether it be home or out and about, listening to a new band or an old favorite, surrounded by friends, and making new ones. Joel made music as well – his guitars were his favorite tools, but he could rock the drums and even the piano. Music oozed from this man. The Seattle Music scene lost their biggest fan and will miss his presence greatly.

Joel was born in Minnesota and grew up in Rockford, MN. In 1994, he spread his love across the country to Seattle, but he stayed in contact with his childhood friends, and when he visited it was like he had never left. In his nearly 47 years on the planet, Joel touched the hearts of everyone who knew him and never left without a goodbye that included one of his amazing hugs. Even after his passing, he continues to change people’s lives as an organ donor; donating both kidneys, his liver and his beautiful, strong heart.

COMMEMORATION INFORMATION, NOON-6 PM DECEMBER 18

Please help us celebrate the life of Joel Patrick Eggert … Not enough can be said about how special he was to each and every one of us, and now we have a day to share our memories, recollections, music and stories.

Musical Performances by Darci Carlson, Kim Virant, Matt Strutynski, Ten Miles Wide, Windowpane, and many other Special Guests.

Special Patching Dedication and Toast by Parker Lundgren.

This event is open to the public and seating will be limited. Anyone with special seating needs please contact slimslastchancebooking@gmail.com

To share photos for the slideshow presentation, please send them to: joeleggertrocks@gmail.com by Wednesday, 12/14/16.

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A Memorial Motorcycle Ride will begin 10 am at The Orient Express, 2963 4th Ave S. All riders participating are requested to arrive and be parked at Slim’s by 11:45. For further info, contact Charlie Lorme, 206-817-3786.

The family of Joyce Gould is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Joyce Gould, age 94, passed away on November 22, 2016, at her home in West Seattle.

She is survived by her two children, David Gould and Janet Walters; spouses Peggy Cummings and John Walters respectively; grandchildren Eric Gould and spouse Dwight Gaut, Stacie Worden and spouse Seth Worden, and Ty Walters; and great-grandchild Danielle Miller.

Joyce was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and grew up in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. Living in Norwich, New York, she married James Gould, her husband for the next 69 years, and after World War II moved to Seattle for economic and educational opportunities — a better life and future for themselves and their family. She worked at a variety of jobs, including several years on the Washington State Ferry system. Along the way, she helped her husband remodel several homes, and they built the home they lived in for the remaining 36 years of her life.

Funeral services will be held later in December at Tahoma National Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice in her memory. Arrangements by Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home. Share your memories of Joyce here.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Viewing, burial, and memorial dates are set for Andrew “Andy” L. Nelson, 95, and his family is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Andrew (Andy) Louis Nelson climbed his last mountain on Wednesday, November 23rd (just shy of his 96th birthday), at The Kenney in West Seattle. Andy was born in Seattle on December 10, 1920, to George Gedeon Nelson and Bertha Amelia Lindfors Nelson. Andy’s grandfather Andrew Nelson was a Swedish immigrant and pioneer in the Juanita area who built the Juanita School and the Modern Woodman Hall (Juanita Community Church). The Nelson family home, built by Andy’s grandfather at 100th NE & NE 132nd, was torn down in the 1970’s to make way for an Albertson’s grocery store.

Even at a young age Andy was an outdoor guy; he loved scouting and the mountains. There is some evidence that he even won a 1934 Seattle Model Sailboat Race at Green Lake.

Andy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939 and then attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Having served in the UW ROTC program (Sept 1942), Andy entered the Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant in February 1944.

Andy served as an Electronics Officer during WWII instructing pilots on navigation systems. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon; America Theatre Ribbon; World War II Victory Medal as well as numerous commendations. Towards the end of WWII Andy was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. After his discharge from the Army, Andy was advised that as a Mathematics teacher he would not earn much money and he enrolled at the UW for a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Andy’s business career was at Boeing as an Engineer writing technical manuals for aeronautical applications.

As an Eagle Scout (1937), Andy gave back to the community in so many ways. He was a Life Member of the Mountaineers, Life Member of the UW Alumni Association (Go Dawgs!), Boy Scouts of America Troop #282 Leader (recognized for his over 60 years in scouting), West Seattle Lions Club, West Side Presbyterian Church and an all-around wilderness adventurer who shared his love of hiking and mountain climbing (he climbed Mt Rainier twice) with many. Andy “walked the walk; talked the talk” when it came to understanding the environmental issues in keeping “the great outdoors” great.

While Andy had no children of his own, his wife, the late Doris Isabella Powell Halliday Nelson, presented him with a family of stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all who thoroughly enjoyed him. Doris and Andy spent many years traveling throughout the world – from Elder Hostels and UW trips across America to Europe to Australia; Antarctica; the Arctic; Africa; Asia; Central & South America, etc.

Andy is survived by his step-daughter Diane Halliday Longyear of Elko, Nevada, and her son Rick Longyear (also of Elko) and children/grandchildren; the children & family of her son Robert (deceased) Longyear; nephew William R. Powell of Chehalis; nieces Bonny Powell Taylor of Kent; Patricia Powell McGuire (Joe) of Manchester; and their families consisting of great- & great-great-nephews and -nieces.

The family would also like to acknowledge and thank longtime friends Gary Benson; Warren McKinstry; Paul Smith; Rev. Ron Rice; Stacy St. John; Ron Burke; and Bill Hart for their friendship, rides, stories, etc. We so appreciate your friendship with Andy and your stories! And a special thank you to all the past Troop 282 members. Last, but not certainly least, is a special thank you for the wonderful staff at The Kenney/Lincoln Vista and the Kline Galland Hospice – what a wonderful group of caring individuals!

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and in keeping with Andy’s pattern of giving, contributions in his memory to any of the following organizations would be appreciated: The Seattle Council Boy Scouts of America; West Seattle Senior Center; West Seattle Food Bank; Southwest Seattle Historical Museum; The Kenney Foundation; The Nordic Museum; or The Mountaineers.

A viewing will be held on December 1st from 11 am – 1 pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with military graveside service at 2 pm at Evergreen Washelli. Memorial service on December 9th at 11 am at West Side Presbyterian Church with reception to follow. Please visit forestlawn-seattle.com.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Doreen Gretchen (Mallory) Hammond, 88, is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Doreen Gretchen Hammond, a lifelong resident of West Seattle, was born September 4, 1928 in Seattle. Doreen passed away November 19, 2016 in West Seattle, her home for 88 years. Doreen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, cousin, and friend. Doreen graduated from West Seattle High School in 1946. She was preceded in death by husband Harry Lloyd Hammond of Black Diamond; parents Dillon and Margaret Mallory; and her son Hal Jeffrey Hammond of Seattle. Surviving are daughter, Pamela Jean Hammond Miller (John); 3 grandchildren, Jason A Miller (April), Gretchen R Miller, and Brian Jeffrey Hammond (Natalie), all of Seattle; 6 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Margaret Hammond; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hers was a Masonic family, with father, husband, son, and son-in-law either or both Masters or members of West Seattle Lodge 152 F&AM and the Nile Shrine. Doreen was a lifetime member and Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #160 in West Seattle; many Masonic orders including 50 years at Chapter #241, Order of Eastern Star in Belfair. She and her husband resided in retirement at a summer home on Mason Lake. She was a “Masonic wife” with all that entailed, as the men in her life ran the chairs to WM at Alki Lodge in West Seattle and WP in Belfair Chapter 241 OES. Doreen was also a member of Daughters of the Nile and Ahmes. Her father, husband, son, and daughter all retired from the Seattle Engineering Department.

Remembrances may be made in Doreen’s name to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. By her request, there will be no memorial service; arrangements by Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home in West Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather next Saturday for a funeral Mass in memory of Patricia B. Werlech. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:

Patricia B. Werlech, born December 20, 1932, youngest of 12 children, died November 5, 2016, in Seattle.

Raised in Chelan; parents Carl and Ethel Fels. Patricia is survived by her husband Donald; children Donita, Deena, Michael, and daughter-in-law Mary-Jo; grandchildren Daniel (22), Joseph (20), Michael (19) Werlech, and Anthony (21) and Alexander (18) Parker; and brother Wilbert Fels. Patricia lost a 2-year battle with cancer, passing away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.

Patricia was a homemaker and worked in a family business. She had a passion for reading, gardening, hummingbird watching, cooking, entertaining, and celebrating life. Patricia’s greatest joy and happiest times were with her 5 grandsons, doing things for them – cooking something special, cheering at their sporting events, and attending school functions – so that they would always remember Grammy. And they did. She was so proud of her grandsons.

Patricia will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, special grandmother ‘Grammy,’ and friend. Her smile and love will forever live in our hearts.

Donations can be made in her memory to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, November 26, 2016, at 10 am, 7000 35th Ave. SW, West Seattle. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Phyllis F. Pulfer, 89, is sharing this remembrance with the community, as she was a graduate of West Seattle High School and a member of its Hall of Fame:

Phyllis Feiring Pulfer passed away on Sept. 29, 2016, at Washington Odd Fellows Home, surrounded by family. She was born on Dec. 7, 1926, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Howard Farbach and Helen McGrath Farbach. After her mother’s passing when she was still quite young, she was raised by her grandparents in Seattle and later adopted by her maternal aunt and uncle, Odene and Arthur Feiring. She graduated from West Seattle High School and attended the University of Washington. She took time away from her studies at the University, worked for a time, and later transferred to the University of Oregon. It was there that she met a rather dashing fellow who was going to college on the GI bill. Robert B. Pulfer and Phyllis were married on June 17, 1948.

Phyllis and “Bob” started a family, and after his graduation, he went to work for the Corps of Engineers, which took them to several locations along the Columbia River. They had 6 children in 8 years and she enjoyed being a mother. She was awarded “mother of the year” in 1962 and was active in Camp Fire, PTA, and her church. She returned to complete her degree in her 40s at Whitman College while raising her children, and with very limited vision. She graduated from Whitman College in 1969 with a degree in Economics. She took a job at Blue Mountain Action Council and advanced to Executive Director within a few short years. She retired from BMAC in 1992 and continued in her role as chairman of the Human Rights Commission for the state of Washington.

Phyllis will be remembered for her tireless advocacy for social justice. She fought for the rights of the educationally and economically disadvantaged, the differently abled and the victims of bigotry and injustice. She served on many boards of directors in the community helping to steer organizations to financial solvency. While at BMAC she instituted programs to help winterize homes, developed training and employment for disadvantaged youth, created the Day Care Center at the Migrant Labor Camp, and many more services to the benefit of those in need in the community. She was particularly interested in adult literacy and helped to start Project Read. She was interested in women’s rights and served on the board of Planned Parenthood and started the local NOW chapter. Her ability to work with parties across the spectrum of political and economic entities to create a lasting legacy of care for all the members of the community is legendary.

Those who worked for her have praised her ability to bring out the best in themselves as she encouraged them to fulfill their potential. She listened to the concerns of those around her and had a keen eye for simple solutions. She had a soft heart and a ready tear, but she did not get mired in the emotional aspects of the job at hand. There are few social service organizations in the valley that did not benefit from her time and energy.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, father, Sister Patricia Bristow, and son Bruce James Pulfer. Her husband Robert Pulfer died two days following her passing. She is survived by daughters Janet Velez (Ray), Marianne Pulfer (Richard Thurston), Kathleen Burgess (Aaron) ,and Nadean Pulfer (Irving Rosenberg), and a son, Ross Pulfer. She dearly loved her 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who will remember her fondly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Teen Center/Blue Mountain Action Council (homeless shelter for teens) or organization of your choice, through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather December 4th to remember Kathleen Ramee, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Kathleen Rock Ramee, 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1, 2016. She was born in Seattle to Edward Arthur Rock and Bernice Christine Lunde Rock. As a young adult, she traveled the world and stayed in Norway for a couple of years where she worked as a cook on a farm. She continued to live her Norwegian heritage throughout her life and passed on the traditions to her family. She lived many years in Wyoming, enjoying the wild west, and came back to her home in Seattle in 2004.

Her true calling was raising her girls as a single mom. She loved her kids more than anything and supported them in everything they did. Kathleen was adventurous, brave, independent, a free spirit and a true and wise friend. She loved good food, golfing, crocheting, travel, going to the casino and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. Kathleen was vibrant and always lit up a room and will be loved and remembered by all that met her. She was a living example of her favorite Sophia Loren quote, “After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It’s better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.”

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly McDonald and Kelley Murphy, and her grandchildren, Celia and Cypress McDonald, and by her brother, Gordon Rock.

Please join us in celebrating her life on December 4, 2016 from 2:30 – 5:30 pm at the Sanctuary at Admiral in West Seattle. Please dress as mom would have liked – colorful and bright, with some sparkle thrown in for good measure.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please watch a beautiful storm with waves crashing upon the rocks, and hug your loved ones often and tell them you love them. That would make her smile knowing that love abounds.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance of Marcia M. Chesterfield, 79:

Marcia Mage (Chesterfield), beloved daughter of Max and Adele Mage, died at home with her family beside her on Tuesday, October 11, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Seattle in 1937, she attended West Seattle High School, where she met her future husband of 62 years. They raised their family in West Seattle and later became longtime residents of the Shelter Bay community in La Conner.

Marcia was beloved for her cheerfulness and kindness and she devoted herself to a life of service and caring for others. She is survived by her husband John Chesterfield, sons Bob (Diana) and Paul, daughter Leanne (Stephen) Chesterfield Pike, grandchildren, Shanah Pike Walter, Robert Pike, Sarah Pike, Jacob Chesterfield and siblings, Mark (Barbara), Mage, Julia (Terry) Gangon and Merritt Mage.

Services are tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, at 1 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of the Northwest.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance of Betty Cook, 98:

Betty Jane Eleanor Carl Cook
March 1918-October 2016

Betty Cook succumbed to her battle with time, and passed away peacefully in West Seattle, where she called home for over 70 years of her long and amazing life.

Betty was born and raised in Seattle, and graduated from Franklin H.S. and then attended the University of Washington where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.  Through her career she worked for her father (Roland A. Carl) who owned the Pacific Coast Coal & Oil Co.in West Seattle, and also enjoyed a long relationship working at Cascade Heating and Air Conditioning in Ballard.  

No one can accuse our mother of being idle as she was active in the community in many different ways.  She was a member of the PTA at Alki Elementary as well as an active member of the Electrical Women’s Round Table (E.W.R.T) in the Seattle area.  She remained an active member of the University of Washington Arboretum Society in her later years. For several years our family was involved with the local TYEE Triumph club; as sports car enthusiasts we traveled and participated in autocross events as well as rallies and oh yes, an occasional party or two.

Our family forged many longstanding and cherished relationships throughout their time as members of the car club.

Throughout the years our family spent many summers east of the mountains at Lake Chelan where Mom and Dad eventually settled in at Sun Ray Shores, a small tight-knit community where again many cherished relationships were made.

In looking back over our mother’s 98 years, it is hard to imagine all of the things she has witnessed as well as participated in over her nearly century on this earth.  She most certainly did not get shortchanged!  Our mother was a force, and in looking for words to describe her, some that come to mind are strong, direct, wise and always loving.

Betty loved her family!  She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Frank Cook as well as her oldest daughter, Barbara Rideout (Cook).  She is survived by her two other children, Patricia Woeck (Cook) and Harry Cook, and her grandchildren, Jennifer Frisch (Woeck), Rob Woeck, Jason Rideout, and Andrew Cook, along with 8 greatgrandchildren.

We will always take with us, that when she would see us she would say “you’ll never know how much I love you”, well Mom….we all knew.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Judi Campbell White is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Judith Elizabeth Campbell White, 76, of Federal Way, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2016 after a four-year battle with uterine cancer. Judi is survived by her loving husband Dennis; siblings Nancy and David; children Erin (Sean), Mike, Gillian, Mat, Tim (Lorrie); grandchildren James, Nicole, Josh, Alex, Rachel, Kaylei, and Caden; sister-in-law Juanita Lavallee; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her sweet little dog Tazzy.

Preceding her in death was her beloved mother Marion Pomeroy.

Judi was a business owner, avid reader, gardener, card player, had a beautiful singing voice, and was a devoted sports fan who enjoyed watching the Huskies, Mariners, and Seahawks. She will be remembered fondly as “West Seattle’s mother of all baseball moms,” carting all of her kids to practices/games/camps in West Seattle and beyond, and for having one of the most enthusiastic voices in the stands.

Judi was a true beauty inside and out and was never heard uttering an unkind word about anyone. She will be deeply missed by her family and everyone who knew her.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Wednesday to remember Guy Gallipeau. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Guy H. Gallipeau
February 27, 1929 – September 16, 2016

Survived by longtime companion and fiancée Mabel Aide, as well as a brother, Joseph, his wife, and 2 nieces. World War II Veteran and auto mechanic.

Some passions were GOD, baseball, dancing, lighthouses, and local politics. He loved well and was well loved. He is greatly missed.

Service at Holy Rosary on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 10 am. Reception follows service. Internment, noon @ Forest Lawn.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are remembering Bob Foote, 55, and sharing this tribute with the community:

Robert (Bob) Foote was born on December 6, 1960, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. As a child, he emigrated with his family to the USA. They settled in West Seattle where the family became active in Tibbetts United Methodist Church. Bob attended elementary and secondary schools in the Seattle Public School system, graduating from West Seattle High School in the Class of 1978.

Bob was interested in music and sports, living an active lifestyle which included bicycling, hiking, climbing (rocks, trees, and mountains) and playing soccer. He enjoyed music technology and ran lighting and sound systems for numerous youth group musicals and dances. He participated in several youth mission trips working to repair and paint buildings, boat docks and hiking trails at United Methodist Church Camps in Washington and Alaska. Bob was also active in Boy Scouts of America and earned the God and Country Award while in high school.

One of Bob’s hobbies included the mixing of musical tracks, experimentation with synthesizers and other instruments, and with recording technology. Bob played guitar in a band for several years and enjoyed composing original music. Long before digital software and hardware made multi-media presentations easily accessible to everyone, Bob could be found putting together photographic, musical and lighting presentations to entertain and educate others.

Bob’s work life involved travel, as he engaged in electrostatic painting, initially as an employee and later as a small business owner who served a number of large and small customers across the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest part of the United States. Bob loved people, animals, and sharing his humorous stories, thoughts and photos on social media.

He died unexpectedly of heart disease and related complications on September 1, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona, leaving behind his wife of 16 years, Laura Crawford; his parents, Roy and Mary Foote; a sister, Cathy Babbitt; and niece and nephew, Rose and Derek Babbitt of Seattle, Washington.

Memorials may be made to Seattle Humane, a non-profit animal welfare organization, located at 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather next week to remember Pierre Dorratcague, 96. Here’s what his family is sharing with the community:

Pierre Dorratcague passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016 at Providence Mt. St. Vincent after visits from his loving family.

He was born in New York City on February 4, 1920 and attended the Brooklyn Technical High School. He received a BA degree and a BS degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University in January 1942. He worked at Western Electric in radar development. Pierre received special permission to go into the Navy as an officer and was commissioned in 1942. He received radar training at Harvard and MIT and was assigned to run an early-warning radar installation in the South Pacific. As the fighting moved north in the Pacific, he was assigned to install and train air crews in operating and reading radar in the planes of a new torpedo bomber squadron.

While training at the air station at Astoria, Oregon, he met his future wife Carolyn King. After a two-month courtship, Pierre proposed just before going overseas on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. He flew in the squadron commander’s aircraft, operating the radar guiding the squadron. Upon returning home he married Carolyn in Portland on July 25, 1945. After transferring to the reserves, Pierre went to work for Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore. In 1949 Pierre moved to Seattle to work for Boeing. He worked on several military programs, including radar systems, missile guidance, and electronics. Pierre ran the countermeasures development and testing in the Air Force’s B1 bomber. He retired from Boeing in 1985. Pierre served in the naval reserves for 30 years and retired with the rank of Captain. He participated in the naval Sea Scouts program and was national president.

He loved playing tennis and competed in the Senior Olympics. Pierre was a charter member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and served as a volunteer for many years. After retirement Pierre and Carolyn travelled extensively in the US and Europe, visiting relatives in France.

Pierre was preceded in death by his parents Dominique and Maria Dorratcague and his grandson Peter Dorratcague. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Carolyn; son Dennis and daughters Adriane Bouker, Michele Prociv, and Nicole Monroe; grandchildren David Dorratcague, Marc Bouker, Carolyn Love, Matthew Prociv, Paul Prociv, Jonathan Prociv, and Dominique Monroe; great-grandchildren Ava Bouker, Alex Prociv, and Elise Dorratcague. Pierre will be tremendously missed. The family appreciates the kindness and care of the staff at Providence Mt. St. Vincent in West Seattle.

A rosary will be held at 3:45 PM October 6 in the chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW. A Mass will be offered at 11 AM on October 7 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7000 35th Ave SW. A reception will follow immediately at the Walmesley Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pierre’s memory may be made to Providence Mount St. Vincent.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather next Saturday (September 17th) to celebrate the life of Charles Rhett Richards. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

Charles Rhett Richards, 28, passed away July 30, 2016.

Born on February 6, 1988 in Seattle, he lived a very full and engaging life, always on the go. Son of Pat and Paula, brother to Emmett (Becky) and Wes (Shay), and uncle to CeeCee and Clara. He moved to Bellingham in 2009, where he graduated from WWU with a Bachelor in Business.

After college he traveled Europe, Australia, and the United States to visit friends, family and to live life on the go. He lived life in a matter most wouldn’t dare, always seeking something new to experience, see, or do. He filled every life he touched with love and joy, finding worth in all, resulting in countless friendships. A warm and wonderful man, he brought enthusiasm to every endeavor. You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts, Rhett; please watch over us all until we meet again.

Celebration of Life: Our Lady of Guadalupe, 7000 35th Avenue SW, on September 17th at 1:30 pm. Memorials can be sent to Catholic Community Services in Rhett’s honor.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of longtime West Seattleite Sylvia Ann Mickelson is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Sylvia Ann (Alger) Mickelson passed away peacefully on August 14, 2016 at the age of 88.

Sylvia was born to Milla and Thomas Alger, who immigrated from Norway. Sylvia was born and raised in West Seattle and preceded in death by Earl M. Mickelson, her husband of 65 years. Sylvia graduated from West Seattle High School in 1946 and attended the University of Washington.

Sylvia’s spirit is carried on by her three children, Susan Scott (Daniel), Chris Mickelson (Kimberly), Bart Mickelson; four grandchildren, Shawna Clark (Steve), Christiana Mickelson-Bigsby (George), Trine Mickelson, Tristen Mickelson; great-grandchild George Bigsby V; sister Beverly Alger; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Sylvia’s family was very important to her, and the grandchildren put a sparkle in her eye until the very end.

Sylvia lived 50 years in the same home and neighborhood in West Seattle where she had made many lifelong friends whom will miss her greatly. Sylvia was a longtime member of the West Seattle Eagles, and the West Seattle Yacht Club. She was a dedicated volunteer for the American Heart Association.

We want to thank Sylvia’s many caretakers over the years, most recently Maricris and Paul, in whose home Sylvia resided, who took exceptional care of her the past year, along with her dedicated caretaker Fely Tugade. Services will be private. Remembrances may be sent to the American Heart 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)

Family and friends are remembering Delorise Pauline Reeves, who died this week at age 87. Here’s the tribute they are sharing with the community:

Delorise Reeves (Dee/Grandma D), age 87, entered eternal life on August 15, 2016. She was born on February 26, 1929, to parents Lester and Sarah Burton. Dee was the youngest of eight children. In 1945 she married Joe Bates. They had three children; in 1964 the marriage ended. Dee met Harry Reeves at Boeing and they married in 1967.

Always inclusive, Dee joyously welcomed anyone into her home and family. Everyone who spent time with her was bound to feel loved and accepted without judgement. She often went out of her way to take family members to classes, appointments, interviews and anything else that was needed. She never said no.

Her spirit is carried on by three children, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Son Larry Bates (Cris), grandchildren Erik, Kerry, and James. Son David Bates, grandchildren Andrea and Pauline; and daughter LeeAnn Tiede (Tom Jr.), grandchildren Matthew and Kirstin; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dee, among them: Rats cannot survive after being struck by a rock catapulting from a slingshot. Also: shining a flashlight in family members’ eyes never ceases to be a great source of entertainment. Never say no to pet sitting, but while in your care feed them as many table scraps as possible. You could expect your dogs to be pleasantly plump upon your return. Stay young at heart and flirt with as many cuties as possible. No conversation is off limits. If your phone call goes unanswered, continue to call until they answer. Persistence is key. Never let a day go by where you don’t laugh. Be active, play tennis, go camping and bowl with ferocity. Maintain lasting friendships. Never say no to a board game with your family. Thermostats have a mind of their own, they cannot be trusted. Give to every charity that asks. Swear that you haven’t donated to any, and act confused as to why they are sending you calendars. Attend church at least once a week and help out with whatever is needed.

Dee was everyone’s biggest supporter and will be missed fiercely. She is reunited with her husband Harry, her sisters, and many loved ones.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends are remembering Elmer E. “Buzz” Watson, who died last weekend. This remembrance is shared by his daughter, who says they wrote it together:

Elmer Earl ‘Buzz’ Watson, 95, died July 30th, 2016. following a long life well lived.

He is survived by his son, Gary Watson (Deborah) and granddaughter Kristina Watson (Brock Towler) and great grandson, Miles Towler, grandson Michael Watson (Gillian), and daughter Rebecca Watson (Darwin Nordin). He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Roeder (her children, Catherine, Cristine, Eric, Aaron) of Bellingham.

Buzz, son of Rachel and Elmer Watson, and great-great nephew of Ernest Watson of Whidbey Island fame (1886 historical house still stands as a B&B in Coupeville), grew up on a 120-acre dairy farm in Sumas, Washington, during the Depression, where he learned how to milk, and avoid being kicked by, a cow.

When not doing farm chores, or riling his sister Dorothy, he spent a lot of time hunting & fishing in the nearby woods & streams. Once or twice a year, his family ventured to the big city – Bellingham – to see the sights. When he was 17, the family sold the farm and moved to Bellingham, where he attended Western Washington College of Education (now WWU) for two years before moving to Seattle to work for the Western Electric (Ballard) phone company for a brief time. In 1941, he joined the Marine Corps, completing his flight training in Eastern Washington and Corpus Christi, Texas, where he graduated as Second Lieutenant. After meeting at a friend’s wedding in 1943, he wooed and married Jacque Lee Crawford in just one week. They honeymooned on the train, en route to North Carolina, and on the night they arrived, not able to find a room in a hotel, asked a police officer if they could spend the night in jail. After finding a home in Morehead City, NC, he received advanced flight training in preparation for active duty in WWII. He served 4 1/2 years as Captain at Midway Island, where he flew a B-25 Mitchell.

Personal highlights included shooting skeet with actor Robert Stack in Hawaii, and fishing off the islands for tuna. Following the war, he served 14 years in the Marine Corps Reserves, and was honorably discharged as Lieutenant Colonel in 1960. His military service was followed by several post-war jobs, gas station attendant, bread truck driver, bank teller at Bellingham National Bank – anything to make ends meet. He then worked for 35 years as a public servant – Deputy Collector for the Internal Revenue Service – and later was promoted to Supervisor of the Bellingham IRS office. He was feared but fair, finding creative ways for people owing tax to pay what was owed to the government (or as he liked to say owed to their neighbors).

Following his retirement from the IRS, he worked part-time as a real estate agent and enjoyed driving clients around and sharing stories about Whatcom County. Following his divorce from Jacque in 1972, he was awarded custody of his daughter Rebecca (unusual for that time) and was a single father for 4 years before marrying Josephine Durnan in 1976 (they divorced in the late ’80s). He lived in Bellingham (rented an apartment from beloved friend Cheryl) until suffering a stroke in 2012, which brought him to West Seattle, where he lived at Daystar Retirement Village, to be closer to his daughter who cared for him until his passing.

According to him, he was the best fisherman in Bellingham, and enjoyed many fishing trips with friends near Point Roberts, Stuart Island, and off Vancouver Island. He especially enjoyed the fishing trips to Alaska with son Gary, and to HiHume Lake in Canada with daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Darwin. He enjoyed golfing (was a huge Fred Couples fan) and watching the Mariners (when they were winning). A personal friend of Senator Scoop Jackson, he was (and undoubtedly still is) a yellow dog Democrat, and enjoyed seeing Barack Obama elected twice. He was also happy to see Hillary Clinton be nominated as the democratic candidate for President this year. He loved to cook (a foodie before it became trendy), made a mean apple pie and was always asked to barbecue the salmon for friend/family gatherings. Later in life, one Thanksgiving weekend, after a brief introduction by Darwin and Rebecca, he took up painting and produced many beautiful landscapes. He loved his family very much, and was very grateful for all their love, and proud of all their many accomplishments.

His family is saddened by his passing but is grateful that he had the courage to find his own path to a dignified end, and is finally at peace. The family thanks Daystar Retirement Village, Synergy HomeCare, & Kline Galland hospice for their support. At his request, there will be no memorial service. In his honor, please consider a donation to your favorite environmental organization, preferably dedicated to river or ocean conservation efforts – oceanfdn.org, wecprotects.org, marine-conservation.org, tpl.org. Also, don’t forget to vote!

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Friday to celebrate the life of Lis Rudolph. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Elisabeth R. Rudolph (Gabler), born December 11, 1965, was in a fatal accident on July 16, 2016, and died on July 17th.

She is survived by her loving family: her husband, Scott Rudolph, and her children Cole, Cooper, Christopher, and Audrey. Also mourning her loss are her parents Jack and Idella Gabler and brothers Jon and his family, and Jim and Steve.

Lis graduated from Sealth High School in 1983 and Seattle Pacific University. Lis was an honored employee of the Seattle Fire Department’s FMO Division. A celebration of Lis’s life will be held Friday, July 29th, 2016, at Shorewood Foursquare Church at 7 p.m., 10300 28th Ave SW.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lis Rudolph to Shorewood Foursquare Church (for the school), World Vision, Antioch Adoptions, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or directly to Scott and Lis’s family/children through Seattle’s Bravest Charity (a licensed 501c3 charity), earmarked for Lis Rudolph’s family.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A funeral Mass is planned next Wednesday for Muriel “Mert” Pearson. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:

Muriel Pearson, 90, went to Heaven on July 6, 2016. She was born in St. John, North Dakota on May 7, 1926, the eldest child of Willie and Anna Garceau.

Muriel came out to Seattle in 1945 and rented a house with 3 of her sisters in White Center. She worked several clerical jobs over the years; one of them at Boeing. She met, then married Keith “Bud” Pearson on September 15, 1950, in a double wedding with her sister Lorraine and her husband Harold Foster at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Later, Bud and Mert would co-own what was formerly Digby’s Tavern in Morgan Junction from 1973 to 1981. Once they retired, they moved to Lake Limerick in Shelton and again to Sumner.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Pearson, his wife, Lisa Pearson and her grandchildren, Amelea, Stephan, and Grace and great-granddaughter, Samantha of White Center, as well as her daughter, Kimberly Ann Pearson, and her grandchildren, Darby and Hannah Kenyon of Sumner.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith “Bud” Pearson and her sisters, Doris Gardner, Aurora Skeleton, Juliette Pearson, and Neoma Jones as well as her parents and many other Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Her funeral mass will be at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Sumner, Washington, next Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 10:30 am.

There will be a small one hour reception at St. Andrew after the funeral mass.

Muriel Pearson will be buried next to her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1:15 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)