Obituaries 777 results

Memorial on Friday for WWII veteran ‘Chet’ Neiswender, 1925-2014

December 15, 2014 8:55 pm
|    Comments Off on Memorial on Friday for WWII veteran ‘Chet’ Neiswender, 1925-2014
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned Friday morning for Chester “Chet” Neiswender, whose family shares this remembrance:

Chester E. Neiswender, 1/29/1925-11/25/2014

Chester (Chet) E. Neiswender passed quietly November 25, 2014. He leaves his loving family: Wife, Mary; stepchildren: Nancy McCreery, Rick Gay, Janine Cox; 8 wonderful grandchildren; and 5 beautiful great grandchildren. Chet is also survived by 3 sisters: Evelyn, Ester and Marji, who all had numerous children. Chet had 8 biological children, 11 biological grandchildren, and several biological great grandchildren.

Chet was a WWII veteran, driving big trucks like amphibious vehicles where he helped get soldiers onto the beach from the landing crafts at Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. He was still in touch with a friend in Connecticut, the last surviving war buddy. We will all miss the wonderful stories from those exciting ,and sometimes horrifying, times.

Born in Hobart, WA, Chet was a lifelong resident of King County. He was a veritable wealth of historical information.

Read More

Remembering Bjorg Orlob, 1943-2014, who ‘died happy among loved ones’

Family and friends gathered this weekend to remember Bjorg Orlob, who died last week at age 71. Here’s the remembrance looking back at her life:

Bjorg Olea Orlob passed away on 12/5/2014. Born Bjorg Solheim in Andoya, Norway, in the midst of the Nazi occupation on 9/26/1943, she emigrated to the USA at an early age. She grew up learning both American and Norwegian cultures and values, and embodied the best of both. She attended school in Bothell, and graduated Bothell HS in 1961. She already began collecting friends she would keep for life before she got her dream gift – a one-way ticket to Oslo – for her high-school graduation.

Once in Norway, she continued to make friends. She spent time working in Belgium as well as Oslo, and always took the time to love the places she visited and the people who inhabited them. Her travels took her many places, including much of Europe and parts of Africa.

Once she returned to the USA, she was introduced to the cousin of a high-school friend, and quickly fell in love with Carl Orlob, a US Naval Aviator.

Read More

Remembering Mary Annie Belle Taylor, 1919-2014

From Texas to West Seattle over the span of 95 years, Mary Annie Belle Taylor lived a good life, as shared by her family in this remembrance:

Mary Annie Belle Taylor
May 17, 1919 – December 3, 2014

Mary Annie Belle Taylor was born on her family’s ranch in Brookshire, TX on May 17, 1919. The youngest of six siblings, she loved ranch life, especially riding horses. She began documenting her family in photographs with a Brownie camera she received for her fourth birthday. Her collection of photographs documenting three generations of the Hughes family is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of Americana.

Ms. Taylor moved to Los Angeles, CA in the 1950s and married the love of her life, Morris Taylor. She was among the first African Americans to attend culinary school, and became a chef and nutritionist in the 1960s. She managed a hospital kitchen until she retired in the late 1970s. Though childless herself, she served as favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews as well as neighborhood children, many of whom learned to cook in her kitchen.

Post-retirement, she moved to Silver Spring, MD, to be closer to family. A believer in action over words, Ms. Taylor worked with her local church to start a food program for elderly people living in her senior retirement community. Well into her late 80s, she used her beautiful tenor voice to telephone her “old folks,” read to them from the Bible, and sing to them.

In 2005 Ms. Taylor moved to West Seattle. Though health kept her from being an active member, she joined First AME Church in Seattle. In her final years, she was cared for by the wonderful staff at Providence ElderPlace to whom the family extends deep gratitude for their kindness, gentleness, and respect.

Ms. Taylor died peacefully the morning of Wednesday, December 3, 2014 after a long illness. Predeceased by her husband and all of her siblings, she is survived by loving nieces, nephews, and extended family throughout the country.

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

Celebration of life Sunday for Kerrie Yeasting, 1970-2014

A memorial service/celebration of life is planned this Sunday for Kerrie Yeasting, 44. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared:

Kerrie Manolovitz Yeasting of Seattle died Thursday, November 20, 2014.

Kerrie was born on June 20, 1970 in Kodiak, Alaska. She loved the outdoors and exploring and photographing nature. Kerrie moved to West Seattle as a teenager and graduated from Seattle Lutheran High School. She went on to start a family in West Seattle, where she was active in co-op preschool and Alki Elementary PTA leadership for her boys Owen and Vic. She worked in business administration and human resources, and briefly owned the children’s store Chickadees in the West Seattle Junction. She recently moved from Seattle to North Bend, and spent the last couple months traveling through the Southwestern United States with her partner Scott.

Kerrie is survived by her two sons Owen and Victor Yeasting, mother Suzanne Carney, father Ken Manolovitz, brother Quint Manolovitz, sisters Annissa Manolovitz and Joi Bommarito-Lee, grandmother Phyllis Frederickson, partner Scott Robertson, ex-husband John Yeasting, and all of their extended families and the larger community of friends who will forever miss her and the indelible mark she left on many lives.

Services will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, November 30, 2014, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and will include a celebration of life reception.

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

Memorial tomorrow for Frank Henry Little, 1925-2014

A memorial is planned tomorrow at Hope Lutheran Church for Frank H. Little, who died last week. His family shares this remembrance:

Frank Henry Little, 89, stepped into Heaven on November 20th, 2014.

He was born at home in West Seattle to Ed and Hattie Little. He married the love of his life, Lorraine, in 1948, and they were happily married for 66 years. Frank is survived by Lorraine, daughters Sharon (Bob) and Donna (Mark), and son Gordon (Debbie); 7 grandchildren – Chris, Jason, Brian, Curtis, Ryan, Matt, and Nicole; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ed, Gerald, Bill, and sister Henrietta.

Frank was a master carpenter and gardner, loved to laugh and have fun, and dearly loved time with his family. Always willing to help out friends and family, he truly had a servant’s heart (With a smile). A celebration of his life and funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25th, at 10 am at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer Association.

I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to Heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done – Phil 3:14

We love you and will see you in Heaven :)

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

Memorial on Monday for Army, Air Force veteran Chad Hammond

44-year-old Chad Hammond will be remembered at a funeral with military honors on Monday. His family is sharing this remembrance:

Chad Preston Hammond was born in Gaffney, South Carolina on October 29, 1969. He passed away on October 22, 2014 at his home in West Seattle, just a few days shy of his 45th birthday.

Chad was a retired military veteran, having spent 5 years in the Army and 14 years in the Air Force Reserves. While in the Army, Chad was based out of Fort Lewis and also spent three years overseas in Panama. He worked out of McChord AFB for his Reserve duty. He was activated several times during his time in the Reserves, including time spent supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chad also held civilian jobs during his time in the Reserves and after his retirement.

Throughout the years, he worked a medical assistant, heavy equipment operator, and a semi-truck driver. Chad loved to do thrilling, adrenaline-pumping activities such as sky-diving, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and dirt bike & motorcycle riding. He also loved sports, and when his sons were younger, he volunteered as an umpire for West Seattle Little League Baseball. Chad was very much loved by his family and friends and is greatly missed. He is survived by his three sons Tyler, Bryce, and Jacob Hammond of West Seattle, his parents Robert and Linda Hammond of Dayton, TX, and his brothers, Kyle Hammond of Flagstaff, Arizona and Justin Hammond of Crawfordville, Florida. There will be a military funeral for Chad on Monday, November 24th at 11:00 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, where he will also be laid to rest.

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

Friday memorial for Don Knodel, 89, barber-shop owner and more

This Friday afternoon at Forest Lawn, family and friends will gather to say goodbye to Don Knodel. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

In Loving Memory of Don Knodel

It is with great sadness that on 11/11/14 our father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away. He was the anchor of the Knodel family and will be missed.

Donald Clayton Knodel was born in Chasely, ND and raised in Hurdsfield, ND. He was one of 8 children and lived there until he joined the Navy, where he served in World War II on the USS Howard W. Gilmore. He came home and married Audrey Jean Kelm, his wife of 64 years. Together they took a leap of faith and with their two young children moved from ND, to West Seattle where they lived out the rest of their lives.

Don owned and operated Don’s Barber Shop on California Ave. for 45 years. He was an avid sportsman his whole life, playing baseball and basketball in school, then in the men’s league in ND. Moving to WS he became a regular bowler at the W.S. Bowl, poker player, and was involved with W.S. Little League Baseball as a coach and umpire. He and Audrey were Totems hockey season ticket holders and original Seahawks season ticket holders. Fishing was his true passion with trips to Canada and up at Timberlakes. Don loved having family and friends around him, whether it was playing cards, dancing or just sitting around telling stories and laughing. Lots of laughing….

Preceded in death by his wife Audrey; 3 brothers – Durward, Al, Andy; 2 sisters – Doris and Joyce. He is survived by his children Dwight (Nik), Kath (Kelly), Pam (Tom); grandchildren Erin, Damon, Tyler, Ian, Kaley; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Opal, Irene; and countless friends and family who will miss, but never forget, him.

Service: 11/21/2014, 2 pm, Forest Lawn Funeral Home (6701 30th SW). Please join us in the celebration of his life at the Knodel residence following the service (4122 41st SW). If you wish, donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

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

Remembering longtime West Seattleite Lori Hobby, 1957-2014

Family and friends are remembering Lori Hobby, who died last week at age 57. Here’s the remembrance they wanted to share with the community:

Lori Lynn Hobby, a born-and-raised West Seattleite, was brought up by parents Ann and Jim Hughes, with siblings Dana, Jimmy, and Steve. She attended Jefferson Elementary, James Madison Middle school, and graduated from West Seattle High School as an Indian.

Married to Doug Hobby, together they raised three wonderful kids, Keith, Anna, and Tim. November 5th, 2014, the two-year battle with breast cancer and liver cancer ended in her beautiful home she made.

A private memorial for Lori will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, November 15th. Anybody wishing to send flowers, please reconsider donating to your favorite charity instead.

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

Remembering Loni McIntosh: Memorial walk on November 1st

Two and a half years ago, we noted local fitness instructor Loni McIntosh‘s cancer battle, as friends organized a fundraiser. Today, we have word that Ms. McIntosh’s long fight is over, and that everyone who knew her is invited to gather for a memorial walk next Saturday:

Beloved fitness instructor and longtime member of the West Seattle community, Loni McIntosh, passed away from brain cancer Wednesday 10/15. Please join us to celebrate Loni as we do a walk and gathering in her memory on Alki Beach next Saturday, November 1st at 10 am. We will meet outside the Alki Bathhouse for a few words and walk as a group. Rain or shine. Let’s remember Loni with fun stories and memories of the tough, kind, loving person she was. Please wear blue/teal if you can.

Ms. McIntosh was 57 years old.

Remembering longtime West Seattleite Bill Ericson, 1922-2014

The family of William A. (Bill) Ericson is sharing this remembrance after his death this week:

Bill passed away October 13, 2014, at the age of 91.

He was the youngest of four children born to Ernest and Nellie Ericson in Star Lake, Minnesota. After being discharged from the Merchant Marines after World War II, Bill traveled to Seattle, where he met the love of his life, Olga Romei, and they raised three children.

Bill was a self-motivated entrepreneur who started his own real estate company, Ericson Realty, in the early ’60s and was immediately successful due to his hard work and diligence.

After retiring in the ’80s, his favorite pastime was socializing with friends and family, telling the best stories and jokes you can imagine and helping those who were in need. Bill never forgot a joke and something always reminded him of another story.

He is survived by his children William, Dini (Leif), Greg (Sue); grandchildren William III, Cale, Koen, Nolan, Nicole, and Noelle; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will dearly miss his stories, jokes, guidance, and generosity. A private family memorial was held.

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

Memorial tomorrow for Bennett McKnight, aka Lucky Freeman

A memorial is planned tomorrow for Bennett McKnight, also known as Lucky Freeman:

Our brother is gone.

His kindness and generous spirit will continue on with those who love him.

Bennett was a local artist, well known and beloved to many in West Seattle. He enjoyed frequenting many of the local businesses and always was enthusiastic about supporting the local community.

Memorial Thursday, October 16th
5:00 pm-midnight
West Seattle Veterans Center
3618 SW Alaska

(Photo courtesy Matt Sellars)

Celebration of Life on Saturday for Kristine Lenning, 1952-2014

A Celebration of Life is planned this Saturday for Kristine Lenning, who died last week at 62. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:

Kristine M. Lenning
July 13, 1952 – September 26, 2014

Kris passed away at her home in West Seattle, surrounded by friends and family. Kris was preceded in death by her husband Donald G. Lenning and is survived by her daughter Alexa Victoria Lenning, brothers Bernard, Kenneth, and Steven Larson, and sister Kathy Hodges.

Kris recently retired from Century Link after 44 years of service. She fought a long and courageous battle against cancer, never losing her zest for life, her sense of humor, and loving concern for others. Kris was a gifted artist who loved sharing her talents with friends, and especially children. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice and her family of co-workers that helped care for her. There will be a Celebration of Life for Kris on Saturday, October 4th, 2014, at West Seattle Golf Course from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Remembrances to the Cancer Society in lieu of flowers, please.

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

Memorial next Saturday for ‘Hank’ Ercolini, 1923-2014

Family and friends will gather this Saturday to celebrate the life of Henry “Hank” Matthew Ercolini, born October 8, 1923 in Seattle, died August 28, 2014 in Salem, Oregon, with many years in West Seattle along the way. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:

Hank was the oldest of the 3 boys of Joe and Julia Ercolini, a husband to Gertrude “Gertie” Ercolini for 65 years, a father of 4, father-in-law, devoted grandfather (Pop) and great-grandfather, an uncle, cousin, a devoted friend, a 1941 West Seattle High School graduate, a WWII Marine veteran, a 1948 Willamette University graduate, a math & history teacher, coach, junior high principal, referee, a world traveler, a long-time member of Queen of Peace church, a Beaver and Bearcat fan, a cribbage teacher, a landscaper by hobby, an avid golfer, a Meals on Wheels delivery boy, a favorite neighbor, a Susan G. Komen supporter, and a great friend to many.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he shared with everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by three of his children and their spouses: Joan Ercolini (Bend, OR), Lisa & Rod Noteboom (Moses Lake, WA), Steve & Betsy Ercolini (Seattle); his four grandchildren: Tom Watson and wife Jodie, Anne Watson, Angela Fernandez and husband Paul, and Daniel Noteboom; his great grandsons Eamon Watson and Eli Fernandez; and Tom and Anne’s father Steve Watson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Julia Ercolini, his brothers Edward and James Ercolini, his first daughter Julie Watson, and his wife Gertie.

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held at Capital Manor (in Salem, OR), Saturday, September 20th, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

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

Memorial gathering Thursday for James M. Novello, 1945-2014

A gathering is planned at a Gatewood home tomorrow to celebrate the life of James M. Novello. His family shares this remembrance:

James Michael Novello, born to James and Alvera Novello on June 19th, 1945, passed at his home on September 6th, 2014 – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and uncle.

James was born in Whitestone, New York, where he graduated from Holy Cross High School. He served as a Chaplain Assistant in Hanau, Germany, while in the United States Army.

James made a home for him and his family in Washington State, where he served with the Anacortes Police Department. He would later work for Fritz Trucking Company in Auburn, where he worked until he retired.

James loved his family, friends, and neighbors, but home is where the heart is, he loved spending time with his 4-legged friends. Other memorable times would be his yearly trips to the Washington coast or game night with family, friends, and neighbors. He loved his Seattle sports teams and Neil Diamond.

James is survived by his wife Debby Novello; dad James Novello, New York; sister Linda (Ray) Riso, New York; children: Richard (Heidi) Novello, James (Monica) Novello, Kimberly (Paul) Bahnmiller, Michael (Terri) Novello; grandchildren: Shawna Murray, Nickolaus (Erin) Novello, Zackary Novello, Carson Novello, Brittany Novello, Vinny Novello, Gabrielle Novello, Cecelia Novello, Giovanni Novello, Zachary Myers, Jacob Myers, Alexis Novello, and Anthony Novello; great-grandchild Aiden Plumley.

Celebration of life will be held at the home of James and Deborah Novello on September 11th, 2014, at 2 pm at 3926 SW Ida Street, West Seattle.

His humor and laughter will be missed.

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

Memorial next Sunday for C.W. ‘Buck’ Thompson, 1931-2014

Next Sunday afternoon (August 17th) at West Seattle Golf Course, a memorial is planned for “Buck” Thompson, whose family shares this remembrance:

Clair Wallace “Buck” Thompson, 83, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on July 14, 2014.

Buck was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Clair and Ethel Thompson. He was a 1950 graduate of West Seattle High School. He went on to earn a degree at Washington State University in Business with a minor in Architectural Small Dwelling Construction graduating in 1954. In his early years, he worked in the hotel and restaurant management business, was a real estate agent selling recreational property in Eastern Washington, and later sold marine supply equipment with Obert Marine Supply. Buck belonged to the Society of Port Engineers of Puget Sound and held the position of President, Chairman of the Board, “Chicken of the Year,” and “Man of the Year”. He enjoyed travel, fishing, sports, and family.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Ethel, and his sister Judith Ann Campbell.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sharon Thompson; sons Paul (Kim) Thompson and Bryce (Eva) Thompson; daughter Dawn (Eric) Hodo; stepson Jamie (Beth) Trigg; stepdaughter Tracy (Mitch) Trotter; eleven grandchildren and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial for Buck will be held at the West Seattle Golf Course on Sunday, August 17, at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medic One, without whose help Buck would never have been able to receive the care he did: Medic One Fire Department, 301 Second Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104.

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

Memorial on Saturday for Betty Lee Marks Broughton, 1929-2014

A memorial service is planned this Saturday morning (August 2nd) for longtime West Seattleite Betty Broughton, who died Monday at age 85. Her family shares this remembrance:

Betty Lee Marks Broughton was born on February 18, 1929 in Missoula, Montana to Cleve and Ora Marks.

Her early childhood was spent on a 10,000-acre working family ranch in Townsend, Montana where both of her parents were born. She attended first grade at a mining camp in York, Montana where her father found work. She has two younger brothers, James and Michael, who were also born in Montana.

After the mine closed, the family moved to Helena, Montana where her father went to work for the Social Security Dept. In 1941, when she was 12 years old, the family moved to Seattle where her father went to work at Todd Shipyards building boats for the US Navy during WWII. She attended 7th grade at Beacon Hill Grade School and when the High Point Housing Projects were completed for the WWII industrial workers, her family moved there. Every day she walked to the Cooper School where she attended eighth grade. It was there she developed several lifelong friendships with her classmates, who still gather every Wednesday for dinner at the Chelan Cafe in West Seattle.

When her father’s next job took him to Everett, she stayed with Harold and Pearl Broughton, who lived a block from West Seattle High School, where she attended 9th grade until she graduated in 1947. After school and on Saturdays, she took the bus downtown for her part-time job at Frederick & Nelson, and gave the money she made to her host family. After graduation, she married Harold and Pearl’s son, Charles “Bud” Broughton, who had also graduated from West Seattle High School. In 1949, they bought their home on 47th Avenue where she raised her four children who graduated from WSHS: Tim in ‘66, Mary in ‘69, Joyce in ‘70, and LeeAnn in ‘72.

Read More

Memorial planned July 14th for West Seattle author/photographer Karen Sykes

June 24, 2014 11:38 pm
|    Comments Off on Memorial planned July 14th for West Seattle author/photographer Karen Sykes
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A public memorial has been announced for West Seattle-based hiking writer/nature photographer Karen Sykes. She was reported missing one week ago while hiking on Mount Rainier; last weekend, her daughter confirmed her death, and authorities subsequently determined she died of hypothermia. Ms. Sykes, 70, was known best for her books and columns about hiking, but we also knew her for the many West Seattle nature photos she shared via WSB in the past few years (see her Flickr gallery here). And now there’s word of a gathering to honor her memory:

Celebrate the life and legacy of Karen Sykes at the Seattle Mountaineers on July 14, 2014. Share stories and experiences with friends at 6:30 PM, with a program beginning at 7:00 PM.

Karen Sykes was an inspiration to many hikers as hiking companion, hike leader, columnist, guidebook author and photographer. Even though she is gone, she lives on in her work and in our hearts.

Please send photos of Karen Sykes for incorporation in a slide show to Heidi Walker at fotogirl.heidi@gmail.com

And don’t forget to share reminiscences of Karen at NW Hikers Trail Talk or at
mountaineers.org/blog/karen-sykes-shared-her-love-for-trails-with-thousands.

The Mountaineers is at 7700 Sand Point Way NE.

Celebration of life planned June 29th for Lynda Nield

Friends of Lynda Nield, who you might have known from her time working in West Seattle, are getting the word out about her celebration of life coming up in North Seattle June 29th, after her sudden, early death two weeks ago:

Lynda Susan Nield, 50, formerly of Cumberland, RI; Tempe, Arizona; and Shoreline, Washington, passed away accidentally on June 6, 2014, while swimming in Costa Rica.

She was the beloved daughter of Eunice I. Nield of Lincoln and Joseph G. Nield, Jr. and Allie Nield of No. Smithfield. She is also survived by her brother Joseph F. Nield and his wife Karen of Cumberland; her sisters Karen Nield Kinch and her husband Michael of Cumberland; Lori Nield Riel and her husband Denis of Pascoag; and her step-sisters Marilou Lowery and her husband Robert, and Traci Anne Egermayer and her husband Robert of New Jersey.

Read More

Memorial this Saturday for E. Eilene Powelson, 1919-2014

June 19, 2014 9:18 am
|    Comments Off on Memorial this Saturday for E. Eilene Powelson, 1919-2014
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Friends and family will gather this Saturday to remember 94-year-old ‘Eilene’ Powelson, and are sharing this remembrance:

Evelyn Eilene Powelson, known to family and friends as “Eilene,” passed away on June 16, 2014 at Providence Mount Saint Vincent Nursing Center.

Eilene was born on December 1, 1919 in Bellingham to David and Anna Larson. Early in her life, along with her parents and two younger sisters, they moved from Bellingham to Everett and eventually settled in Seattle before the breakout of WWII.

She met her husband Corden Powelson at the Lutheran Service Center in downtown Seattle 1944. They married on May 3, 1946 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Seattle) with Dr. Stub officiating. Corden preceded her in death on September 19, 2000 after 54 years of marriage. Eilene was a member of Peace Lutheran Church for over 20 years.

Read More

Memorial service Saturday for Joe Ceccarelli, 1964-2014

Friends and family of Joe Ceccarelli will gather this Saturday to remember him. They’re sharing this announcement to invite all those who knew him to be there:

Joseph A. Ceccarelli, longtime resident of West Seattle, died unexpectedly of pneumonia on May 7, 2014, at the age of 50. Joe had many friends in the community and will be missed. There will be a memorial service at Arbor Heights Community Church (10213 41st Ave SW) on Saturday, June 14th, at 2 pm.

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

Robinson Newspapers publisher Jerry Robinson dies at 94

Robinson Newspapers has announced the death of publisher Gerald “Jerry” Robinson, 94, of Burien. According to the company’s 1987 history book West Side Story, Mr. Robinson’s publishing career began in 1952, when he bought the White Center News; in the early ’70s, he took over the West Seattle Herald, subsequently merging it with the WC News, and then bought the Highline Times. He later acquired the Ballard News-Tribune, and his company last year combined the three print publications to create the Westside Weekly. Our photo at left is from 2009, when Mr. Robinson received the Community Service Award from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce; accepting the award, he told Chamber members that he had tried to retire once, but felt “useless” when not working, because, he explained: “Nothing is as fulfilling” as being of service to others. Mr. Robinson continued to write weekly columns until recently. No memorial service has been announced yet; the online announcement says a detailed obituary is to be published later.

Memorial tomorrow for Robert E. Chaney, ‘true West Seattle guy’

A memorial service and celebration are planned tomorrow (Friday, May 16th) for Robert Edmund Chaney, whose family shares this remembrance:

Mr. Robert Edmund Chaney met his Pilot face to face on May 8th at 88.

Mr. Chaney was best known as a true West Seattle guy! He was the father to Liz Chaney (Trindade) and Carolyn Camille Chaney, both of whom graduated from West Seattle High! Mr. Chaney was a true neighbor and lived in the North Admiral district since 1966.

He worked at Husky Delicatessen for more than 20 years and has been a RE Broker for Century 21 for most of his career. As a Christian minister, award-winning poet & writer, he left a powerful legacy to his other two children, Christopher Chaney of Southern California and & Kimberly Condrin of Renton WA. He has five grandchildren, Cory & Taylor Condrin, Tatiana, Lorenzo & Romeu Trindade. Mr. Chaney was one of 11 children and for the very reason he loved to have a lot of people, friends and family around. Mr. Chaney was a loving husband to Beverly Chaney (former Talent Manager to Jim Caviezel and Brendan Frasier). Mr. Chaney, Bob, was also a host father to hundreds of exchange students for over 15 years. He attended University of Oregon and Stanford with degrees in Business & Political Science.

Memorial service at Tahoma National Cemetery on May 16th, 2:00 pm, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Memorial celebration at his home in West Seattle. If you would like to attend, contact his daughter, Liz Chaney Trindade by cell, 917 435 6455; text is OK.

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

Celebration of life next Saturday for ‘Roxy’ Fultz-Tovey, 1955-2014

May 12, 2014 8:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Celebration of life next Saturday for ‘Roxy’ Fultz-Tovey, 1955-2014
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A celebration of life for a woman known best as “Roxy” is planned this Saturday in Skyway. Shared by her family:

Roxanne (Roxy) Lee Fultz-Tovey passed away at age 58 in her home in Tacoma. She was born December 2, 1955, to the late Virgil Fultz and Gloria Bruce.

Roxy moved to West Seattle around 1975 after attending Western Washington University; she then went to dental hygienist school. Roxy made lots of lifelong friends during the 20 years she lived in West Seattle. After working as a dental hygienist for 5 years, she then went to work for the Boeing Company, where she finished out her working career, until 2009.

Roxy was married to Mark Tovey from 1994-2005 and has a stepdaughter, Erin Tovey of Spokane, who she loved very much. Roxanne is also survived by her grandmother Jessi Bruce of Tacoma, brother Bruce Fultz of Tacoma, brother Troy Hoffmaster of Hastings, Nebraska, nephew Coltn Hoffmaster of Port Townsend, aunt Virginia (Ginger) Steffenson of SeaTac, cousin Stacy Hardy of Moses Lake, and cousin Danay Mims of Enumclaw.

Celebration of life to be held Saturday, May 17th, 2:00 pm, at Skyway VFW, 7421 S. 126th St. Roxy’s favorite color was purple – it would be great if you have something purple to wear. Please make any memorial donations to the Lupus Foundation.

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