Memorial plans are now set for longtime West Seattle community advocate and entrepreneur E. Warren Lawless, who died last Monday at 95. When we reported on Mr. Lawless’s passing, we promised an update when the memorial details were announced; we have now received them from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, which honored him just last year for a half-century of service. The memorial is planned for 2-5 pm next Saturday (January 25th) at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse (4470 35th SW), with a program starting at 3 pm. Mr. Lawless’s family invites everyone “to bring their memories and share with all.” You can read more about Mr. Lawless’s storied life, in this remembrance published by the Western University of Health Sciences, for which he served as a board member for more than 30 years. (WSB photo from last month’s Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)

Family and friends will gather one week from tomorrow to celebrate the life of Sue Scharff, gone too soon at just 50, and they want to make sure everyone touched by her knows about the event:

Sue succumbed to ovarian cancer on December 16, 2013, at home, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Audrey Scharff and sister Beth Scharff. She is survived by her father Sam Scharff; son Jeremy Kim; granddaughter Miranda; ex-husband Kimin Kim; and nieces and nephews. Sue was a masseuse in West Seattle, where she lived for the past 9 years. She enjoyed many activities ranging from riding her motorcycle Thelma, walking along Alki, exploring Schmitz Park and Camp Long, but her heart belonged in Bridgeport, Washington, helping out at Rama Farms.

We will all miss Sue’s wonderful smile, her great life advice, her compassion for those of less advantage, and her big caring, giving heart. She was a wonderful Mother and Friend who could take any situation and find a peaceful solution. She selflessly volunteered her own body in research for ovarian cancer in the hopes of helping someone else.

We will hold a Celebration of Life for Sue at the West Seattle Eagles on Saturday, January 25th, at 1 pm. Come and enjoy time with friends and family as we share stories of the short but beautiful life Sue led.

(2012 photo courtesy Karl Sutter)
West Seattle has lost a giant. Warren Lawless died early today at the age of 95, according to his friends and colleagues at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.

Less than two years ago, the club honored Mr. Lawless for his 50 years of service. In 2008, Mr. Lawless was recipient of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Community Service Award.

In addition to being a community-service champion and volunteer, his resumé included decades in publishing, including as founder of the West Seattle directory known as the Banana Pages. He was a writer as well, with a column on WestSeattle.com in recent years. He also worked in the osteopathic profession for more than 30 years, including service as executive director of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association and chairing the board of Western University of Health Sciences.

He continued a very active career in public service until the end; just a month ago, we photographed him as he volunteered during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. He was a past president and most recently the club’s Secretary Emeritus.

We will have more later about Mr. Lawless’s life, including memorial information when it’s available.

ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: A memorial service has been announced for Saturday, January 25th, at the West Seattle Golf Course, 2-6 pm.

The family of the late Lucille Brisky Dodd is sharing this remembrance:

Lucille Brisky Dodd, 82, passed away on November 21, 2013, while recovering from hip surgery.

Lucille was born in Mount Vernon, WA on December 13, 1930, the youngest child (“Babe”) of John and Ella Lowman Brisky, and the sister of Maryl, Charlotte, and Billy. Beloved mother of Steve Dodd of Downers Grove, IL, John Dodd, Tom Dodd, Lynnea (Kirk) Manahan, and Donna Oslin, all of Seattle. Grandmother to Christy, Dani, Morgan, Emily, Cole, Clara, Tony, and Heather. Lucille was an independent and unique woman and will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Admiral Heights Merrill Gardens and to the medical staff at Highline Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness. Remembrances may be made to the Humane Society or an animal charity of your choice.

As per her wishes, there will be no public service.

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

The family of the late Joy J. McLean Newman shares this remembrance:

Joy J. McLean Newman – wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, West Seattle native – left us on December 18, 2013.

Joy started her working career as a mail messenger at Boeing, where she met the love of her life, Harry. Not long after their marriage, they moved to Diablo, where Harry worked as an operator for City Light. Upon their return to the greater Seattle area, Joy worked as a “taco bender” for Taco Time, a real estate agent, for the Postal Service, and as a COLA surveyor. She was a longtime Teamster, retiring from Laidlaw bus company as a driver for special-needs children. Joy loved the outdoors and bird watching.

Joy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Harry; children Carolyn (Kate), Alec (Margot), and Annette (Bill); sister Sylvia, brother Stuart, grandsons Maclean and Dan, granddaughters Julia and Lilli, step-granddaughters Sarah, Rachel, and Emily; nephews Nathan, Martin, and Charles. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities – CARE, Mercy Corps, or a charity of your choice.

Joy’s last message was one we could all use in our lives: Forgiveness.

(WSB publishes 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 one week from today – next Monday, December 30th – at Holy Rosary for Richard Joseph Kord, whose family shares this remembrance:

Richard “Dick” Kord passed away Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the age of 87. Born in Tacoma, he was 6 when his family settled in West Seattle permanently. Dick attended Holy Rosary and O’Dea High School, met his wife “Dottie” of 64 years, and enrolled in summer school to graduate early so he could sign up for service in the US Military Transport in the Pacific during the war, alongside his lifelong friend “Mick.” He then graduated from Seattle University while working at Sears part-time. This led to his 42-year beloved and dedicated career with Sears, where he established cherished friendships as well. Retirement allowed him more time to spend with his wife, family, friends, working on his home and pursuing his love for boating.

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Family and friends will gather at Holy Family Church one week from tomorrow to remember Bob Youngs. Here’s the remembrance sent to us to share with you:

Robert (Bob) M. Youngs, Sr. passed away suddenly at home on November 21, 2013, at age 83.

He was born in Longview, Washington, on March 23, 1930, the third of six children born to Curtis and Ruth Youngs. While growing up, Bob and his family moved up and down the West Coast, living in Washington, Oregon, and California. While living in Aumsville, Oregon, during his high-school years, he met the love of his life, Rosalie Mack, and they married in 1950.

Shortly after marrying, Bob was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. After returning to his family, he attended Oregon State University and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, while also working as a cabinet-maker. Bob and Rose moved to Seattle, where Bob spent the next 34 years at Seattle City Light, retiring as Chief Electrical Engineer. Together, Bob and Rose raised five children and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They could often be seen walking hand-in-hand; their love still had the spark of newlyweds.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, loved to spend time with his family and friends, and was a jack-of-all trades…if it was broken or in need of repair, he found a way to fix it. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, hiking, gardening, as well as traveling near and far. His family and friends reaped the benefits of his woodworking skills, with built-in cabinetry, desks, staircases, fireplaces, and more. Bob helped guide years of youth serving as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 351. Bob was very involved with church activities and provided strong leadership to the Holy Family Knights of Columbus (PGK, FS). Bob also dedicated many hours to The Mountaineers Snoqualmie Lodge, helping create a wonderful family getaway. In all of his endeavors, Bob benefitted from many lasting friendships that have endured throughout the years.

Bob was a dedicated father, grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife Rose, their children, Rob (Brenda), Rich (Lisa), Rex, Ross (Suzanne), and Ruth (Dennis Lew), and their grandchildren, Derek Youngs (Brittnee), Ashley Youngs, Kelli Youngs, Tony, Devin, and Cameron Lew, and their great-grandsons, Carter Youngs, Tyler Lew, and Jordan Lew.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, December 13th, at 7:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 a.m. with a reception following the service. Both events will be at Holy Family Church, 9622 20th Ave SW, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Holy Family School Randy Terlicker Scholarship Fund.

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

At the center of our photo from this past July is West Seattleite Rusty Harper, photographed as he led his fellow Seafair Pirates ashore at Alki Beach as this year’s “Captain Kidd.” Last weekend, Mr. Harper died at just 56 years old. His wife Bonnie shares this remembrance:

Rusty Harper
October 1957 – December 2013

Rusty Harper, of West Seattle, will be remembered most recently as Captain Kidd of the Seattle Seafair Pirates this year. He loved the camaraderie and being a part of the “historic tapestry of Seattle”. He got the biggest thrill at the start of every Torchlight Parade. Looking straight down 4th Avenue at the throngs of people waiting for the first cannon blast from the Moby Duck was his favorite moment each year. His Pirate friends became his brothers, and brothers help make a place a home. His motto was “Tempus Fugit.”

His friends knew him as a Southern Gentleman. He was born in a small town in Mississippi, but spent most of his youth in Mobile, Alabama. Although he and his wife of 20 years, Bonnie, lived in Seattle since 1995, Rusty retained his beautiful accent. After a career in real estate, Rusty went to culinary school, which brought him to Seattle. He worked in the food manufacturing industry for years, but most recently joined Sage Fly Fishing on Bainbridge Island.

Rusty was on a continuous journey to enrich his mind and soul. His search led him to convert to Catholicism in his early 30’s. He was a passionate reader of literature, history, sci-fi and horror. He wanted to finish War and Peace, but only made it through the difficult part that was written in French – he had so looked forward to reading the rest in English. He loved graphic novels and comics, too. He spent many hours with his nose buried in the Dark Knight series of Batman. He loved art and music. As a baby boomer, of course there was AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, but he developed a profound love of jazz and big band music, particularly Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. Travel was a big part of Rusty’s life. In recent trips to Europe, he spent many happy hours exploring art and culture. Several petite Parisian ladies working in a tiny chocolate shop might remember the shock of seeing a big redhead in a trench coat burst through the doors declaring in French, “I am an American chocolatier – where is the metro?”.

Rusty was the only son of Patricia Harper, who lives in Mobile, and the late Russell Harper. Rusty is remembered by his wife and her big family of sisters, nieces, nephews, and their children who loved their Uncle Rusty. His “hey, ya’ll”, “Roll Tide!”, big grin, and hearty laugh will be profoundly missed. Tempus fugit. Vita brevis.

Mr. Harper’s memorial is this Saturday (December 7th), 2-4 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd SW).

Family and friends will gather in memory of David “Thad” Batchelder at Our Lady of Guadalupe this Wednesday. Here is the remembrance announcement shared by his family:

David Windsor Thaddeus Batchelder, 22, died last Wednesday, 11/20/2013.

Thad was born to David and Kimberly Batchelder, July 3, 1991, in Seattle. Thad graduated from West Seattle High School in 2009 and spent his most recent days working alongside his father.

Our son’s passion was always skateboarding. He spent many, many days skating with friends in West Seattle’s skate parks and areas. He loved music, flag football, the Seahawks, the Boston Red Sox, and hanging out with his huge network of friends and family.

Thad is survived by his parents; Kimberly and Howard Chilcott, David and Michele Batchelder, siblings; Audrey Batchelder, Jackson Chilcott, Samuel Batchelder, Amy Batchelder, Benjamin Batchelder, and beloved niece Gracelyn Mae Pepper.

“We love him more than all the world can hold…”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am this Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with reception afterward in the parish hall.

(WSB publishes 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 month to celebrate the life of 75-year-old Bob Privett. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Robert (Bob) M. Privett, of West Seattle, passed away surrounded by family on November 12, 2013. Bob is survived by his son, Mark Privett; his daughter, Lisa Hines, and her husband, John Hines; his granddaughters, Grace and Sarah Hines; his companion, Holly Howard; and many other loving family members and friends. Bob survived an aggressive form of prostate cancer only to die from acute myeloid leukemia five years later, at the age of 75.

Born in Boise, Idaho, Bob lived most of his life in Seattle. He attended Gonzaga University and served in the US Air Force. Bob was a certified employee benefit specialist and later a computer and network consultant. While semi-retired, Bob drove a shuttle bus for patients and families of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Bob was a warm, intelligent, and witty man who enjoyed traveling, bicycling, hiking, and sailing. Bob was an active and warm presence in several 12-step programs and served as a volunteer for the 34th District Democrats.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at Dakota Place Park, 4304 SW Dakota.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the American Cancer Society (here).

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

Family and friends will gather Sunday at The Hall at Fauntleroy to remember Patt Sutton, 86, who led a full life of community service, family-raising, and more, as her daughter Amy Sutton writes::

Mrs. Patt Sutton, two-term president of the Seattle School Board, tireless citizen advocate for equitable education, and mother of 12, left us peacefully in the early morning November 14, 2013. Patt was admired by many for her strong voice, her warmth, passion, humor and keen intellect, and above all, her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Patt was born September 12, 1927 in Oklahoma City to Ruth (Burdick) and Lawrence George Harries. As a child growing up in the Jim Crow south, she was acutely aware of the hypocrisy and unjustness of segregation. An independent thinker, she questioned inequities whenever she found them, prompting her early departure from high school, college and the Catholic Church.

Patt met her husband and life partner Dr. John William (Bill) Sutton while attending the University of Nevada. She was blessed to meet her match in a man who admired her strength and unconventionality, as well as their shared desire to “go for an even dozen.” Following their marriage in March 1949, they moved to Santa Barbara, where Bill taught chemistry at the University of California. The family relocated to Ohio in 1955 when Bill joined the faculty at Denison University. Patt supplemented their income by working as a secretary at the local inn.

As a young adult, Patt worked as a reporter at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

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Family and friends will gather in Kenmore on Saturday to remember 74-year-old Loretta Ann Kirby (Lenning), who grew up in the Lowman Beach area. Her family shares this remembrance:

Loretta passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957 and attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she learned how to waterski and play pinochle. She worked for United Airlines until her retirement in 2004.

She was born to Gladys and Ingvald Lenning and is survived by her husband Bob, and sons Scott Jacobson, Jeff Jacobson, & Mason Kirby, as well as four grandchildren and her sisters, Audrey Lenning Anderson, Margaret Lenning Norberg, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Inglewood Golf & Country Club in Kenmore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.

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

In the center of that photo is Mark Small, a West Seattle High School graduate and former Major League Baseball player who died last week at age 45. The photo was shared by Jeff Jones, who’s at right in the photo (with Jim McCall at left, Joel Snow behind him). In e-mailing us about Mr. Small’s passing, Jeff said, “West Seattle lost a legend … Mark Small was a West Seattle grad in 1986 and went on to play in the big leagues for the Houston Astros. There are not words to describe how big a personality he was; everyone loved him. My heart goes out to his family and everyone lucky enough to have met him.” Mr. Small’s full obituary is published at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) and says that a celebration of his life is planned for 11 am this Sunday (November 3) at Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens.

The life of West Seattle High School graduate James Ewing, gone at just 21 years old, will be celebrated this Sunday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

James Douglas Ewing, 21, passed away peacefully at home October 19, 2013 surrounded by the love of those close to him. He was born June 27, 1992 to Ted Ewing and Ellen Becker and grew up in West Seattle. He and his father were “Ted and James” since James was a toddler and remained close friends into adulthood. They shared many great adventures on dusty baseball fields, boating in Puget Sound, helping his dad at work, dirt biking and snowmobiling. James attended Schmitz Park Elementary, Madison Middle School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in June 2010, where he participated both in wrestling and baseball.

James continued his education at Highline Community College. Without warning he had a seizure and was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. This is an aggressive form of brain cancer and cannot be cured, but only fought and James made the decision to fight and live the rest of his life to the fullest. He spent many hours in medical care, but continued doing fun things with loved ones. During these years, there were many trips to the mountains and Puget Sound enjoying life while at the same time knowing that life would not be as long as it should be for someone so young.

He had spent the last years fighting valiantly, and early this fall was told that he may have only several months to live. He lived much, laughed much, and loved much. The world is left to mourn. He was much loved. His memory will live on in the sounds heard from a baseball field of a game in progress, the bright glint of sun off the water on a summer afternoon, and immeasurable other beautiful moments happening around us every day.

Please join us in a memorial celebration of our beloved James to be held Sunday. November 3rd at 1:00 pm at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S 220th, Des Moines, WA 98198. It is time to celebrate a life well lived and support each other in this time of loss.

The memorial service for 98-year-old Dorothy Cathey is planned at Holy Rosary this Wednesday, after a Tuesday night Rosary. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Dorothy Cathey, a long-time West Seattle resident, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 22nd at her home.

Born in Tacoma, WA on March 20th, 1915, to Fred and Marie Meyer, Dorothy was one of six children. She graduated from St. Leo’s High School in Tacoma.

In 1943, Dorothy married Marquis Leonard Cathey (Len), a Seattle police officer. Together they built a family of four children, a network of wonderful friendships, and a loving marriage filled with fun and family.

Dorothy worked at J.C. Penney as a retail associate for many years. She was actively involved with Holy Rosary Parish and the Children’s Orthopedic Guild.

Dorothy was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

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Family and friends will gather tomorrow in memory of Charles E. Brown, and are sharing this remembrance today:

Charles Edward Brown peacefully passed away early on the morning of Sunday October 6th 2013, surrounded by two of his grandsons, at the age of 73.

Charles was the oldest of six boys, born to Ed and Ellen Brown, on January 12 1940 in Billings, Montana. Hey joined the US Army in 1957 and served in Europe for 4 years. After serving in the military, he moved to Seattle along with his family. He began his long career working for Boeing in their Renton plant. He retired from Boeing in 1998 after 35 years of hard work and dedication.

Throughout his life Charles traveled all over the world to places such as New Zealand, Germany, Panama, and many other locations. He was very supportive to the plight of Native Americans, and donated generously to causes that supported better health and higher education for them. He was an avid mystery-novel reader and loved spaghetti western movies. He is survived by his two step-children Gregg & Gina Springer; his 4 grand-children Acacia, Aaron, Cameron, and Ethan Springer; and two great-grand-children Ayden and Addison; his brothers Bob, Pat, Gene, and Joe Brown. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 10:00 am, Evergreen Washelli Memorial. He will be extremely missed.

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

This Saturday, family and friends of former West Seattle and White Center resident Bette Nelson, gone too soon at 59, will gather at Highland Park United Methodist Church to celebrate her life. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:

Elizabeth (Bette) Ann Nelson * 6-25-1954 to 10-4-2013

Bette died suddenly on October 4th at her beloved residence in Burien. A remarkable presence in the lives of many, she leaves a lasting impression with all. She always had a positive outlook through the most difficult times and never complained. She loved to laugh and brought joy to all with her stories. Above all, she had boundless Faith to guide her life.

Bette was born on June 25, 1954 in Stanley, North Dakota. Her father Tollef worked in the oil fields and her mother Bonita was a school teacher. Bette was the 3rd of four children, along with Byron (Teri), Stuart (Maureen), and Dan (Jeanette). She also left behind her nieces: Michelle (John), Jaimi, and Meghan and nephews Kristopher and Mitchell, stepchildren Alicia and David, and grand-nephews Jacob and Joshua.

The family lived in northern Minnesota during the early years near Bette’s mother’s parents, who were a strong presence in the family.

In 1957 Tollef relocated to Seattle in search of employment – soon followed by the remainder of the family.

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Family and friends of Bob Gramm will gather next Saturday at The Kenney to celebrate his life. Here’s the remembrance shared with us by his daughter:

Robert “Bob” Gramm died September 9, 2013, at 95 years old. He was born in Seattle, August 2, 1918, to Paul and Genevieve (Barnecut) Gramm. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1936.

He worked as an airplane mechanic at Boeing, until joining the Army Air Corps just as World War II was ending. He served in the occupation forces in Japan and the Philippines. He returned to Boeing and became a cost estimator, retiring after 35+ years.

In 1944, he married Barbara Jacobson and they enjoyed skiing, hiking, and traveling. Bob loved salmon fishing and boats, made wine, flew kites, and tinkered inventively.

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From West Seattle Thriftway:

With a heavy heart, we regret to inform our community of the sudden loss of a beloved friend and co-worker, Frank Foozer. Frank passed away on September 25th and is survived by his wife and unborn child, and a very large family. Frank was quick with a smile and had a warm heart. We loved him as did the community and he will be sorely missed.

Please Join Frank’s family and friends in a celebration of his life.

Monday, September 30th, at 4 pm.

Lake Ballinger Estates Cabana Building
23503 Lakeview Drive
Mountlake Terrace

A memorial account has been set up at the Chase branch within West Seattle Thriftway to help the family with memorial and medical expenses. If you would like to contribute, ask the teller about “Frank’s Fund.”

(The photo of Mr. Foozer, 31, and his wife is courtesy of Thriftway, a WSB sponsor.)

A memorial service is planned this Saturday at Providence Mount St. Vincent for Hugh P. Wallace, whose family shares this remembrance:

Hugh Patrick Wallace passed away peacefully September 22, 2013, with his family by his side, at the age of 91.

He was born in Seattle January 29, 1922, to Michael Wallace and Bridget Curran. Hugh married the love of his life, Betty June Thorburn, January 30, 1943, and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the 4th Division, where he fought in the Central and South Pacific and survived the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After serving his country, Hugh returned to Seattle, where he remained active with the American Legion and served as a Commander of American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713. He worked in construction as a heavy-equipment operator until his retirement.

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A funeral Mass is planned at Holy Family this Wednesday morning for 84-year-old Theodore (Ted) John Wiese:

Ted went home to the Lord 9-19-13 at the age of 84. Born in Woodburn, OR in 1929, he married Doris Marie Prinslow on October 2, 1954, after being honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marine Corps and attending OSU. He retired from The Boeing Company after 26 years and was ordained to the Diaconate, serving the Archdiocese of Seattle for the past 24 years at Holy Family Parish, White Center.

He is survived by his wife Doris, sister Jeanette Moore, his children Connie (Richard) Sanders, Larry Wiese, Greg Wiese, Julie (Bruce) Hanson, Lisa (Karl) Hansen, Tom (Wendy) Wiese, Margaret (Jeff Haack) Wiese, and Paul Wiese, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Church, Seattle at 11:00 am September 25. To leave an online condolence, please visit Yaringtons.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Catholic Community Services or Holy Family Parish.

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

Karol Fern Sample, gone too soon at age 44, will be remembered with a celebration of life this Sunday. Brad Johnson asked us to share the invitation, which includes some information about her life:

(The celebration is planned) on the lawn just outside Colman Pool in West Seattle this Sunday, 9/8, at 2 o’clock, right after the last noon swim of the outdoor season, where fellow swimmers and others … are asked to make arrangements so that you can join us as we celebrate the life of our dear and recently departed Karol Fern Sample, who, after two courageous years of fighting cancer, moved out into the universe to spread her fairy dust, positive energy, and bigger-than-life smile this past Monday morning, September 2nd.

The idea is for this to be a potluck where we share food, but more importantly to share in the warmth of community with hugs and remembrances of Karol’s short but vital, vibrant life. This near fixture of Lincoln Park, dressed typically in a white or green wool hat with ear flaps, either rode her classic bike or walked daily around the paths surrounding this park and pool, her second home, where she could also keep watch over any stranded seal pups or orcas magically appearing out in the sound. But what many didn’t know was that this very creative, bright shining star was a gifted and highly talented visual artist, a painter.

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