Barbara Ellen Boe, who died last weekend at 71, will be remembered at a service in West Seattle on July 9th. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community today:

Barbara Ellen Boe was born to Clayton Royal Lape and Ellen Ward on January 2, 1944, in Big Timber, Montana. Barbara spent part of her early childhood with her beloved grandparents, Robert (Bud) Ward and Anita (Brannin) Ward Hoyem up the Sweet Grass Canyon at the Ward & Parker Sawmill and ranch. Barbara’s father served in the US Navy during the Second World War, and her mother worked in Helena, Montana. Barbara formed a deep attachment to her grandparents and south central Montana.

Following several years in the Big Timber area after the war, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California. Barbara went through the Santa Barbara school system until the latter part of high school. She returned to Big Timber, Montana to stay with and help her grandmother. Barbara graduated from Sweet Grass County High School and attended the University of Montana at Missoula for a short time.

Barbara returned to Big Timber and was later married to LeRoy Schilling. They had one daughter, JoAnna.

Barbara married John Christopher (Chris) Boe on May 31, 1981 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. The couple moved to Billings, Montana and resided there for nine years. Barbara worked for then Eastern Montana College in the library and also with the Continuing Education Department. While in Billings, Barbara and Chris were blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth Ellen and Kristina Anita (Nina).

In 1989 the family moved to Seattle. Barbara was employed as a property manager until her retirement in September of 2010. Following her retirement, Barbara maintained her lifelong love of reading, staying up on current events locally, nationally, and internationally, attending church, and being involved with her family and grandchildren.

Barbara passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015, from acute myeloid leukemia. She is survived by her husband Chris, daughters JoAnna (Stacey), Elizabeth, and Nina, and grandsons Benjamin and Cameron.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 2:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California Avenue SW). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

(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 Life is planned this Saturday for Diann Marie Sales, who died on June 9th at age 46. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Diann Marie Sales was born to Daniel C. Higgins and Florence Marie Higgins, on March 11, 1969, in Seattle, Washington. She went to Auburn Senior High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Diann met Ryan Jay Sales in 1994, and married him in Seattle in 2004. Diann worked as a visual artist and art framer at Northwest Art and Frame in West Seattle. Throughout her life she worked in mixed media, including photography, painting, and handcrafts. Diann’s dream of becoming a mother was realized when she and Ryan adopted Elliot, born in 2011, and Frances, born in 2013. Their adoption was finalized hours before she passed away after a courageous, nine-month battle with uterine cancer.

Diann was loved by all, from the children she cared for as a nanny, to regular customers in the West Seattle community, to co-workers, to longtime friends, to a large extended family, to her sister and brother-in-law, her beautiful niece and nephew, and especially her husband and two extraordinary children. She was a much-loved, unique, creative, and singular woman who will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of her exemplary life may be directed to Amara Parenting and Adoption Services, the organization who facilitated the adoption of her two children.

Celebrating the Life of Diann Marie Sales: Saturday, June 27th, 2015, 6:30 pm, Arbor Heights Community Church, 4113 SW 102nd St; Facebook link here. For anyone interested in attending, please contact Ryan J. Sales by 6 pm Friday: 206-225-9586.

(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 Harry Newman, who died two weeks ago at 85. Here’s the tribute his family is sharing with the community:

Harry Newman
June 18, 1929 ~ June 4, 2015

Harry, an affable, competent, hard-working family man, was born June 18, 1929. He was liked by all and loved by those closest to him.

Born in Seattle, Harry spent his youth in Lynden working in the family movie theater.

He served in Korea with the US Army as a radio operator. After returning from war he worked at Boeing where he met and married the love of his life, Joy McLean. In 1955 the newlyweds moved to Diablo, WA, where he began a 33-year career working at Seattle City Light. In 1967 the Newman Family moved back to Alki.

Harry retired at 60 and never looked back. Joy and Harry traveled extensively. They lived in Lake Tahoe on and off for 20 years and spent weeks in the summer at the family house in Chelan, where Harry built the Taj Mahal of outhouses. They traveled across the country multiple times by train, plane and automobile. But they always returned to their pink house by Alki.

Everywhere Harry went he fixed things, both for himself and others. Harry led an active life. In his 50s he climbed Mount Rainier. In his 60s he hiked the north rim to the floor of the Grand Canyon and back in one day. In his 70s he skied over 100 days in a year. He rode his bike uphill to the Y in his 80s and exercised at the Y up until a few months before his death. For the last years of his life, coffee with the guys was the high point of his week. Harry and Joy were married 59 years, she died 18 months before him, and he missed her terribly. We trust they are together again.

Harry is survived by children Carolyn Newman (Kate Giannaros), Alec Newman (Margot), Annette Newman (Bill Montague); grandchildren Maclean and Lilli Newman, Daniel and Julia Montague. Harry and Joy were great parents and excellent grandparents.

Right to the end, Harry conducted his life with great dignity. His family would like to thank those who allowed him to stay in his home: Michele Abel, Brooke, Maclean, and Group Health Hospice.

(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-life memorial service is planned this Saturday (May 30th) for Peggy McCormack, who you might have known as a preschool teacher, or a church organist – just two of the many aspects of her life, detailed by her family in this remembrance:

Margaret Anne (“Peggy”) Kemp McCormack, 84, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2015. Peggy was the elder of two girls born to Charles William & Irene Carrick Kemp. Her early years were spent in both Spirit Lake, ID, and in Clarkston, and her adolescence on the west coast in Washington. After college graduation, she married Clarence (“Larry”) McCormack in 1952 and spent a happy life with him in West Seattle, where he taught science at Madison Junior High School and ultimately predeceased her in 2007.

Peggy was a gifted musician. She and her sister were singing on their grandfather’s radio show in Lewiston, Idaho, by the time they were not quite two and three years old. At that age, they had no idea that they were “performing”, but soon they had mastered a number of instruments, and continued to perform throughout their school years whenever and wherever they were asked. Peggy played piano, French horn and clarinet, but usually accompanied her sister, a flautist. Both girls entered and won contests regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest. They came from a very musical family, and Peggy always shrugged and said, ‘That’s just how it was. We didn’t think anything about it.’

However, by the time she went to college, Peggy was studying the organ. She had played her first church service at the age of 8 when her mother, the regular church pianist, was too ill to get to church, and apparently Peggy had a grand time that day. By the time she graduated from college, she was playing concerts or recitals almost every week. As soon as she and Larry settled in Seattle, she began playing for a number of different churches.

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Family and friends will gather Friday (May 15th) to remember Margaret Skube, who died in February at age 60. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Margaret Ann Skube passed away on February 27th, 2015, surrounded by her family.

She was born in West Seattle on October 10, 1954 to Galina and Noel (Cam) Skube. She attended Alki Elementary and Madison Junior High, and graduated from West Seattle High School with the class of 1972.

After working as a cook on cargo ships to Alaska with Western Pioneer for many years, she moved to Stanwood, WA, where she raised her daughter Calley.

Calley and her husband, Lane, blessed Margaret by giving her three beautiful grandchildren, Adalynn, Fionnegan, and Gillian. They were the light of her life.

Margaret will be remembered for her love of life, willingness to try just about anything, and for living her life at 100% in all she did. Margaret loved to garden, cook, swim, and to play games. She loved to travel, meet people, and to learn new things. She lived her life just the way she wanted to and always hoped for a better day. She certainly had her own sense of style, and always brought a change of clothes, since “anything could happen.” She was a fun-loving, positive, and hopeful woman.

Besides her daughter’s family, she leaves behind her dad, Cam, her niece Elle, and nephew Seth. She was preceded in death by her mother Galina and her brother Peter. She will be deeply missed by her many friends and her beloved Beaver Damn Campout girlfriends.

Her celebration of life will be Friday afternoon, May 15, 2015 from 11:00 – 2:00 at the Lakewood Seward Park Community Club, 4916 S. Angeline St.

(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 memorial service and celebration of life are planned May 15th for James D. Finnie, 68, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

The family of Jim Finnie is sad to announce his passing on March 30, 2015, after a long journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Jim was born in West Seattle on April 19, 1946, to Walt and Millie Finnie, the youngest of their five children.

After graduation from West Seattle High School in 1964, Jim married Marge in 1965 while they were attending Western Washington State College, only to have the military decide they needed him a short time later. He served in the US Army from 1966-69, most of that time in Germany, where he and Marge enjoyed many adventures together.

In 1975, Jim began his career as a Seattle firefighter, and always felt fortunate to be paid to do something he loved so much. The majority of his career was served at local Station 32.

Outside of work, Jim had many interests and skills- woodworking, golf, competitive shooting, and countless hours out on the Sound, with a fishing pole in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other (his idea of heaven!). He had a top-notch “Mr Fix-It” ability that led us all to believe there was nothing he couldn’t do. To all that he did, he brought his quirky sense of humor, and a smile, to those around him.

He was a loving and supportive husband and father, which led him to spend many years working with the Boy Scouts and driving the Kennedy High School band bus to assorted parades and retreats. He was enormously proud of his children.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Marge, and children Dave (Christy) Finnie and Krista (David) Hume. Six grandchildren: Alexa, Jessica, Sienna, Elijah, Rebecca, and Joshua. Predeceased by his parents and sister, Delores, and survived by brothers Bob (Durlyn) and Walt (Sharon) and sister Linda (Norm) Nelson.

Services to be held May 15, 1:00 pm, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, followed by a celebration of life at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse, 2:30 pm. Suggested memorials to Medic One or West Seattle High School Alumni Association Scholarship fund.

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

Barbara Cough Shea, who lived for more than 35 years in West Seattle, will be remembered at a funeral Mass on Wednesday (April 15). Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing, telling the story of the many chapters of her life:

Barbara was born April 23, 1930, in Norridgewock, Maine, to Bernard Ezra “Bun” Cough and Helen Norton Cough. She grew up in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine, the second oldest and fast friend of her three siblings, Sonny, Janis and Jimmy. Her entrepreneurial and ever-scheming father had the family moving frequently around the town and pitching in on various family ventures. Her mother Helen was always there for her children.

Barbara graduated Bar Harbor High School and went on to attend college in Boston, where she reveled in the excitement and freedom of the city. Back in Bar Harbor during a break from school, she caught the attention of a college boy on vacation from studies in Miami. Barbara’s father was quite impressed to learn the “boy” was Bob Greive, a Washington state senator and law student. Barbara’s father arranged for her to transfer to school in Miami to encourage the romance. Bob and Barbara were married in Miami, just weeks before her 20th birthday. He was 29.

Following his law school graduation, Barbara and Bob settled in West Seattle, where they raised their six children. Barbara and the children were fixtures in the back pew of Holy Rosary Church during Sunday Mass while Bob ushered. She earned a reputation for her grace and elegance even as she wrangled squirming toddlers. She kept up appearances at daily Mass when slacks were taboo, hiding her pant legs by rolling them up above the hem of her long coat. She was a member of the Holy Rosary School Mothers Club for 18 years.

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Jack Meduna will be remembered with a Mass at Holy Family and reception at Forest Lawn next Thursday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Jack Meduna, 68, of West Seattle, passed away April 2nd after fighting Lung Cancer for almost a year.

He was born in Seattle on December 18th, 1946. At a young age he attended Briscoe Boarding School for boys, then went on to graduate from O’Dea. He began pre-med at the UW but was drafted to Vietnam. Upon his return, he worked on a fishing boat in Alaska until finding his calling as a Seattle Police Officer. For 34 years, Jack absolutely loved his career with SPD and was also a Hostage Negotiator. He loved interacting with the public and all his fellow officers.

In 1986 Jack married for the second time and found the love of his life, Virgie.

They spent 23 years together, often traveling the Oregon Coast and eventually all over Europe before she passed 7 years ago. Jack is survived by his daughters Jill Casillas (husband Shane), Cami Aksdal (husband Todd) and son Clay Johnson (wife Amanda), and by his four grandchildren, Sydney Jaksich, Corbin Jaksich, Georgia Lee Aksdal, and Michael Aksdal and his sisters Vinette Tichi (husband Dennis), Roxanne Roten (partner Scott).

A mass will be held in his honor on Thursday, April 16th at 2 pm at Holy Family Church (9622 20th Ave. SW) followed by a graveside burial at Forest Lawn (6701 30th Ave. SW) with a reception to follow, also at Forest Lawn.

In honor of Jack and his love for pigs, please consider a donation to a place that meant a lot to him – Pigs Peace Sanctuary.

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

Services are planned this Saturday (April 4th) for Michael R. Shomaker. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Michael Robert Shomaker
January 25, 1958 ~ March 28, 2015

Beloved husband of Michelle, son of Bob and Myrna Shomaker, father of Kyle, Cody, and Sophie Shomaker, brother of Beth Torgeson (Ron) and David Shomaker (Kathy), passed away after a valiant battle with myelofibrosis (blood cancer). Eagle Scout, Sea Scout, Control Systems Engineer, smart, funny, very caring, talented up the kazoo.

There was nothing he couldn’t fix or make better.

Services Saturday 4/4 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, West Seattle. Viewing 12:00 pm, Chapel Service 1:00 pm, graveside following.

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

We promised to let you know when we heard about memorial plans for Don Smathers, whose death at age 65 was reported here one week ago. We now know the gathering will be at 5 pm this Wednesday (April 1st) at Junction Plaza Park.

(WSB photo, July 2012)
Sad news about someone we’ll miss seeing around The Junction. Even if you didn’t know his name, you’ve probably seen Don Smathers, shown at center in our photo from 2012, when Southwest Precinct officers helped him with one of the tasks he’s handled over the years – putting up the flags for the 4th of July. We got word today from Susan Melrose at the West Seattle Junction Association that Don has died:

Don Smathers has been a familiar friend in The Junction for many years. This morning he passed away peacefully in his home in the Campbell Building, where he had lived for 25 years. We will have a memorial in Don’s honor, but for now, we can take a moment to remember this kind soul.

We’ll let you know when that is scheduled.

ADDED SUNDAY: 5 pm Wednesday, April 1st, in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska).

APRIL 1, 12:52 PM UPDATE: Because of weather uncertainty, this will be at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska) instead.

Long-time West Seattle resident Jeff Hays will be remembered and celebrated at a service this Friday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing today:

Beloved husband, friend, and partner of 45 years, Jeffrey Allen Hays passed away suddenly on March 20, 2015. You know the answer to the Great Secret now, My Love. Go in Peace, taking my heart with you.

Born October 20, 1949, in Albuquerque, Jeff is survived by his wife, Janet, a West Seattle native; his brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan and Jenny Hays of Henderson, Nevada; five nieces, two nephews, two grandnieces, two grandnephews, and friends too numerous to count – we all love and miss you, Jeff.

Memorial Service takes place on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery and Funeral Home, 6701 30th Avenue SW. All are welcome who knew and appreciated this wry, suave, romantic gentleman. He could dance, too!

(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 services are planned on Monday for Roger O. Loken, a U.S. Army veteran whose long and storied life also included careers in teaching and real estate. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

It is with deep sadness that we announce our dad, Roger Osman Loken, passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 94. He was born on November 26, 1920, in Seattle to Gilbert and Maud Loken. He grew up in Ballard, where he met his wife of 69 years at a dancing school. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1939 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army at the age of 18, serving as a First Lieutenant in WWII in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy.

In 1948 Roger graduated from the University of WA with a BS in Zoology and earned his degree in teaching. He was awarded a full scholarship to Oregon State University, earning a Masters Degree in Biology in 1962; he learned to write and speak German in order to research his thesis on tardigrades.

His teaching career began in 1949 at Kettle Falls High School, where he taught science and was Principal until 1954. For over 60 years, his beloved Kettle Falls students kept in touch with him through annual reunions and correspondence. After leaving Kettle Falls, he returned to his native Seattle, where he taught science at Denny Middle School from 1954-1957. He finished his teaching career at West Seattle High School from 1957-1967 where he taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

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Family and friends will gather in West Seattle on Thursday to remember Dr. J. Robert Long. Here is the remembrance his family is sharing:

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Dr. J. Robert Long, born May 19, 1923, peacefully passed away in Seattle March 6, 2015.

He obtained his Doctorate of Education from the University of Washington. He was a life-long educator/administrator at West Seattle High School, Seattle University, University of Washington, and Shoreline Community College. He was dedicated to always being available to serve students.

He was a World War II Veteran, serving in the South Pacific. As a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, he led the meteorology unit in Okinawa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mercedes Long; his four children: Kathie Salonen (Bob), Bob Long, Sherrie Williams (John); and Kristie Farnworth (Steve). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his positive outlook. He always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. Above all else his primary dedication was to his family.

Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 2 pm, 6701 30th Ave. SW. Graveside services to follow. Reception to follow at Boulevard Park Place, 2825 S 125th St.

(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 bittersweet week for the Seattle Lutheran High School community – cheering its basketball team in the state tournament, while mourning longtime athletic director and teacher Bob Dowding. The service and reception to celebrate his life are set for this Sunday afternoon. Here’s the remembrance his loved ones are sharing with the community:

Robert (Bob) Earl Dowding went to his Heavenly home on February 24, 2015, after valiantly battling cancer.

He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 31, 1947, to Gerald and Eva (Rockenbach) Dowding. He attended country schools through 6th grade, after which he attended Palmyra, Nebraska, public schools. He graduated from Palmyra High School where he was active in football, basketball, track, chorus and class plays. Bob attended Sunday School and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eagle, Nebraska. He attended Concordia Teachers’ College, Seward, Nebraska, where he majored in secondary education and played football.

After graduating from college, Bob taught 24 years in Southern California, 21 of those years at Orange Lutheran High School, Orange, California. He was one of the original five founding staff members. He served as Athletic Director/teacher and in the beginning set up and coached all-new sports programs. Bob then worked for 20 years at Seattle Lutheran High School as Athletic Director/teacher.

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A celebration of life for Frederick W. Burns is planned for March 1st. His family shares this remembrance:

Frederick Wycliffe Burns passed away suddenly February 8, 2015 at Swedish Hospital surrounded by family. Born February 27, 1947, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Fred was a lifelong Seattle resident and Husky fan. He graduated from the University of Washington School of International Business and worked in the municipal bond business for more than three decades.

Fred was passionate, charismatic, and had a huge heart. He was dearly loved by many, including Shari, the love of his life; his daughter and son-in-law Catherine and Olivier Humbert, grandchildren Camille and Theo, his parents Donald and Elaine Burns, and his predeceased brothers Billy and Don Burns.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in his memory to West Seattle Helpline or West Seattle Food Bank.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday March 1, 2015, 4-6 pm, at Salty’s on Alki.

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

Services for Jimmy D. Picinich Jr., 43, are planned February 19th at Holy Rosary Church. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Jimmy D. Picinich Jr., born April 30, 1971, passed away at home on January 30th.

Jimmy attended Holy Rosary, John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, and Shoreline Community College.

After completing his education, Jimmy began his career as a Seattle Longshoreman, a proud member of ILWU Local 19 for 25 years.

Jimmy leaves behind his wife Kelli, daughter Taylor, his loving parents Jim and Janet Picinich, sister Krista, brother-in-law Colin, nephew Jimmy, and niece Addison.

Services will be held at West Seattle Holy Rosary Church on Thursday, February 19th, at 10:30 am; reception to follow in Lanigan Gymnasium at Holy Rosary School.

(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 Jim Hartog‘s life is planned for February 3rd. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

In Loving Memory of James Hartog

Jim was born on July 9th, 1933 to Johannes and Margaret Hartog at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.

He received his early education at Holy Rosary School and graduated from O’Dea High School. He joined the U. S. Navy and served until the end of the Korean War.

He was employed by Doyle’s Automotive Service and purchased the business upon the death of the owner in 1968. Jim was a member of the West Seattle Lions Club and served many years as Chairman of the Easter Breakfast.

In 1995 Jim had an accidental fall which left him a quadriplegic. His spirits were never dampened and he continued his cheerfulness and love of life until his death.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years; Nancy, his daughter Anastasia and her partner Tracy Giles, his son Jon, and his wife Sarah and three grandsons.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, February 3rd, 1:00 p.m. at Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Drive South, Seattle.

In lieu of flowers; donations may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle or Holy Rosary School of 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)

A memorial service is planned Tuesday for Edward D. Gottbehuet. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared with the community:

Edward Donald “Ed Huet” Gottbehuet, 92, of West Seattle, died Saturday, January 10, 2015.

He was born July 1, 1922 in Seattle, the son of the late Donald and Marie (Neupauer) Gottbehuet. He dated and eventually married Josephine Christ. As a child, he lived in Detroit, Michigan, until his parents moved to Seattle (Beacon Hill). Edward graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 and then spent 40 years in the United States Navy. He also worked for Alaska Packers, was a golf caddy at Jefferson Golf Course, and retired as a postal worker at age 65. Edward also sold real estate up until age 89.

He is survived and loved by his wife, son Mark, and daughter Jody. Edward believed in the Lord and could always say “God Bless” to everyone. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Avenue E., on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park, 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)

Those who knew and loved Joe Fine are invited to his Celebration of Life tomorrow, 11 am-3 pm, at Duke’s on Alki. Here’s the remembrance that his family is sharing:

Joe Fine, 76, of West Seattle, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015 from pancreatic cancer.

Joe was a legend to all that had the honor of knowing him. Born December 17, 1938 in Valentine, Nebraska to Mary Lamoureaux, he would spend his earliest years in Valentine at the family ranch just over the border in South Dakota. After WWII, he was adopted by William Fine, and the family settled in Billings, Montana, where Joe would graduate from high school. He attended and graduated from The University of Montana in Missoula. While there he was an active member of the Phi Delt house, where he was known as “Shakey.”

After graduating, he married Sharon Sayre and together they had two sons: William Glen and Gregory Joseph. He was a successful sales rep for Standard Oil and then Carpenter Paper before settling in Kalispell, Montana, where he owned a number of businesses including Joe’s Varsity, The Jean Factory, and Clothes Gallery. Whether he was creating award-winning promotions like Levi Clause and the Jean Advisor, or later selling diamonds in retail, doing remodel construction, or the nearly ten years he spent at Home Depot in the Garden Department, Joe is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and almost magical salesmanship.

All along the way, Joe collected a diverse group of friends that remained close throughout his life:

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Family and friends are paying tribute to Judy Lyn Sweetland, who died on New Year’s Eve at age 75. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Judy Lyn (Crosslin) Sweetland

Judy Lyn Sweetland passed away on December 31, 2014 after a long battle with an autoimmune disease.

Judy was born in Yuma, Arizona, on September 16, 1939 to Marvin Thomas Crosslin and Theopa LeVal Piester. She spent her childhood in Yuma, Arizona; Brownfield & Fort Worth, Texas; and Yakima, Washington. In 1960, she graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing as a registered nurse; got married; and moved to Seattle. After raising her children, she moved back to Arizona, longing to have more sunshine in her life (1987). Finally, she would return to Seattle to be closer to family (1995).

Her years in Arizona brought great personal growth. She lived in Wickenburg, Arizona, and worked at The Meadows, a residential treatment center for addictions; and at Rancho del los Caballeros, a guest ranch. While working at The Meadows, she wrote a self-help book for depression, The Sun Always Rises. It was written in response to patients’ requests for something in writing to support what they were learning during their recovery. While in Arizona, she learned the Krieger-Kunz model of Therapeutic Touch. Therapeutic Touch would then become her focus for the remainder of her life. She would treat, teach, and lead workshops, and lead meditations on spirituality and the energy connections to all that is around us.

Friends and family would describe Judy as: reflective, spiritual, loving, kind, caretaker, loyal friend, independent, connected, followed her calling as both a nurse and healer. She drew her energy from nature and loved to hike. Friends, family, and personal connections were extremely important to her.

Early in her nursing career, she was given the assignment to sit with a dying patient and his wife through the night. It was a very long night. She rotated holding each of their hands, while pondering how this was nursing. In the morning, the wife told her, “Thank you for sitting with me.” At that moment, she understood the power of providing compassionate support. She would then do that the rest of her life.

Judy was one of five siblings. She is survived by her brother Ken Crosslin (his two children Don and Thomas) and wife Dorothy; sister Carole Wimer (her husband Vern and their children Trever, Tracy, and Trisha); her two children Carl and John; Carl’s wife Debbie; and two grandchildren, Daphne and Sam. Both sons reside in West Seattle.

Private service will be held. Memorial donations to Indralaya (Eastsound, WA) in her remembrance are welcomed.

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

In the days ahead, family and friends are saying goodbye to Mary Jane Erlewine, who died last week at 82. Here’s the remembrance sent to us to share with you:

Mary Jane Erlewine, a longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away on Friday, December 26th.

Mary Jane was born on April 23rd, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in nursing. She put her education to use as a registered nurse with Group Health Cooperative for over 25 years. She was married to Lewis Erlewine from 1958 until his death in 2000. She is survived by her sons Jim Erlewine, Tom Erlewine, Robert Erlewine, daughter-in-law Traci, granddaughter Christina, grandson Michael, brother Charles Gillece & his wife Beverly, sister Dolores Mehringer & husband Otto, and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was full of life and had a kind and generous spirit. Visiting new places, meeting new people, the symphony, the ballet, Alki Beach and her cabin on Ohop Lake in Eatonville brought joy to her life. Her laugh was infectious and will be missed very, very much.

Please join us for a celebration of her life. All are welcome. If you are unable to attend, celebrate by saying a prayer, sharing a memory &/or paying it forward.

Visitation
Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 6701 30th Avenue SW

Service
Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 3 pm
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish, 7000 35th Avenue SW

Burial
Monday, January 5th at 11:00 am
Calvary Cemetery, 5041 35th Avenue NE

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