West Seattle, Washington
20 Monday
In high-school football tonight: Chief Sealth International High School was on the road at Sammamish. As tweeted via @sealthathletics, the Seahawks led much of the way, ahead 20-14 at halftime. Regulation ended with the score tied at 34, but Sammamish managed to get the win in overtime, 40-34. Next Friday night at 7, Sealth – now 0-3 – is back home at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), facing Garfield (which beat WSHS there tonight, 52-9, story/photos to come).
By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Bad things can happen to good people.
It’s true in the case of Stephanie Endres, a Pigeon Point resident and victim of a hate crime first reported here hours after it happened – a racist, threatening note left outside her home on July 26.
With one week to go until the September 24th Hate Free Delridge event – organized as a community response to the hate crime – we sought out Endres to find out how she is doing and what she has heard about whether the crime will be solved.
Endres, 30, is a homeless-outreach case manager with the Low Income Housing Institute, in addition to running her own nonprofit organization, Stephanie’s Lifeline, which also helps people experiencing homelessness. Add to that, she just obtained her master’s degree in nonprofit management, adding to her bachelor’s degree in social work. She’s a positive force to be reckoned with, who gives and gives and gives and gives. Not to mention, the mother of two mixed-race children, and the first person in her family to reach this level of higher education.
A Seattle native, Endres and her children, Terrina, 5, and Jameson, 4, live with her father in the house she grew up in. The day she came home from work and found the note, she said it was just lying on the porch. She thought it was trash. Read More
As mentioned in our daily event preview, Garfield High School football players told the South Seattle Emerald that they planned to kneel during the national anthem before tonight’s game with West Seattle High School, to protest racial oppression. The anthem has just been sung (by WSHS’s Kelsey Lenzie) here at Southwest Athletic Complex, and not only did Garfield’s players kneel, as shown in the top photo, so did several WSHS players, while the Garfield cheer squad sat (photo below).
The game is now underway and we will report on it separately later.
ADDED: Garfield coaches, from our photographer on the field.
One of this weekend’s big events is for people who love to shop. The photo and reminder are from Judy Pickens:
Above, Janie Menaul wrestles a floor lamp into shape to check that it’s complete and working. She and a host of other volunteers are preparing for the 22nd annual 2nd Time Sale this weekend at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), and it promises to be one of the biggest ever. Saturday 9 am – 4 pm with a bake sale and free delivery of large items; Sunday 11:30 am – 2 pm. Cash or check only for thousands of clean, culled, and organized bargains.
Judy adds that the church is currently “hiring a building and grounds custodian to handle routine maintenance and support such special events” – details are here.
For those who have been asking when the RapidRide stop on southbound 35th just south of Avalon would move back to its permanent site … it’s back. Don’t know if it’s been back for hours or days, but Eddie tipped us this afternoon, so we drove by for a photo. We had most recently checked with Metro in July, and – as we wrote here – they expected it to return in August, so it was a little behind schedule, but it’s there now. During the construction of mixed-use Aura, the stop had moved about a block south.
If you haven’t already seen this announcement in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, we’re spotlighting it now since tomorrow’s daily preview will likely be too late:
MENTAL HEALTH 101 AND COMPANIONSHIP: DEMYSTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH AND REMOVING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Life, Justice, and Peace Commission invites you to one or both of these great events on Saturday, September 17 in the Walmesley Center (7000 35th Ave SW).
Mental Health 101 (10-11:30 am) will focus on fostering a deeper understanding of common mental illnesses, what they look like, how they develop and tips for relating to the people who live with them. We will discuss strategies for families and other caregivers to support the mental health of themselves and others.
Companionship Training (12:30 pm-3 pm) will introduce the five practices of Companionship: hospitality, neighboring, sharing the journey side-by-side, listening and accompaniment. Once completed, you will have tools to listen consciously, with openness and awareness, to enable at least a momentary reprieve, and to encourage a strengthening for the journey ahead.
$10 suggested fee per class or $15 for the whole day.
Information: Jennifer Ibach at jibach@olgseattle.org or 206-935-0358 x.120. Please be sure to bring a lunch if you’re staying for the day.
2:02 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re hearing Guardian One too. The helicopter showed up concurrent with a report of a possible burglary near Fauntleroy Park – we’re checking to find out more.
2:09 PM: Police are in the 4000 block of SW Barton, for what we still believe, so far, is a possible burglary investigation. That abuts the Fauntleroy Park greenbelt, on which they are focusing as well.
2:24 PM: Police are now searching the house that was the subject of the burglary report – our photographer reports that the residents came home and let them in. Fauntleroy has had an uptick in burglaries recently, as mentioned in our coverage of the Fauntleroy Community Association meeting this past Tuesday; we reported on a break-in near Lincoln Park just yesterday.
2:35 PM: No word of an arrest yet. But a sighting that *might* (or might not) have been related – someone who told us about hearing the burglary alarm said they saw several people jump into a “black Acura” near Fauntleroy Church – we know police have that tip as well, as it’s been mentioned over the air.
2:37 PM: Our photographer is back with this image of police when they were outside the house with guns drawn about 20 minutes ago, before determining whether anyone was still inside:
We’ve received a couple questions about this site-clearing work underway in southeast Admiral.
It’s the site of the 14-house 3601 Fauntleroy Avenue SW [map] development. As we reported in August of last year, development proposals have been in the works for this site for at least nine years – in 2007, it was proposed for 21 houses, and then the plan resurfaced last year with 14 houses. After it received key approvals this past May, neighbors filed an appeal, then withdrew it following a settlement with the developer last month. The arborist report filed with the city says that the only “exceptional trees” on the site are four madrones in the “east steep slope buffer” that are not expected to be affected by the construction project; the report says the rest of the ~100 trees “in general” are “structurally weak … diseased … smothered in invasive species.” If you’re following the permit on this project, you’ll see here that the 14 houses will have addresses on SW Spokane.
Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STREET ROBBERY NEAR CALIFORNIA/ANDOVER: We’ve just obtained the Seattle Police report on this incident that happened just before 11:30 last night. It says a woman who had just gotten off work in The Junction was walking home with her boyfriend, northbound in the 4000 block of California SW (near Andover), when four men “approached them from behind.” One man asked the woman what time it was; when she started to pull out her phone to look, the man showed a “small black handgun” and said “Give me all your stuff.” She said the men then pushed her to the ground “and punched her several times … she covered her face to keep her glasses from breaking.” Her purse, meantime, was on the ground, with its contents scattered, the report says, and the attackers/robbers went through the items, stealing $30, before running away southbound, possibly because two people had just pulled up in a car. Police arrived at the scene, where they found the female victim, who said her boyfriend also had been assaulted and then chased after the robbers/attackers. SFD was called to check out their injuries. The victims said that because it was dark, they didn’t get a good look at the attackers/robbers, but they and the two people who had pulled up in a car told police the four appeared to be black men in their 20s, “average build,” wearing dark sweatshirts “with the hoods pulled up.” Police brought a K-9 in to help search, but didn’t find anyone.
CAR STOLEN FROM SUPERMARKET LOT: A brazen car theft this morning – while Kelly stopped for coffee, bagel, and a work call at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, someone stole her car, a green Honda CR-V, plate AQK4300, taken around 9:20 am from the south side of the parking lot: “The car had very special fishing poles that mean a lot to our family.” They’re in the process of filing the police report now; call 911 if you see the car.
P.S. The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings next Tuesday (September 20th) at the Southwest Precinct, 7 pm, with crime-trend updates from police and a chance for you to bring up community crime/safety concerns.
(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Robert Spears)
Friday’s here, and so are the highlights for the next 12 hours or so:
PARKing DAY AT WYATT’S: It’s PARKing Day around the city, with dozens of businesses/groups setting up temporary parklets in parking spaces (here’s the map) today and tomorrow. In West Seattle, this year’s one and only participant is Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village, until 6 pm today and 10-6 tomorrow. (2800 SW Barton)
YMCA’S KIDS ZONE OPENS: 4-8 pm, you’re welcome to come to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), whether or not you’re a member, as the new Kids Zone opens. Details in our calendar listing; we published a Kids Zone sneak peek on Thursday. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Doors open at Highland Park Improvement Club at 6 pm, with kids’ short at 6:15 pm and main feature at 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. Free, but bring $ for concessions! (12th SW/SW Holden)
WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s annual fall festival starts tonight, 6-10 pm. Bouncy rides, food, bingo, more. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School is home against Garfield at 7 pm at SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), going for third win in a row. The South Seattle Emerald reports that Garfield players will kneel during the pregame national anthem to protest racial oppression … Seattle Lutheran High School is home at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) vs. Neah Bay at 6 pm … Chief Sealth International High School is on the road against Sammamish, also at 7 pm (100 140th SE).
‘A GRAND AFFAIR’: First-ever edition of this new cocktail-party benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank starts at 6 tonight at Westland Distillery in SODO. Contact WSFB ASAP to see if any tickets remain. (2931 1st Ave. S.)
LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT … see the listings on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!
One night after hitting a home run to help his team win its eighth straight, Mariners star Nelson Cruz was in West Seattle last night, going to bat for local students. An all-star list of attendees helped celebrate the launch of his Boomstick23 Foundation at The Sanctuary at Admiral. A big reason to launch it here – Cruz’s foundation is supporting Chief Sealth International High School, whose principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and athletic director Ernest Policarpio were at the launch.
Fraser-Hammer accepted a check for $10,000 last night and “a promise to provide us with gear for our baseball team,” as she wrote in a message to the CSIHS community this morning, explaining:
… It has long been Nelson’s dream to start a foundation to support education. Both his parents were teachers and he often speaks of their strong commitment to education and to ensuring that all students graduate from high school. Nelson has always wanted to take up the charge to support education as a way to honor his parents and to give back to the community. In looking for a school to partner with, Nelson visited our school in the spring, where he met some of our students and learned a lot about our strengths and challenges. …
Others from the Mariners organization and extended family were there – including Edgar Martinez!
The event at The Sanctuary also included a silent auction – with memorabilia like this:
Donors/supporters on hand included Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village, showing the diamond “Boomstick” his business contributed:
Others in attendance included King County Executive Dow Constantine and family:
Mayor Ed Murray stopped by too. This isn’t the first philanthropic venture for Nelson Cruz – he is also involved with the community in his Dominican Republic hometown, Las Matas de Santa Cruz. Meantime, he and the M’s go for their ninth consecutive win tonight at Safeco Field, 7:10 pm vs. the Astros.
On our partner site White Center Now, we’re continuing our coverage of King County’s proposed 70-bed shelter in White Center, in the former Public Health building at 8th SW/SW 108th: We’ve added video this morning to last night’s as-it-happened report of a standing-room-only meeting led by county and Salvation Army officials. Many in the crowd screamed and shouted their opposition at multiple points in the meeting, vowing legal action to prevent the shelter from opening; it ran an hour longer than planned and ended with a promise of a second meeting. See comprehensive coverage on our partner site White Center Now.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:52 AM: As we start this morning’s traffic coverage, we’re getting word of a crash at 34th and Barton. A caller says a motorcycle rider is involved. We are heading over to check, but avoid that area.
6:56 AM: SDOT says Barton is blocked eastbound at the scene.
7:05 AM: Per scanner, police are also going to block Barton westbound, at 32nd SW. No word yet on injuries.
7:14 AM: And now police are reported to be reopening SW Barton.
7:30 AM: Our crew photographed the motorcycle, which has been uprighted.
The rider had collided with the black car seen in the background of our photo and has been taken to Harborview Medical Center, but his injuries weren’t life-threatening, which is why the scene was reopened so quickly.
7:32 AM: On to what else is happening:
Today is PARKing Day, which expands to two days this year, in which businesses/organizations were invited to get permission to turn parking spaces into temporary mini-parks. The only one in West Seattle this year is at Westwood Village, alongside Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor). See the citywide map here.
CITYWIDE WEEKEND PREVIEW: Along with PARKing Day, the Mariners are at home starting tonight, the Sounders play at CenturyLink tomorrow, and in South Park, the Fiestas Patrias parade travels along 14th Avenue South starting at 11 am Saturday – here’s SDOT’s citywide weekend roundup.
8:33 AM: Via SDOT, a crash at 45th/Alaska – the SFD response, however, has already closed.
9:28 AM: Via scanner, report of a crash at 36th/Raymond, “car not drivable.”
Thanks for the tips – police and fire are in the Luna Park area investigating an incident that left a man unconscious and being rushed to the hospital. According to what we’re hearing via scanner, he’s about 50 years old and was on foot when hit by a car near the Avalon ramp to the bridge. If you’re heading out any time soon, avoid the area.
(The three ‘massing’ – size/shape – options proposed for 2222 SW Barton)
By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
About 17 concerned citizens attended tonight’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the proposed apartment complex at 2222 SW Barton.
Architect Justin Kliewer, who is now with Cleave Architecture and Design, presented three different massing (size/shape) options for the complex, which will be situated on what Kliewer called a “tricky” triangular parcel of 15,500 square-feet, on a steep grade, currently home to a small apartment building. The area is a bit of a mix, with Westwood Village within a stone’s throw, and single-family houses to the east and south.
The idea of 70 to 80 units shoe-horned into the space was not warmly received by those present.
“I can hardly believe they can squeeze in 80 units, it’s absurd, massive, way too big for the site,” said a neighbor named Sebastian, who lives directly uphill from the site. He said it would be visible for eight to 10 blocks and become a “monolithic presence.”
(WSB photos)
While the first day of the fall semester at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) isn’t until September 26th, more than 100 new students got a jump start this week. They are in the 13th Year Promise program – which pays first-year tuition to graduates of three Seattle Public Schools high schools, including Chief Sealth IHS. Here are full details from SSC:
South Seattle College celebrated its largest incoming class of 13th Year Promise Scholarship recipients on Sept. 15 since the program’s inception in 2008. 110 students completed orientation this week and will start their higher education at South this fall with their first year of tuition paid for through the scholarship program.
The celebration came at the end of a three-day “Bridge Program” orientation, where incoming 13th Year scholars learned key skills and resources to help them navigate the transition from high school to college.
“I want to truly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity,” South Seattle College President Gary Oertli said to the incoming class. “Be committed in your heart to say ‘I’m going to do this,’ whatever your goals may be.”
For Chief Sealth International alum Matthew Burckhard, that goal is training to carry on a family tradition.
“I’m going into culinary or pastry because my grandfather was a baker … (and) a couple years ago he passed away and I figured I should take on his legacy and see if I can become a baker as well,” Burckhard said.
The scholarship guarantees one year of free tuition at South Seattle College for all high school graduates from Chief Sealth International, Cleveland, and Rainier Beach high schools, regardless of their grades or finances. Scholars’ first year of tuition is covered through a combination of donations to the South Seattle College Foundation and financial aid rewards.
Someone else new on campus was spotted at today’s ceremony:
The otter is a new – so far nameless – mascot. The 13th Year program started with Cleveland in 2008; Sealth was added in 2011.
As expansion/renovation work continues at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) headquarters in The Triangle, staffers are getting ready today for a celebration tomorrow – the grand opening of the new Kids Zone, 4-8 pm Friday. We got a sneak peek with the Y’s Joleen Post on Wednesday afternoon. Above, the big indoor play structure is in the “Adventure Zone” for 3- to 5-year-olds; the “Tween Zone” for ages 9 to 13 includes a ping-pong table:
Lots of work going on when we stopped by, but tomorrow, it’ll all be done in time for the celebration. There are also specific programs for babies, toddlers, and 4- to 9-year-olds, with three separate indoor areas – adjacent to the Y’s gym – including new restrooms and a new outdoor play structure that’s being installed soon. These are all drop-in child-care areas included in Y family memberships. But you don’t have to be a member to enjoy tomorrow’s celebration – come in, look around, try things out. (If you decide to join, the Y has a “no joining fee” special through mid-October. And if you’ve never been there – the temporary entrance is along SW Snoqualmie, between 36th SW and 37th SW.)
(Photo by Jean Sherrard, courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society; click here to see full-size version on SWSHS website)
Three and a half months after the “Group Hug” event (photo above) celebrating the historic Admiral Theater‘s impending renovation work, the operators of the landmark moviehouse just got the permit they needed to get going! Here’s the big announcement of what happens next, just in from Jeff Brein of Far Away Entertainment:
With all required city building permits in hand, upgrades, expansion and renovations of the Historic Admiral Theater in West Seattle will begin in earnest on Monday, Sept. 19 with completion expected in November.
Moviegoers will be able to see films at the Admiral during the construction period, according to Jeff Brein, managing partner of Far Away Entertainment, the Bainbridge Island-based group that operates the theater.
“Our principal goal is to keep the theater open during this process, albeit on a limited basis,” Brein said. “Initially, weekday films will be presented in a single theater, with expanded schedules on weekends. As the project progresses and additional auditoriums are readied we expect the number of movie offerings to increase.”
Brein and partner Sol Baron have worked with building owner Marc Gartin for several years to plan a history-based renovation of the iconic 1942 theater, for which the Southwest Seattle Historical Society secured city landmark status 27 years ago. The Gartin family purchased and reopened the theater in 1992 after a three-year closure.
The current two-auditorium footprint will expand to four and will feature stadium seating in two larger auditoriums. Additional enhancements will include new, state-of-the-art digital laser projection systems, a 3D auditorium, Dolby Digital sound systems, new seating with beverage cup holders, and upgraded carpeting, concessions area and restrooms.
“Additionally,” Brein said, “we have been working with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and plan to reveal and eventually restore the original, interior auditorium murals featuring underwater appliqués that have been hidden since the theater was twinned in 1973. We also have been working together on other improvements, including repainting of the lobby and preservation of its 1942 mural of Captain George Vancouver and other artwork. Other less apparent enhancements will include a revised traffic flow pattern for ticket sales and more open space in the lobby, improved theater floor lighting and an upgrade of the theater’s marquee.”
The Admiral Theater project team includes Swinterton Builders, CDA Architecture, and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, as well as the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, which approved the renovation in June. Credit also goes to King County Council member Joe McDermott and King County Executive Dow Constantine, both West Seattle residents, for helping secure a $95,000 “Saving Landmarks” grant from 4Culture last November.The Southwest Seattle Historical Society eagerly anticipates the renovation, said Clay Eals, executive director. “We are thrilled that these many improvements will allow the Admiral Theater to thrive well into the future and can occur without harming – and actually exposing and showcasing more of – the building’s historic features,” Eals said.
“We salute Far Away Entertainment and the Gartin family ownership for their perseverance and heart,” he said.
“This renovation project and the existence of the theater itself wouldn’t be possible without the grassroots effort that saved it in 1989, and the history of this moviehouse, an art deco masterpiece, is a shining example of how neighbors engaging in the landmark process can add economic vitality to the city while building community pride.”
Our archived coverage of The Admiral is here, including our report on the Landmark Board’s approval of the work back in June, and the February 2015 announcement of the agreement between the building’s owner and operators that paved the way for this work.
(WSB file photo)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:46 PM: The 2016 West Seattle Harvest Festival has just been announced for Sunday, October 30th, 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. If you’re new here – the Harvest Festival is the annual street-fair combination of family activities, business trick-or-treating (that part starts at noon), and WS Farmers’ Market. The West Seattle Junction Association presents it, and director Lora Swift says they’re currently inviting prospective sponsors (WSB is already on board) and activity presenters. Go here ASAP if you’re a business interested in being a sponsor, and/or a business, nonprofit, or school interested in presenting an activity. (And yes, there will be a chili cookoff again this year, with the fee for tasting/judging benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – more to come on that.)
3:19 PM UPDATE: Here’s the scoop on how to enter the chili competition:
Participants must:
§ Be a West Seattle business.
§ Bring two gallons of hot chili made in commercial kitchen and an electric warmer. Maintain chili’s temperature to meet health standards.
§ Provide a chili server who has a current Food Handlers Card.
§ Be ready to serve at 11 am! With 2 gallons of chili, we’ll be able to serve about 100 flights and the competition will probably be done by 1 pm.
§ Space is limited to 8 competitors, and a minimum of 4 competitors are needed.
We’ll provide everything else. To register – admin@wsjunction.org with your business name, contact person, and agreement that rules will be followed.
The festival also includes a costume parade at 11:30 am, led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band.
(Belted Kingfisher – photographed in West Seattle by Matt Olson)
Seven things you need to know for the rest of today/tonight:
MOST SEATTLE PARKS FACILITIES CLOSED: As announced earlier this week, Seattle Parks staff are taking a training day – here’s what’s open and what’s not.
DELRIDGE GROCERY FARMSTAND: Earlier this week, we brought you an update on the Delridge Grocery Cooperative‘s longrunning work toward opening a grocery store. Today’s your next chance to visit their weekly farmstand and buy fresh produce and/or find out how to help. 4-7 pm next to Delridge P-Patch. (Delridge Way SW/Puget Boulevard)
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY BBQ & PTSA MEETING: 6 pm barbecue for Arbor Heights Elementary families, followed at 7 pm by the first PTSA meeting of the year – details here. (3701 SW 104th)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Tonight at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, find out about timebanking at 6 pm; potluck at 6:30 pm; guest speaker at 7 pm. Full details in our calendar listing. (SW Oregon/California SW)
WHITE CENTER SHELTER: King County’s plan for an emergency overnight shelter in their former Public Health building in White Center will be discussed at a community meeting tonight, 6:15 pm at TAF’s Bethaday Community Space in Dick Thurnau Memorial Park. Here’s our WhiteCenterNow.com report with detailed background. (605 SW 108th)’
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 2222 SW BARTON: As first announced in August, the ~80-unit, no-offstreet-parking building proposed for a triangular spot across from the southeast side of Westwood Village goes before the Southwest Design Review Board at 6:30 pm. See the “design packet” here. There will be a public-comment period during the meeting, which is at the Senior Center/Sisson Building in The Junction. (SW Oregon/California SW)
ALAUDA BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, tonight’s the monthly belly-dancing showcase! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … see for yourself on our complete calendar.
9:21 AM: If you’ve noticed police near/inside Lincoln Park this morning – we’ve just found out what the search is about. We started looking into it after a texted tip (thank you!) about police near 47th and Othello. We were unable to get more information at the scene but just reached SPD media-relations Det. Mark Jamieson by phone; he tells WSB, that’s where a resident reported seeing someone break into a neighbor’s house. They told police they saw someone come out of the house “carrying something” and then heading into the park. Officers called for a K-9, who picked up a track and has been helping search – no word of an arrest so far, but as of just before 9 am, according to scanner traffic, they’re still searching.
3:39 PM: Just checked with SPD. No arrest in this case so far. (If you have any info – it’s 16-334518.)
A memorial service is planned next Tuesday for longtime West Seattleite Bob Gamrath. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:
Robert Gamrath passed away peacefully on September 13, 2016, at 93 years of age.
Born in Opheim, Montana, Bob grew up on the family ranch. Bob attended Opheim High School. At age 22 Bob met Mary Trichilo while he was stationed on Treasure Island in the U.S. Navy. Mary and Bob were married in 1945, came to Seattle on their honeymoon, and ended up living in West Seattle for the rest of their lives. Mary preceded Bob in passing in 1999.
Bob was the father of Sandra, Christy, Thomas, and David Gamrath – all of Seattle. Thomas preceded him in passing in 1975. Bob’s brothers Elmo, Dwight, and Jay also preceded him in passing.
Although Bob left Montana for Seattle in 1941, Bob always held Montana near in his heart, and visited often throughout the years. After completing his apprenticeship as a machinist, Bob joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1947. Bob joined Boeing in 1953 in Shop Load. Bob excelled at Boeing, steadily advancing, and reached the level of Vice President, General Manager of the Fabrication Division, with responsibilities covering Boeing’s manufacturing facilities in Auburn and Seattle, WA, Portland, OR as well as in Georgia and Canada. Bob retired from Boeing in 1988.
Bob stayed active in his retirement, including volunteering in many leadership positions, including at the Italian Club of Seattle. A handyman’s handyman, Bob was highly skilled at carpentry, electrical, plumbing, machining and other skills, and spent much time in these endeavors.
Memorial services and burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6701 30th Ave SW, on September 20, 2016 at 10:00, with a viewing beginning one hour earlier.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7:15 AM: Good morning – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
7:36 AM: From the scanner – report of a “dark-colored SUV” stalled on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge near Avalon.
8:06 AM: Haven’t heard anything further on that; nothing on cameras or from SDOT, there or elsewhere on the bridge corridor.
10:13 AM: Crash with injuries reported at 35th and Juneau. No word of the traffic effects and we might not be able to go take a look, but, be forewarned if you’re heading that way. Only one SFD unit so far, so whatever the injuries are, they’re not major enough for a medic unit.
10:48 AM: Three-car crash reported on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct just before the Western exit.
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