Family and friends are remembering Norma Jean Milliman, and sharing this with the community:

Norma Milliman, born on July 17, 1939, peacefully passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Born to Norman Reginald Cranage and Lillian Myrtle Cranage (née Locklin), Norma was raised in West Seattle and was a cherished member of her family and community.

Preceded in death by her two siblings, Louella Cranage and Tom Cranage, Norma graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957. She married Loren D. Milliman on March 19, 1962, and dedicated her primary career to being a loving homemaker. Together, they welcomed their children, Elizabeth in 1963 and Loren M. in 1967.

Norma returned to school and in December of 1988 earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. Her and Loren’s love for travel took them to the Philippines and China in the spring of 1988, Sweden, and Great Britain. The family enjoyed many summer camping road trips and after Loren retired they traveled extensively around the US.

During the early 2000s Norma and Loren became snowbirds with a second home in Green Valley, Arizona. Their home base was in West Seattle for over 50 years where they created many memorable moments, before moving in 2023 to Wesley Des Moines.

Known for her patient, kind, loving, accepting, and warm personality, Norma dedicated her time to various activities, including spending time with family and friends, playing the piano and violin, genealogy, gardening, travel, and solving puzzle books. A longtime member of Tibbetts United Methodist Church, she also volunteered with Audubon, Seattle Opera, Tibbetts, and as a host family with ICYE for Ylva from Sweden, Ulrike from Germany, Cilla from Italy, and others.

Norma is survived by her loving spouse Loren D. Milliman, sister-in-law Patt Cranage, daughter Elizabeth (Ernie), son Loren M. (Janice), and four of the greatest joys in her life, grandchildren Delia, Loren A., Norman, and Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amnesty USA, Covenant House, or Tibbetts United Methodist in West Seattle and/or United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Bishop Lowell Eugene Knutson, and sharing this tribute delivered March 1 by his son Peter Knutson at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, where he was ordained, later serving as the minister of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle for about 20 years, and then becoming the Bishop of the Northwest Lutheran Synod:

Lowell Knutson was born in 1929 in Hannah, North Dakota, currently population 8. He was a descendant of Norwegian emigrant farmers. His ancestors were part of a massive outmigration. Poverty and the promise of America compelled one third of Norway’s population to emigrate. Lowell’s ancestors landed at Ellis Island in the 19th Century and they moved on to the farmlands of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Lowell’s dad Lawrence, one of nine children, ran a hardware store and then later sold tractors, all in North Dakota. Times were tough. Farmers went under and so did Lawrence’s business. In 1942 the business collapsed when the tractor factory he was repping switched to tank production. Grandpa K then set out for Seattle with daughter Jerry. They made it here and Lawrence got a job in the shipyard. He called back home to Fargo and told my Grandma Ida that “all she had to do was sell the house and bring the kids out to Seattle.” Ida always laughed about Lawrence telling her that’s “all she had to do.” But she did, and brought Lowell, Bob, and Shirley out to Seattle.

Sports was the Seattle ticket for Lowell and brother Bob. They were pitcher and catcher for the Queen Anne High School Grizzlies when they weren’t delivering the Queen Anne News to a thousand customers. Lowell was halfback on the football team and played in his old school leather helmet for Coach John Cherberg in the annual Seattle vs. State of Washington football classic. He had great moves. His teammates said he had swivel hips and piano legs. Years later in his mid-60s Lowell could still juke his grandsons out of their socks.

He loved competition and didn’t like to lose at anything, including family games of Skipbo. Some years ago, when he was Bishop of the NW Lutherans, he was chosen to throw out the first pitch in the Kingdome at the Seattle Mariners game vs. Minnesota. It was Lutheran Day at the ballpark and he did not want to be embarrassed. After a week of practice with grandson Dylan he put it right across the plate to catcher Dan Wilson.

He was a good golfer too. Although one time after 12-year-old Dylan went golfing with Grandpa he came home to tell us, “I think Grandpa cheats!”

Brother Bob told me that in high school Lowell was always getting into fights. But he was always getting into fights standing up for somebody else. Once, Bob said Lowell got in trouble for a fight in the showers. Some big bully came into the shower and shoved a little guy out. Lowell then cold-cocked the bully and got sent to the principal’s office for a reprimand.

Lowell earned a college scholarship to Pacific Lutheran College. Their team was called the Gladiators. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball. His junior year he batted .407 and pitched to a 6-1 record. One story we often heard growing up was the time he was quarterbacking and threw the football out of the stadium in a game against College of Puget Sound. He threw a long bomb to a streaking receiver and a wind gust caught the football and carried it right out of the stadium. That made the papers.

He played his Gladiator basketball for Coach Marv Harshman, who later coached the University of Washington Huskies. Many years later after Lowell had become a minister and then the Northwest Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, he officiated at the funeral for Senator Warren Magnuson. During the service Lowell lost his place in the liturgy and caused some temporary chaos in the service. As we were walking out of church after Maggie’s service, Marv Harshman leaned over to me and said, “Lowell never could take signals.”

Lowell and Shirley, confirmation classmates, got married in 1951 right here at Phinney. Lowell was called to become a minister and Shirley agreed to move to Minnesota so Lowell could attend seminary. I suspect Mom had a hand in writing his papers.

He finished seminary and took his first call to Edison Lutheran Church in Skagit Valley. He was their first full-time minister and those farming families loved him. They loved our growing family — 5 kids in 7 years. Their church didn’t have much money but they built us a big parsonage amidst the pea fields and the daffodils.

Sometimes in Skagit Valley Dad would get paid in old roosters. I remember him at Roy Omdal’s farm, using a hatchet on a chopping block. As a kid it was an unforgettable sight to see those roosters running around with no heads. And later seeing mom plucking those birds in the sink.

There was one issue that came up in Lowell’s first church right away. The farmers did not want Lowell wearing his new religious vestments. They opposed “high church.”

Influenced by the 19th century teachings of the radical Norwegian lay preacher Hans Nielsen Hauge, they believed in the Dignity of Labor and Equality. As Haugeaners, they questioned the authority of the state and thought independently from the clergy. They wanted Lowell to understand that we are all equal, preacher and congregation.

But after Lowell told the farmers that his mom and mother-in-law had embroidered the stoles, they relented and told him he could wear the vestments a couple months until Christmas. After they got to know Lowell, they could see that their preacher was not on a high horse. So they accepted him vestments and all, even after Christmas.

Dad’s second call was to Everett, to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Everett was a tough industrial town that produced 2 by 4’s and toilet paper. The pulp mills made the air smell like rotten eggs. It was a labor town and people still remembered the massacre of 1916. The old single men would sit in the balcony of the church, some missing eyeballs and fingers, casualties of the mill. Sometimes the hobos would leave their cardboard camps on the railroad tracks and come up to the church looking for some help. As kids, we remember Lowell taking these rough, beaten-down guys to the corner grocer and buying them a can of beans and a loaf of bread.

Lowell ticked off some of the church elders when he endorsed a Republican for Congress in 1962. The old benefactors of the church came out of the Eugene Debs Socialist Party and did not want their minister on the wrong side of the class war. Over time, they found out that Lowell was not on the wrong side. His values were constant, even as his politics later evolved with Civil Rights and Vietnam.

What were his values? When we’d watch football on TV, I remember Lowell telling me, “you always root for the underdog.” That was his mantra. You always root for the underdog. And that’s what he did in his community service during the late 60’s and 70’s, whether working with Conscientious Objectors or other people at the margins.

He kept his faith understated. He didn’t wear it for show. He wasn’t going to tell people what to do from the pulpit. He didn’t talk God casually. He never talked theology with family, other than daily grace and the Christmas reading. He didn’t take the Lord’s name in vain, meaning he didn’t wear his Christianity on his sleeve.

The Church for him was Community. It was how you lived. It was people of all kinds. He believed you accept people where they’re at, as they are created. He enjoyed people. I was always amazed at how he could remember everyone’s name in the church.

Vietnam in Everett was a bitter time. It was not an easy thing to speak out against the war, for peace, especially in a milltown like Everett, when your own church was split, when families wanted to believe that their sacrifice was not in vain. Years later Dad wept when he watched a local documentary about the anti-war resistance during that time.

Civil Rights. It was 1971 and my brother Dave was graduating from Everett High School. The senior class was scheduled to hold its graduation party at the Elks Club, as was tradition. The Elks at that time did not permit non-whites to be members, although they granted an exception for the Senior Party. Lowell, Shirley with other parents and students decided to challenge this bigoted institution. They organized an alternative Senior Party at the Blake Island Long house. So that year there were two Senior parties as the class and the town split apart over institutional racism. Lowell and others bent that arc of justice a little bit in Everett. There were costs, but it was good trouble, as John Lewis would say.

His third and final church was First Lutheran in West Seattle. As First Lutheran minister and then later as Bishop, Lowell became a public figure in the community. He was in the Rotary Club, and in a coffee-drinking group known as the “West Seattle Senate.” The West Seattle Senate was an informal group of small business guys and locals who’d meet once a week at Vann’s Restaurant and drain endless pots of coffee as they discussed and debated local and world affairs.

Their coffee klatch roundtable became so well known in Seattle that journalists would drop in just to listen and take the community temperature on issues. Usually the topic was something like “When are we going to get a bridge to West Seattle?” or “What’s going on with mortgage rates?”

But in March 2003 when the United States invaded Iraq, the current topic was the war. Discussion was intense in the West Seattle Senate the day after the invasion. Big American flags were being hoisted high on the back of pickup trucks and on neighborhood porches. The guys were talking about the “shock and awe” on TV, the weapons of mass destruction, the dictator we were going to take out, the spectacular show of our bombs over Baghdad on CNN. Lowell sat there drinking his coffee and not saying anything. Finally he was asked, “What do you think, Lowell?” Lowell put his coffee cup down and just said, “You live by the sword, you die by the sword.”

Lowell used his civic prominence as Minister and as Northwest Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to root for the underdog: as a trustee of the Seattle community college system , as a public advocate for a fairer tax system, as a signer of a Christian apology to Native American religious leaders for suppression of their practice, as a founder of Open Door Ministries for all genders, as a member of Lutheran Peace Fellowship.

In his last few years, it was my wife Hing’s job to call Lowell every day and let him know what channel the Mariners, Huskies, Seahawks were on. We watched those two Seahawk Super Bowls together: the good one and the one where they should have given the ball to Marshawn Lynch at the end. I distinctly remember the final seconds of that second Super Bowl . As the Hawks were poised for the win in the red zone, Wilson threw that interception on the goal line. We were stunned. Silence. Then Mom asked, “What happens now?” Then Lowell said, “Balls! It’s Over!”

Finally, let me tell you my favorite Lowell sermon in West Seattle. Every now and then First Lutheran would have a kids. service. The children would all be in the front row of the sanctuary close to the altar, sometimes with their dogs. This was the Sunday when Lowell gave the children a special sermon, just for them.

He told the kids, “I’m going to tell you a story. My sister’s husband just came out to visit our family. His name is Uncle Steff. Now yesterday we were in downtown Seattle with Uncle Steff standing next to a building. Steff doesn’t have any hair on his head and he wasn’t wearing a hat. And up above us were a bunch of pigeons. Now what do pigeons sometimes do when they’re on the edge of a building sitting above your head?”

“Poop!” the kids yelled. “They Poop! Pigeons poop!”

Lowell goes, “Yep, that’s right, they poop! They pooped on Uncle Steff’s head! Now let me tell you the lesson of that story. Every story has a lesson.The lesson of this story is: It matters where you stand.”

And that’s the Lutheran lesson we can take home from Lowell’s life. It matters where you stand.

‘(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

The family of Anna Athan sent us her obituary today and a request to publish it as soon as possible, as her funeral and burial are tomorrow (Friday, March 7):

Our Mom Anna Athan passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Her funeral service is tomorrow.

Highlighted by 63 years of marriage to her beloved husband Steve (her Stavraki). Anna lived to 89 years.

She was born in Chora Tryfillias Messinias, Greece, December 31, 1935 to George and Eleni Chronopoulos. She grew up working with her parents on the family farm and attending elementary school in Chora and highschool in Gargalianous Greece. She furthered her education and attended the University in Athens, where she received her degree in education. She specialized in teaching elementary students.

Her first teaching position was in Napflio, Greece, where she taught for two years.

In 1961 Steve sent for Anna and she agreed to come to Seattle and marry him. Their wedding took place on January 7, 1962 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Seattle. Anna continued teaching and tutoring the Greek Language at St Nickolas, Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma. In 1964 Anna gave birth to their daughter Eleni and in 1967 they welcomed Sofia.

Anna and Steve opened up a Tailor Shop in the West Seattle Junction, Steve Athan Men’s Wear, where she worked and learned the tailoring trade from Steve and together raised their daughters Eleni and Sofia. They worked side by side until they both retired.

Anna was an amazing Mother who raised her family in the Greek Orthodox Church, teaching them the faith, values, traditions, the Greek language, and our beautiful culture.

Anna was active in our Church for many years, being a proud member of the Philoptochos Society, food festivals, supporting parent of the Levendya Dance group.

A wonderful human being, she went out of her way to please people, many times at her own expense.

One time she and Steve had prepared baked revithia (baked chickpeas in tomato sauce) for a Philoptochos potluck lunch. After parking the car, as she was walking to the Church hall, she tripped on the uneven ground at the back of the Church. Instead of letting go of the glass dish with the baked revithia, she persevered and held it upright and allowed herself to fall, causing herself a broken hip which required a hip replacement.

She enjoyed helping and visiting the less fortunate, elderly, and shut-ins. The Athan family home was always open to all with a welcoming beautiful Anna smile and hug… Anna’s greatest passion and love was spending time with her family and friends. She was very proud of her daughters Eleni (Peter Diamantopoulos), grandchildren George and Anna, Sofia (Nader Cheetany)

Anna: Courageous, strong, Best Wife, Mother, Grandmother. Nouna and Friend
Our beautiful Mom and Hero…

We extend a special thank you to our wonderful Mom’s care support team:

Rosemary and Randy Bennett
Jane Murithi
Wilfred Muthee

Family support and dear friends: Rose, Marianne, James and Family (Bratsanos Family)

Trisagion and Funeral Service Friday (March 7)

Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption
1804 13th Avenue
12 pm

Burial

Washelli Cemetery
11111 Aurora Avenue North
3 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption or the Alzheimer’s Society.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather March 29 to remember Gary Richardson. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:

Gary Hugh Richardson was born at Maynard Hospital March 17, 1937 in Seattle. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel L. (Smith) Richardson (1904 -1977), father, Norman Richardson (1903 – 1980), and brother Bruce N. Richardson (1938 – 1953). Additionally, his first wife, Jacqueline (Baker) Richardson (June 21,1938) passed away November 3, 2001.

Gary was raised in the Admiral Junction neighborhood of West Seattle during his childhood years attending LaFayette Elementary, Madison Junior High, and graduating from West Seattle High School with the class of 1955. During his school years he actively participated in a variety of team sports, car clubs, and many “post game social gatherings” as he would say. He played clarinet and saxophone as a member of the West Seattle High School band and was also in a band called the Donkey Serenaders with his fellow junior Masonic Temple Demolay members playing big band music throughout western Washington. The Donkey Serenaders even made a few trips to British Columbia that provided many fond memories of touring with his band mates. He loved music and his favorites beyond Big Band and military marching tunes, included Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Herb Alpert, and Neil Diamond.

Gary and his brother Bruce (who was just one year younger) along with countless neighborhood kids, played numerous pick – up games of baseball, basketball, football, and spent lots of time building forts, fishing and boating. He swam at the Alki Natatorium, Colman Pool, Alki Beach, and of course at Beals Point on Vashon Island at his family cabin. Loving the mystery under water, he snorkeled & spear fished, and obtained his scuba diving license as a teen, enjoying many hours under the sea seeking treasures of all kinds. He was an active and dedicated Boy Scout, earning badges and learning many lifelong skills affording him the opportunity to teach rock wall climbing at the well known climbing wall at Camp Long. (That’s where the famous Whittaker brothers, Jim and Lou, trained too!)

Let’s not forget his love for cars! Gary worked at Huling Brothers in West Seattle throughout his high school years as the weekend lot boy. Washing cars, rotating cars on the lot, opening and closing the lot each day provided the earnings to purchase a number of cars that he and his buddies lovingly restored. (And… raced, and trashed, and somehow, even a few of them mysteriously rolled down Bonair Street into the ravine.) His prized possession was his 1932 Model A Roadster, of which he raced and won a number of drag races during that time.

As a 3rd generation West Seattle native, Gary’s many aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents lived locally throughout the Seattle area. Additionally, several relatives lived in West Seattle in the Ballard, Mount Baker, Mercer Island and Queen Anne neighborhoods. He deeply loved his extended family of Smiths, Brewsters, and Bergstroms, and truly enjoyed every opportunity to spend time together.

His early upbringing during WW2 significantly impressed upon him the responsibility to serve his country, and after high school, with his parents’ blessing, went to Sandpoint Naval Station where he enlisted in the US Navy. After fulfilling his commitment, Gary returned home to Seattle and enrolled at the University of Washington obtaining his Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration..

Although they had gone to the same high school and just one year apart, he had never officially met his future wife, Jackie Baker, but after a fun courtship, they married in December of 1959 at Calvary Lutheran Church in West Seattle. The Baker family welcomed him and his parents with open arms and he truly enjoyed his extended family of parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Baker/Richardson family gatherings were constant, and always filled with lots of food and merriment.

Along with being a full time student, Gary worked at Frederick & Nelson as a management intern. He also worked weekends at Nettleton Sawmill on Harbor Island, learning the trade from his father in law, Walter. Once the kids started coming, Gary and Jackie purchased their first home on Beach Drive in 1962 which was quite an accomplishment as a young 25 year old dad and stay at home wife with two kids, David and Jennifer. (Ahh… when you could buy a house for $10,000.00!)

Throughout the years living on Beach Drive and beyond, he enjoyed and maintained lifelong friendships with his neighbors. He is remembered by the multitude of neighborhood kids for his knack of fixing and building boats, repairing boat motors, making wooden toys in his shop, bike repairs, and being one of the cool dads who wore his suit, tie, and fedora as he rode the bus to work each day to downtown Seattle. It is important to mention Gary’s tool collection. He would help with any project, loan any tool out.. but, you better return it! Unless he gave it to you… e.g. one of his 15 shovels.

In time, Gary and Jackie relocated to a larger home in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle once their third child (Melissa) was born, where they surprisingly found out that they had moved next to friends from high school and enjoyed an abiding friendship with them, as well as many other wonderful neighbors.

In 1982, after his parents had passed, Gary and Jackie moved to Vashon Island to his parents’ property and home at Beals Point. His parents landed in this region of Vashon because back in 1927, his mom Ethel, who was single at the time, purchased a waterfront lot at Beals Point for two hundred dollars.(One of the first single women in King County to purchase and own property.) Shortly thereafter she met and married Norman Richardson, and along with other family members built their weekend cabin while raising their family in West Seattle. In years to come, Norman and Ethel purchased a 2 acre parcel above the cabin and built their retirement home there.

Both Gary and Jackie loved island life and were actively involved in the Vashon community, positively impacting their Vashon Lutheran Church community, school community, and enjoying all things local with many friends and neighbors on the island.

As their children grew and started families of their own, Gary and Jackie moved to Everett, WA to be closer to their family. Sadly, Jackie died from cancer in 2001, and Gary continued to work as a supply chain manager until he retired at the age of 65.

Gary’s professional career beyond Frederick & Nelson included Goldsmith, Inc., a wholesale distributor of dry goods that supplied many department stores in the Pacific Northwest for 20 years, reaching the title of Executive Vice President. Samples of towels, rugs, clothing, and so many other things were fan favorites in the various neighborhoods that he lived. Afterward, he worked several years for Anixter/Antec in supply chain management until he retired in 2002.

After retiring, he met his blue-eyed beauty, Sandy Smith. Sandy was a dream come true, and eventually they were married in May of 2005. Sandy brought so much joy, love, and endearing warmth to his life and we credit her for Gary’s longevity. This was despite life threatening bouts with cancer, heart disease, and liver failure. Sandy brought with her a wonderful family of her own – multiplying the family fun! Many travels with family and friends included cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and travels around the United States and Canada. The loving addition of Sandy led to more grandchildren, more family and friend gatherings, always being a kind and generous hostess to everyone.

To say he loved his grandchildren is especially true! The countless hours of time with grandpa on the Kubota, or in the workshop making all kinds of things out of wood or wire, building forts, or as they grew older acting as supervisor for washing the deck, polishing the brass, and of course hauling the Christmas decorations to storage and back! He enjoyed instilling the truth about the subject of war and its impact, and cowboy history and other social issues. He found a keen way of doing this was watching notable movies such as Amistad, Patton, The Bridge On The River Kwai, Sand Pebbles, Shawshank Redemption, Schindler’s List, The Jazz Singer or anything John Wayne with them and chatting about each one afterward. Needless to say, Gary rarely had a dry eye which was witnessed by the grandkids watching and learning as he instilled what he valued in life; loyalty, honesty, faith, integrity and truth.

He was so proud of each and every one of his grandkids and his great sorrow as he left this earth was to not continue to see everyone grow, develop, make positive choices and enjoy life as much as he did. (But he said to say… “he’s watching you, so do the right thing!” Oh and “Don’t take any wooden nickels!”)

In closing, we found it worth mentioning snippets of memories about the places Gary lived, the people who influenced and loved him of which he so appreciated, and his love and loyalty to all of his family, friends, neighbors and workplaces. Gary’s life is a reflection of the attributes of loyalty, faith, honesty, scrappiness, tenacity, a tender heart with a big bark, and most of all, love. Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra (Smith) Richardson, his daughters Jenni (Steve) Bodnar, Melissa Nelson, Tamara (Dave) Holm, Keith Smith, grandchildren Ian (Katie) Richardson, Jessica (Justin) Rammer, Karissa Bodnar, Ashley Nelson, Jackson Nelson, Aiden Holm, Dawson Holm, and great-granddaughter Harper Rammer.

We will miss that “cockroach of a guy” Gary. He had a lot of things happen in his life that would take a guy down – but like his doctor said… “Gary, you are not a cat with nine lives, you are a cockroach that can’t be killed!”

Gary’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 215 Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA 98203, on Saturday, March 29th at 1 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather March 9 in memory of Joyce Koeppen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community now:

Longtime educator Joyce Koeppen passed away February 10, 2025 in Tacoma. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, Joyce is survived by her two children, Betty Kim Lierman and Todd Koeppen; three grandchildren, Brennan, Madelaine, and Josiah; and her sister, Cathy Hibberd.

Born in Idaho, Joyce grew up farming in the fields, milking cows, and riding horses. She loved to sing and sang pretty much continuously in the fields, bringing in the cows, doing dishes, or whatever. While she was raising her children, music was such a big part of their day that they thought everybody wrote songs. But once she returned to work, she found that the responsibilities of a working mom were such that she gradually stopped singing altogether.

After graduating from the College of Idaho (and a one-year stint as the lone female law student in her class at Willamette University), Joyce became a teacher. It was supposed to be for just a few years until she gained a financial footing, but she soon found out she LOVED teaching. Joyce was a natural teacher who ultimately spent nearly 30 years teaching English, History, Spanish, and Drama in the Glide and Roseburg school districts (both in Oregon). As her career reached its end, she was asked by the Oregon public-school system to help write the curriculum that would lead Oregon schools into the next century. After retiring from teaching, she taught computer literacy to seniors and Bible studies in a few churches.

A lifelong lover of community theater (acting and directing), Joyce received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Anne Frank’s mom in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” She founded the drama program at Glide High School and helped many students fall in love with the stage.

Joyce was also a survivor! She survived three bouts of Rheumatic Fever, several bouts of cancers, as well as a number of other serious health issues. She enjoyed referring to herself as an over-achiever as she somehow survived breast cancer four times, despite being “only born with two boobs.”

Joyce loved sharing all sorts of knowledge with her children and grandchildren, like how to raise many types of animals; flower and vegetable gardening; and her love of crafts: sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and canning. Mostly, though, she enjoyed singing and spending time with her family, movie nights, and game nights. She spent her time in Washington gardening, traveling, caring for dogs, attending theater events, and most importantly, playing with her grandkids. She will be sorely missed.

Joyce’s memorial service will be Sunday, March 9, 1 pm, at Journey Church Tacoma (1801 N. Pearl St) in Tacoma.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

If you saw that tow-truck parade today (commenter ltmmgm did), here’s what it was about: A tribute to Stan Bradley, longtime owner of Stan’s Mt. View Towing in South Delridge, whose memorial service was today (here’s the obituary we published last month). The video was sent by his son-in-law, John Bennett, who also shared this photo of “Stan in his first tow truck”:

Mr. Bradley died in December at age 79.

Family and friends will gather March 8 to remember Bill Code, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

William John Code
Aug. 24, 1921-Dec. 4, 2024

Bill, to his great surprise, but no doubt thanks to his clean living, generous heart, and incredible willpower, reached the age of 103. Born in Seattle, he grew up on Queen Anne Hill and developed a circle of friends with whom he remained close throughout his life. When Bill was 15, his father passed away, but he was well-loved and supported by a strong mother, Elizabeth, and an older brother, Clar. In 10th grade, Bill chose to be baptized at the Queen Anne Baptist Church, the dawn of his deep and abiding faith. The YMCA was the other touchstone and source of guidance in his life. He loved going to Camp Orkila and playing sports of all kinds, especially basketball. During his senior year, Bill captained the high school team, which in turn won the all-city championship. Bill went on to play basketball at the University of Washington, but his athletic career came to an end with the US entry into World War II. Bill joined the Naval Air Corps and trained as a fighter pilot, flying a Corsair in the Pacific theater.

After the war, Bill’s mom insisted that he come home and finish his education at the UW, which was a good thing because he became reacquainted with fellow Queen Anne graduate, Betty Blair. Within two years, they were married and off to Chicago for a graduate program in social work. Bill had found a partner who could more than match his energy level and active lifestyle over the next 76 years.

Bill and Betty moved to West Seattle in 1952. They raised three children, volunteered with school programs and scouts, and spent many a weekend on the Key Peninsula developing a piece of property while also camping, fishing, and waterskiing with the kids. Bill and Betty were active members at West Side Presbyterian Church, where for almost 30 years, they ran a monthly lunch and entertainment program for people with disabilities. They felt blessed to be part of the West Side faith community and cherished their many church-related friendships.

Bill started his working career at the Seattle YMCA with the goal of giving back to an organization that had served him well. Later, to spend more time with family, he took a position at Cascade Chemical Company, eventually buying the business and expanding into Oregon. At age 76, Bill retired and sold Cascade to his sons, which gave Bill and Betty time to travel, golf, and attend the college graduations of five grandchildren. Bill loved his family and his country and did not take a minute of his 103 years for granted.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty, and children, Bob (Mary), Merilee (Scott), and Jim (Claire), 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave. SW. In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Bill with a donation to his church or the Seattle YMCA’s Camping and Outdoor Leadership Program.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather March 1 and 2 for memorial services in honor of Betty Olson. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:

Betty K. Olson
July 15, 1933 – January 25, 2025

Betty Kinney Olson, age 91, passed peacefully and unexpectedly in her home on January 25th. She was a kind, joyful, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and community member.

Betty Jean Kinney was born on July 15, 1933 to Bessie and Edward Kinney in Washington D.C. and raised with her younger brother, Ron Kinney, nearby in Arlington, Virginia. Despite being born with a malformed leg and suffering from severe childhood asthma she was an active, strong, and happy child. Betty was 9 years old when World War II began which influenced her values of hard work, sacrifice, and political awareness. Throughout her life, she loved animals and reading. Caring for a sick dog when she was a young child sparked her interest in becoming a nurse.

In order to contribute to her college education, Betty learned practical secretarial skills in high school. One of her first jobs was taking dictation for the Department of Foreign Aid in the Pentagon, which she found very interesting. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (now University) and worked in a Virginia Mason ENT clinic after moving to Seattle. In 1958 Betty took a break in her nursing career to start her family of three children, and then returned to work when her youngest child was in school. Betty had a passion for the health care of children, and worked for the Seattle School District as a school nurse for 25 years. She continued her education while working which enabled her to work more independently and make more positive changes in public health care. At the age of 43 she completed her certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and at the age of 54 she earned a master’s degree in Health Administration from the UW. Betty was a pioneer in the establishment of school-based health clinics in Seattle Public Schools, successfully operating the pilot program at Rainier Beach High School in 1988. She also helped open a children’s clinic at Harborview. Betty served her last two years of work as a Health Services Supervisor for Seattle Public Schools prior to retiring at age 60.

Betty met Seattle native Donald Olson while he was working in Maryland and they married in 1955. Upon completion of her education, they moved to Seattle where they raised their family and engaged in the beauty and activities of the Pacific Northwest including hiking, camping, skiing, and kayaking. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling to many places around the world together until Don died in 2014 after 59 years of marriage.

Betty loved being involved in Fauntleroy Church for her entire life (since moving to Seattle) where she served in ministries and committees including the pastoral search committee, the Caring Ministry Team, and the Choir.

In 2018 Betty decided to sell her house and move to Judson Park (JP) Retirement Community. It did not take long before she was involved in many aspects of the community, leading not only to the enrichment of her own life, but also that of many others. She participated in the College of Intellectual Inspiration Advisory Committee (CII), the Resident Advisory Committee, the choir, and a bridge group, among other resident activities. Betty made many friends at JP, and in particular she met her final close companion in life, Joe Grillo. She continued to travel, returning to Cannon Beach, Hawaii, and enjoying small-ship expeditions to the Arctic, around the UK, and up to Canada.

Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was a great joy for Betty. In the midst of pursuing excellence in healthcare for children and participating in community involvement, she always made her family a priority. She shared with her children her love for the ocean with many camping trips to the Washington coast. After her children became adults and started their own families, she and Don treated the entire family to annual trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon, for 20+ summers, which will always be a treasured memory for her children and grandchildren. After moving to JP, she continued to enjoy travel, and she embraced spending time with family and friends whenever the opportunity arose. She of was an example of joy, peace, love, and hard work, and has been an inspiration to many.

Betty is survived by three children, Eric Olson (Kim), Michael Olson (Jackie), and Susan Underbrink (Jim), ten grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two dogs (Gibbs and Kenna), and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church on Saturday, March 1st at 1 p.m. and at Judson Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Fauntleroy Church endowment fund.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather next Wednesday to celebrate the life of Deborah Giza, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:

Deborah Anne Giza of Seattle passed away peacefully at home on December 10th, 2024. She fought bravely and beat the odds to live five and a half years with stage four cancer. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend.

Deborah was born on August 15th, 1953 to Stanley and Gloria Giza in Buffalo, New York. She was the oldest of four sisters and thirty-one maternal cousins. Deborah grew up surrounded by a large Catholic family who gathered often for visits, picnics, and parties. Family connection was always deeply important to her. After moving to Seattle, she missed her extended family on the other side of the country. When possible, she traveled back home to Buffalo, NY with her son. They created many beautiful memories at Stan and Gloria’s house, visiting relatives, and exploring the Adirondacks.

Deborah loved to learn and devour knowledge. In school, she excelled in diverse subjects. At Depew High School, she studied Latin, Math, and Science and was the ‘71 class salutatorian. She was accepted into many Ivy League universities and chose to attend Cornell, where she majored in premed/prelaw on a full scholarship. Cornell and the town of Ithaca, NY were dear to her. However, after her junior year, Deborah felt the call of adventure. She decided to take a year off to explore Colorado and pursue career opportunities.

Deborah lived much of her life seriously, championing what she believed was right, whether it was a pressing political issue or the right way to clean a bathroom sink. That said, she was also a big believer in living well and enjoying life. Deborah loved to dance, even from a young age. While in Denver, she decided to take up lessons to hone her skills. She became proficient in a variety of ballroom dance styles. Later, she went on to teach dancing and won first place in the Fred Astaire Dance Olympics Intermediate Ladies Cha Cha, in Tacoma.

In the ‘80s, Deborah sold commercial flooring in Denver. When she had the opportunity to expand, she moved to the Seattle area where she managed a large Northwest territory, including Washington and Oregon. She carved out a space in a male dominated industry and was very successful. In 1987, she bought a brand new, blue Honda Civic hatchback, which was perfect for carting samples to clients far and wide. She loved that faithful ride and kept it for decades, right up until the wheels almost fell off, affectionately referring to it as “Old Blue.”

In the Fall of 1987, Deborah met Dan Martin. Two years later, they had a son, Jeff Giza-Martin. She was forever devoted and loving to her son, encouraging him to excel in school, fostering a love of the arts, and cooking him many delicious meals, going out of her way to cook the spicy vegetarian dishes he loved.

Deborah eventually switched careers and realized she needed to pursue her true passion: Teaching! While working as an Instructional Assistant at Mount Rainier High School, she finished her undergraduate degree and completed her Master’s in Teaching. In 2012 Ms. Giza established her roots and a new home at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in West Seattle. In search of strong educators, the school summoned her into classroom teaching. Ms. Giza had high expectations for herself and would expect no less from her students. She taught with formidable love. She took on teaching assignments in first, fourth, and fifth grade, and sixth grade science. She was delegated to whichever grade level had the highest student needs. She cherished her impact on students’ lives and putting them on a path for success in both education and life. While she liked teaching all subjects, she had a special love for science, in part because of the secrets and pathways she felt it opened for students. Ms. Giza held the many connections she made with students and faculty close to her heart. Whenever she received a note, letter, or artwork from one of her students, her face would light up. Teaching was one of her most fulfilling joys in life.

Deborah also enjoyed the simple things in life and rarely stayed idle. For many years, she sewed her own clothes as well as other garments for friends and family. She made herself quite a wardrobe. Deborah maintained a vibrant home garden where she hosted gatherings to grill, play cards, and sip on coffee, tea, cava, or champagne. She loved to go on garden walks with friends. Her favorite flowers were roses, hydrangeas, and lilies. She was a voracious reader, visiting the nearby library frequently. For fun, she liked to read mysteries, thrillers, and westerns. She enjoyed baking. For her son’s early birthdays, she baked elaborate dinosaur and volcano themed cakes. She baked wedding cakes as well. Deborah’s other hobbies included going to the theater, making friends with neighbors while walking the neighborhood, enjoying beautiful Seattle days at Lincoln Park and Alki Beach, and going out with friends to her favorite brunch, happy hour, and dinner spots. Her guilty pleasures included actively watching game shows such as Jeopardy and Family Feud. She loved the holidays and for many years attended mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe as well as Christmas concerts at Fauntleroy Church.

Deborah was a big believer in having faith that things will turn out for the best. She would often say, “Don’t forget to count your blessings!” Even when times are tough, we have much for which to be grateful.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Gloria Giza. She is survived by her son, Jeff Giza-Martin, her sisters Pamela Giza, Susan Canna, and Laurie Beth Giza, and cat, Cheetah.

Deborah chose natural organic reduction for herself. There was a private service at Recompose on January 9th. A celebration of life will be held at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 on February 12, 2025 at 6 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather next Monday (February 10) to remember Dr. Basil Papahronis, and they’re sharing this remembrance with the community:

In Loving Memory of Dr. Basil Trifon Papahronis
November 10, 1929 – February 1, 2025

Dr. Basil Trifon Papahronis was born on November 10, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the eldest of three children of Tryphon Basil Papahronis from Vlaherna, Arcadia, Greece, and Efrosine Papahronis from Riono, Greece. He grew up alongside his beloved brothers, Chris and Harris, cherishing his Greek heritage with deep pride.

Basil’s early years were shaped by humble beginnings. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, helping in his father’s restaurant from elementary school through high school. At just 17, he graduated high school and pursued his passion for learning at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. His academic journey continued at the University of Kansas, where he completed his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. It was there that he met the love of his life, Maria Michael Economy. They married in August 1954, beginning a partnership filled with love and devotion.

Three years later, Basil earned his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University. He and Maria settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where they welcomed their two children, Frosene and Michael, into their lives.

Basil’s distinguished career led him to Fullerton, California, with Hunt Wesson Foods. He was a pioneer in food science, holding a patent in food oils and contributing to the development of iconic products such as microwave popcorn, Snack Pack pudding, and Hunt’s tomato sauce.

Beyond his professional achievements, Basil was deeply dedicated to his faith and community. He was a founding member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, California, serving as Parish Council President, Treasurer, and Building Committee Member. Later, he continued his service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles as Treasurer.

Basil’s passions extended beyond the laboratory and church. He loved the outdoors—backpacking and fishing with Boy Scouts and church youth groups, tending to his olive ranch in California, crafting wood furniture, and nurturing his vegetable gardens. Gardening was more than a hobby; it was a way of life. He delighted in sharing the fruits of his labor—avocados, macadamia nuts, lemons, zucchini, tomatoes—but none brought him more joy than his beloved olives, earning him the affectionate title of the “Olive King” in Seattle.

In 1999, Basil and Maria moved to Seattle, where they found immense joy living near their grandchildren, Mikala and Trifon. They quickly became cherished members of Seattle’s Greek community. Basil especially loved cooking for St. John the Almsgiver and remained active at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, serving as Treasurer, cultivating church gardens, and selling his homemade jars of olives.

Basil will be remembered for his warm spirit, infectious humor, and simple yet profound gestures of kindness—like brightening someone’s day with daffodils from his garden, thoughtfully delivered to local bank tellers.

He is survived by his daughter, Frosene Sacco (John); his son, Michael Papahronis (Ingrid); his adored grandchildren, Mikala and Trifon; his brother, Harris (Alita); and many treasured nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria, and his brother, Chris.

A Trisagion and funeral will be held on February 10, 2025, at 12 pm at The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church – 1804 13th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. John the Almsgiver at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Basil’s life was a testament to faith, family, and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather next month to lay Stan Bradley to rest. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Stanley Eugene Bradley (Stan), loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 79 on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Stan loved his family, and they will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Judith Ellen Bradley (Judy). He is survived by his loving family: daughter Sue Bennett, son Michael Bradley, son Jeff Walters, and daughter Mary McLean along with 9 grandkids and 2 great-grands. He also loved his sister’s family as little brother to Jean Bradley Hollers and uncle to her kids.

Stan and Judy owned and operated Stan’s Mt. View Towing in White Center for decades until they officially sold and retired in 2019. They bought the business from his parents H. Stan and Lily Bradley, who had owned and operated it themselves for decades as well. Though several family members took their turns working at Stan’s, it was his son, Jeff, who served by his side as long-time general manager. The business provided jobs for so many good people through the years, often blurring the lines of work, family, and friendship with many long-term employees.

He was that man who spent his life quietly making things happen and paving the way for others, asking nothing in return. Stan loved coming through for people and helping in big ways with a small voice. Stan was an advice guy, but he knew it all without being a know-it-all. He could fix anything. He made it his priority to ensure everyone was comfortable and safe. Over the years, that meant different things: from taking the kids’ car keys when it started snowing because he knew the wreckage slick roads can cause to helping kids with house shopping so he could get a preview of the various projects he’d surely be tackling for years to come.

We thank Stan for his service in the United States Army with the 589 th Engineer Battalion “Mountain Movers.” He worked on big rigs in Vietnam, giving him the mechanical expertise he’d use the rest of his life with his tow business.

Stan and Judy lived large in their heyday. They took several cruises with friends and family, somehow always ending up at the captain’s table. A love for boating led to him sweet talking Judy into buying a boat, a big one that they took out across Puget Sound and at Lake Chelan for years. Stan had always liked gambling, but he and Judy were really hooked on slot machine tournaments in Reno. They had a great time wherever they went.

Stan, Dad, Grandpa, Papa Stan – we love and miss you so much. We are comforted knowing you lived a great life on your own terms. We’d like to think you are up there with your vodka & OJ giving a cheers to your dad with his vodka & milk! You are likely handing out Stan’s Towing business cards and shaking hands. Judy is calling your name, better go see what she needs.

*****

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored with a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/JDRF, or Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Stan will be laid to rest alongside Judy on Friday, February 21, at 2 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. A celebration of his life will follow, to be held in the Seattle area.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering David Benton, and sharing this with his community:

David Benton, a long-time resident of West Seattle, passed away at his home on December 5th, 2024.

Dave was born in February 1948 and was one of the eldest children in his family. His parents were committed missionaries, and in his youth, he traveled as far as Afghanistan with his family. As a young man, he was drafted and served in Vietnam as an avionics technician with the Marine Corps. This training reinforced his skills and sharpened the mechanical aptitude that served him well throughout his life and career.

He lived in many places on the west coast, from Southern California to Alaska, fishing in the Gulf for a spell. He met his future wife Linnea while living in Newport Beach, California, and relocated to West Seattle in 1990, eventually moving to their home in Alki, where they raised their son Erik.

Dave enjoyed his work as a specialty service mechanic working with doors and entryways for local companies and was often the expert called in to assist with troublesome problems. He also used his skills on many home improvements, as well as problem solving and repairs for family, friends, and sometimes complete strangers in need!

Dave and his family enjoyed vacationing. His recollections as the captain of a time-share catamaran voyaging throughout Puget Sound from Gig Harbor to the San Juans with Linnea, Erik, and Linnea’s brother John, were among his finest memories. Dave’s family enjoyed spending summer weeks in Cannon Beach and exploring the surrounding parks and neighboring towns. Mauna Kea in Hawaii was also a favorite family getaway. Dave’s wife Linnea passed away in 2013.

The final years of Dave’s life were a time of peace and contentment. He cherished the time spent with his son Erik and was grateful for his long-time friends and the love and support of his girlfriend Clairie. Dave is survived by his son, two brothers, and a sister.

His tribute wall is at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/David-Benton

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Friends and family will gather Wednesday to celebrate the life of Scott Janzen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Scott Kenneth Janzen, devoted sports fan, consummate PR man, passionate cruiser, and quickest of wit, died on October 21, 2024. He was 69.

Born and raised in West Seattle, he grew up in a modest mid-century home, with a roughly finished basement bedroom perfectly fit for large house spiders and precocious boys. Still, he was able to “sell” his room upstairs to his older sister Sue, not once, but twice. His love for writing and persuasion began in grade school with his first manual typewriter and a regular newspaper he generated about the goings-on in the neighborhood and sports. He was a lifelong sports fan and loved nothing more than to be in the stands or in front of the wide screen rooting for his beloved Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, Kraken, or Huskies. Even in his final days, he joked, “I always said I wouldn’t go before the Mariners won the World Series.”

Scott considered his dad Ken Janzen (deceased) his best friend, who with the help of Scott’s eldest sister, Sandy, helped to raise him after his mother Marion’s death when Scott was 13. He was deeply affected by her passing. Scott married Cris Benson in November 1999 and for 12 years they made their home in Magnolia with their kittens Sammy and Tater. He adored his nieces Kim and Tammy and his nephew Aaron. While obtaining his degree in Journalism from Seattle University, he wrote for the school newspaper. (of course) Scott was close to his family and made his famous crock pot meatball appetizers on request.

Scott loved all things Seattle. He got excited for every festival that came to town, every street fair and The Bite, which may partly explain why he lived in lover Queen Anne for so many years-close to the Seattle Center, his second home. One of his first PR jobs was with the Pacific Science Center, where he created the “Edible Chair Contest” , garnering international media coverage and his first real street cred as a hot PR talent. One of Scott’s mentors, Ron Elgin of Elgin Syferd, said, “Scott ‘Janbo” Janzen was probably the most creative PR professional in the long history of our company. On top of that, EVERYONE in the agency and our clients absolutely loved him. Hell of a guy: hell of a longtime friend. I miss him a lot.”

For several years in the ’80s and ’90s, he and his buddy Tom hosted an Argosy Cruise “Bop Till You Drop” dance cruise, the hottest ticket in town. That’s about the time his love for cruising began. He sailed nearly 30 cruises, all over the world, and would have sailed more if his disability hadn’t restricted his mobility. He particularly loved sailing to Alaska with friends.

Scott mentored many young people entering the industry and made time to help them out throughout his career. His friends and colleagues thought of him as just easy to be around. “Smart, funny, kind , and brimming with amazing ideas. He made whatever space he was in better.”

Scott died after a long battle with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a rare degenerative muscle disease that slowly stole his ability to enjoy the life he loved so much. Scott would still be cracking jokes today and wanted much laughter when remembering him.

A celebration of his life will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4 pm-7 pm at Steelheads Alley (formerly Pyramid Brewing) 1201 1st Avenue South, Seattle. He had a close group of friends who are raising funds to host this event, so as not to burden Scott’s family. Whether or not you think you might attend, your generosity in any amount will be greatly appreciated.

If you wish to contribute, please send to Tom’s Venmo (@Tom-Phillips-6) or Zelle (Tomphillips1001@outlook.com)

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 10-11 in memory of Paula Mitchell, and are sharing this remembrance now:

Pauline Eleanor Mitchell, born in West Seattle and a graduate of West Seattle High School, died peacefully at Providence Mount St. Vincent at age 94.

Paula is survived by her nine children (Lori, Sue, Duffy, Jeffry, Tom, Tim, Mark, Colleen, and Jenny); their partners; 24 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Her husband of 53 years, John, preceded her in death. For more than 15 years she and John moved their growing brood across the country for Boeing assignments. About every two years Paula handled the packing up, moving, and resettlement of the kids in their new schools. Despite the challenges of frequent moves Paula created a loving and welcoming home.

The Mitchell house was “the house” where the neighborhood hung out. The picnic benches at our table always had room for one more. She lived by and taught us “the golden rule.” Paula adored and took an individual interest in each grandchild and great-grandchild. She had a soft spot for the little ones, and they brought her so much joy.

The family is grateful for the compassionate caregivers at the Mount. A Wake/Rosary will be held in the Mount St. Vincent Chapel Friday, January 10, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm. Paula’s Memorial Mass will also be in the chapel on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at noon; followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be donated to Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

On behalf of the family of 31-year-old Riley Kestner, killed in a crash in Seaview on October 30, Al shares news of his Celebration of Life next weekend.

I am sharing this announcement of a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Riley Kestner: On January 4, 1-3 pm at the Alki Bathhouse.

The announcement includes “Riley LOVED food; bring what you love to eat or something that reminds you of him!”

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Gary Moore and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Gary Lee Moore
August 1, 1944 – November 6, 2024

Gary Lee Moore was born on August 1, 1944, at West Seattle Hospital in the Junction. And for his entire life, he never strayed far from West Seattle — it was always home. He moved up the hill in 1994, West Seattle remained his heart and soul. Gary lost his father, Harry, in a shop accident when he was just 15 years old, but with his mother May and older sister Sharon by his side, he navigated life with a mischievous spirit and a love for adventure.

As a child and teenager, Gary was a rascal, always finding trouble and stirring up mischief. He and his best friend, Jeff, once stole all the street signs in the Fauntleroy neighborhood and hid them in Gary’s mother’s basement. Weeks later, a local officer jokingly asked Gary what they were planning to do with all those signs, and Gary was stunned—he couldn’t figure out how they had been caught. He and his friends knew all the local officers well, and they were often on friendly terms. In fact, one of his favorite pranks involved trying to steal the cow from the top of a local grocery store using his mom’s clothesline. For Gary, life was always full of laughter and adventure.

He attended school in the West Seattle area, where he played baseball throughout his childhood and eventually added football to the mix. However, Gary didn’t get along with his football coach and as an adult, when Gary moved into a new house on the hill, he discovered that his new neighbor was none other than Coach. With a chuckle, Gary said, “Well, I guess God isn’t done with me yet.” It wasn’t long before the two of them became friends.

Gary graduated in 1962 and went on to work at Junction Feed and Seed and in pest control for a local friend’s father. But it was his apprenticeship with the Boilermakers Union, which he completed almost right out of high school, that set him on his true path. After earning his journeyman’s papers, Gary worked in the shipyards during shutdowns in Alaska before finding a long and fulfilling career with Seattle City Light. He worked there for over 40 years, developing a reputation as a dedicated craftsman and a genuinely good person.

Gary was part of the smaller group that kept his high school class together. Every five years, they organized reunions that were always well-attended, with Gary at the heart of it all. He made sure to keep track of everyone, calling and checking in with his classmates to ensure no one was left behind. These reunions were filled with laughter and fond memories. Gary also played an active role in the City Light Employees Association (CLEA), helping organize picnics, parties, and the annual Christmas luncheon. Even after he retired, he stayed involved with the Retired CLEA board. He was the ultimate people person, never meeting anyone he didn’t like.

Gary’s family was the most important part of his life. He married Paula, with whom he had two children — Jarrett and Shamayn — who were his pride and joy. In 1993, Gary married the love of his life, Lynne Boyce, in a ceremony at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. Gary often joked with his steel crew that one day he’d marry the boss’s daughter. When Lynne became his boss at Seattle City Light, Gary quipped, “Well, I guess I’ll just marry the boss.” Together, Gary and Lynne shared a deep love for one another that lasted throughout their marriage.

Gary loved his work at Seattle City Light, where he had the rare privilege of going places few people ever see — working deep inside dams, climbing transmission towers high in the mountains, and hanging off the side of microwave reflector dishes 1,500 feet above the ground. He was a gifted welder and a highly skilled craftsman, but more than that, Gary was a social hub. He was so popular that people often sought him out for advice or simply to enjoy a good conversation. He worked with a group of people he considered more than just co-workers—they were a second family. Their camaraderie grew as they spent weeks together in bunkhouses during long projects, forging lifelong friendships in places like Boundary Dam in Eastern Washington. Gary quickly befriended the locals wherever he worked, and his crew affectionately dubbed him the “Social Director.”

Gary was a proud union man, a lifelong member of Local 77 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He valued the friendships he built there and cherished the sense of community that came with being part of the union.

One of Gary’s greatest passions was cars — especially racing. He raced his Corvette at SRI and there fell in love with the classic Shelby Cobras. After years of saving and researching, he finally got his own Cobra, and he enjoyed many sunny days driving around with friends who shared his love for gearhead culture.

Gary’s love of people extended to his many lifelong friends. He and his friends regularly gathered for get-togethers. As the self-appointed “social director,” Gary planned everything—from baseball games and museum tours to simple coffee outings. Every year, they went on an annual fishing trip to Alaska. What started as camping trips in sleeping bags soon upgraded to air mattresses, then motorhomes, and eventually, top-of-the-line fish camps with guides. Those trips were filled with laughter, and good-natured mischief. They liked to enjoy single malt scotch and cigars, Gary’s favorites, while telling stories — some funny, some heartfelt.

Gary was also known for his love of travel. He and Lynne made it a priority to take one big trip each year, saving up overtime to explore the world. They traveled to places near and far, including Lemmon, South Dakota, where Gary’s father had been raised. Gary made friends wherever he went and stayed in touch with them for decades, proving that his ability to connect with people was something he never lost.

Gary was a proud West Seattleite and loved his neighborhood, especially the Fauntlee Crest area. He was often affectionately called the “Mayor of West Seattle,” and in his younger years, he was dubbed “The Honorable Gary Moore” and it stuck for his whole life, always being known as The Honorable, far and wide. His deep love for the area, and for the people who lived there, never wavered. He remained friends with many of his neighbors, and he cherished the sense of community they shared.

Gary passed away peacefully in his sleep after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne; his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Paula Johnson; his children, Jarrett (Kellie) Moore and Shamayn (Juan) Carrion; his grandchildren, Frances (Will), Isabel/Lulu, Cecilia, Jorge Jr., Katrina, JuanJose/Jay (Ally), and JosePaul/JP (Belen); his great-grandchildren, Melania/Mimi, Belladonna, Sophia, Briar, Colbie, Rosalita and Elijah; as well as numerous in-laws, extended family, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, May and Harry Moore, and his sister Sharon.

Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His warmth, his generosity, and his love for people will live on in the countless lives he touched.

The family would also like to thank with deep appreciation Simon, Blanca, and everyone who took such incredibly great care of Gary at European Senior Care.

In lieu of flowers, Gary requested that donations be made in his honor to Parkinson’s research, specifically to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Northwest Chapter.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at Fauntleroy Church in early Spring. Details will be shared closer to the date.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather January 2 to celebrate the life of Jim Barnecut. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:

JAMES GEORGE BARNECUT
January 2, 1951 – December 11, 2024

James (“Jim”) is resting in peace after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim is survived by Jamie K. Barnecut, the love of his life and spouse of almost 40 years. He is also survived by his two adult children, Nicholas J. Barnecut and Rachel J. Barnecut (Norman Wu) and grandson, Ezra James Barnecut-Wu.

Jim was born to the late Richard and Dolores Barnecut. He is survived by his siblings: Margaret, Mary Ellen and Andrew. Like his parents, Jim lived, worked, and raised his family in West Seattle. He attended Lafayette Elementary, Madison Jr. High and West Seattle High School (Class of 1969). He continued his education at the University of Washington (1973) and the University of Puget Sound School of Law (1977).

Jim and Jamie worked side by side in their West Seattle “mom and pop” law office for decades. Jim frequently commented that “she wasn’t bad to work for.” This was consistent with his oft-repeated characterization of his wife as bright, beautiful, and hard-working.

Jim was enthusiastic about sports as both a participant and spectator. He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly hiking and climbing. He summited most of the major peaks in this area. There was an expectation of much more golf in the future because it was a sport that he had enjoyed and struggled with. Two aces were somehow recorded along the way together with the customary collection of “x’s,” both of which are verifiable by credible witnesses.

Family trips to Mexico, Whistler, B.C., and time spent at the family vacation home on Hood Canal will be fondly remembered. After retiring from his law practice in 2021, Jim was especially fortunate to be able to travel with his family to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland, and Denmark.

Jim was blessed with a loving wife and has always said that his proudest accomplishment and legacy are his two children, whom he adored and revered with pride.

We will forever cherish and hold him close to our hearts and he will always be our strong man.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in West Seattle on January 2, 2025. For details, please email: JGBmemories@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations “In memory of James Barnecut” may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and/or to Evergreen Health Foundation. Please visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/James-Barnecut to sign an online guest book, send condolences, and/or share memories or photos of Jim.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Fumi Grainger, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Fumi Grainger
July 26, 1946 – November 12, 2024

Fumi Grainger passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the age of 78, following a short battle with an aggressive cancer. Born Fumi Akimoto, Fumi grew up in Fukuoka, Japan. She moved to Seattle in 1969 to help a friend open the Japanese antique shop Mariko Tada, once located in downtown Seattle.

What began as a short adventure abroad turned into a lifetime when, one evening on a sailboat, she met Michael Grainger. They married in 1971 and made their home in West Seattle, first in Fauntleroy and later in Arbor Heights. As her children grew up, Fumi re-entered the workforce. Sensibile, honest, and detail-oriented, her career grew from part-time translator to a fulfilling role as office manager for a Japanese hardwood export company.

In retirement, Fumi traveled the world, enjoying many Holland America cruises with Michael. She embraced the joy of being a grandmother, attended local exercise classes at the YMCA, and volunteered at the Discovery Shop in the Junction. Fumi had a keen eye for fine china, chic clothing, and, of course, a good bargain. She will be fondly remembered for her grace, her kind heart, and her culinary talents, especially her famous gyoza.

Fumi is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael; her children, Kirsty (Cam) and Simon (Silke); and her grandchildren, Aveline, Helena, Paxton, and Tahlia. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Dean Boender and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Dean H. Boender
April 12, 1939 – December 14, 2024

Dean was born in Wenatchee, WA, to Dorotha Francis Compton and Jacob Dickson Boender. His family moved to West Seattle when he was in elementary school. Dean went on to graduate from West Seattle High School, where he met many lifelong friends. After that, he attended the University of Washington, where he proudly rowed Crew. Dean left the UW short of graduating to go to work for his good friend Jim Sweeney at Alki Lumber, a job he proudly held for 60 years.

Dean’s favorite places to visit were the Big Island of Hawaii, Sun Valley, Idaho, and Lake Chelan. He loved all things Washington Huskies, especially attending football games, both home and away.

Dean is survived by his 2 daughters, Melissa and Stephanie Boender.

A “celebration of life” will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “The Mount” (Providence Mount St. Vincent) or Providence Hospice. providence.org We are very grateful for the thoughtful care that they gave our Dad.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather this week to remember Fred Campagnaro, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

Remembering Fred Campagnaro
December 05, 1923 – December 06, 2024

On December 6, 2024, a day after his 101st birthday, Fred Paul Campagnaro was welcomed into heaven by God. Uncle Fred, as he was often called by many, was born on December 5, 1923, in Seattle, to John & Maria Campagnaro. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and a parishioner of Holy Rosary Church. Fred graduated from West Seattle High School in 1942 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946. After serving in the Air Force, Fred worked for Western Gear Works for 40 years, retiring at the age of 63. In retirement, he became a dedicated super volunteer at The Mount, where he served for 35 years. Fred took great joy in assisting residents on field trips and carrying the cross during Mass. A deeply religious man, he prayed the rosary daily. Fred had a true passion for sports, especially baseball, and held a special love for the Seattle Mariners. Knowledgeable and full of opinions, he was always eager to discuss player stats, strategies, and team dynamics. He also enjoyed gardening, proudly sharing his blackberries, raspberries, and plums with family and friends. Fred was particularly adamant that every plum be picked at its peak ripeness, ensuring that no fruit went to waste. Until very recently, he continued reading the newspaper and completing the daily Sudoku — always in pen! A generous spirit, Fred gave to the West Seattle Food Bank every week. He was also a proud Italian and a longtime member of the West Side Italian Civic Club.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents John (August 1975) and Maria (June 1998), brother Mimo Campagnaro (June 1996), and sister Mary Louise Giacomini (January 2022). Although Fred never married or had children of his own, he became a father and grandfather figure to our family. He is survived by his nephews John Campagnaro (Mary) and Mike Campagnaro (Gina), his nieces Roseann Campagnaro (Greg Ryerson) and Tina Giacomini Huston (Jeff), and his grand nieces and nephews Isabella & Alessandra Campagnaro, Jake Ryerson, Marc & Josh Campagnaro, and Mallory & Paige Huston, as well as his sister-in-law Paula Campagnaro and his brother-in-law Ray Giacomini.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Fred received on 3N at The Mount. A rosary will be held in the Providence Mount St. Vincent Chapel on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at 7 pm. A Celebration of Life Mass will also be in the chapel on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at noon followed by a reception. Burial at Holyrood Cemetery on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Holy Rosary Church West Seattle or The Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation.

Fred was a kind and generous man who led a quiet, simple life. Known for his big heart, he was always eager to help others and put their needs before his own. Though a bit stubborn at times, he was the foundation of our family, a constant presence who showed unwavering support. Admired and loved by all, he will always hold a special place in our hearts. While we’ve lost a part of our family, we find comfort knowing that Fred is watching over us. We love you, Uncle Freddy!

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

A celebration of life is planned February 15 for Joe Nokes, whose family and friends are sharing this remembrance now:

Joseph “Joe” Robert Nokes passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington on December 4, 2024, at the age of 74, after a long battle with colon cancer.

Affectionately called Joe, Joey, or Joe Bob, he was born a twin in Seattle, Washington May 28, 1950, to Della & George Nokes Sr. Joe grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1969. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers George Jr., Jim, and John.

Joe worked for more than 30 years for Auto Processing and then Distribution Auto Services in Seattle. Joe retired when the company closed in 2001. He moved to his home at Lake Limerick in 2003. He then started working at the Little Creek Casino as a security guard. He also worked at the 40et8 veterans’ club as a karaoke disc jockey.

Joe was a golfer and an avid Mariners, Huskies, Seahawks, and Kraken fan. He was a member of the 1980 National Championship Peterbilt fastpitch softball team that just recently was inducted into the 2024 Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma.

Joe is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Henderson (Ron); a son, Scott Nokes (Amanda); granddaughters Katelyn and Bailee Nokes and Reese Henderson; his twin brother Jerry Nokes (Sheila); sister Renie Dyson (Dean); sister-in-law Debbie Nokes; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life on February 15, 2025, at the Lake Limerick’s Community Hall, 790 E. St. Andrews Dr., Shelton Washington, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Bob Estep and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Robert (Bob) Estep
1931 – 2024

Robert Estep passed peacefully on November 16, 2024 at the age of 93, into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Bob was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and one of six children. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1948 and joined the US Navy soon after. He served on the USS Norton Sound as a Radioman, Third Class during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1951, where he returned to West Seattle and married his high-school sweetheart and started a family.

Bob enjoyed a decades-long career at the Boeing Company until his retirement in 1991. During his time at Boeing, he served on the board of the Boeing Management Association and was part of the team that moved the Red Barn up the Duwamish River to its current location at the Museum of Flight.

Bob and his wife were longtime members of West Side Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. Later in life, they attended University Presbyterian Church.

Bob’s many hobbies included bicycling, golfing, walking, and in his later years, playing recreational volleyball with other seniors at a local community center. He undertook a self-imposed mission of finding, walking, and mapping every outdoor public stairway in West Seattle. His efforts were featured in a March 5, 2010 edition of the West Seattle Herald.

At the age of 40, his family gave him a bicycle and he started a tradition of cycling his age in miles each year on his birthday, taking his last ride at the age of 80. He participated in the Chilly Hilly, STP ride, and the Heart Fund Ride in 1976 and 1978.

As an avid walker, he participated in several 3-day cancer walks in honor and support of his wife.

The West Seattle YMCA was also a special part of his life. Bob started going to the Y as a young boy in 1940. There he would swim, attend community dinners, and played on the Y basketball team along with one of his brothers. As an adult, Bob and his wife participated in the Active Older Adults fitness classes, forming long-lasting friendships. Bob also taught the AARP Safe Driving course at the Y for 15 years.

For most of his retirement years, Bob and his wife would spend the month of October on Maui. Over the years they developed another group of close friends that became their Maui family.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, and youngest daughter. He is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, a sister, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although a quiet and private man, he will be remembered for his deep faith and kind soul who was always looking for ways to help others. He loved his family and friends deeply.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Florence of Seattle for their exceptional care and support they provided Robert for the past 2 and 1/2 years.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)