Family and friends of Dominic Madura are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Dominic Madura passed away in Seattle on July 19th, 2020, at the age of 27.

Dominic was born in Seattle, on July 23, 1992, to John and Jana Madura, joining his older sister Chelsea, at their home in West Seattle.

Dominic attended Holy Rosary Grade School in West Seattle, and graduated in 2011 from Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien.

Dominic loved the outdoors, including fishing, kayaking, biking, skateboarding, and spending time at the beach. He could often be found longboarding or kayaking along Alki Beach near his home. Dominic’s love for fishing started at an early age, when he was barely big enough to hold his own fishing pole. His favorite time of the year was the family’s annual summer vacation to Twin Lakes where he would fish, spend time with family and friends, and relax in the outdoors. He loved fishing there so much, that once when his family went for a fall weekend trip, and didn’t catch anything, the distraught eight-year-old demanded they stay until he caught at least one keeper to bring home. Nic (as his family called him) always out-fished everyone.

Dominic was a very kind and gentle person; a loving son and wonderful brother. He was always thinking of others, often bringing home a treat to his mom or lending a hand around the house. He loved nature, and all creatures, especially dogs. Growing up, the Madura family had a yellow lab, Blondie, that Dominic absolutely adored. His favorite times with Blondie were the rare occasions when West Seattle was hit with snow. He once built a snow fort in the backyard for them to play in, and then fed Blondie cheese from a hole in the roof. Dominic had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to make funny faces and use goofy voices to make everyone laugh. For example, a few months ago Dominic threw on a witch Halloween mask, and began strumming the song “Last Kiss” on his guitar, singing along with a silly voice. He loved to play his guitar, especially with good friends, most of whom called him “Dom.” Jam sessions in his parents’ living room would last for hours; they sometimes took requests but mostly played local Grunge and other favorites of the Madura household.

Dominic was also a fighter, winning a battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, all while dealing with late onset, type 1, diabetes. Though he won the battle over the cancer, these two diseases took their toll on his body, and his spirit. Despite those challenges, he always remained strong and tried to look on the bright side of life.

Dominic leaves behind his parents, John and Jana Madura; his sister Chelsea (Madura) Smith, and his new niece, Siena. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A funeral mass will be held for Dominic, and donations can be made in his name to The Oxford House. Due to COVID restrictions, a larger celebration of his life will take place next Spring.

Please share your favorite memory of him at: emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Dominic-Madura

Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

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

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance:

Anne Elizabeth (Betty) Sward Aronson
April 3, 1924 – July 29, 2020

Anne Elizabeth (Betty) Sward, 96, died July 29, 2020. The day before her death, the family was able to be with her to say goodbye.

Born in Seattle of Swedish parents, Carl and Hedvig Sward April 3,1924 at Waverly Place east of Queen Anne. In 1932 her parents “exchanged” houses (no money changed hands) and moved to West Seattle! She attended Lafayette Grade School, James Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School Class of 1942. She attended Seattle Pacific College for one year, took two years off to work at Boeing during the war, resumed her education in 1946, graduating in 1948 in Elementary Education.

Betty met her husband-to-be Connie on a one-day trip to Victoria on the SS Princess Marguerite in 1946. She was playing hymns and choruses on the piano, Connie joined in the singing. They soon discovered they shared a Swedish heritage and shared childhoods where Swedish language was spoken in the home … that would eventually lead to many trips to Sweden to visit family and friends. Connie and Betty were married in 1949.

She taught 5 years at High Point Elementary School, took a break from teaching until her youngest of three children started school. At that time she resumed teaching as a substitute at the West Seattle elementary schools for several years. Following her short teaching career, she began working with her husband at C. “Connie” Aronson, and later known as Aronson Security Group. She fully retired at 89 years old.

Betty had a huge heart, a serious gift of hospitality, often hosting Swedish pancake suppers, traditional Swedish dinners, and summer picnics on the beach. She loved getting to know people and made life-long friends in unusual places like riding the elevator in Maui, sharing a table on a cruise, or hosting a young man one of their friends met at a roadside rest stop …“just because he was Swedish”!

Betty’s favorite times included making memories with her granddaughters; baking, overnights, attending sports events and concerts. Betty was a member of West Side Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, 20 years as Sunday School superintendent with her late husband, and many years playing piano in the pre-school department.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Connie, and son, David. She is survived by daughter, Karol; sons, Paul (Kris) and Philip (Susan) Aronson; granddaughters Kristina (Jon) Gratton, Erika, Karlee (Benjamin) George, Andrea; and great granddaughter Lillian George.

Betty will be greatly missed but comfort for the family is that she is now with her Lord and Savior. No services have been planned at this time but the family hopes to in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Side Presbyterian Church. You can sign an online guest book at www.howden-kennedy.com.

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

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance:

Mark H. Thomas died July 27, 2020, after fighting a courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia, a debilitating disease that attacks the spirit and body.

He was born April 27, 1950 in Munich, Germany as a military dependent. Growing up, his family was stationed in various places including Salzburg, Okinawa, and Frankfort before returning to West Seattle in 1961.

He attended Madison and West Seattle High graduating in 1968. In 1972 he completed a BS in Geology from Western Washington College. The majority of career was in the moving and storage industry, retiring as the General Manager for Continental Van Lines in 2013. Mark loved to cook, fish, and, especially, entertain friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 33 years, brother Raymond (Terry) Thomas, daughter Nica Tovey, and 2 grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate to your favorite charity. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

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

In memory of Ken Stafford, this remembrance is being shared with the community:

Walking his dog on Alki. More specifically, carrying his treasured dog all over our city, from Alki to Ballard, to Lake Washington and back. That was Ken Stafford, an original Alki gem.

Kenny was born on July 14, 1949 and left this world on July 15th, 2020. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1967 where his band started up and continued to play at old nightspots like the Embers, Alki Tavern, and the Jigsaw. His biggest thrill was performing a tribute to Elvis, his idol.

After a stint in the Navy, Kenny continued to live, and walk, and always enjoy the Alki Beach neighborhood. Now, those that knew him, will miss him and are pretty sure he is up there playing great music, probably Elvis songs. Rest in peace, my friend.

A remembrance for Ken will be held at a later date.

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

In memory of Barbara A. McGlothern, her family and friends are sharing this remembrance with the community:

BARBARA ANN McGLOTHERN

Born January 26, 1933, in Michigan to David Hazlett and Dorothy (Ritchie) Hazlett. Passed peacefully July 20, 2020. Raised in Omak, and graduated with the Omak High School Class of 1951. Attended Western Washington University, where she met Richard McGlothern and wed in 1953.

Preceded in death by her parents David and Dorothy Hazlett, and her brother David Hazlett. Survived by children: Michael McGlothern and Aleece (Nokes) McGlothern, Cynthia McGlothern, Kerry (McGlothern) Casteel, Robert McGlothern and Jenny (Gwinn) McGlothern. Grandchildren: Matthew McGlothern, Jenny (McGlothern) Schild and Eric Schild, Katy (Casteel) Brown and Justin Brown, Tracy Casteel, Margaret McGlothern, and Simon McGlothern, and great-grandchildren: Blaire Brown, Benjamin Brown, and Bowie Schild.

Barbara was intelligent, thoughtful and had a great sense of humor. She loved her work at the University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, and retired from Washington State University Cooperative Extension. She enjoyed retirement, traveling to numerous countries, and volunteering with several organizations.

She had a passion for opera, reading, art, music, dogs, horses, and horse racing; sometimes she’d even
place a small bet! Her backyard was her oasis, where she loved to relax and read or visit with friends.
She always offered tea and a homemade treat.

She was woven into the fabric of her beloved West Seattle community. She was an active member of the Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ.

Our family would like to extend deep gratitude to those at Sunshine Care for their loving care and attention to our Mother in the last couple of years. She was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.

A virtual Memorial will be held August 8, 2020; for details, see Emmick Family Funeral Services at
www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-McGlothern

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

Family and friends are remembering Dean Barney, and sharing this with the community:

Dean was a man of quiet strength with an unwavering moral compass who loved to explore throughout his career and life. Whether delighting in well-planned excursions with family to explore nature’s vast treasures, carefully stewarding the financial strength of many diverse organizations, or being there to build puzzles with his daughter, share sports tips with his son, or share a laugh with his wife, Dean was a pillar of strength who faced life with good humor and a commitment to supporting others.

On July 12, 2020 at the age of 73, Dean died peacefully surrounded by family and a lifelong friend after a two-and-a-half-year valiant battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Birdsong, sunshine, and a gentle breeze accompanied Dean on his final journey. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Ginny Barney, daughter Beth, and son John.

Born a twin in Portland, Oregon in 1946 to USAF Colonel Russell Barney and Mrs. Helen Barney (née Funderburgh), Dean was an 8th generation descendant of Ian Robbins, a pioneer on the Oregon Trail. Dean and his three sisters – Myrna Barney, Gini Corvi, and his twin Connie Gill – were raised in many places in the US and abroad during their father’s military service. After high-school graduation from Highland HS in Albuquerque, NM in 1964, Dean attended the University of Colorado in Boulder on an ROTC scholarship for two years, followed by two years of service in the Navy. He worked several jobs to fund his education, completing his degree at UCB in business in 1970 before attending the University of Washington, where he completed his MBA in 1971.

Dean’s professional career as a financial executive began in public accounting and spanned many diverse areas from cable television to mineral water to the performing arts. Later in his career he devoted his many talents to bolstering the financial capabilities and stability of many notable Seattle arts organizations including the Intiman, Seattle Children’s, and ACT Theatres, where his financial acumen and dedication to sharing his knowledge across organizations helped support vibrant theatre in the region for years.

Throughout life, Dean enjoyed exploring nature’s bounty with Ginny, family, and friends – camping, hiking, and cycling through the diverse natural treasures of the American West and around the world. From paddling the rivers of the Pacific NW to exploring the red rock canyons and rich cultural history of the desert Southwest, Dean loved adventure.

As four-decade residents of West Seattle, the Barneys welcomed many friends into their home near Lincoln Park to appreciate the beauty of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains along with their hospitality and playful presence.

Dean’s family and friends will miss his quiet, strong presence, meticulous planning, love of nature, dry wit, and unwavering banter about the perils of pets.

The Barney family extends their deep thanks to the dedicated nurses and doctors of Kaiser Permanente, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and UW Medicine for their encouragement and extraordinary care throughout Dean’s hard-fought battle with cancer.

Friends wishing to honor Dean’s life are encouraged to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society through his daughter’s dedicated website and local organizations dedicated to the beautiful trails of the region: the Washington Trails Association and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

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

Family and friends are remembering Dan DeSantis, and sharing this with the community:

Daniel Michael DeSantis passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2020 at his favorite place, Hood Canal.

Dan was born on 1/23/45 in Seattle and kept his home here until recently; he currently resided in Palm Desert, California. He is survived by his wife of 19 years Jan DeSantis, his daughter Gina DeSantis Coats (son-in-law John, grandsons Alex and Anthony), son Dan (daughter-in-law Teresa), and former spouse and mother of his children, Ruth DeSantis.

He was raised in Seattle and had an extensive career in sales and 45+ years in Seattle Real Estate. Dan was a force of nature with an infectious laugh, big smile, sense of humor, and an unmatched love of life. It was essential for him to stay active every day, cycling, working out, and even walking lately (his “forced marches”). Everything was, of course, a social event.

Family and friends were his priority! He was so proud of his Italian heritage, children, and grandchildren. He idolized his grandsons and would do anything to be in their company — camping, white-water rafting, golfing, cheering at their sporting events, even dancing in nightclubs. He spoiled them whenever possible. He was their biggest fan!

It was important for him to stay connected to his friends, many of whom he had reconnected with recently. He lived life with gusto and wanted to continue traveling extensively. Dan would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, not asking for anything in return. Everyone who knew him well loved him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

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

Family and friends are remembering Dorothy K. Wicklund, and sharing this with the community:

Dorothy Katherine (Webb) Wicklund

Lifelong Seattleite Dorothy Wicklund passed away peacefully at home on July 14 at the age of 93. She was born at Seattle’s Providence Hospital to Harry and Amalia Webb, the first of three children. In 1944 she graduated from West Seattle High School. She married Carl Wicklund in 1950 and they raised three children, Don, Janis, and Ken. The family spent summers camping and enjoying the family beach cabin on Vashon/Maury Island.

Dorothy had lifelong friends (“Sewing Circle”) and was active in her community. She led large Girl Scout troops in the 60s, was a leader for Local 609, and served on the finance committee of Hope Lutheran Church for many years. She was involved in the Swedish Club, was a strong advocate of voting, was a member of the 34th District Democrats, and had a prolific garden in her backyard with vegetables & dahlias every summer. She will be remembered for her quick wit, intelligence, outstanding organization, fierce pursuit of fairness, intense loyalty, and her memory – “which was like a steel trap.”

As a kitchen manager for the Seattle School District, Dorothy “was a legend,” says her granddaughter, Hailey. In retirement she and Carl traveled to Sweden, Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Morocco, and, her favorite – the Canary Islands. She felt most grounded, though, at home. She enjoyed watching the squirrels out the window with a cup of coffee or an occasional martini. She collected Steinbach nutcrackers and always read the newspaper cover to cover. Most of all she loved having her family around, especially when they were all together.

The absolute matriarch of her family, Dorothy was immensely proud of her children Don (& Jeanne) Wicklund, Janis Smith (& Doug Bacon) and Ken (& Connie) Wicklund, her four grandchildren (Erin, Patrick, Hailey, & Heather & their spouses), and her five great-grandchildren (Chloe, Ryker, Sawyer, Sylvie, & Kinley). Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother Harry in 1942, and by her husband Carl in 2001. She is survived by her sister, Maxine Martin of Olympia.

A memorial will be held with immediate family. Donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to the Hope Lutheran Foundation.

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

The family of former longtime West Seattle resident Vernon “Don” Adams has announced his passing and is sharing this remembrance:

Vernon ‘Don’ Adams passed away peacefully on June 21, 2020, with his loving wife of almost 65 years, Tricia, and his daughter, Edie, at his bedside. Other family members were not able to visit due to the current pandemic.

Don was born on Valentine’s Day during the Great Depression times of 1936 in rural Wellington, Texas to David Wendell and Anna Dobson Adams. Dave and Anna worked a variety of jobs including farm labor and picking fruit. At the time of Don’s birth, Dave worked as a rural school bus driver. The young couple were assisted by a minister whose name was Vernon and, in gratitude, named little “Don” after the minister. Within a few years, when Don was six-months-old, the migrant family had moved to Auburn, Washington. At four years old, Don was recorded onto the 1940 census.

With his older brother, George, Don grew up in Auburn throughout the 1940s and – 50s. Like many young men of those times, his interests included cars, hunting, horseback clubs, and girls. Don “lettered” as a varsity basketball player and played other sports. He was also an avid outdoorsman all his life. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with his family, friends, and business partners.

According to Tricia, during his school years, he was really into horses: “I think he had at least three and he belonged to the Saddle Club.” The club went on trail rides and Don and his friends camped with their horses. “I remember Don telling me about camping out by the river, catching fish and cooking them over a campfire, and having sword fights with the big ferns”. Another time Don and his buddies were riding their horses up by Lake Tapps chasing some Indian ponies and Don’s horse ran into a wire and was cut. Don’s father Dave taught Don how to doctor the horse.

Then cars entered the picture. “When I first met Don, he had a little red Oldsmobile convertible with a white top he sold to get a ‘49 Chevrolet that ended up being our first car”. He always felt bad about being lured away from his horses by a car. He drove to school and worked on a water well rig and also in a slaughterhouse outside of Auburn but mostly at his father’s Auburn Texaco service station. Don cherished all the friendships he made and has maintained them from those early school days.

In 1954, Don was introduced to Patricia Wilson by his sister-in-law Hazel Adams (both young women were working for Patricia’s uncle in the main office of his downtown bookstore, which was part of a national chain). Love bloomed and they married July 30th, 1955, in Seattle. Don initially worked at Boeing but did not find that to his liking. Don had always been enamored of planes and was able to start flying lessons while working at Boeing. With a new family, he eventually had to stop the lessons, but later he was able to go back and fly solo.

Over the next few years, the couple followed construction to find work. For a few months in late 1956, they lived in Myrtle Point, Oregon while Don was working as an apprentice carpenter, helping build a school. The young couple lived in Myrtle Point until the construction job finished and they then traveled to Santa Rosa, California. While living in a mobile home park on the Old Redwood Highway, Don took a job at the Cadillac garage in Santa Rosa. Their first son, Michael, was born in Santa Rosa and the young father took his family home from the hospital in a borrowed Cadillac. Eventually, Don got homesick and lonesome for the beautiful green state of Washington and the couple went back to Washington, living in several small towns south of Seattle, before moving to West Seattle in 1963. While his children were small, Don had another job that involved driving a big truck from Seattle to Reno to Sacramento. For a while, he also was a relief milk truck driver for Kent Farm Dairy in Kent, Washington. Don always wanted to be a police officer and in 1960, he began working with the King County Sheriff Department. In 1961, he moved to the Seattle Police Department.

As a Seattle Police Department Sergeant in July 1972, Don was awarded the Seattle Industrial Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Month for a heroic rescue action he performed during a March 18, 1972 gunfire standoff involving a mentally-ill individual who had been sniping at individuals from his upper story, downtown hotel window. In a Seattle Times article of the day, “Officer Honored for Actions against Sniper,” it was written that: “Police Sgt. Vernon D. Adams, 36, was honored at a luncheon today as Officer of the Month by the Industrial Kiwanis Club. Adams was chosen because of his role in taking command of police operations as a sniper at the Bush Hotel fired on police March 18. Adams was also awarded a department commendation by Chief George P. Tielsch.”

The Chief’s commendation was as follows: “Although you were aware that you were exposing yourself to deadly danger, you risked your life to rescue a fellow officer…” which “resulted in your sustaining a serious and painful gunshot wound. I have no doubt that your direction of this operation, although wounded yourself, and your courageous self-sacrifice minimized the potentially serious injuries and prevented the fatal injuring of the police officers at the scene.”

Thankfully, he recovered from his physical injuries, but trauma nevertheless was in fact sustained (today it would be called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD). Also, although Don had always wanted to be a police officer, he became disillusioned with what might be called “politics” in the Department (i.e., watch out who you catch doing something wrong and arrest and who they might be connected to). He left the police department in 1975.

That period was initially a period of chaotic personal turmoil, facing the challenge of changing employment while having a family of six to feed. Also, within approximately a year of leaving police work, the family unexpectedly sustained a house fire, requiring him to face multiple challenges including several moves over the next year, while he commissioned a new house in the Schmitz Park area of West Seattle.

Although he initially considered small-town police department Chief positions during this period, he found an exciting change in the direction of real estate. He later felt that he owed a great deal to his mentor, the West Seattle real estate broker Ron Turner. Within short order, he was his office’s top producer and eventually sold multiple millions of dollars in real estate. His wife, Tricia joined him in the real estate practice, and together with another couple, they started their new business “Elliott Bay Realtors,” first operating out of the Admiral District and later building their own real estate office at California and Brandon street in West Seattle. They eventually sold their interest, left, and worked with Prudential Real Estate (the other couple later sold Elliott Bay Realtors to Prudential).

During Don’s later years as a real-estate agent, he resumed his young adult hobby of private pilot aviation and enjoyed several different aircraft. According to Tricia, during a hectic real estate market, Don discovered he could get away from the office and watch the planes and hide at Boeing Field. It was there he saw his first Ercoupe and the rest is history. The guy was rebuilding the one we bought and we had our choice of paint colors so we chose lime and white, just like the can of (a popular) shaving cream.

At one point, he also had his own small 22-foot sailboat which he would sail in Elliott Bay of Seattle. In a time of a busy market, these activities helped preserve his sanity!

After retirement in 2000, Don and Tricia traveled the United States in a fifth-wheel trailer revisiting historic sites of family history. After two years of this nomadic travel (and with some health issues), they settled down at their high-desert retirement home in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Through the connection of their daughter and son-in-law to the U.S. Army post-Fort Huachuca, Don and Tricia were introduced to Sierra Vista and it was there that they decided where their retirement years together would be spent. In Sierra Vista, Don was involved with the local radio-control-aircraft flying club, where he made many deep friendships.

Don was an engaged parent and grandparent and was constantly amazed by the large and small achievements of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Employment: Carpenter; Long-haul Truck Driver; Milk Man; King County Sheriff Deputy; Seattle Police Department Motorcycle Officer, Patrolman, Sergeant & Detective; Real Estate Agent, Broker and part-owners of Elliott Bay Realtors.

Children: Besides Michael Don Adams, two additional sons, Stanley David Adams and Jerrold Dennis Adams, and a daughter, Edith “Edie” Anne (Adams) Guild became part of their family.

Grandkids and Great Grandkids: Michael David Adams, Zachary Loberg Adams, Lauren Rae Adams, Kyran Park Adams, Bradley Adams, Kiana Jade Adams, Nicolle Rose Guild, Jessica Anne Guild, and Great-grandchildren James A. Segovia and Landon Rose.

The family plans to have a Memorial BBQ in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, please donate “In Memory of Don Adams” to your favorite animal rescue organization.

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

Family and friends have said goodbye to Sue Harris and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Susan Kay Harris, age 71, died peacefully at home on May 23rd. She is survived by her children Sean (Courtney Harris-Campf), Colleen, Becky (RJ Masters), Marianne (Pat McGah), and CJ (Morgann Harris), six grandchildren, and her siblings Rita Meyers and Chuck Pepka. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Joseph, her parents Ruth and Ray Pepka, and her sister Rose Ann Hallett.

Sue was born in Kokomo, Indiana and moved with her family as an infant to Seattle. Raised in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, Sue attended St. Paul Catholic School, Forest Ridge, and Seattle University. Pepe, as she was known to her camp friends, loved her summers working at CYO camps, and it was there that she met Joe.

After they were married in 1973, Sue and Joe moved to West Seattle to begin their family together. Sue remained a staple in the neighborhood, all the way until the end of her life. Sue loved that her house, “the big blue house,” was a place that everyone was welcomed, where people would gather together, and kids could often be heard playing on the third floor. Sue and her neighbor, long-time friend Teresa Brown, would always comment that between the two of them they collectively raised their nine kids.

Sue worked at Holy Rosary School for over 25 years as the school librarian. Sue loved Holy Rosary. She loved the people at Holy Rosary. She would always rave about the amazing teachers and staff she got to work with and how proud she was of all the school does. Everyone could count on Sue to have a good book recommendation and some M and M’s to share when they visited her in the library.

In the last three years, Sue was an absolute trooper as she dealt with stage 4 breast cancer and the intense pain that came with it. She was always someone who loved life, and she continued to love her life even through the chemo and treatments. During which, she took her whole family to Hawaii, traveled to Portugal for a cruise, continued to coach basketball at Holy Rosary, watched Survivor every week, and maintained a decades-long love of the Mariners (especially Edgar!).

Sue was a constant caregiver and loved to be a host to whomever walked through her door, even in her final days. She was happiest when talking to neighbors, students, life-long and new friends near and far, and above all, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

The celebration of her life will be held at Holy Rosary Church at a later date once it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fr. Mallahan Endowment Fund at Holy Rosary School, a fund that Joe and Sue helped to create, or to Camp Gallagher or the Kaplan Cancer Research Fund.

Please share memories of Sue and condolences with her family at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Susan-Harris.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of West Seattle

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

Family and friends are remembering Jacob R. Warbis, gone at 38, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

In Memory of Jacob Richard Warbis, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and best friend
June 22, 1981-May 3, 2020

Jacob was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, where he loved working on fast cars, playing musical instruments, and his pets.

After graduating from Marshfield High School in 1999, he continued his passion with cars, and later apprenticed to be a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for the family business, Warbis Excavating. Known by all as a “gentle giant,” Jake was beloved by many. An incredible storyteller, karaoke singer, athlete, master of a chainsaw, dirtbike, and mechanic. He was always willing to help any friend in need, an incredible listener, and could make friends laugh until they cried! He was a hard worker, and loyal to the core. He loved deeply and gave of himself entirely. He was hard to not notice with his 6’4” body covered in tribal tattoos, and a shaved head – but his sparkling blue eyes and beaming smile couldn’t hide his kind soul.

He moved up from Oregon nearly two years ago with his beloved dog, Max. Jake continued to pursue a career in trucking until the opportunity to train to be a chef arose via Fare Start in Seattle. He excelled and finished the three-month program at the top of his class. He worked many extra hours at the homeless shelter downtown and felt giving back helped him heal. He was given the nickname “Jacoby” so it stood out on the line when his teammates were shouting orders. He was hired to work as a line cook at two local West Seattle restaurants and was quickly rising up the ranks. The family will forever remember him hosting 12 people for Thanksgiving this year, where he planned every single dish – and was filled with love and pride for his new path.

He is gone much too soon. His heart was simply too big for this world. He is survived by his mother, Sannie Warbis (Seattle); father, Jerry Warbis (Coos Bay, OR); sister, Nicole Klein (Seattle); and nephews Jason and Andrew Klein (Seattle). In lieu of flowers, Jake would have loved for his memory to be attached to helping the homeless. Either by donating directly to the Fare Start program, or your own time or donation to your local food bank or shelter. There are no words for how much he will be missed. Please share your favorite memories about him on this site, and what made him special and unforgettable, so we all can someday heal.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services – West Seattle

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

Family and friends are remembering Margaret Ball, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Margaret Ball passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the age of 88. She was home and surrounded by her devoted husband of 62 years and their five daughters.

Margaret was born August 31, 1931, to Winifred and Patrick Carroll in a small village in Wales named Ystradgynlais. As a young girl, Margaret was raised in London, England, along with her four sisters and one brother. Her family survived the Blitz in London during WWII by spending many nights in bomb shelters underground.

After the war, Margaret continued her education and graduated from St. Mary’s of the Angels. As a young woman, Margaret began working in the Royal Theater in London as well as Marks and Spencer department store. Margaret’s dream was to come to America. She arrived in New York City on the Queen Mary in Decembeer of 1955 and continued to her final destination. Port Orchard, where she had a pen pal.

Shortly after arriving in Port Orchard, Margaret met the love of her life, Dick Ball. Dick and Margaret would marry and go on to have five daughters and make their home on Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Margaret worked at Rainier Bank in the West Seattle Junction, where she made many friends in the Junction community. One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming a US citizen in May of 1970.

Margaret loved her family most and enjoyed many camping trips down the Oregon Coast and ALL the family get-togethers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. and a GOOD CUP of TEA!! Margaret is survived by her beloved husband Dick and their five daughters, Barbara, Lydia (Bruce), Carroll, Mary, Rose; thirteen grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all.

Margaret will be laid to rest at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please sign Margarets online Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

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

Family and friends are remembering Lissa Stephens, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

On April 19, 2020, Lissa Stephens passed away unexpectedly in her home at the age of 62.

She was born on February 1, 1958 and raised in Burien by her parents Norm and Nancy Kendig. Lissa graduated from Highline High School in 1976 and married her junior high school sweetheart, Bill Stephens, on June 14, 1980. Lissa and Bill made their home in West Seattle for over 40 years, sharing their home with many beloved cats.

After high school, Lissa pursued a career in the insurance field and then found a passion for the construction industry, where she worked on many big projects in the Seattle area, both as an Administrative Assistant and in Project Management.

Lissa cared very deeply for her family, friends, neighbors, and most of all, the children and godchildren in her life. Her generous spirit and compassion consistently made her the first to offer to help a friend, care for a family member, or assist a neighbor.

She was a world traveler, describing Paris as her “favorite place on Earth.” When in Seattle, you would find Lissa enjoying her arts and crafts, especially the jewelry she made and gave away for birthdays and holidays. Her favorite pastimes included being in a local book club and enjoying the camaraderie with those in her Fauntleroy YMCA Pilates class. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders.

Lissa was predeceased by her father, Norm. She is survived by her mother, Nancy, her brothers John and Paul, her nephew, Jeramy, her niece, Katelyn, as well as several cousins and extended family members.

Lissa’s amazing laugh and her infectious smile will be missed by all who knew her. A “Celebration of Life” will be planned when friends and family are able to gather after the Stay at Home/Stay Safe order has been lifted.

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

Family and friends are remembering Leon Harman. (Along with the remembrance below, they’re also sharing his memories of growing up in West Seattle.)

Leon Harman, 96, died peacefully in the early morning of April 3rd after a short illness at his Adult Family Home in Olympia, Washington. He and his wife, Elaine, had moved to Olympia after a very full life in West Seattle.

Leon was born and raised in West Seattle. His father, Arthur, was a builder and built his first home at 5042 47th SW, where Leon was born. Soon after his father built another home at 4324 SW Myrtle St, where Leon was raised along with his two brothers Elmer and Arnold and sister Bernice.

His early schooling started at Gatewood Elementary school, then to Madison Middle, and on to West Seattle High. He had some early jobs in Alaska as a teen, then enlisted into the Navy near the end of WW II. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he studied at the University Of Washington and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He soon landed a job at Seattle City Light, where he worked for 30 years. He took early retirement and continued onto a very full life of skiing, sailing, tennis, gardening, and lots of traveling around the world with his wife Elaine. Forty years of Elder Hostel traveling took them to Japan, Soviet Union, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and all around the US.

Leon had an exciting early life following his older brothers around. For a nickel he could hitch a ride in the back rumble seat of his brother Elmer’s car to snow ski at Paradise on Mount Rainier. Following in their father’s carpentry skills, Leon helped older brother Arnold build wooden sailboats in the back yard at Willow Street, then hauled them down to Fauntleroy Cove on primitive trailers to launch them next to the Fauntleroy Ferry dock. Using salvaged planks off the beach, they would back the trailer to the water’s edge and launch. This started a lifelong love of many sailboats, leading to yearly trips with the family every summer to the San Juan Islands and other ports throughout the Salish Sea.

Leon and his brother Elmer were instrumental in keeping the Henderson street end open for boats early on, working with the Seattle Engineering Department to keep the access open and allowing dinghy boats to be tied to the edge of the ferry dock. Later in life, Leon would help the Fauntleroy Community Association in planning and maintenance of the present Cove Park. There is even an aluminum casting of Leon’s hand in the artwork at the top of the park. His is the hand with the arthritic small finger.

Leon was an active member in the Snoqualmie Mountaineers. In the early days he volunteered his family time to help build the Lodge at Snoqualmie with many other volunteers. This led to an active skiing life with his family. He was Chairman of the lodge for a few years. He skied well into his 80’s.

Leon loved tennis. One of his early dates was with his future wife of 62 years, Elaine, who he invited down to the Lowman Beach Tennis Court. He had met Elaine working at the Bakery that was located where the Thriftway is now at the Morgan Junction. They were soon to be married. Two children followed, Vicki and then Mark. Dad’s love of tennis led him to be instrumental in talking the city into building the tennis courts on Fauntleroy Avenue below what is now the Solstice Park. This has led to a large group of tennis players who regularly still play to this day. There is even a Leon’s Bench at the tennis courts that celebrates his active participation. Leon’s regular routine was swimming at the YMCA, followed by coffee and political conversation with the regulars at Thriftway, home for breakfast, then hop on his bike down to a rousing tennis match with his friends. Dad kept this up into his middle 80’s.

Leon and Elaine spent 50 years living in their custom-built home near the top of Tillicum Rd in Fauntleroy until the day it became too difficult to take care of. They sold the house and then moved on to Bridge Park Senior Living in High Point until just before Christmas of 2019, when Dad’s health started to decline. Leon loved riding his electric scooter across the street to the bee hives at the new High Point Commons Park to read his books on American history. Elaine continues to live in the Adult Family Home in Olympia where she enjoys walking the gardens around the home and sitting with a good book in her lap.

Leon is survived by his wife Elaine; daughter Vicki in Sandpoint, Idaho; and son Mark, living across the
Sound near Shelton. He has 2 granddaughters, one grandson, and 3 great-grandchildren.

We hope to have a Leon Harman Memorial Tennis Match this summer when conditions hopefully improve. Leon’s one unfulfilled wish that he hoped to stay alive for was to see Trump leave office and Elizabeth Warren replace him.

We miss you, Poppa.

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

Family and friends are remembering Tom Kintner, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Thomas Charles Kintner
7/9/1946 – 4/6/2020

Thomas C. Kintner passed away at his home in Seattle on April 6, 2020, at the age of 73. He was a loving
husband, father, granddad, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was born on July 9, 1946 in Seattle to Dr. William C. Kintner and Dorothy “Jane” Kintner (Hilton). He was a lifelong resident of Seattle, initially growing up in West Seattle, then moving to Burien. He graduated from Glacier High School in 1965 and joined the US Air Force Reserves. He was a master at building, repairing, restoring, and painting old cars and motorcycles. He worked for various body shops and became a qualified machinist and welder. He switched gears and entered the music industry as a sound man, meeting and working with a few famous musicians, one of them being BB King, who he remembers sitting and talking with for a couple of hours. He was an accomplished finish carpenter, metal refinisher, and worked on projects during the building of Safeco Field. He loved to tinker and was incredible talented at building anything.

Tom made friends everywhere he went and had a lifelong following like a “Pied Piper.” His friends often gathered in his garage to watch him work on his cars, build motorcycles, craft something out of wood, metal, or plastic or just listen to rock or country music that blared as he worked. Tom was a jovial, happy person all his life. He enjoyed family reunions, vacations at Birch Bay and Hawaii (especially his and Carolyn’s 22-mile hike of the Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai), restoring his 1955 Chevy Handyman Station Wagon, 1966 Chevy 300 Deluxe, and remodeling his house. Tom was a member of the International Kart Federation and raced for 10 years, winning many races nationally and internationally, including NW Division Champion in 1979. He loved to race karts and a catamaran sailboat with his friends and brother Peter. Tom also loved to golf.

His generosity to those less fortunate was one of his finest qualities and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughters Julie, and Marni; grandchildren Asheley and Evan; and his brother Jim (Marylynn). He is pre-deceased by his parents, Dr. William C and Jane Kintner, and his older brother, Peter.

A memorial will be held at a later date, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For further inquiries, contact
ckintner2020@gmail.com. To share memories of Tom, please visit: www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Thomas-Kintner

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

Family and friends are remembering Irene Anna Olson, 76, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Irene Anna Olson passed away at her home in Seattle on April 14, 2020, from bile duct cancer.

She was born in Tukums, Latvia, on February 24, 1944, to Irene and Nikolajs Beleiciks. Her maternal grandparents were Aleksandra Michailovsky of Riga and Michael Dulimow, a Cossack officer from Kargalskaya. Her family fled Latvia while she was still an infant, and she grew up in a displaced-persons camp in the British sector of Germany. In 1950, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and two brothers. They settled in a housing project in White Center and were joined by her great-aunt Irene Michailovsky. Fluent in four languages (Latvian, Russian, German, and English), she attended Evergreen High School, where she was the valedictorian of her class despite spending six months in a tuberculosis sanatorium her junior year.

She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Washington in 1967. After college, she taught Russian and German at Renton High School. A skilled pianist, singer, and dancer, Irene enjoyed performing with the Trejdeksnitis Latvian dance group. In 1968, she moved to Germany, where she taught in Frankfurt and worked as a translator. Her adventures in Europe included bicycling to Greece and visiting the Soviet Union. In 1971, she returned to Seattle and married Wallace S. Olson. They lived in a cottage on the beach near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and enjoyed watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains. Irene attended graduate school in Germanics while Wally worked as a printer for the Boeing Company. They later had three children and moved to a house near Madison Middle School. Irene was an active member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Seattle Latvian community for over sixty years, including serving as director of the Seattle Latvian School. Later in life, she sang for the Vashon Island Chorale.

In 1993, after her husband passed, Irene began a new career in elementary education while raising three children as a single parent. She accepted a position as librarian at Hazel Valley Elementary and doggedly pursued professional development. In 2000, she joined the Renton School District, serving for five years as Vice Principal of Bryn Mawr Elementary and twelve years as Principal of Tiffany Park Elementary before retiring in 2017. Under her leadership, Tiffany Park became one of the top-performing schools in the district. She was a regional leader in implementing positive behavioral interventions and support systems. Irene was particularly proud to work in a school with many immigrant families, since she fondly remembered the generosity of her own teachers when she first arrived in Seattle as a refugee.

Irene was an inspiration for countless friends, fellow educators, neighbors, and students. Her enthusiasm, loving heart, and sense of humor will be sorely missed. She is survived by two brothers, Igor Beleiciks of Seattle and George Beleiciks of Vancouver, Wash.; one daughter, Sonja Olson Feuerborn of Seattle; two sons, Alex Olson of Bowling Green, Ky., and Max Olson of Seattle; three grandchildren, Ocean, Skaista, and Igor; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be buried at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery in Seattle.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Seattle Latvian School or the Renton Regional Community Foundation’s Irene Olson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will provide $500 of college support for aspiring teachers. Any junior or senior attending a high school in the Renton School District will be eligible to apply. If you are interested in giving, click here and enter the name of the fund (Irene Olson Memorial Scholarship) where it asks for that information. Donations to the Seattle Latvian School can be sent by check to Seattle Latvian School, 2336 N 58th Street, Seattle, WA 98103.

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

Friends and family are remembering Dave Robertson, who passed away last week at 70:

David E Robertson passed away peacefully on Thursday April 9th in Las Vegas Nevada, after a short fight with Pancreatic Cancer. Dave was born on July 16, 1949 to Earnest and Violet Robertson in Procter, Minnesota. Dave grew up in the greater Minneapolis area and enlisted into the Air Force soon after high school. After his service, Dave and Margaret (his previous wife) settled into life, raising his daughter in Minneapolis.

Throughout his life he had a few career changes, first he was a successful hair salon operator, then moved on to medical billing, telecommunications, and finally a small business owner. Dave and his former partner Paul Binder moved from Minnesota to Washington DC, then to the Pacific Northwest, where they settled in West Seattle. In 2005, their longing for getting out of the corporate office started PB&J Textiles, where Dave worked full time until his retirement October 2019.

Dave served 6 years as a Board Director for the West Seattle Senior Center, 2 years as Board President. During that time, Dave was very instrumental in navigating the Senior Center through difficult times. For those that attended a “Rainbow Bingo” at the Senior Center, Dave was famously known as the “Jello Shot Man.” On Bingo Day he would get up early to make Jello shots, then return later in the day to help out and sell those Jello shots to the attendees.

In recent years, Dave found a love playing Santa during the holidays. Dave juggled several gigs taking pictures with countless families, their children, and pets as the happy Santa.

Dave leaves behind his daughter and son in-law (CheFawn & Brian Holland) in Las Vegas; 3 grandchildren, Mya (Donato White), Nick, and Keana; 1 great-grandson, Nathan Alexander White; 2 step-grandchildren; and his beloved 2 dogs, Pete & Lillie.

At this time there will be no memorial service until after the COVID-19 virus passes.

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

Two passings of note, lest they be lost among this time of so much other news:

JERRY BROCKEY: You may only know him as the namesake of the Brockey Center at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), but his backstory goes much further. Mr. Brockey died in Tucson a week ago, at age 86; here’s his obituary. West Seattle historian/journalist Clay Eals pointed it out to us and noted:

For 18 years, he was the president and face of South Seattle (then-Community) College and had a lot to do with increasing the college’s stature to the point where it was called “Paycheck College” because when you graduated from its vocational programs (aircraft, automotive, bakery, beautician, etc.) you were nearly guaranteed to walk into a job. (When I worked there part-time in 1991-1993 teaching journalism and advising the student paper, I had a key fob from SSCC in the shape of a paycheck.)

Jerry also was a highly visible connector between the college and the rest of West Seattle, no easy feat given the college’s geographical isolation. An example, of course, was the handshake agreement he made with Elliott Couden, founder of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, in guaranteeing our organization meeting space and a mailing address during our fledgling days in the dozen years prior to our acquisition, renovation and opening of the museum on Alki in 1997. Speaking of handshakes, the legions who knew Jerry would agree with my assessment that there was no one in this world with a stronger handshake than Jerry.

For various reasons, I spoke with him by phone a few times in the past 10 years or so, and from Arizona he maintained his same bold, welcoming personality. He was a true force for good, worthy of admiration.

BILL RIEFLIN: When we heard about the recent death of this high-profile rock ‘n’ roll musician at age 59, we were not aware he was a West Seattle resident. Thanks to Dan Mullins for enlightening us, noting, “He was a truly amazing musician.” So say many in tribute. One of many obituaries published in memory of Mr. Rieflin is this one from Rolling Stone. His wife, acclaimed artist Francesca Sundsten, died just half a year earlier.

Here’s the remembrance being shared for Ginny Sundberg, who lived in West Seattle for many years:

Virginia May (Freeman) Sundberg, 94 beautiful years old, went peacefully home into the presence of God on March 11, 2020 at her home in Regency on Whidbey (Assisted Living Facility) in Oak Harbor, Washington.

Virginia (Ginny) was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, on October 16, 1925 to Edward Maurice Freeman and Stella Marguerite (Jenkins) Freeman. Her early years were spent in Mount Vernon, where she attended Ridgeway Grade School and later graduated from Mount Vernon High School.

After high school, Ginny moved to Seattle, where she attended Wilson’s Modern Business College, and went to work for Seattle Transit. During this time she worked as a maid/housekeeper to earn her room and board. At a point in her life Ginny considered absolutely critical, she moved into the home of a fellow transit worker, Sylvia (Berg) Severiede.

The Bergs attended the Norwegian Danish Methodist Episcopal Church (Central Methodist) at Boren and Stewart in Seattle. On her very first Sunday attending church with the Bergs, Ginny met Roy Sundberg, another pivotal event in her life. Virginia gave her life to Christ at a Youth For Christ meeting in Anacortes in 1945 where she played the piano for the trio Roy sang in. This lifelong commitment to Jesus shaped Virginia’s entire life. Roy and Virginia were married on October 18th, 1946 and they spent the next 67 years together, raising their family and enjoying God’s many blessings. Ginny thoroughly enjoyed and thrived being a stay-at-home mom. Her life was centered on her home, family, and church.

Ginny (Virginia) was preceded in death by her loving husband Roy. She is survived by her son Gary Sundberg (Kerry Heavey) of Bend, Oregon; son Terry Sundberg (Kathy Olund) of Winlock, Washington; and daughter
Merrie Burley (Mark Burley) of Coupeville, Washington. She enjoyed and treasured every one of her 7 grandchildren and their spouses, as well as her 15 great-grandchildren and her large extended family.

Services will be held for Virginia on Monday, March 16th, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor with a reception to follow. Her family is so very grateful for the loving care “Miss Ginny” received from her Regency on Whidbey (Assisted Living Facility) “family” and the exceptional terminal care provided by Hospice of Island County, as well as her care at Whidbey Health. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Funeral arrangements made through Wallin Funeral Home.

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

A full-honors memorial service is planned at 1 pm March 26th at West Side Presbyterian Church for Seattle Fire Lt. Jay G. Wheeler, whose last assignment was at North Admiral’s Station 29. That’s according to , according to the obituary published for Lt. Wheeler. His recent passing was noted on the SFD Firelines website as follows:

On Tuesday, March 4, 2020, members of the Seattle Fire Department family were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of their own, Lieutenant Jay Garth Wheeler, after a long and difficult battle with an illness.

Jay faced his battle with great courage and without complaint, surrounded by his wife, children, parents and so many others who loved and cared deeply for him. Many from his fire department family spent time with Jay and his family during his last days.

Lt. Wheeler was committed to the Seattle community. He first served as an officer with the Seattle Police Department at the South Precinct in 1989 before joining the Seattle Fire Department in April, 1997. Throughout his fire service career, he served on Ladders 5, 7, 9 and 11 and Engines 36 and 38. On June 28, 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was working on Engine 29 in West Seattle. He also volunteered as a scuba diver for the Seattle Aquarium.

Here are two small examples of Jay’s exemplary service:

On August 19, 1998, while off-duty, then-Firefighter Wheeler was the first on the scene of a rollover motor vehicle accident. After ensuring the safety of bystanders, he stabilized the rolled over car, coordinating ropes to anchor points on the uphill side. He then initiated emergency medical care to the single patient trapped inside the care until the arrival of SFD units. In the words of then-Capt. Michael E. Walsh, he “acted in the finest of Seattle Fire Department tradition.”

In 2006, while serving in the Fire Alarm Center, Firefighter Wheeler received a letter of commendation for directing the delivery of a baby by the first-time father over the phone. His steady-handed questions and sure responses put both parents at ease and allowed them to focus on things that needed to be done. The baby was found wrapped in a towel as instructed when Engine 39 and the medics arrived a few minutes later. In their thank you letter, the parents acknowledged Jay’s efforts and “all the life-savers at Seattle’s 911. You helped bring a precious gift of life into our lives. We will be forever grateful.”

In a letter to all SFD members, Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins commended Lt. Wheeler for his contributions to public service and as a long-time valued member of the Seattle Fire Department.

Lt. Wheeler’s obituary says he was 57 years old and adds, “The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a hazard linked to many years of exposure to fire fighting.”

March 16th is when family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Morgan Herzog, The Beer Junction‘s founder, whose passing was reported here last month. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Morgan Herzog died peacefully at his West Seattle home on January 30, 2020 from Multiple Myeloma.

Born on May 29, 1981, Morgan was the youngest son of Rick and Diane Herzog. He attended King’s Elementary, Lake Forest Park Elementary, Kellogg Middle School, and graduated from Shorecrest High School in 2000. In high school, Morgan worked as a landscaper and saved to buy a truck to start his own landscaping business, which he continued while he attended college at the University of Washington.

Morgan graduated from UW with a BA in Business in 2004 and a Masters of Accounting in 2005. After graduating college, he moved to West Seattle, where his father and his aunt had been raised and where he had fond memories of visiting as a child. He began his career working at the accounting firm KPMG and earned his CPA license in 2009. At KPMG, Morgan would meet some of his closest friends and fall in love with his future wife, Allison. He was known for his sense of fun and the parties that he would throw on his deck near Alki. His time at the firm furthered his analytical thinking and patient leadership style, and he had deep respect for the partners and managers who mentored him.

After five years at KPMG, he continued to think back at the fulfillment he had running his own landscaping business. After a January day sampling beer at the Porterhouse in West Seattle with Allison, he thought about how there wasn’t a place to buy packaged craft beer in his neighborhood. By the end of March, he had signed a lease for a storefront, and on July 3, 2010, he opened The Beer Junction at its original location. For the first year, he ran the store largely by himself. He worked long hours and took a risk, combining his love for beer with his desire to run his own business, and he made his dream come true. Morgan would continue to grow The Beer Junction, moving to a larger location and adding draft beer in 2012. He treasured the friendships he developed in the Seattle beer community and the West Seattle community as a whole.

Morgan was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017. He underwent treatments on and off since his diagnosis, but he wanted to continue his life as normal as possible. In late January, Morgan’s prognosis suddenly became grave. He took great comfort in the company of his loving family, and in being able to return to the home which he loved one final time. Allison and his brother, Nate, were there by his side at the moment he left us.

Morgan will be remembered for his sense of humor and endless knowledge of Seinfeld trivia, his laugh, his work ethic, and his kindness. He loved tennis, traveling, camping, grilling, his deck, 80’s movies, sandwiches and beer. He is loved and missed.

Morgan is preceded in death by his parents, Rick and Diane Herzog, and uncle, Dennis Drain. He is survived by his wife, Allison; brother, Nathan; and aunts and uncles Deborah & Steven Bessette, Dave Drain, Marsha Drain, and Dale & Tina Drain; as well as many cousins.

A celebration of Morgan’s life will be held at West Seattle Christian Church on Monday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m. Remembrances may be given to Fred Hutch for Multiple Myeloma research or Southwest Youth & Family Services.

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

Friends and family are sharing this remembrance of Mauree McKaen:

Mauree McKaen
November 6, 1946 – February 6, 2020

Mauree McKaen, also known as Mo, left the world she loved on February 6, 2020. Behind her, she leaves a blazing path of beauty and memories that are etched on the hearts of friends, family, and even strangers who met her just once. She was an energy to contend with, a sister, a mentor, a guide, and a friend, with a sense of humor that made everyone laugh, even the doctors who diagnosed her terminal cancer and worked to keep her pain-free in her final days. She wasn’t just one in a million, she was one of kind.

Mauree was born in Pinckney, Michigan and received her MSW from the University of Michigan. As Executive Director of Family Group Homes for Youth in Ann Arbor, she helped create positive living environments for young people from troubled families. After moving to Seattle in her early thirties, Mauree pursued her J.D. from the University of Puget Sound. Rather than practice law as a full-time occupation, she started her own consulting company, Leadership Unlimited, through which she helped organizations change their cultures and mentored leaders to become more conscious of their impact on others. Mauree also served a term on the Seattle Ethics Committee, among other community roles.

They say a dog is “man’s best friend.” Well, Mauree was every dog’s best friend. She couldn’t walk down her own street, or pass a puppy in a foreign country without engaging in a deep conversation with the furry creature, who would often, then, much to the chagrin of its owner, try to follow her home. This passion led her to start a dog care business upon retirement.

As the most determined and steadfast patron the Goodwill has ever known, Mauree was a shrewd shopper. She could find a brand new, never been worn, Ralph Lauren jacket in a bin of hidden clothes no one else bothered to look through and walk out looking like a million bucks. Other’s tried, but never quite had her eye for quality at a great price.

She was the champion of animals, children, the elderly, or anyone down on their luck. While she was a woman of modest means, she gave generously to those in need.

She loved politics, but despised most politicians. As an avid consumer of political news, from local to international, she would engage with anyone willing, seeking to share the imperative of a saner, kinder, more just world.

Mauree was an adventurer and traveled widely during her life, both across this country and abroad, hiking parts of the El Camino trail during her last three years on Earth. Her joy in discovering new cultures and finding new friends made her youthful into her seventies, and she had a knack for entertaining everyone on her path with her infectious laugh and stories of her travels—even if it was only to the grocery store.

Mauree’s greatest gift was her ability to love people as they are, to inspire them to live into their own greatness, to believe in the human spirit, to look for the best in everyone regardless of their past or their station in life—to cherish the beautiful, to care for the broken, to model what it means to be an extraordinary human.

She was a shining star who illumined, inspired, and guided others to lead lives as joy-filled and giving as hers. Her infectious laughter, curiosity, and belief in the possible nourished and guided us all. Through her example she showed us who we could be, how we could give, and what a well-lived life was.

In lieu of flowers, her friends and family ask that people honor her legacy by taking action to make the world a better place, to act with greater kindness, to alleviate someone’s suffering, to make a difference in the life of another in some small or great way every day.

Among those who will miss her most are her two dearest and longest friends, Laurie McDonald Jonsson and Carol E. Anderson, her treasured mentee turned true confidant, Julie Mierswiak, her nature-loving soul sister, Archer, and her big-hearted, dog-loving neighbor circle, Susan Hurst, Kindree Brownbridge, Dave Grieve, and Mary Slowinski, her sister Mary Jo Nichols, her brother Kevin McMacken, and her beloved Ridgeback dog, Caleb,

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