West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
ORIGINAL 2/24 POST: When longtime West Seattle community member – and WSB community participant – Jan Seeley died last November, her family announced a memorial on what would have been her next birthday, and promised a reminder when the date approached. That date is Wednesday, March 4th, so it’s time for that reminder. Jan’s daughter Jess sent the details:
3-6 pm March 4th
The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW)Please join us to celebrate the life of Janet Seeley. We’ll be gathering in the Vashon Room at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Please bring your memories to share. Some wine and beer will be available, and also potluck foods as mentioned below.
We will be collecting donations for the West Seattle Food Bank if you’d like to give back in some way. This was a resource that was there for her in some hard times, and I’d love our community to support them! The links here are lists that the food bank needs, rather than just canned goods from the pantry.
This will be a potluck event, so please consider bringing a dish to share. Make sure if you bring a dish, that you bring it back home with you when you are done, we do not need leftovers. Here is a sign up sheet.
In the WSB Community Forums and comments, Ms. Seeley went by JanS. Here’s her obituary, published here December 1st.
MARCH 1ST: Jan’s daughter says this is canceled for now due to illness.
Family and friends will gather this Saturday to remember Jana L. Layman. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Jana Lee Layman passed unexpectedly at 41 on January 13, 2020.
She was born on September 22, 1978 in Seattle, attended Alki Elementary, West Seattle High School (1997 grad), and Northwest College of Art (Poulsbo, 2001 grad) with a BFA. She was full of joy, adventure, and fun-loving. Her family, faith, and love of nature (especially the Puget Sound beach) was the focus of her vibrant, colorful artwork – ceramic, oil painting, watercolor, etc.
Among many jobs, she was an art teacher at Shorewood Christian School, a teacher at Salvation Army, Pottery instructor at the Alki Bathhouse, and a Nanny. Hobbies included synchronized swimming, family road trips to National Parks, and singing on the worship team at church. Two mission trips to Mexico with West Side Presbyterian Church Youth influenced her faith greatly.
She was loving, accepting of everyone, and a friend to all. Her faith in God lifted her through many health problems and hardships; she genuinely valued her many friend and was committed to their lives. She is survived by her beloved young children, Serena (10) and Joshua (9), who were the center of her life, and her mother Linda A. Layman, brother Adam G. Layman, and grandmother Lois Snyder, and many other close family members and dear friends, including Jonathan. She was both an organ donor recipient and an organ donor.
The memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, 7551 35th Ave SW, on Saturday, February 1, at noon. In lieu of flowers, and if you wish, a donation may be made at hls.hopeseattle.org/support-for-ablin-family/
(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 will gather Wednesday to remember Phyllis Jean Emmick. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
PHYLLIS JEAN (ROUSH) EMMICK, 1930-2020
Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Phyllis Jean (Roush) Emmick passed away after a stroke on January 1st, 2020.
Phyllis was born in Atwater, Minnesota on Wednesday, March 26th, 1930 to Floyd Laverne Roush & Edith Clara (O’Hair) Roush. During WWII, the family sold the farm in Minnesota and moved to Prosser, WA. After a few years in Prosser, the Roushes moved to Burien, WA.
Phyllis met a young sailor, Franklin Robert “Bud” Emmick, through her Uncle Chet, who also served with Frank on the USS Pennsylvania. In 1947, Frank & Phyllis were married at her parents’ home in Burien. In 1948, their first son, Gary Lynn Emmick, was born. In 1953, their second son, Craig Alan Emmick, was born. Phyllis was proud of her job as a Unit Secretary at Providence Hospital in Seattle (5-South). During their retirement, they traveled extensively to Roush Family Reunions, USS ‘Pennsy’ Reunions while visiting many states, friends & family.
Phyllis was proud to live independently until the end. In 2010, her beloved Frank passed away. Frank was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. Phyllis will be interred with him.
Phyllis is survived by her son Craig (Gayle), grandchildren Robert, Brian, Terry, Floyd, Matthew, & Michael (Desirée). Also survived by great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brothers Wayne (Ellie) and Jim (Doris). Preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Edith, brother Dwight Roush, and son Gary Emmick. Phyllis loved her many family & friends in New York and Minnesota and her many caregivers.
Remembrances suggested to a charity of your choice.
Viewing will be Wednesday, Jan. 15th 2020 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cady Chapel (8418 S. 222nd St., Kent). Graveside Service immediately following at 1:15 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery – Kent
Share your condolences & memories of Phyllis with our Family & Friends by visiting her memorial page at EmmickFunerals.com/notices/Phyllis-Emmick
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)
The family of Dorothy Louise (Johns) Nute is sharing this remembrance with the community:
Dorothy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Emil & Ellen (Olson) Johns on July 10, 1919 in Seattle, Washington.
She lived her whole 100 years in West Seattle where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jack, at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Dorothy graduated with West Seattle High School’s Class of 1938. After graduating, she worked at Sears Roebuck & Company during the “Mail Order” days, and retired in 1981.
In 1940, she married the love of her life, “Jack” Nute. Dorothy & Jack were happily married for 45 wonderful years, until he preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by their daughter, Ginny, and their sons, Bob, Bill, & John.
Dorothy also leaves her grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Heather, and several Step-Grandchildren; her great-grandchildren, Valery, Shelby, Mitchell, & Odessa; her nieces, Sue, Sally, & Diane; and many dear Family members & Friends to cherish her loving memory.
Selfless to a fault, Dorothy took care of her invalid Mother before her passing, as well as her Husband, who was later disabled by a stroke.
Everyone who knew Dorothy knew that she always put the well-being of others before her own. For that reason and countless more, she will always have a very special place in our hearts.
A Private Gathering in her honor was held on Saturday, January 4th, 2020.
Share your condolences & memories of Dorothy with Family & Friends for generations to come by visiting her online memorial page at www.EmmickFunerals.com/notices/Dorothy-Nute
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)
The family of Wes P. Jensen is sharing this remembrance with the community:
Wes passed December 8, 2019 at Homecomings, his adult family home in West Seattle, at the age of 101.
Wes was born in Hedgesville, Montana in 1918 to Hans Christian and Esther Jensen. He was raised in Medina, WA, and graduated from Garfield High in 1937. Wes got a job at ADT, which served him well during WW2 while serving in the Army, stationed in Australia and New Guinea, often working as an electrician. After returning to the states, he met and married Helen Lausten. They started their life in Medina, then moved to West Seattle in 1950 to raise three children, all while continuing his career with ADT. Wes was a hard worker and always helping others. He was dedicated to Scouting and the Burien Elk. An avid golfer, he was very proud of his hole-in-one while in his 80s. He was fortunate to have not one but four loving families. The last of which were his tremendous caregivers at Homecomings AFH in West Seattle. He will truly be missed and loved forever by everyone who knew him.
Wes was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen, brothers Nathan Jensen and Carl Jensen, and sisters Lois Rounds and Anna Petry. He is survived by sisters Ellie Coleman and Mary Lou Howard, daughter Virginia Cooper (Tom), sons Tom (Charlaine) and Chuck (Laura), six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as the Childs and Hellstrom families, and Homecomings AFH.
Wes’ claim to fame was that he was a passenger on the airplane hijacked by D.B. Cooper in 1971. The best part of that story, for him, was that he was pretty much oblivious to the drama while it was happening and afterward resented all the fuss made over it. But such was Wes, unflappable and selfless. He was a man who lived his life well, a model of kindness, decency, and great humor that inspired all around him, and always will.
At his request there will be no funeral 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)
The family of James N. Creighton is sharing this remembrance with the community:
James Nelson Creighton, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2019 in West Seattle, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born Oct. 1, 1939 to James and Thelma Creighton in Wadena, Minn., Jim (or “Jamie”) moved with his parents and younger brother, Stuart, to Seattle in 1942. He attended Fauntleroy Elementary, Denny Middle and graduated from West Seattle High School. It was there, in history class, where he met his future wife of 57 years, Diane Finch.
Jim played guard for West Seattle HS, and was talented enough to play football at the collegiate level: first for Everett Community College (All-Coast Conference and All-American Small College), then for the University of Puget Sound, where he also was an assistant coach for one year. He was recruited to play for the Chicago Bears.
Jim graduated from UPS in 1962 with a BA in history and education and became a public school teacher. He completed graduate work in U.S. history, philosophy and constitutional law at the UW, Seattle U., Central and Northwestern University. Jim taught history and coached football, track and basketball first at Grand Coulee, then at Luther Burbank, Ballard and Cleveland High. In 1973, he moved to Seattle’s Garfield High, where he taught and coached for 31 years.
There, he served as Garfield’s history department chair for 15 years, developing the Advanced Placement programs in U.S. history, European history, and American Government and Politics. He was an advisor to the College Board on AP History; his AP study guides were widely used by teachers here and nationwide. Jim was also Garfield’s head football and soccer coach, taking his teams to multiple playoffs and state championships. He concluded his teaching career at Newport High in Bellevue in 2006.
Jim was a member of Kappa Sigma at UPS and a proud member of the Big W Club at West Seattle High. He enjoyed reading, sailing, watching movie all things history and watching football (especially the Huskies).
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane (Finch) Creighton; his daughters, Jocelyn (Chris) McCabe and Jennifer Creighton; and grandson Ryan McCabe. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma Creighton, and his brother, Stuart Creighton.
It is impossible to capture the number of lives Jim impacted as a teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. However, we know all that he did for us as a father and husband, and for that, we are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation or Medic One. Special thanks also to the care team at Providence Mount St. Vincent.
(UPDATE) Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Jim Creighton on Saturday, March 7 from 1-3 p.m. at Salty’s on Alki. Please RSVP to 360.870.8708 or jmccabe34@hotmail.com to be added to the list of attendees..
(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 will gather Friday to remember John J. Musso, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
John J. Musso was born on March 23, 1919, in San Pablo, California and passed away on November 27, 2019 in Seattle at the age of 100.
John was the fifth child of Stefano and Dominica Musso. He grew up on a ranch in Richmond, California with his seven siblings, and moved to Seattle at the age of 18 to work for his cousin at the Oberto Sausage Company. He was the company’s third employee. Johnny worked there doing a variety of jobs: from hand tying salami and sausage, to becoming the plant manager.
He served in World War II as a gun crewman in heavy artillery and was honorably discharged. After the war, he returned to Seattle to work for Oberto Sausage Company, where he eventually retired at the age of 92. He met his wife of 51 years, Fay Campagnaro Musso, in West Seattle and married her on January 7, 1950. He was a beloved father to their three children: Gina, Lisa, and Donald Musso. Johnny loved his family above all else and supported them in every way. He, Fay, and their cousins Art and Dorothy Oberto began the annual Oberto Family Reunion 50 years ago to bring the family together and celebrate another year.
Johnny also loved playing and watching sports. Although he enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in everything they did, he especially enjoyed rooting for them as an avid fan at their sporting events. He was a fixture at every meet, match, and game in which they participated.
He is survived by his three children, Gina Musso (Joe James), Lisa Musso McCluskey (the late Brian McCluskey), and Donald Musso; his six grandchildren, Micole Wyman (Kelly), Cia Nipper (Brandon), Nicholas McCluskey (Lee), Bianca, Vincent, and Anthony McCluskey; his great-granddaughter, Scarlett Wyman; and his sisters, Bette Piatanida and Emma Arrington.
He was preceded in death, by his wife, Fay; his brothers, Dominic (Marta) and Steve (Helene) Musso; his sisters, Lucy (John) Giacoletto, Lena Brown, and Marie Hilbauch; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Mario (Betty), and Aldo (Ida) Campagnaro and brother in laws Ambrose Piatanida and Royal Arrington.
A rosary service will be held at Holy Rosary Church at 10:15 AM on Friday, December 6, 2019, with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Kennedy Catholic High School c/o the Development Office: 140 S. 140th St .Burien, WA 98168 or online at: https://www.kennedyhs.org/support-us/donate-today
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
As noted in the WSB Forums, the West Seattle community has lost a longtime member who was also a longtime participant in WSB’s online community. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
She has had so many close calls, it is almost shocking to announce that our friend and neighbor Janet Elizabeth Frantz Seeley (known as JanS in comments and the forum), passed away on November 13, 2019.
Born in Danville, Virginia in 1947 to Dean and Anne Frantz, her family soon moved to Reading, PA where she grew up. As a young woman, she joined the Women’s Army Corps and served from 1973-1975. She left the Corps to start family life in West Seattle in 1976. She was free-spirited and incredibly hip – a fierce feminist who spoke her mind.
Jan became a mother to Jess Pearson (Seeley) in 1980 and from then on out, her daughter was her life. She shared her values of authenticity, respect, and independence.
Jan and Jess maintained a close relationship. Despite health challenges, she was a doting mother and loving grandmother to her grandson Ollie.
While she would have loved to be a full-time mom, relationship changes required her to find a way to support herself and her daughter. She started a massage practice in 1994. Her time working in the Army’s photo lab set her up to be an early adopter of technology. When she started her massage business she set up a website to advertise right away. She maintained her massage business until 2017.
She had a great sense of humor, loved poetry and delighted in beauty. She was a person of quick-wit, keen observations, and directness. Jan’s unique ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude, show compassion, and relate to others was a gift to her family and friends. Those in power did not receive such grace – she shared strong opinions about injustice and corruption with passion.
Jan held dearly to life despite the many challenges life threw at her. Jan fought and survived serious health problems for the last 25 years – full of spirit and hope. It is with sadness we say goodbye and hope that her strong spirit can rest in peace and comfort.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carole Jones (Frantz). She is survived by her daughter Jess and grandson Ollie, and nieces and nephews Joshua, Thomas, Robin, and Alana.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, which would have been her 73rd birthday. Further details to follow closer to the day. Please email her daughter Jess at mlle.audreyhorne@gmail.com to be added to the list of invitees.
Poem:
If you hanker for
a zenith of felicity
on the bed of the Divine
begin by dusting off
the wings of wonder
on your local pillow
Lift your ineffable
out of the mundane
Aim for airborne
with the eye of the heart
as your sky pilot
and soar to glory
~ James Broughton ~(Little Sermons of the Big Joy)
Family and friends will gather December 9th to remember Elizabeth J. “Betty” Novotny. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:
Elizabeth J. Novotny
Feb. 24, 1914 – Nov. 26, 2019Betty passed away just 3 months short of her 106th birthday.
She was born in Chicago and lived in that area until she retired and moved to the Northwest. She lived in West Seattle for 43 years. She is preceded in death by her son Bob Seger and husband Joe Novotny. She is survived by her daughter Penny Mulligan, 8 grandchildren, a bunch of great-grandkids, and several great-great-grandkids.
She and Joe loved to camp and travel and she could paint a mean mountain scene. She was loved by all and will be missed by all. Special thanks go to the Daystar care givers who took such good care of her for 5+ years.
Funeral service will be December 9th, 11:00 am, at the Yarington 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)
Family and friends will gather December 21st for Jake Rebar‘s memorial. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:
John V. “Call me Jake” Rebar
West Seattle lost one of their lifelong staples after 84 years. Jake Rebar went to be with the lord on the morning of November 8th, 2019 after passing from natural causes.
Jake was born October 11, 1935 in Great Falls, MT. He was raised in West Seattle and would always return after his work abroad as an accountant.
He was first and foremost a devout Catholic. He was a great friend to many, including his cherished grade-school friends which he still enjoyed having lunch with once a week. He had a terrific sense of humor and was an eloquent writer as anyone who read his holiday newsletter would know! He always lamented that “work” was just a four-letter word, that he tried it and didn’t like it, yet in retirement he maintained files and checklists as if he was operating a fortune 500 company. Some have even been known to say Jake was a frugal man or as a little birdy may have put it “cheap,” “cheap,” but never with his friends or charitable contributions.
He lived his best life, which afforded him a college degree in accounting from Seattle U, small business ownership with his brother Dick with the Tug Tavern and Jake’s Place, a family, the chance to marry the love of his life, travel, and most of all, friendship. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially every dog in the neighborhoods where he pounded the pavement to whom he offered a friendly pat and a little treat while on his way to church or the Y.
A very special thanks to Jake’s dear friend Tim Law for providing the family several extra months we may not have had without his friendship.
Jake is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Vivian as well as his brothers Jim and Dick and sister Joyce. He is survived by his three sons, Sean (Tracie), James (Katy), and Rich (Jessica) as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Services will be held for Jake at Holy Rosary in West Seattle on Saturday, December 21st, 2019 at 10 a.m. There will be a reception afterward next door at the elementary school.
To share your condolences & fond memories of Jake with his Family & Friends for generations to come, please visit his Online Memorial at: www.emmickfunerals.com/notices/Jake-Rebar
(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 will gather November 8th to remember Charlotte J. Dominico. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:
Charlotte Joan Dominico, born September 19th, 1938, passed away October 19th, 2019 in Seattle. Born in Minnesota and raised in West Seattle. Parents Garrett and Marion Ehlers.
Charlotte married her high-school sweetheart Larry Dominico after they both graduated from West Seattle High School in 1956. They were married for over 40 years before Larry passed away in 1998. Charlotte is survived by her children Larry Dominico, Dina Bittermann (Jim) and Mary Jo Werlech (Mike). Grandchildren Nic,(Karissa) Joseph Bittermann. Larry, Sam Dominico. Danny, Joey, and Michael Werlech. Great granddaughter Kinsley. She has two older brothers, Roland and Darrel Ehlers.
Charlotte fought hard but ultimately lost her battle with lung cancer.
Charlotte worked in the legal field for over 40 years, but what made her the happiest was spending time with her friends and family. She loved being with all her grand boys, cheering them on sporting events and attending anything that had to do with being around and spending time with them. She was so proud of all of her ‘kids.’ She loved to cook for her family and was a spectacular baker. Grandkids always knew where to find the cookies and desserts.
Charlotte will be remembered as a loving Mom, special grandmother, and friend. Her happiness and love will forever live in our hearts.
Donations can be made in her name to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Funeral at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Friday, November 8th at 2 pm. 7000 35th Avenue SW.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
We often publish remembrances about people who have died; tonight, we have one about a cat. An extraordinary cat, as her human companion Dr. Jean Nokes-Ghivizzani explains:
For over a quarter of a century, a 6-pound fluffy calico cat named Luna has graced Falconridge Farm in the Highland Park area of West Seattle.
She was the greeter, the guardian, a rider of horses, and put the rodents on notice. She was one of a litter of kittens abandoned in South Park and brought to Falconridge as a young kitten, arriving mid-April 1994 on the full moon.
Luna became a celebrity and was a feature on the International Discovery Channel, appeared in the Seattle Times, the West Seattle Blog, and KING-TV. Because Luna was an amputee, she had a fan club of other amputees for whom she was an inspiration.
Just before submitting her Great Animal Videos TV audition tape, Luna came into the barn dragging her hind leg, which had a compound fracture, and after 2 surgeries, it was finally removed. Prior to that time, Luna had spent about 16 hours each day on a horse.
She slept in the middle of their backs at night, curled up in their hay where the horses gently nibbled around her, rode out to the pastures on her equine friends, jumped on passing horses and rode double behind the surprised riders.
Luna was practicing sitting on a trotting horse for TV shortly before her accident. What had occurred was not clear but what was clear was that Luna was not going to be held back. 2 days after returning to Falconridge after her amputation, she was up on top of the stall dividers, and yes, back on a horse. Her balance was off a bit and she would go backward, but one of her Falconridge friends took her to her own chiropractor. After a few weeks of adjustments, Luna was much improved and resumed riding, although she preferred her mounts to be walking or dozing.
On September 16th, 2019, her solitary hind leg gave out. She went home with her human Mom and after a night in her cozy bed with care, catnip, and her favorite toys, she made it clear she could not go on. She is mourned, missed, and celebrated simultaneously. Luna is a legend and now has joined the dynasty of distinguished Falconridge barn cats, all of whom lived through their mid-twenties. She left no trainee.
We asked Dr. Nokes-Ghivizzani about Falconridge Farm’s status, since you might recall that it was for sale for a while two years ago. She replied, “Falconridge is thriving. The facility is being used (not leased) exclusively by a horse rescue and all is well, as my late husband used to say. A small part of a feature-length film will be shot there this year.”
The family of Emily Malgren is sharing this remembrance with the community:
Laura (Emily) Malgren (1928-2019)
Emily Malgren passed on September 21, 2019. She was 90 years old.
Emily was born to Frank and Helen Dorrance in 1928. She grew up in Lower Queen Anne and graduated from Queen Anne High School.
She married Arthur Malgren in 1950. They moved to West Seattle in 1953, where she has lived ever since. They had had four sons, Eric, John, Bill, and Robert. Arthur passed away in 1980.
Emily lived her life as active as she could. Most of her activities had to do with children. She was a PTA officer before her children were old enough to be in school. She was always a room mother, was a den mother for son’s Cub Scout pack, and heavily involved with the PTA.
In her later years she was very active as a volunteer at the West Seattle Senior Center and at her church, St John the Baptist Episcopal Church.
Emily received a degree in education from Seattle University and was a teacher with the Head Start program, teaching at various schools including Horace Mann School and High Point School. She was also a teacher’s aide at Pike Place Market Daycare Center.
She loved children and was a professional in-home child care provider when she retired from the Market Daycare.
She celebrated diversity her whole life. She loved everybody and even if she didn’t know you, you were her friend. Her kind of love makes the world go round.
She is survived by her four sons Eric (Elizabeth), John (Michele), William, and Robert. She has 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur, brother Jack Dorrance, and daughter-in-law Darlene (Bill’s wife)
The world has lost a lot of love in her passing.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.
(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 will gather Friday to celebrate the life of Brian A. Willett. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Brian A. Willett, age 43, born April 5, 1976 in Bozeman, MT, died suddenly June 24, 2019 in Seattle.
Brian’s formative years were spent in Montana, where he graduated from Bozeman HS in 1994. His first year of college was spent at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his studies at the University of Oregon, graduating in 1998 with a BA in Political Science. Brian was elected President of the Young Democrats while attending college. He served as an intern for Congressional Representative Ron Wyden, who is now Senator Wyden of Oregon.
Professionally, Brian’s career took hold in the medical field. Employers included Oregon Medical Labs, Harborview Medical Center, Merck, and finally BloodWorks NW (a blood bank in Seattle).
Brian had a lifelong love of travel and of maps. In his childhood, he was a regional champion in the geography bee. While still in grade school, Brian took a round-the-United States trip with his older sister Terry. The trip cemented his love of learning about people and places different than himself. That love led to several European trips as well as countless travels across the United States and Canada.
He had an extraordinary eye for photography and combined this skill with his passion for fine dining. The subsequent Facebook posts are legendary.
Brian’s gentle ability to call people back to their better selves on social media will be sorely missed. Facebook friends remained friends even after Brian let them know (always privately) that they had overstepped boundaries or were making themselves look foolish.
Brian is survived by his mother Bea and father Walt of Billings, MT; two sisters, Terry Wheeler of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Tammy Novakovich of Red Lodge, MT; and a brother, Paul of Billings, MT. Brian is also survived by his partner of five years, David Anderson of Seattle.
A memorial/celebration of life will be held Friday, September 27, 7 PM at Structure Cellars, 3849 1st Ave S, Seattle. Online donations, in lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Brian’s other loves (Blade and Sienna), can be made to the National Basenji Rescue – www.basenjirescue.org.
(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 will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Jorge “Mike” Milliron. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Jorge Michael Milliron, born January 24, 1958 in Seattle to Raynette and George Milliron.
He preferred to go by Mike, attended Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School. When he was younger, he loved to spend time on Alki Beach and work on cars.
Mike passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2019 after a 3 year battle with Emphysema and COPD.
Mike is survived by his wife Maureen, daughters Ambrosia and Candice, and son-in-law Micheal.
The family is having a memorial service on September 21, 2019 at 11 am; location is Luna Park/Old Anchor on Alki. If you knew Mike, join them in celebrating his life.
(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 will gather next Saturday (September 21st) to celebrate the life of Henry J. Haba. Here’s the story of how his life unfolded:
Henry Joseph Haba passed away peacefully August 12, 2019 at Providence Mount St. Vincent, where he stayed for the past four months.
Born May 6, 1923, the ninth of 15 children to Martin and Agnes Haba in Carrington, ND. His parents were born in Poland. Survived by daughter, Charlene, West Seattle. Brother, Louis Martin (Lee) and sister, Lorraine Bell (all in California). Also survived by over 40 nieces and nephews, 55+ great and 20+ great, great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Clara in 2017, son Gene in 2014, his parents, and 12 siblings.
The Haba family migrated to Grandview, WA in 1936. Farming and taking care of the animals started at 4 am. They attended a one-room school house.
Faking his age, Henry joined the US Army in 1940. Corporal Haba spend three years in the jungles of Panama. He then attended Paratrooper School and was sent to Germany. He attended trade school in Yakima to become a carpenter. Henry married Clara Fitterer of Yakima on July 3, 1948. They were five months short of 69 wonderful years of marriage. They traveled by car to Anchorage, AK to work. They moved back to Yakima, where he built a duplex and house. The family moved to Seattle in 1958, where he built a house on Gatewood Hill. In 1962 they moved to AZ. Rented in Phoenix, then built a duplex in Tempe. Moved back to Seattle a year later. Rented an apartment by Green Lake, then purchased the brick Tudor in West Seattle. He then built three more houses before downsizing to a condo.
Henry was a retired 71-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (LU 30 Renton, previously LU 131 Seattle). He attended monthly meetings and always had some tool to give away to the apprentices. He worked many construction jobs through the years. Working for the Austin Co., SCI and John Sellen Construction. Some projects included Hanford, the Floating Bridge, NW Airlines Flight Kitchen, Tacoma News Tribune, UW Hall Health, Olympic Hotel, Colman Ferry Terminal, and before retiring, the Metro Tunnel.
In 1999, Henry was one of over 200,000 people marching to protest the World Trade Organization in downtown Seattle. His leisure was spent vacationing in the US, Mexico and abroad. He tried his hand at skin diving, Weekends were spent at Vasa Park with the ski boat, ice-skating and snow skiing. He mostly enjoyed his totally equipped workshop (never was a car in the garage)! Some creations were birdhouses, writing pens and carved walking canes.
He was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC and see the war memorials. His guardian for this was Mike Musterman, who became his best friend. All the guys met each morning for coffee, talk, and laughter at the Morgan St. McDonald’s.
Henry was a very practical man who expected you to do the job right. He was very grounded with staying power. Always thought “HIS” jokes were the funniest! You could call him “a collector” of anything and everything. Traveling the alleys and neighborhood wasn’t unusual. Knew a little about a lot of subjects. Read the newspaper from front to back every day.
Thank you to all the people who visited Henry in his last days of a very full life. Also to the care given to him by staff at Mt. St. Vincent.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21 st from 4-7pm at the White Center Eagles. A military funeral be held at a later date at Tahoma Cemetery (Clara’s burial included).
For more information please go to Dignity at this link
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(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 will gather next Saturday to celebrate the life of Mead H. Logan and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
Mead Hale Logan
May 20, 1939 – August 8, 2019
Mead, a lifelong West Seattle resident, passed peacefully after a battle with cancer at home on August 8, 2019.
Born to Alfred Mead Logan and Lera Alleda Hale on May 20, 1939, Mead was known as little Meady, or Jr, only because his father disliked his own first name. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Junior High, West Seattle High School, and the University of Washington. He served in the U.S. Army where he was based in Alaska and upon his honorable discharge returned to West Seattle where he met and married his wife of 50 years, Janis.
Janis and Mead raised their family of 3 children in West Seattle and were known for their many parties and patriotically painting their home inside and out in red, white and blue to honor the bicentennial.
Mead spent his career as an appliance repairman, as well as serving as a manufacturer’s rep for industrial machine tools. Throughout his 50+-year career, he repaired many appliances in West Seattle homes.
Janis predeceased Mead in 2017; however, Mead is survived by his 3 children, Kevin, Derek (Pam), Erin (Mike); 5 grandchildren, Nicole, Johanna, Aidan, Alessandre, and Annabel; 2 great-grandchildren, R.J. and Logan.
Please join us for memories and good times as we celebrate Mead on Saturday, August 24th at the American Legion Hall in West Seattle from 11 am – 1 pm. In lieu of flowers Mead would prefer that you spend extra time with your loved ones and friends.
(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 will gather August 25th to celebrate the life of Dorothy Wright:
Dorothy Gloria Wright passed away at the age of 93 at Harborview Hospital, on July 28, after being struck by a car in a crosswalk at Jefferson Square on July 26.
Dorothy was born at home in Fairdale Township, North Dakota in 1925, the youngest of 6 children. After graduation from Crookston MN High School, she moved to Chicago to live with her oldest sister and family. She worked as a model at Sears. She met her future husband , Everett, who just happened to be her sister’s brother-in-law, at Christmas, while he was on leave from the Army Air Corp. They wrote for 8 months, became engaged on his next leave, and married two days later (technically their 4th date). They were married for 72 years, until his passing in 2016.
In 1956, they left Chicago with their children Wendy and Brad and moved to West Seattle, where several family members had relocated. They lived in their West Seattle house for the rest of their lives.
Dorothy was a homemaker, active in the PTA, Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and bowling leagues. When the kids were out of grade school, she went back to work at Sears on First and Lander in the catalog sales department, until her retirement in 1987.
During their married life, Dorothy and Everett went on 28 cruises (Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.) They loved to dance together at White Center Eagles, play the slots, and meet other travelers.
Mom loved playing Copper Dropper slot machines at the Tulalip and Emerald Queen Casinos, having a rum and coke at 5 pm, her water aerobics class at the West Seattle YMCA, happy hour at Salty’s with her 90+-year-old friends, chicken fingers and fries at the Luna Park Café and her family.
Dorothy leaves behind her daughter, Wendy (Michael) Hobson, son Brad (Colette) Wright, and her grandsons, Aaron & Shawn Hobson and Carson Wright. She also leaves her sister Violet Denison and many nieces and nephews in Seattle and across the USA.
A Celebration of Life party will be held on Sunday, August 25, 1-4 pm at the American Legion Hall at 37th and Alaska in West Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Seattle Family YMCA, 3622 SW Snoqualmie St., Seattle 98126.
(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 Mary V. Andersen. Here’s the remembrance that is being shared with her community:
Mary Virginia Andersen
May 3, 1942- August 1, 2019Mary Virginia Andersen was born May 3rd, 1942, to Muriel and Donald Powell in Aberdeen, WA. She is survived by one sister, Anne Reed, son Tyler Worley, daughter Kim [Mike] Bartlett and three grandsons, Brian Bartlett, Christopher Worley and Roscoe Worley. She was preceded in death by her son Adam Worley.
Mary attended Beauty School at an early age in Hoquiam, WA. She loved living and working in West Seattle during her entire life. She had many good friends aiding her needs through her long battle with cancer. We will all miss her, but as she phrased, “I will see you on the other side.”
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Emerald City Kitty Harbor, 3422 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
(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 will gather August 17th to remember Darlene J. Thornton. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:
Darlene Janet Thornton “Ooma” passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on July 3rd, in Seattle with “Sweet Caroline” playing in the background.
She is survived by her father David E. Edwards Sr., husband of 63 years Jerry Sr., sons Jerry Jr., Joel, Jon, Jim, and brother David Edwards Jr. and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by her loving son Jeff and mother Jeanne Edwards.
Darlene was born in West Seattle January 8, 1938. She graduated from West Seattle High School and attended University of Washington. She married Jerry Sr. in the Fauntleroy Congregational Church November 29, 1957 and soon after moved to Tukwila and started their family.
Ooma also leaves 12 grandchildren: Jaimie, Justin, Chelsey, James, Tyler, Jordan, Erika, Jessica, Kylie, Eamon, Nyreese, and Cormac, along with 3 greatgrandchildren Falina, Katilynn, and Joslynn.
Darlene’s life was strongly rooted in raising her boys. First as a preschool teacher and then as a lunch lady at Cascade View Elementary School. After her boys were grown, she went on to a rewarding 30-year career at Larry’s Market in Tukwila working alongside her boys and making lifelong friends.
Darlene was an avid sports fan and spent countless nights and weekends attending her boys’ baseball and football games at Foster High School. She and her husband loved University of Washington baseball and football games and have held season tickets since 1959. Darlene loved the Seattle Mariners. As season ticket holders, Darlene and her husband traveled the country to attend games, including spring training in Peoria, Arizona. Darlene missed only one Seattle Mariners spring training since Ken Griffey Junior was a rookie in 1989. Darlene enjoyed the excitement of a new baseball season and reuniting with friends that had relocated to the Phoenix area. She was at home at any baseball park and loved the history and memories made anywhere. from GE Field rooting on the Tukwila Little League to singing along with “Sweet Caroline” in Fenway Park.
Matriarch and Rock of the Thornton family, she was beloved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Whenever you see a ladybug; it’s her smiling at you!
Private inurnment at Riverton Crest Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 17th 1:30 – 3:00 at T-Mobile Park.
Please share your memories of Darlene and condolences with her Family by visiting her Tribute Page. Care & Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation.
(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 will gather at Alki Beach on Sunday to remember Dominick Viscardi. Here’s the announcement and remembrance:
Dominick Joseph Viscardi, Jr. passed away on January 26, 2019, in Seattle, where he resided since 1973, after a brief and brave battle with cancer.
Dom was born on June 13, 1950 in Moses Ludington Hospital, Ticonderoga, New York. He attended Weedsville School and was the salutatorian of the first graduating class at St. Mary’s School, Class of 1964. Dom was an altar boy from shortly after he made his first communion to the 8th grade and was a member of Boy Scouts Troop 72, attaining the rank of Life Scout. He graduated from Cranwell Prepatory School, where he was a member of the football and lacrosse teams, in 1968, and from Saint Michael’s College in 1972.
Dom worked as a stock broker in several prominent brokerage firms until he retired to open his own personal fitness company. Dom has helped so many people recover from injuries and regain their lives. He had just retired from his second career when he became ill.
Dom was devoted, generous and kind man to his family and friends throughout his life.
He is greatly missed. Please help us celebrate the life of our dear friend!
Sunday, July 21st, from 10 AM – 1 PM, at Alki Beach Park
Please bring a potluck item, and a memory to share.
We will be at the covered picnic area west of the bathhouse, across from Cactus on Alki.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
The family of Al Finch is sharing this remembrance with the community:
Alfred (Al) Walter Finch
1933-2019Alfred Walter Finch, affectionately known as “Al,” was surrounded by his loving family as he passed peacefully on June 11, 2019.
The first born of three children to Alfred and Ann Finch of Seattle, Al began entrepreneurship at a young age: clerking with his mother in their West Seattle market, managing a paper route, and buying and selling refurbished automobiles.
Al graduated from West Seattle High School and continued his education at the University of Washington, where he earned a BS in mechanical engineering. In addition to his studies, Al rowed Husky crew and joined the United States Air Force ROTC. Following graduation, Al proudly served in the Air Force while stationed in Oklahoma, Texas, and Ohio, serving as a Second Lieutenant piloting the KC 97 for the Strategic Air Command and retiring as a Captain.
Al was a devoted husband and happily married to Elisabeth for 60 years. As residents of Mercer Island from 1969 until present, they worked and raised their two children, Libby and Stephanie. Al, a Seattle businessman and real estate investor, owned and managed Emerald City Door for 17 years. Al continued his passion for flying: as a member of NW Seaplane Pilots Association, actively flying in the Pacific NW and Canada, and commuting between Seattle and their second home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Al’s happiest times were spent with Elisabeth and friends: traveling, fishing, skiing, boating, playing bridge, and golfing as members of the Overlake Golf and Country Club in Medina, Washington and the Boulders Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
He is survived by his beloved wife Elisabeth, his loving daughters, Libby (Steve) Miller and Stephanie St Mary, sisters Diane (Jim) Creighton and Geraldine Finch, and grandchildren Maggie, Charlie, Will, and Lizzie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to StolenYouth www.stolenyouth.org.
(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 will gather on July 6th to remember Koji Tada. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:
Koji W. Tada
January 1, 1922 – April 12, 2019Koji William Tada was born on January 1, 1922 – the fifth child of Genjiro and Yoshi Tada in Seattle. He attended Green Lake Elementary, and later West Seattle High School, where he graduated in 1940.
The Tada family was among many Japanese Americans forced into internment camps from the West Coast and Alaska to Minidoka – near Hunt, Idaho. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1944, joining his two older brothers, who were already serving in Europe. As part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Koji earned the rank of Technical Sergeant and was decorated with the Bronze Star.
After completing Army occupation duty in Italy in 1947, Koji returned to Seattle — and like many returning Nisei, experienced overt racial discrimination. He worked briefly as a mechanic at Boeing, served again in the U.S. Army reserve during the Korean War, and was discharged as a Master Sergeant. He entered the University of Washington in 1952 and earned his M.B.A. in 1956. He was a life member of the Nisei Veterans Committee and a talented league bowler at Imperial Lanes in Seattle. Golf was his favorite hobby, however – West Seattle and Jefferson municipal golf courses being among his “best greens.”
He met and married Yohko Kohsaka in 1960, settling first on Beacon Hill, and later in West Seattle. They had two sons, Richard and Steven. Koji was an accountant for FarWest Garments and later Breezin’ Sportswear until his retirement. He was a volunteer at the West Seattle Senior Center, where he enjoyed helping fellow retirees prepare their tax returns.
Koji was a quiet man, and gave much thought before speaking or acting. Brave, modest, and compassionate are the words that best describe his personality and moral fortitude. He cared unfailingly for his wife until his passing, despite both being in declining health. He is survived by his wife Yohko and his son Steven.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Bible Church, 128 18th Ave., Seattle, on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Bible Church.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
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