Family and friends will gather later this week in memory of Kay Messina, and are sharing this remembrance now:

Free from the clutches of Alzheimer’s disease, Kay’s spirit is free to soar again.

Born to Leo “Skipper” and Helen Kelly, Katherine Margaret “Kay” was raised as one of seven brothers and sisters in Anaconda, MT. After college, Kay moved to the big city (Seattle) to work as a medical records administrator. There she met the love of her life, Ben Messina. They married in 1963 and had three boys, Michael, Tony, and Mateo.

For the next 53 years, Kay loved, laughed, and sang her way through raising a family, pursuing a career, building lasting friendships, and generally demonstrating how a life well-lived should be. Together with Ben she enjoyed plays, dinners, friends, glasses of wine, and traveling far and wide. Their journeys included exploring their roots in Ireland and Italy, and making trips home to Montana for the annual family gatherings that continue to this day.

Kay raised her boys with love, grace, and good humor. She showed them the power of love in the devotion she and Ben shared, as well as the value of community in the friendships they made, and their 50-year membership with Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. In her career, she worked with health-care facilities around the region, including a long association with Mt. St. Vincent, where she spent her final days in their care.

Kay was fortunate to have married an engineer. As Alzheimer’s progressed, Ben was able to continually develop solutions that would allow to her to remain at home for much longer than most. For that, we are forever grateful. In addition to her family and friends’ memories of her twinkling Irish eyes, Kay leaves behind Ben, her beloved husband of 53 years; sons Michael (Yvette), Tony (Dawn), and Mateo (Tammy); and eight grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mt. St. Vincent or Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. An evening vigil will be held Thursday 2/11/16 at 7:00, and a funeral mass on Friday 2/12/16 at 11:00, both at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Please visit www.emmickfunerals.com to share your memories of Kay.

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

Saturday, a gathering is planned to remember 21-year-old Chad Crooks. This is from his family:

Laura and Todd, along with Corey, Macey, and Grady Crooks, write this to share some profoundly sad news with those that have not yet heard. In the early morning hours of Thursday, 21st our sweet, brilliant, gentle giant, Chad Crooks lost his battle with mental illness and with that, we lost him. At 21, he was our oldest son and brother and a blessing to everyone that met him along his path. With everyone around us, we grieve and love and, in time, we will heal.

Even through his recent struggles, Chad remained gentle and kind, but in the end, made a choice to control his destiny. Chad battled a disease that threatened to offer little hope of using his gifts, making them just beyond his grasp. His brilliance was a gift that he hoped would advance the knowledge and understanding of the complexities of our existence and lives on Earth and elsewhere. Our loss is the world’s loss.

This mental health tragedy is not unique to the Crooks family. It is a devastating, cruel affliction that destroys beauty. Like cancer or heart disease, schizophrenia and other types of mental illness have the same impact, often killing with an invisible hand.

A service will be held at our Admiral UCC Church here in West Seattle on February 6th at 2PM with stories, love and refreshments following. The Admiral United Congregational Church of West Seattle is located at 4320 SW Hill Street. Donations designated in Chad’s honor will be gratefully accepted to aid research in the field of schizophrenia and depression, with details available at the Saturday service.

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

A celebration of life is planned on February 13th for Gary Elliott, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

Gary “G-Man” Lee Elliott, 54, of West Seattle, passed away unexpectedly and much too young, Saturday, January 16, 2016 at his vacation home in Sunset Beach, CA.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend of 37 years, Camille, daughter Tanya Gardiner, son Terry Elliott, son-in-law Hamilton Gardiner, sister Dee Strecker, brother Steve Elliott, mother/father in-law Jean and Don Duncan, and many loving nephews, nieces and extended family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Marie Elliott, and brother, Kevin Elliott. Gary was a loving father, husband, and best friend to all he met.

Gary provided inspirational adventures while working to check items off his bucket list: captaining his Chris Craft yacht, retro motor home trips, leading the Tahuya Parade with his fire truck, riding his Harley at Sturgis, homes at Sunset Beach, Hood Canal and Lake Washington, owning a tractor, the West Seattle Junction Court art piece, and daily hot tub-coffee-walks around the island with Camille.

Gary loved remodeling and fixing his homes (and the homes of his many friends and family) and worked as a painter for his entire life after being given a paintbrush by his father at an early age. He also enjoyed managing the EPM apartments with his kids, traveling, and trying anything once because “Life is full of experiences and they all can’t be good!” Gary was a fun-loving and immensely creative individual, one of the most generous persons you would ever meet, always willing to pick up a tab, and always there to help friends with house projects or whatever else they needed. Gary was most proud of his kids, who will miss him and carry on his inspirational legacy.

A celebration of life will be held at Rainier Golf & Country Club, 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Gary’s ashes will be laid to rest at two of his favorite homes, Lake Washington and Sunset Beach. Donations in memory of Gary can be made to the West Seattle Fraternal Order of Eagles (Auxiliary #2643), where he was proud to be a long-standing member.

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

So many knew her as “Nurse Shirley.” Those who knew her as “an incomparable and beloved mother, auntie, and friend” are sharing this remembrance and invitation to tomorrow’s celebration of her life:

Shirley Ann Thomas, 6/22/32-1/7/16

Shirley Thomas might say her job here on Earth was done. She’d run all the “Erins” and “Jillys” on her list, and it was now time for her next big adventure.

Born June 22, 1932 to Alaric and Ellen, and the baby of six spirited Belanger siblings, she came into this world with determination and a mischievous glint in her eye. Destined to love hard and laugh often, her feisty nature was the product of good family genes and an inherently good and decent soul.

Married in 1961 to Earl William Thomas, her greatest joy was their two daughters, Erin and Jill. Her pride in her girls was unrivaled. Her love for them, boundless. No matter how big or small the accomplishment, those girls knew they’d made mom proud.

Shirley was never stingy with her love. Her bond with son-in-law Tom was unbreakable. Her relationships with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and everyone in-between were equally strong. As the generations of kids who came through the doors of the Children’s Clinic of West Seattle knew all too well, you didn’t have to be blood related to be worthy of Nurse Shirley’s love and attention. If you were in the vicinity of her kind heart, you were considered family.

Miss Shirley enjoyed holding court, waving her hands through the air as though playing an imaginary piano, while regaling us with her dry wit and oftentimes jaw-dropping stories. But more than that, she gleaned great pleasure in sitting back and taking in the family and friends who had surrounded her for the precious decades she’d blessed us all with. She was the grand dame of her neighborhood, and it was a rare occasion to find her home alone. Kelly and Bob, Darlene and Dan, Julie and Terry, she loved you so! Shirley never had a bad day.

Shirley is survived by her two loving daughters, Erin and Jill, her son-in-law Tom, and so many family members, friends, and adoring fans, there isn’t a newspaper or website large enough to name them all. And while she would admonish us with a swipe of those hands for grieving her passing, there are simply no words to describe our loss. Our comfort is knowing we all carry a piece of her joyous spirit inside us. We see it in the mirror every day, and in the mischievous grins of our children, to be passed on for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating the life of an incomparable and beloved mother, auntie, and friend at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on January 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm – followed by a festival of family, friends, and food at her home. She wouldn’t have had it any other way.

(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 of Donald K. Atwood, who died in November at 64, are gathering for an open-house event this Saturday, and sharing this remembrance now:

Don, a lifelong resident of West Seattle, passed away peacefully on November 24th, 2015, in Seattle.

After attending West Seattle High School, Don later went on to work for Frasier Boiler for many years. He would later leave Frasier Boiler to pursue the challenge and reward of owning his own business. A pioneer in the field, Emergency Preparedness Service would go on to meet the disaster-preparedness needs of numerous prominent governmental and private organizations for 26 years. For those who knew Don well, he navigated life with a comical sarcasm and simultaneously was an altogether decent man and fair and honest businessman.

Don, the son of Cliff “Bud” and Penny Atwood, loved the camping trips from his childhood and would later pass this legacy on to his children and subsequently his grandchildren. He always had the heart of an explorer, taking his family on incredible road trips across the Western US and throughout the northern plains. Don was often compelled to visit the roads that were literally “less traveled” to find the forgotten places and muse over the way things might have been for the early settlers of the west.

He married his wife Helga in 1972 and later raised two boys, Neil and Randy. He spent many of his last days thinking about his wife and family and trying to prepare his family for a life without him. In September of 2015, despite his failing health, Don, accompanied by his wife, sons, daughters in-law, and grandchildren would embark on his requiem road trip of sorts to Yellowstone. While there, he seemed to find a closure and began to write his final chapter in life. He was able to share a place he loved with those who loved him most. His short bout with cancer would end soon thereafter, but he left this present world with a late-blooming faith that would comfort him in his final days.

On Saturday, January 23rd, Helga and family will be hosting an open house at Don’s West Seattle home for family and friends to come by anytime between 1 pm and 5 pm. If you would like further information or directions, please contact the family at DonAtwoodMemorial@gmail.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)

A memorial service is planned Monday at Holy Rosary for Eugene Kord, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

Eugene Thomas Kord was born July 9, 1931, in Tacoma, the second child born to Alice and Leo Kord. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Kord and is survived by his wife, Virginia Kord, and their children: Cathy Peda, Lori Clark, Mary Ballanger, Margie McGillis, and Mike Kord.

Gene moved with his family to West Seattle when he was a toddler and attended Holy Rosary Elementary School. He went on to graduate from O’Dea High School in 1949 and Seattle University in 1953. He was a dual-major: Business Marketing and Education.

Gene enlisted in the United State Army during the Korean War, which ended around the time he was shipped overseas. Among his duties was teaching basic courses to young soldiers, helping them to earn their GEDs. After his tour of duty, Gene took a job with the United States Department of Labor.
In 1958, Gene married Virginia Trautmann. The newlyweds settled into a small, one-bedroom apartment near Lincoln Park. Less than a year later, Gene and Virginia moved to Tacoma, where the first of five children, Catherine Anne, was born in 1959. Two more daughters followed shortly thereafter: Lori Marie in 1961 and Mary Ellen in 1962. All were born at St. Joseph’s Hospital—like their father.

Gene’s work then took the family to Spokane. With three daughters already in tow, the next two children to join the family, Marjorie Jean and Michael Eugene, were born in 1963 and 1969, respectively. While in Spokane, Gene also became one of the first-ever lay lectors at Assumption Church. In 1973, the Kords moved back to West Seattle, where Gene continued to work for the Department of Labor. In 1988, he retired as the Area Director of the Wage and Hour Division with more than 30 years of service.

Retirement brought the opportunity to embark on a passion close to Gene’s heart: volunteer work. A devout Catholic, Gene volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul, tutored children at local grade schools, served on parish councils and school boards, taught religious education—and even served as a probation officer.

All the while, Gene’s passion for God, family, reading, and sports never wavered. He attended mass almost daily. By the mid-2000s, the family had grown to include four sons-in law, a daughter-in law, and 12 wonderful grandchildren, and Gene never missed an opportunity to join the numerous family gatherings. Gene was also an avid reader who enjoyed the morning paper and books and magazines after dinner–unless there was a baseball game on TV. Gene’s interest in baseball grew as a young boy in the post-Depression-Era, following the local legends of the Seattle Rainiers. This passion continued for many years as a Seattle Mariners fan, and those who knew Gene are well aware that idle conversation was frowned upon when the ball was in play. As a young man, he enjoyed playing in a Spokane-area bowling league and golfing at local courses—never mind that uncontrollable slice. Later in life, Gene and Virginia took to playing bridge with friends, traveling to Spring Training, and let’s not forget the nightly walks with the family dog, Heidi.

Gene is remembered as a quiet, dignified man who always carried himself with nobility. In the mid 2000s, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Holy Rosary Elementary School. He was empathetic and a great listener. His love for wife Virginia was constant.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 11, at 11 am at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle. A reception will follow immediately after. A burial service is scheduled for 3 pm at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery (205 NE 205th St., Shoreline). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Rosary St. Vincent de Paul or the Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation.

You’ll find Mr. Kord’s online guestbook at emmickfunerals.com.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday to celebrate the life of Margaret “Margy” Fitzpatrick. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:

Margaret Ann (Hull) Fitzpatrick

Margy passed away on December 23, 2015, age 68, following a courageous battle with melanoma. Her tenacity and positive attitude throughout her illness were inspirational to those around her.

A native Seattleite, Margy attended Holy Names Academy and earned a BA in nutrition from Fort Wright College. Her company, Fitzpatrick’s Interiors and Upholstery, has been an established and very successful business in West Seattle for more than 40 years, and will continue to operate under the leadership of her daughter Tricia.

Margy was an avid skier, swimmer, and triathlete who loved the opera and Bernese Mountain Dogs. She was always looking for the next exciting life experience, and took full advantage of all opportunities presented to her. She is survived by her brother Bob (Lou) Hull; sister Kathy (Ron) Coulter; her four children, Bill (Christine), Tricia, Bridgett, John; grandson Spencer; dog Annie and cat Ally.

There will be a celebration of Margy’s life on Sunday, January 3. For more information, please contact Tricia Fitzpatrick, fitzpatricksupholstery@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Holy Names Academy Class of 1965 Endowment, 728 21st Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112.

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

(2008 photo of Dave Henderson @ West Seattle Little League Jamboree, courtesy Cami MacNamara)

Fans, friends, family, and neighbors are mourning Dave Henderson, who has died at just 57 years old. The photo above is courtesy of Cami MacNamara, one of the WSB’ers who reminded us that Mr. Henderson lived in the Alki area. His baseball career was multifaceted, spent with five Major League Baseball teams including the Mariners, for whom he worked as a broadcaster for almost a decade – 1997 through 2006 – after his career as a player concluded. He was well-known for his ever-present smile and for his generous gifts of time, expertise, and more, particularly for youth – Cami’s photo is from one of the occasions when Mr. Henderson collaborated with the West Seattle Little League – he threw out the first WSLL Jamboree pitch in 2008. He’s also in archived coverage of events including a benefit tournament at West Seattle Golf Course. Mr. Henderson’s peak career moments included what the MLB.com report on his passing describes as a “series-changing home run” in the 1986 American League Championship Series, when he belted a ninth-inning home run that saved the Boston Red Sox from elimination – they went on to beat the Angels and win the league championship. Mr. Henderson, nicknamed “Hendu,” went to the World Series with the Oakland A’s in 1988, 1989, and 1990, and to the MLB All-Star Game in 1991. According to The Seattle Times, Mr. Henderson died early today at Harborview Medical Center; he was taken there after suffering a heart attack at his West Seattle home. He is reported to have had a kidney transplant a month ago. No word yet on memorial-service plans; many are sharing condolences, including the M’s:

Family and friends will gather on Monday (December 7th) to remember Anthony C. “Tony” O’Keefe. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing:

Smiling, laughing, and with twinkling Irish eyes … that is how Tony came into this world on September 8, 1969. He and wife Linda shared 13 years of marriage, and their love shows through their daughter Lauren and son Conner. They were his love and joy and he was incredibly proud of them. Lauren and Conner’s love of life, huge hearts, and shining souls resonate with Tony’s warmth and perpetual desire to share the very best of himself with the ones he most dearly loved.

Tony’s constant search for fun in life took him from learning to roller skate for a pack of LifeSavers, to riding BMX bikes, to competing in wrestling and football, to bringing friends together to celebrate just being in each other’s company.

Tony graduated from Bellarmine High and WSU with a degree in Marketing, and while at college found another family. His brothers at Beta Theta Pi lifted him up and joined in his celebration of life. Through the years they have always been there for him.

His Irish gift of gab, his smarts, and quick wit saw him excel in medical sales after starting Orthocon, Inc. He connected with and was supported by many professionals from the medical community during that time.

Linda, Lauren, and Conner continue to honor his zest for life by bringing laughter and cheer to family and friends. Brother John and sisters Helen, Kathy, and Bebo continue to celebrate life in his name as he joins his parents Tony, Sr. and Kathleen in a warm, heavenly embrace.

Tony took great pride and joy in his Irish heritage. His twinkling eyes and deep belly laugh were the trademark of our Irish leprechaun. So today go forward in honor of Tony, raise a little mischief, and carpe diem!

Tony was passionate about his children’s education, and an Educational Fund for them has been set up at youcaring.com/lauren-conner-o-keefe-478592.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 7, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7000 35th Ave SW. Reception immediately following on site at the Parish Life Center.

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

A memorial service is planned at The Mount this Saturday for Gilbert “Gil” Madrid, who died the day before Thanksgiving. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Gilbert Benedetto Antonio Madrid, 85, passed away on November 25, 2015, at European Senior Care in Seattle.

He was born on March 21, 1930 in Seattle to Julio and Norina Aquino Madrid. Gil grew up in Seattle, then attended St. Martin’s High School in Olympia, St. Bonaventure University in New York, and graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane. Gil was also a proud US Marine who served in the Korean War.

Gil is survived by his former wife Gail Madrid; his sister Elvira Madrid; his son John (Kate) Madrid; his daughters Christine (Steve) Wynecoop, Katie (Tom) Cunningham, and Terese (Adam) Kietzer; and his grandchildren Katelyn, Emily, Ally, Kara, Meg, Cami, Caroline, Will, and Cooper “Coopies.”

A memorial service will be held at Providence Mount St. Vincent, 4831 35th Ave SW, at 10 am on Saturday, December 5th. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Humane Society to honor Gil’s love of animals. Please share memories of Gil on our online guestbook @ www.emmickfunerals.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)

The family of longtime West Seattleite Richard A. Whitney is sharing this remembrance:

Our Hero, Richard Allen Whitney, passed away a True Veteran this past Veterans Day, 11/11/15.

He was born in Seattle, where he attended Highland Park Elementary, Denny Middle School, and Chief Sealth High School.

He was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam in 1967 and served two years. During his tour, he was exposed to Agent Orange and became very ill. He has since then had a liver and kidney transplant and lived beyond the years the doctors expected. He overcame many medical obstacles throughout his life and will be forever a medical miracle.

Whitney met his lovely wife, Liz Whitney, at Marv’s Broiler in White Center in 1981, and they have been happily married ever since!

He is survived by his wife Liz; mother Marie Clay; brother Ron Whitney; daughter and son Shannon and Patrick (PJ) Whitney. He also had the opportunity to meet his five grandkids as well who all adored him! Whitney coached Shannon in softball for more than 10 years as well as coaching SWAC football for PJ. He was very well known around our neighborhood, as all the kids loved to come to his house to play. He was a produce manager for QFC and retired from the Westwood Village store in West Seattle.

He loved his family, camping and the outdoors. He will forever be in our hearts and will be truly missed. There will be a memorial in the spring and his family will have the details posted when available.

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

A memorial service is planned this Saturday for Lisa Slader, 50. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Lisa Slader passed away Sunday night after a two-year battle with cancer.

Lisa was born in San Angelo, Texas and raised in Burien. Her father worked at Boeing for 30 years. Lisa attended Evergreen High School, graduating in 1983. Lisa met Greg Slader in 1987 and they settled into the West Seattle neighborhood of Belvedere. Lisa had a 25-year career @ Northwest Administrators as she excelled in pension accounting.

Lisa is survived by her two boys and her husband. She was very involved with their youth sports, as her boys played baseball, basketball, and soccer in local West Seattle leagues. Jesse and Cameron went on to graduate from West Seattle High school.

Funeral Services are this Saturday (October 31), 11 am @ Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6701 30th Ave. SW in 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)

A memorial service is planned in West Seattle on Saturday for Dean Kermit “Kerm” Franks, 97. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Dean Kermit “Kerm” Franks, a longtime West Seattle resident and retired vice principal of West Seattle High School, died of natural causes October 16 in West Seattle, supported by his extended family. He was 97, and had been a resident of The Kenney retirement community since 2005.

He was born January 23, 1918 in Coldwater, Kansas, the third of four children born to Willard and Tulu Franks. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1940.

He met his future wife, Esther Faye Anderson, while teaching high school in Eudora, Kansas. They were married in February 1942, ten days before he was drafted into the Army. His service was in Alaska, and when the war ended the couple decided to settle in Seattle. They started a family and Kerm began a 30-year career with Seattle Public Schools. He earned his Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from the University of Washington. He took early retirement in 1975.

From 1961 to 1975, Kerm and Faye co-managed the Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. They are remembered fondly as “Uncle Kerm” and “Auntie Faye” by the many former staff members, who were high-school and college youth at the time. For more than 25 years beginning in 1963, Kerm and Faye hosted a series of exchange students from Europe, Asia and Central America. They also traveled to a number of countries, visiting the families of their student guests.

The couple built a cabin at Lake Cushman, near Hoodsport, Washington, in 1976. They spent summers there, encouraging visits from family and friends. Kerm was physically active until near the end of his life, enjoying hiking, berry picking, swimming, square dancing and handyman projects. He was still chopping wood at the cabin into his 90s.

Kerm was an active member of Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle, where he served in volunteer administrative positions.
Faye died in 2012, after 70 years of marriage. His son, David, died in 2013. He is survived by daughters Marsha (Mike) and Candace (John); son Dean (Cynthia); 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 nephews and 3 nieces.

A memorial service to celebrate his long life will be held next Saturday (October 24th) at 10 a.m. at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Memorials may be sent to Tibbetts Church, or to Seabeck Conference Center, 13395 Lagoon Drive NW, Seabeck, WA 98380.

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

A memorial service is planned in West Seattle this Saturday for Patricia J. Hansen, 86. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Patricia J. Hansen passed away peacefully after suffering many years with Alzheimer’s Disease on Monday, September 28th at Park West Care Center.

She was born on May 19, 1929 to Ingvald and Christine in Seattle.

Patricia grew up in Ballard and attended Ballard High School, graduating in 1947. After high school, she worked at JC Penney clothing store in downtown Seattle. While out dancing at the Spanish Castle and The Trianon Ballroom, she met the love of her life – Charles “Chuck” Hansen. They married in 1953 and raised three children in West Seattle.

It was here in West Seattle that she made a loving home and worked many years at Don Swanson Insurance. She volunteered at the WS Senior Center and played Bunco there. Pat and Chuck traveled to Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, Hawaii and Mexico. Upon retiring, they spent some years as “rain birds” in Mesa, Arizona. Pat took up clogging and enjoyed time at the pool with Chuck.

Patricia is predeceased by her parents Christine and Ingvald, her loving husband Chuck in 1989, and her sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Phil Isaminger. Surviving Pat are her three children – son Greg (wife Chris), son Keith (wife Irene), her daughter Diane, her grandchildren Veronica and Charlie, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be Saturday, October 17th at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle at 11 am. Remembrances can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

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

A celebration of life for Carole Gillespie and her life partner Robert Childs, both of whom died this year, is planned next Saturday (October 17th). Here’s the announcement from Ms. Gillespie’s family:

Carole Jean (Tiede) Gillespie was born March 22, 1961 in Sacramento, California. She passed away at home of inoperable lung cancer on January 28, 2015. Carole graduated from West Seattle High School in 1979.

She is survived by her parents, Thomas and Pamela Tiede; brother Tom Jr. (LeeAnn); nephew Matthew Tiede; niece Kirstin Tiede; uncles Dale Ruppert (Maxine); Richard Tiede (Bracey); cousin Tamera Castagne and family. Carole is deeply missed by her family.

Robert Childs, Carole’s life partner of nearly 24 years, passed away August 17, 2015, also of cancer.

A joint Celebration of Life for Carole and Bob will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 11 am at the Unity Church in Lynnwood, located at 16727 Alderwood Mall Parkway.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Regional Cancer Partnership at cancerpartnership.org/Survivor-Resources.

(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 mourning Steve James Bratsanos, who died two weeks ago at 89. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Steve was born July 12, 1926 in Psara, Greece, and passed away August 28, 2015. Loving husband, father, and grandfather. Steve loved his church, his family, and especially his granddaughters. He had a lifelong love of sailboats and the sea. He was patient, kind, never complained, and always had a smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose; daughter Marianne, son James, daughter-in-law Leslie, and his two granddaughters Amalia and Eliana. He will be greatly missed. Remembrances may be made to the Assumption Church or Philoptochos. Visit greeksinwashington.org/seattle-or-nothing to learn more about Steve’s life. Services were held last weekend. From the program:

Steve (Stamati) was born on the island of Palea Psara, Greece, the youngest of three children. He had a trying life but always kept a smile on his face. As a young teenager, he survived the German occupation of Psara during WWII and its accompanying deprivations. The memory of those tough times stayed fresh through his whole life. He loved his adopted country and was proud of being an American, but his path to citizenship was not easy.

Read More

The family of retired science teacher “Don” Greengo is sharing this remembrance with the community:

H. Donald “Don” Greengo, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones, on June 4, 2015. Born October 15, 1928, in Waconia, MN, to Royal E. and Blanche I. (Downs) Greengo, he was the youngest of four boys. At the age of two, Don contracted polio, which affected the growth of his legs. He underwent several surgeries at Shriner’s Hospital throughout his childhood. Always having a positive outlook on life, he never complained.

As a teenager during the summer of 1945 he met his future wife and the love of his life, Gretchen Harvey. But life would first take them in different directions.

After graduating from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, with a Bachelors in Science, and further studies at Case Institute in Cleveland and the University of Washington in Seattle, he began teaching science (chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and math) in Anoka, MN. Despite using a cane to help with walking, Don traveled to Japan, the Middle East, India, and Europe, exploring different cultures. In the mid-1950s, Don took a job with the U.S. State Department to teach overseas, first in Japan at the Itazuke U.S. Air Force Base, and then at Habibia College in Kabul, Afghanistan. While still overseas, he learned through his sister-in-law that Gretchen was living in Seattle and was a widow with two small children. After returning to the U.S. in late 1958, he came to Seattle and a date was arranged for Don and Gretchen to meet. Don proposed to Gretchen after that first date and they married on July 17th, 1959.

Don began a career with the Seattle School District in 1959, teaching at Sealth, Nathan Hale, and finally, 18 years at West Seattle High School, where he was head of the Science Department, retiring in 1984. He was a favorite teacher of many students over the years. He garnered respect from his students because he treated them with respect, as he did with all people.

Don will be remembered by family and friends as a man of quiet strength, integrity, patience, and compassion. Don enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting relatives and the annual summer trips with Gretchen, their children and grandchildren. He loved to play games, tell corny jokes, and tell of his adventures overseas. He loved the Arts, going to many plays, ballets, and concerts, and he loved the outdoors. He had a great love for his family and they for him.

Don is survived by his wife Gretchen, of nearly 56 years; his children, Denise (Bugnon) (husband Ken) Reed, Paul Bugnon, Kevin Greengo, and Laurie Greengo; his grandchildren, Jennifer Reed, Stephanie (Reed) Olson, Owen Greengo; and great-grandchildren, Brennen and Peyton Olson; his brother Irving Greengo; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank close family friend and nurse extraordinaire Keiko Hume for the compassionate and loving care she gave Don.

Don, we will miss you, your great sense of humor and love of life, your selflessness. and your love of family. You set a wonderful example for humanity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you give a donation to a charity of your choice in Don’s honor. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a future date; information for family and friends will be forthcoming.

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

Services are planned tomorrow morning at Tahoma National Cemetery for U.S. Army veteran Gary L. Emmick. His family shares this remembrance:

Gary L. Emmick was born on September 11th, 1948 at St. Luke’s Hospital (later became Group Health) in Seattle. He passed away on Thursday, August 20th, 2015, at Highline Hospital in Burien after a lengthy illness.

Gary was a lifetime resident of the Burien/White Center area. He was a Sergeant in the Army who served in Germany from 1967 until 1971.

Son to Phyllis & Franklin Emmick, older brother to Craig Emmick, sister-in-law Gayle. Sons – Brian, Terry, Robert & Floyd. Nephews – Matthew & Michael. Grandson of the Late Floyd & Edith Roush. Nephew to Wayne Roush and Jim Roush. Predeceased by his father Frank in 2010.

Funeral services for Gary will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 11:30 am. Remembrances may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or a charity of your preference.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle. Please share your memories of Gary on our online guestbook @ www.emmickfunerals.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)

A celebration of life is planned one week from today for Bob Markley, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

Robert “Bob” Markley, born in Montrose, Colorado, on March 2, 1918, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2015 – a full 97 years of life.

Bob grew up in the Richmond Highlands, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1936, and rose to Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving as the cook at the Perry Institute in Yakima, he settled in West Seattle, where he was an over-the-counter butcher, real-estate agent, tugboat cook, and public-health inspector. His passion was remodeling old homes, including the three he provided for his family. His diligence, tenacity, and enthusiasm conquered every challenge (including a midlife paralysis), making lifelong friends and acquaintances along the way.

Bob is survived by Bette, his wife of 72 years; his daughter Shannon, his sons Scott (Sally) and David (Jeanne), and his grandson Galen.

A celebration of his life will be held at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) on Sunday, August 16, 2015, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to The Kenney Foundation for the Resident Care Fund, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136-2008.

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

Earl M. Mickelson, a West Seattle native and lifelong resident, has died at age 89. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Earl passed away at home at the age of 89 on July 31st. He would have turned 90 in September.

Earl was born to Christian and Martha Mickelson, both descendants of Norway, at West Seattle hospital. Earl spent his entire life in West Seattle; he was a graduate of West Seattle High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He served for 27 years as a Seattle Department firefighter, retiring in 1974. Earl was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved West Seattle and, after retirement, boasted about having no reason to cross the West Seattle Bridge.

Earl enjoyed time spent with his family and his many neighbors that he grew so fond of. For many years he was the neighborhood Block Watch captain. He took pride in his work overseeing the neighborhood and actually kicked a neighbor’s door down to save the life of a woman who collapsed and was trapped in her home.

Earl was very generous in donating to many charities over the years. He was the elder statesman for both the West Seattle Yacht Club and West Seattle Eagles. He was a longtime member of the American Legion. Earl is survived by his lovely wife of 65 years, Sylvia, whom he met on Alki Beach; his three children, Susan Scott (Daniel), Chris Mickelson (Kimberly), Bart Mickelson, and his four grandchildren, Shawna Clark (Steve), Christiana (George), Trine and Tristen Mickelson. Earl is survived by sister-in-law Beverly Alger and many nieces and nephews. His brothers and their spouses Kris (Janet) and Kenny (Marian) Mickelson are deceased. He was looking forward to his first great-grandchild, expected in February.

Earl’s feistiness and humor continued to the end and he will be missed by all his family and friends. He was always very macho and gruff but deep down he could be very compassionate and kind. He is remembered to many as a wonderful father, grandpa, father-in-law, firefighter, neighbor, husband, and friend. We want to thank his family and many caretakers over the past years and especially Mary Ikua (who referred to Earl as the commander), Maureen, and Susan (his most recent caregivers) and his neighbors, along with Station 29 of the Seattle Fire Department, for all their service over the years.

A celebration of life is planned at a later date. Services will be private. Memorials may be sent to the Medic One 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)

“Today we lost another of our own.” So wrote a WSB Forums member last weekend, sharing news of the sudden passing of longtime participant/contributor Charla Mustard-Foote. The sentiment goes for the wider community as well; here is the remembrance Ms. Mustard-Foote’s family is sharing:

Charla Mustard-Foote passed away at her home in West Seattle on Sunday, August 2, 2015. Charla was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 12, 1945. She was the only daughter of Charles Foote and Velma Mustard. K-12 education occurred in Cambria, Michigan, and she graduated from the University of Iowa, in 1970 with a degree in Journalism.

After college, Charla worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the Midwest. In 1979 she moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, to work for the Digital Equipment Company in Boston as a Technical Writer, eventually becoming a Documentation Manager. She worked for several computer companies in the Boston area after that, moving to Sun Microsystems in 1993 as a Lead Technical Writer. At Sun, she rose through the ranks of management, transferred to Cupertino, California, in 1994 and was appointed Director of Product Integration in the company’s development group in 1998.

She met her husband, Robert Shields, in 1996 and they married in 1997. Together they moved to West Seattle in December 1999 so Charla could take a position with Amazon.com, then for the supercomputer manufacturer Cray Inc. Charla started her own consulting firm in 2003 and retired in 2010.

She was a busy professional woman, but she was an avid fan of blues and rock and roll. A voracious reader, she accumulated nearly 3,000 books. She was a Red Sox fan through and through, before changing her loyalty to the Mariners. Of course, the Seahawks were her favorite, even when they played the Patriots.

She is survived by her husband; her stepson Aaron Shields and his spouse Jennifer; and three grandchildren: Cole, Connor, and Katri Shields.

A memorial gathering will be held at a place and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Heifer International, Arbor Day Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Please share your memories of Charla in the online guestbook at emmickfunerals.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)

Linda Ann Heimbigner will be remembered in a service at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Friday. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Linda Ann Heimbigner, 72, of West Seattle, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015, as a result of a long battle with cancer. Friends and family were by her side as the Lord called her home.

She was born on February 3, 1943, in Seattle to William and Constance Baccetti. She graduated from Holy Rosary School in West Seattle back when Holy Rosary was a grade school and high school combined. During her high-school years, she lost her father to a heart attack and later her mother to cancer. She continued to care for her brother, Fred, until he passed away in 1976. After high school, Linda went to work for the government. It was during this time she met Don Heimbigner. They were married on September 16, 1967.

Linda devoted much of her time to caring for her family and friends. She worked in the front office of Our Lady of Guadalupe School while her children attended school there. She passionately supported her children’s activities, especially soccer, which often included endless fundraising for travel throughout the Washington State, the U.S. and even Europe. She also loved to bake for her friends and family, never missing a special occasion.

She is survived by her husband of almost 48 years, Don; her children, Gina, John, and Joe; and her 5 grandchildren, Andrew, Gabriel, Nathan, Angelica, and Jordan. Her funeral will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle on August 7, 2015 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 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)