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)

A memorial is planned Tuesday, August 4th, for Bob Kacel, who died earlier this month at 66. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Robert (Bob) Ernest Kacel, 66, passed away at home on July 10, 2015 after a long illness. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 18, 1948.

He graduated in 1966 from Osborn High School and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Michigan in 1971.

Bob was married to Rebecca Kleen on August 12, 1972. They were married 42 years. Bob worked as an architect for the University of Michigan and then the State of Washington over a career of 44 years. He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of creative model-making and creating dioramas for which he won many awards. Bob was also actively involved in the Lutheran and Episcopal churches, and was a member of the Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity.

Bob is survived by wife Rebecca Kleen Kacel, daughters Melissa Kacel and Julia Kacel, grandchildren Adelle and Dane Leatherwood, brother Richard J. Kacel Jr., sisters Patricia Fischer, Nancy VerWest, and Cheryl Ahlborn, as well as other family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Richard J. Kacel and Gladys E. Kacel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Swedish Cancer Institute and sent to Swedish Medical Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA, 98122.

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on August 4 at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave SW, Seattle.

Please go here to see more pictures and to sign the online guest book.

(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 is planned next Tuesday for Dolores Barnecut, who died two weeks ago at 88. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Dolores M. Barnecut succumbed to cancer on July 9, 2015, surrounded by her family.

“Dee” was born in Seattle on July 26, 1926, and was the only daughter of the late George and Margaret Anderson. She graduated from West Seattle High School, Class of 1944, and she married her high-school sweetheart, Richard J. Barnecut, in 1947. Dick and Dee lived in West Seattle for the entirety of their 68-year marriage.

As the consummate wife, mother and homemaker, Dee was always in your corner and selfless in her commitment to those she loved. She was a happy person, humble to a fault, and she presided over a happy household.

Dee was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle, where she served on the altar guild. The family vacation home on Hood Canal was a special place for her. She was a loyal fan of Husky football and held season tickets for almost fifty years. As the nest emptied, Dee had the opportunity to evolve and nurture her artistic side, and she developed into an accomplished and prolific watercolorist.

Dee will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her sense of humor, and her tenaciously positive outlook on life. She was a purveyor of unconditional love before that term became fashionable, and she gave her children what all parents must: roots and wings. Mom was tired at the end but she faced her final illness pragmatically and with her characteristic wit, dignity, and toughness. She will be missed and never forgotten.

Dee is survived by her husband, Richard, four adult children and their spouses: Margaret (Paul) Abrahamson, James (Jamie) Barnecut, Mary Ellen (Ron) Smulski, and Andrew (Lisa) Barnecut. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Tom Smulski, Jill Smulski, Jenny Abrahamson, Rachel Barnecut, Nick Barnecut, and Angelina Barnecut.

A memorial service honoring Dee’s life will be held at St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church on Tuesday, July 28th at 3:00 p.m. with reception to follow at the parish hall. The church is at 3050 California Avenue SW. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the charity of your choice. Sign Dolores’s online Guest Book at Legacy.com and/or 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)

A celebration of life is planned in West Seattle this Saturday for Steve Murray, whose family is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Stephen B. Murray, 70, passed away on July 6, 2015 at the UW Medical Center in Seattle, with the love of his life, Linda Mae, by his side.

Steve was born in Chicago on December 28, 1944 in the elevator at the hospital.

He left Chicago and moved to Seattle in 1968. Steve began his 40-year career in the natural gas industry in 1969 at the Washington Natural Gas Company, later to become Puget Sound Energy. The last 9 years of his career were spent at Pilchuck, a gas service provider.

Steve was an easy-going, very likable man, always quick with a clever quip, or a smart remark. His sense of humor could defuse many a situation. He never realized how many friends he really had.

Although a devoted Seahawks and Mariners fan, he never masked his love for the Chicago Blackhawks, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. When asked about the Cubbies, he used to say “someone’s gotta love ‘em.” He followed up his Cubs devotion with a bright blue and red tattoo on his arm of their logo. Watching hockey was a favorite pastime, and he always enjoyed golfing, and took more than a few golfing road trips.

But the true loves of his life were his family. And it was an extensive one, spread from coast to coast.

Steve is survived by wife and best friend of 34 years, Linda; his daughters, Jennifer (Johnson) and her husband Mike, Amanda (Mason) and her husband Doug, and son Spencer and his wife Jessica (Sutyla), as well as 7 grandchildren.

He leaves behind his siblings, brother Mike and sister-in-law Judy, sister Mary Pat (Arostegui) and brother-in-law Vince, brother Mark, brother John and sister-in-law Connie, sister Maureen (Carlson) and brother-in-law Mark, and brother Matthew and sister-in-law April (Cody). Stephen also leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John and Patricia, and his oldest brother, Jerry, in 2014.

A Celebration of Life will be held in West Seattle on Saturday, July 25th, from 12 – 3 p.m. at 6040 California Ave SW.

Please come, share your condolences, share a story, share your favorite Steve(ism), and share a laugh.

If we could all be as nice to people as Big Steve was, the world would be a better place.

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

Barbara Ellen Boe, who died last weekend at 71, will be remembered at a service in West Seattle on July 9th. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community today:

Barbara Ellen Boe was born to Clayton Royal Lape and Ellen Ward on January 2, 1944, in Big Timber, Montana. Barbara spent part of her early childhood with her beloved grandparents, Robert (Bud) Ward and Anita (Brannin) Ward Hoyem up the Sweet Grass Canyon at the Ward & Parker Sawmill and ranch. Barbara’s father served in the US Navy during the Second World War, and her mother worked in Helena, Montana. Barbara formed a deep attachment to her grandparents and south central Montana.

Following several years in the Big Timber area after the war, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California. Barbara went through the Santa Barbara school system until the latter part of high school. She returned to Big Timber, Montana to stay with and help her grandmother. Barbara graduated from Sweet Grass County High School and attended the University of Montana at Missoula for a short time.

Barbara returned to Big Timber and was later married to LeRoy Schilling. They had one daughter, JoAnna.

Barbara married John Christopher (Chris) Boe on May 31, 1981 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. The couple moved to Billings, Montana and resided there for nine years. Barbara worked for then Eastern Montana College in the library and also with the Continuing Education Department. While in Billings, Barbara and Chris were blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth Ellen and Kristina Anita (Nina).

In 1989 the family moved to Seattle. Barbara was employed as a property manager until her retirement in September of 2010. Following her retirement, Barbara maintained her lifelong love of reading, staying up on current events locally, nationally, and internationally, attending church, and being involved with her family and grandchildren.

Barbara passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015, from acute myeloid leukemia. She is survived by her husband Chris, daughters JoAnna (Stacey), Elizabeth, and Nina, and grandsons Benjamin and Cameron.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 2:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California Avenue SW). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma 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)

A Celebration of Life is planned this Saturday for Diann Marie Sales, who died on June 9th at age 46. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Diann Marie Sales was born to Daniel C. Higgins and Florence Marie Higgins, on March 11, 1969, in Seattle, Washington. She went to Auburn Senior High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Diann met Ryan Jay Sales in 1994, and married him in Seattle in 2004. Diann worked as a visual artist and art framer at Northwest Art and Frame in West Seattle. Throughout her life she worked in mixed media, including photography, painting, and handcrafts. Diann’s dream of becoming a mother was realized when she and Ryan adopted Elliot, born in 2011, and Frances, born in 2013. Their adoption was finalized hours before she passed away after a courageous, nine-month battle with uterine cancer.

Diann was loved by all, from the children she cared for as a nanny, to regular customers in the West Seattle community, to co-workers, to longtime friends, to a large extended family, to her sister and brother-in-law, her beautiful niece and nephew, and especially her husband and two extraordinary children. She was a much-loved, unique, creative, and singular woman who will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of her exemplary life may be directed to Amara Parenting and Adoption Services, the organization who facilitated the adoption of her two children.

Celebrating the Life of Diann Marie Sales: Saturday, June 27th, 2015, 6:30 pm, Arbor Heights Community Church, 4113 SW 102nd St; Facebook link here. For anyone interested in attending, please contact Ryan J. Sales by 6 pm Friday: 206-225-9586.

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

Family and friends are remembering Harry Newman, who died two weeks ago at 85. Here’s the tribute his family is sharing with the community:

Harry Newman
June 18, 1929 ~ June 4, 2015

Harry, an affable, competent, hard-working family man, was born June 18, 1929. He was liked by all and loved by those closest to him.

Born in Seattle, Harry spent his youth in Lynden working in the family movie theater.

He served in Korea with the US Army as a radio operator. After returning from war he worked at Boeing where he met and married the love of his life, Joy McLean. In 1955 the newlyweds moved to Diablo, WA, where he began a 33-year career working at Seattle City Light. In 1967 the Newman Family moved back to Alki.

Harry retired at 60 and never looked back. Joy and Harry traveled extensively. They lived in Lake Tahoe on and off for 20 years and spent weeks in the summer at the family house in Chelan, where Harry built the Taj Mahal of outhouses. They traveled across the country multiple times by train, plane and automobile. But they always returned to their pink house by Alki.

Everywhere Harry went he fixed things, both for himself and others. Harry led an active life. In his 50s he climbed Mount Rainier. In his 60s he hiked the north rim to the floor of the Grand Canyon and back in one day. In his 70s he skied over 100 days in a year. He rode his bike uphill to the Y in his 80s and exercised at the Y up until a few months before his death. For the last years of his life, coffee with the guys was the high point of his week. Harry and Joy were married 59 years, she died 18 months before him, and he missed her terribly. We trust they are together again.

Harry is survived by children Carolyn Newman (Kate Giannaros), Alec Newman (Margot), Annette Newman (Bill Montague); grandchildren Maclean and Lilli Newman, Daniel and Julia Montague. Harry and Joy were great parents and excellent grandparents.

Right to the end, Harry conducted his life with great dignity. His family would like to thank those who allowed him to stay in his home: Michele Abel, Brooke, Maclean, and Group Health Hospice.

(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 memorial service is planned this Saturday (May 30th) for Peggy McCormack, who you might have known as a preschool teacher, or a church organist – just two of the many aspects of her life, detailed by her family in this remembrance:

Margaret Anne (“Peggy”) Kemp McCormack, 84, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2015. Peggy was the elder of two girls born to Charles William & Irene Carrick Kemp. Her early years were spent in both Spirit Lake, ID, and in Clarkston, and her adolescence on the west coast in Washington. After college graduation, she married Clarence (“Larry”) McCormack in 1952 and spent a happy life with him in West Seattle, where he taught science at Madison Junior High School and ultimately predeceased her in 2007.

Peggy was a gifted musician. She and her sister were singing on their grandfather’s radio show in Lewiston, Idaho, by the time they were not quite two and three years old. At that age, they had no idea that they were “performing”, but soon they had mastered a number of instruments, and continued to perform throughout their school years whenever and wherever they were asked. Peggy played piano, French horn and clarinet, but usually accompanied her sister, a flautist. Both girls entered and won contests regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest. They came from a very musical family, and Peggy always shrugged and said, ‘That’s just how it was. We didn’t think anything about it.’

However, by the time she went to college, Peggy was studying the organ. She had played her first church service at the age of 8 when her mother, the regular church pianist, was too ill to get to church, and apparently Peggy had a grand time that day. By the time she graduated from college, she was playing concerts or recitals almost every week. As soon as she and Larry settled in Seattle, she began playing for a number of different churches.

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Family and friends will gather Friday (May 15th) to remember Margaret Skube, who died in February at age 60. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Margaret Ann Skube passed away on February 27th, 2015, surrounded by her family.

She was born in West Seattle on October 10, 1954 to Galina and Noel (Cam) Skube. She attended Alki Elementary and Madison Junior High, and graduated from West Seattle High School with the class of 1972.

After working as a cook on cargo ships to Alaska with Western Pioneer for many years, she moved to Stanwood, WA, where she raised her daughter Calley.

Calley and her husband, Lane, blessed Margaret by giving her three beautiful grandchildren, Adalynn, Fionnegan, and Gillian. They were the light of her life.

Margaret will be remembered for her love of life, willingness to try just about anything, and for living her life at 100% in all she did. Margaret loved to garden, cook, swim, and to play games. She loved to travel, meet people, and to learn new things. She lived her life just the way she wanted to and always hoped for a better day. She certainly had her own sense of style, and always brought a change of clothes, since “anything could happen.” She was a fun-loving, positive, and hopeful woman.

Besides her daughter’s family, she leaves behind her dad, Cam, her niece Elle, and nephew Seth. She was preceded in death by her mother Galina and her brother Peter. She will be deeply missed by her many friends and her beloved Beaver Damn Campout girlfriends.

Her celebration of life will be Friday afternoon, May 15, 2015 from 11:00 – 2:00 at the Lakewood Seward Park Community Club, 4916 S. Angeline St.

(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 and celebration of life are planned May 15th for James D. Finnie, 68, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

The family of Jim Finnie is sad to announce his passing on March 30, 2015, after a long journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Jim was born in West Seattle on April 19, 1946, to Walt and Millie Finnie, the youngest of their five children.

After graduation from West Seattle High School in 1964, Jim married Marge in 1965 while they were attending Western Washington State College, only to have the military decide they needed him a short time later. He served in the US Army from 1966-69, most of that time in Germany, where he and Marge enjoyed many adventures together.

In 1975, Jim began his career as a Seattle firefighter, and always felt fortunate to be paid to do something he loved so much. The majority of his career was served at local Station 32.

Outside of work, Jim had many interests and skills- woodworking, golf, competitive shooting, and countless hours out on the Sound, with a fishing pole in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other (his idea of heaven!). He had a top-notch “Mr Fix-It” ability that led us all to believe there was nothing he couldn’t do. To all that he did, he brought his quirky sense of humor, and a smile, to those around him.

He was a loving and supportive husband and father, which led him to spend many years working with the Boy Scouts and driving the Kennedy High School band bus to assorted parades and retreats. He was enormously proud of his children.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Marge, and children Dave (Christy) Finnie and Krista (David) Hume. Six grandchildren: Alexa, Jessica, Sienna, Elijah, Rebecca, and Joshua. Predeceased by his parents and sister, Delores, and survived by brothers Bob (Durlyn) and Walt (Sharon) and sister Linda (Norm) Nelson.

Services to be held May 15, 1:00 pm, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, followed by a celebration of life at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse, 2:30 pm. Suggested memorials to Medic One or West Seattle High School Alumni Association Scholarship fund.

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

Barbara Cough Shea, who lived for more than 35 years in West Seattle, will be remembered at a funeral Mass on Wednesday (April 15). Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing, telling the story of the many chapters of her life:

Barbara was born April 23, 1930, in Norridgewock, Maine, to Bernard Ezra “Bun” Cough and Helen Norton Cough. She grew up in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine, the second oldest and fast friend of her three siblings, Sonny, Janis and Jimmy. Her entrepreneurial and ever-scheming father had the family moving frequently around the town and pitching in on various family ventures. Her mother Helen was always there for her children.

Barbara graduated Bar Harbor High School and went on to attend college in Boston, where she reveled in the excitement and freedom of the city. Back in Bar Harbor during a break from school, she caught the attention of a college boy on vacation from studies in Miami. Barbara’s father was quite impressed to learn the “boy” was Bob Greive, a Washington state senator and law student. Barbara’s father arranged for her to transfer to school in Miami to encourage the romance. Bob and Barbara were married in Miami, just weeks before her 20th birthday. He was 29.

Following his law school graduation, Barbara and Bob settled in West Seattle, where they raised their six children. Barbara and the children were fixtures in the back pew of Holy Rosary Church during Sunday Mass while Bob ushered. She earned a reputation for her grace and elegance even as she wrangled squirming toddlers. She kept up appearances at daily Mass when slacks were taboo, hiding her pant legs by rolling them up above the hem of her long coat. She was a member of the Holy Rosary School Mothers Club for 18 years.

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Jack Meduna will be remembered with a Mass at Holy Family and reception at Forest Lawn next Thursday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Jack Meduna, 68, of West Seattle, passed away April 2nd after fighting Lung Cancer for almost a year.

He was born in Seattle on December 18th, 1946. At a young age he attended Briscoe Boarding School for boys, then went on to graduate from O’Dea. He began pre-med at the UW but was drafted to Vietnam. Upon his return, he worked on a fishing boat in Alaska until finding his calling as a Seattle Police Officer. For 34 years, Jack absolutely loved his career with SPD and was also a Hostage Negotiator. He loved interacting with the public and all his fellow officers.

In 1986 Jack married for the second time and found the love of his life, Virgie.

They spent 23 years together, often traveling the Oregon Coast and eventually all over Europe before she passed 7 years ago. Jack is survived by his daughters Jill Casillas (husband Shane), Cami Aksdal (husband Todd) and son Clay Johnson (wife Amanda), and by his four grandchildren, Sydney Jaksich, Corbin Jaksich, Georgia Lee Aksdal, and Michael Aksdal and his sisters Vinette Tichi (husband Dennis), Roxanne Roten (partner Scott).

A mass will be held in his honor on Thursday, April 16th at 2 pm at Holy Family Church (9622 20th Ave. SW) followed by a graveside burial at Forest Lawn (6701 30th Ave. SW) with a reception to follow, also at Forest Lawn.

In honor of Jack and his love for pigs, please consider a donation to a place that meant a lot to him – Pigs Peace Sanctuary.

(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 this Saturday (April 4th) for Michael R. Shomaker. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Michael Robert Shomaker
January 25, 1958 ~ March 28, 2015

Beloved husband of Michelle, son of Bob and Myrna Shomaker, father of Kyle, Cody, and Sophie Shomaker, brother of Beth Torgeson (Ron) and David Shomaker (Kathy), passed away after a valiant battle with myelofibrosis (blood cancer). Eagle Scout, Sea Scout, Control Systems Engineer, smart, funny, very caring, talented up the kazoo.

There was nothing he couldn’t fix or make better.

Services Saturday 4/4 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, West Seattle. Viewing 12:00 pm, Chapel Service 1:00 pm, graveside following.

(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 promised to let you know when we heard about memorial plans for Don Smathers, whose death at age 65 was reported here one week ago. We now know the gathering will be at 5 pm this Wednesday (April 1st) at Junction Plaza Park.

(WSB photo, July 2012)
Sad news about someone we’ll miss seeing around The Junction. Even if you didn’t know his name, you’ve probably seen Don Smathers, shown at center in our photo from 2012, when Southwest Precinct officers helped him with one of the tasks he’s handled over the years – putting up the flags for the 4th of July. We got word today from Susan Melrose at the West Seattle Junction Association that Don has died:

Don Smathers has been a familiar friend in The Junction for many years. This morning he passed away peacefully in his home in the Campbell Building, where he had lived for 25 years. We will have a memorial in Don’s honor, but for now, we can take a moment to remember this kind soul.

We’ll let you know when that is scheduled.

ADDED SUNDAY: 5 pm Wednesday, April 1st, in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska).

APRIL 1, 12:52 PM UPDATE: Because of weather uncertainty, this will be at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska) instead.

Long-time West Seattle resident Jeff Hays will be remembered and celebrated at a service this Friday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing today:

Beloved husband, friend, and partner of 45 years, Jeffrey Allen Hays passed away suddenly on March 20, 2015. You know the answer to the Great Secret now, My Love. Go in Peace, taking my heart with you.

Born October 20, 1949, in Albuquerque, Jeff is survived by his wife, Janet, a West Seattle native; his brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan and Jenny Hays of Henderson, Nevada; five nieces, two nephews, two grandnieces, two grandnephews, and friends too numerous to count – we all love and miss you, Jeff.

Memorial Service takes place on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery and Funeral Home, 6701 30th Avenue SW. All are welcome who knew and appreciated this wry, suave, romantic gentleman. He could dance, too!

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

Memorial services are planned on Monday for Roger O. Loken, a U.S. Army veteran whose long and storied life also included careers in teaching and real estate. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

It is with deep sadness that we announce our dad, Roger Osman Loken, passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 94. He was born on November 26, 1920, in Seattle to Gilbert and Maud Loken. He grew up in Ballard, where he met his wife of 69 years at a dancing school. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1939 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army at the age of 18, serving as a First Lieutenant in WWII in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy.

In 1948 Roger graduated from the University of WA with a BS in Zoology and earned his degree in teaching. He was awarded a full scholarship to Oregon State University, earning a Masters Degree in Biology in 1962; he learned to write and speak German in order to research his thesis on tardigrades.

His teaching career began in 1949 at Kettle Falls High School, where he taught science and was Principal until 1954. For over 60 years, his beloved Kettle Falls students kept in touch with him through annual reunions and correspondence. After leaving Kettle Falls, he returned to his native Seattle, where he taught science at Denny Middle School from 1954-1957. He finished his teaching career at West Seattle High School from 1957-1967 where he taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

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Family and friends will gather in West Seattle on Thursday to remember Dr. J. Robert Long. Here is the remembrance his family is sharing:

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Dr. J. Robert Long, born May 19, 1923, peacefully passed away in Seattle March 6, 2015.

He obtained his Doctorate of Education from the University of Washington. He was a life-long educator/administrator at West Seattle High School, Seattle University, University of Washington, and Shoreline Community College. He was dedicated to always being available to serve students.

He was a World War II Veteran, serving in the South Pacific. As a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, he led the meteorology unit in Okinawa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mercedes Long; his four children: Kathie Salonen (Bob), Bob Long, Sherrie Williams (John); and Kristie Farnworth (Steve). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his positive outlook. He always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. Above all else his primary dedication was to his family.

Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 2 pm, 6701 30th Ave. SW. Graveside services to follow. Reception to follow at Boulevard Park Place, 2825 S 125th St.

(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 bittersweet week for the Seattle Lutheran High School community – cheering its basketball team in the state tournament, while mourning longtime athletic director and teacher Bob Dowding. The service and reception to celebrate his life are set for this Sunday afternoon. Here’s the remembrance his loved ones are sharing with the community:

Robert (Bob) Earl Dowding went to his Heavenly home on February 24, 2015, after valiantly battling cancer.

He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 31, 1947, to Gerald and Eva (Rockenbach) Dowding. He attended country schools through 6th grade, after which he attended Palmyra, Nebraska, public schools. He graduated from Palmyra High School where he was active in football, basketball, track, chorus and class plays. Bob attended Sunday School and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eagle, Nebraska. He attended Concordia Teachers’ College, Seward, Nebraska, where he majored in secondary education and played football.

After graduating from college, Bob taught 24 years in Southern California, 21 of those years at Orange Lutheran High School, Orange, California. He was one of the original five founding staff members. He served as Athletic Director/teacher and in the beginning set up and coached all-new sports programs. Bob then worked for 20 years at Seattle Lutheran High School as Athletic Director/teacher.

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A celebration of life for Frederick W. Burns is planned for March 1st. His family shares this remembrance:

Frederick Wycliffe Burns passed away suddenly February 8, 2015 at Swedish Hospital surrounded by family. Born February 27, 1947, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Fred was a lifelong Seattle resident and Husky fan. He graduated from the University of Washington School of International Business and worked in the municipal bond business for more than three decades.

Fred was passionate, charismatic, and had a huge heart. He was dearly loved by many, including Shari, the love of his life; his daughter and son-in-law Catherine and Olivier Humbert, grandchildren Camille and Theo, his parents Donald and Elaine Burns, and his predeceased brothers Billy and Don Burns.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in his memory to West Seattle Helpline or West Seattle Food Bank.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday March 1, 2015, 4-6 pm, at Salty’s 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)