In the center of that photo is Mark Small, a West Seattle High School graduate and former Major League Baseball player who died last week at age 45. The photo was shared by Jeff Jones, who’s at right in the photo (with Jim McCall at left, Joel Snow behind him). In e-mailing us about Mr. Small’s passing, Jeff said, “West Seattle lost a legend … Mark Small was a West Seattle grad in 1986 and went on to play in the big leagues for the Houston Astros. There are not words to describe how big a personality he was; everyone loved him. My heart goes out to his family and everyone lucky enough to have met him.” Mr. Small’s full obituary is published at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) and says that a celebration of his life is planned for 11 am this Sunday (November 3) at Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens.

The life of West Seattle High School graduate James Ewing, gone at just 21 years old, will be celebrated this Sunday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

James Douglas Ewing, 21, passed away peacefully at home October 19, 2013 surrounded by the love of those close to him. He was born June 27, 1992 to Ted Ewing and Ellen Becker and grew up in West Seattle. He and his father were “Ted and James” since James was a toddler and remained close friends into adulthood. They shared many great adventures on dusty baseball fields, boating in Puget Sound, helping his dad at work, dirt biking and snowmobiling. James attended Schmitz Park Elementary, Madison Middle School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in June 2010, where he participated both in wrestling and baseball.

James continued his education at Highline Community College. Without warning he had a seizure and was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. This is an aggressive form of brain cancer and cannot be cured, but only fought and James made the decision to fight and live the rest of his life to the fullest. He spent many hours in medical care, but continued doing fun things with loved ones. During these years, there were many trips to the mountains and Puget Sound enjoying life while at the same time knowing that life would not be as long as it should be for someone so young.

He had spent the last years fighting valiantly, and early this fall was told that he may have only several months to live. He lived much, laughed much, and loved much. The world is left to mourn. He was much loved. His memory will live on in the sounds heard from a baseball field of a game in progress, the bright glint of sun off the water on a summer afternoon, and immeasurable other beautiful moments happening around us every day.

Please join us in a memorial celebration of our beloved James to be held Sunday. November 3rd at 1:00 pm at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S 220th, Des Moines, WA 98198. It is time to celebrate a life well lived and support each other in this time of loss.

The memorial service for 98-year-old Dorothy Cathey is planned at Holy Rosary this Wednesday, after a Tuesday night Rosary. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Dorothy Cathey, a long-time West Seattle resident, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 22nd at her home.

Born in Tacoma, WA on March 20th, 1915, to Fred and Marie Meyer, Dorothy was one of six children. She graduated from St. Leo’s High School in Tacoma.

In 1943, Dorothy married Marquis Leonard Cathey (Len), a Seattle police officer. Together they built a family of four children, a network of wonderful friendships, and a loving marriage filled with fun and family.

Dorothy worked at J.C. Penney as a retail associate for many years. She was actively involved with Holy Rosary Parish and the Children’s Orthopedic Guild.

Dorothy was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

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Family and friends will gather tomorrow in memory of Charles E. Brown, and are sharing this remembrance today:

Charles Edward Brown peacefully passed away early on the morning of Sunday October 6th 2013, surrounded by two of his grandsons, at the age of 73.

Charles was the oldest of six boys, born to Ed and Ellen Brown, on January 12 1940 in Billings, Montana. Hey joined the US Army in 1957 and served in Europe for 4 years. After serving in the military, he moved to Seattle along with his family. He began his long career working for Boeing in their Renton plant. He retired from Boeing in 1998 after 35 years of hard work and dedication.

Throughout his life Charles traveled all over the world to places such as New Zealand, Germany, Panama, and many other locations. He was very supportive to the plight of Native Americans, and donated generously to causes that supported better health and higher education for them. He was an avid mystery-novel reader and loved spaghetti western movies. He is survived by his two step-children Gregg & Gina Springer; his 4 grand-children Acacia, Aaron, Cameron, and Ethan Springer; and two great-grand-children Ayden and Addison; his brothers Bob, Pat, Gene, and Joe Brown. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 10:00 am, Evergreen Washelli Memorial. He will be extremely missed.

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

This Saturday, family and friends of former West Seattle and White Center resident Bette Nelson, gone too soon at 59, will gather at Highland Park United Methodist Church to celebrate her life. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:

Elizabeth (Bette) Ann Nelson * 6-25-1954 to 10-4-2013

Bette died suddenly on October 4th at her beloved residence in Burien. A remarkable presence in the lives of many, she leaves a lasting impression with all. She always had a positive outlook through the most difficult times and never complained. She loved to laugh and brought joy to all with her stories. Above all, she had boundless Faith to guide her life.

Bette was born on June 25, 1954 in Stanley, North Dakota. Her father Tollef worked in the oil fields and her mother Bonita was a school teacher. Bette was the 3rd of four children, along with Byron (Teri), Stuart (Maureen), and Dan (Jeanette). She also left behind her nieces: Michelle (John), Jaimi, and Meghan and nephews Kristopher and Mitchell, stepchildren Alicia and David, and grand-nephews Jacob and Joshua.

The family lived in northern Minnesota during the early years near Bette’s mother’s parents, who were a strong presence in the family.

In 1957 Tollef relocated to Seattle in search of employment – soon followed by the remainder of the family.

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Family and friends of Bob Gramm will gather next Saturday at The Kenney to celebrate his life. Here’s the remembrance shared with us by his daughter:

Robert “Bob” Gramm died September 9, 2013, at 95 years old. He was born in Seattle, August 2, 1918, to Paul and Genevieve (Barnecut) Gramm. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1936.

He worked as an airplane mechanic at Boeing, until joining the Army Air Corps just as World War II was ending. He served in the occupation forces in Japan and the Philippines. He returned to Boeing and became a cost estimator, retiring after 35+ years.

In 1944, he married Barbara Jacobson and they enjoyed skiing, hiking, and traveling. Bob loved salmon fishing and boats, made wine, flew kites, and tinkered inventively.

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From West Seattle Thriftway:

With a heavy heart, we regret to inform our community of the sudden loss of a beloved friend and co-worker, Frank Foozer. Frank passed away on September 25th and is survived by his wife and unborn child, and a very large family. Frank was quick with a smile and had a warm heart. We loved him as did the community and he will be sorely missed.

Please Join Frank’s family and friends in a celebration of his life.

Monday, September 30th, at 4 pm.

Lake Ballinger Estates Cabana Building
23503 Lakeview Drive
Mountlake Terrace

A memorial account has been set up at the Chase branch within West Seattle Thriftway to help the family with memorial and medical expenses. If you would like to contribute, ask the teller about “Frank’s Fund.”

(The photo of Mr. Foozer, 31, and his wife is courtesy of Thriftway, a WSB sponsor.)

A memorial service is planned this Saturday at Providence Mount St. Vincent for Hugh P. Wallace, whose family shares this remembrance:

Hugh Patrick Wallace passed away peacefully September 22, 2013, with his family by his side, at the age of 91.

He was born in Seattle January 29, 1922, to Michael Wallace and Bridget Curran. Hugh married the love of his life, Betty June Thorburn, January 30, 1943, and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the 4th Division, where he fought in the Central and South Pacific and survived the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After serving his country, Hugh returned to Seattle, where he remained active with the American Legion and served as a Commander of American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 2713. He worked in construction as a heavy-equipment operator until his retirement.

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A funeral Mass is planned at Holy Family this Wednesday morning for 84-year-old Theodore (Ted) John Wiese:

Ted went home to the Lord 9-19-13 at the age of 84. Born in Woodburn, OR in 1929, he married Doris Marie Prinslow on October 2, 1954, after being honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marine Corps and attending OSU. He retired from The Boeing Company after 26 years and was ordained to the Diaconate, serving the Archdiocese of Seattle for the past 24 years at Holy Family Parish, White Center.

He is survived by his wife Doris, sister Jeanette Moore, his children Connie (Richard) Sanders, Larry Wiese, Greg Wiese, Julie (Bruce) Hanson, Lisa (Karl) Hansen, Tom (Wendy) Wiese, Margaret (Jeff Haack) Wiese, and Paul Wiese, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Holy Family Church, Seattle at 11:00 am September 25. To leave an online condolence, please visit Yaringtons.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Catholic Community Services or Holy Family Parish.

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

Karol Fern Sample, gone too soon at age 44, will be remembered with a celebration of life this Sunday. Brad Johnson asked us to share the invitation, which includes some information about her life:

(The celebration is planned) on the lawn just outside Colman Pool in West Seattle this Sunday, 9/8, at 2 o’clock, right after the last noon swim of the outdoor season, where fellow swimmers and others … are asked to make arrangements so that you can join us as we celebrate the life of our dear and recently departed Karol Fern Sample, who, after two courageous years of fighting cancer, moved out into the universe to spread her fairy dust, positive energy, and bigger-than-life smile this past Monday morning, September 2nd.

The idea is for this to be a potluck where we share food, but more importantly to share in the warmth of community with hugs and remembrances of Karol’s short but vital, vibrant life. This near fixture of Lincoln Park, dressed typically in a white or green wool hat with ear flaps, either rode her classic bike or walked daily around the paths surrounding this park and pool, her second home, where she could also keep watch over any stranded seal pups or orcas magically appearing out in the sound. But what many didn’t know was that this very creative, bright shining star was a gifted and highly talented visual artist, a painter.

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A memorial is planned Saturday (August 24th) to remember Don Lenning, a lifelong West Seattle resident who died this week at age 66. Here’s a remembrance shared by his family:

Donald Gene Lenning
December 4, 1946 – August 19, 2013

Don graduated from West Seattle High School in 1965 and remained a lifelong resident of West Seattle. He was a University of Washington Graduate and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War.

Don is survived by his wife Kris and daughter Alexa. He is also survived by three sisters, Audrey Anderson, Margaret Norberg, and Loretta Kirby, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don fought a long and courageous battle against cancer; he recently led his Sundancers team at the West Seattle Relay for Life event.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers including Dr. Milder and the Swedish Medical Center staff. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society

There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer.

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

That’s Larry Keller, the 62-year-old man killed in The Junction last Friday morning when his motorcycle collided with an SUV. Police have not yet released findings in the investigation. But Mr. Keller’s family wanted to thank the community for its condolences, and to “reach out to the driver of the SUV and let him know that we are grieving for him as well as my brother.” That driver was not seriously hurt. Meantime, near the California/Oregon crash site, there is a simple tribute to Mr. Keller:

His sister Lori told us about her brother: Lawrence John Keller was born September 8th, 1950, and grew up in West Seattle, graduating from WSHS. He was a real “people person,” Lori says, known for his loud, contagious laugh. He was a motorcycle and muscle-car enthusiast – the motorcycle he’s on in the photo above is not the one he was riding at the time of Friday’s crash; it was one of several that he owned, including vintage models. He worked in construction and general labor for most of his life. He is survived by sister Lorene Sutherland of Kent and nieces Misty E. Roberts of Issaquah and Camille E. Sutherland of Kent. Memorial plans are not yet finalized.

Family and friends have said goodbye to Vicky McKim, and are sharing this remembrance:

Victoria Lynn Kaiser McKim
October 30, 1947 – July 6, 2013

Vicky went home into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus after courageously fighting mesothelioma. Her steadfast faith sustained her throughout her treatment and she was a willing witness for Christ.

Vicky was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, the oldest of five daughters, to Roger and Joan Kaiser. She was active in vocal and dramatic activities, both in and outside of school. She graduated with a BS in Education from Otterbein College and taught elementary school in New Albany and Harrisburg, Ohio, and then regularly substitute-taught in several parochial schools, primarily at Hope Lutheran School in Seattle.

Vicky and Ken, founding owner of Greentree Animal Hospital in West Seattle, began “going steady” in high school, a love affair that continued for more than 50 years.

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Relatives and friends will gather this Friday afternoon to celebrate the life of John Picinich. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:

John Antonio Picinich, 76, passed into eternity on Friday, July 5, in Susak, Croatia. He was born in Susak, Croatia, on September 14, 1936, to the late Antonio and Gaudenzia Picinich. John was a longtime resident of and business owner in West Seattle. He is survived by his wife of 3 years, Debra Kohler of FL; previous wife Rita Michelotti, of West Seattle, and his children, Marina (Matt) Bovenkamp, Gina (Steve) Evans, Nello (Michelle) Picinich; 10 grandchildren (Micah, Ariana, Rebekah & Siena Bovenkamp; Rachel & Hannah Fox; Benjamin, Landon, Maia & Amelia Picinich), and siblings Tony Picinich and Karmela Kurilic.

John was a loving father and husband. He enjoyed his work and had a passion for boating. He loved his homeland of Susak. He was a friend to all and loved by many. His charismatic personality will be missed.

An open-house celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 12, from 3-5 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW.

(WSB publishes 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 August 2nd for Susan Fortney, whose family shares this remembrance:

Susan Theresa Fortney, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2013.

Susie was born in Wallace, Idaho, on April 3, 1949 and moved to West Seattle at the age of 2- she was a lifelong resident of the West Seattle area, attending Cooper Elementary, Boren Middle School, then graduating from Chief Sealth High School in 1968. She continued on to receive an associate’s degree to become a nurse from Skagit Valley Community College.

Susie was a nurse, in heart and profession, at Valley Medical Center for several years, and then went to work for a law firm, working as a office manager until her full-time retirement in 2011.

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The family of Linnea Long, gone too soon at 60, shares this remembrance with the community:

On May 9, 2013, Linnea opened the door to yesterday, walked through, and the door closed behind her.

Linnea was born in Inglewood, California, in December 1952, to a WWII veteran father and a mother who was often mistaken for Doris Day. She was the middle child in a family of two girls and a boy. Linnea grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles and loved to ride her bike along the Strand. When she moved north with her husband David Benton in the 1980s, they eventually settled in Alki, after a short stay on 38th Ave SW east of Jefferson Square. Linnea would often jog along the beach, quickly becoming a nodding acquaintance of many. She would ride her bike to the Water Taxi and then to work. At lunch she would ride up to Interbay and after work, ride home along Alki.

Linnea was a strong and protective mom who made sure that her son Erik knew he was both wanted and loved. Erik attended Schmitz Park, Explorer West, and Seattle Lutheran High School before he moved onto Western Washington University. Many may know her as “Erik’s Mom,” Linnea was also a steadfast friend to many over the years and she was both loyal and supportive. Linnea helped sponsor and serve on the Cormorant Cove and Constellation Park Steering Committees, and encouraged her family to do so as well. Linnea loved living in Alki, and named the house “Close Enough,” meaning that it was close enough to a beach for her and her family. Many beaches she enjoyed in addition to Alki were Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, and Cannon Beach.

After her family, at the heart of Linnea’s life were books; whether seated on a kitchen stool or relaxing in a beach chair, Linnea would read. After becoming a “recovering attorney” after many years employed in private practice and at Time Oil as corporate counsel, she went back to the UW and obtained a second graduate degree in Information Sciences and reincarnated her second career as a Special Librarian while still remaining a member of the Bar. She joined Avvo in early 2007 and served as Content Acquisition Manager, helping the company grow to become the leading web-based source for information about legal matters and lawyer qualifications.

Linnea continued working while her cancer spread, determined not to be a victim, but to keep on being a mom to Erik and wife to David. Her family and her good friend Laurie D’Allesandro aided her in her fight. She managed the struggle until early May 2013. She is survived by her husband, her son, her brother, John Long, and her sister Colleen Campbell.

There will be no formal religious service, and in lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations in her name be made to the Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education at cancergrace.org/about-us

The family of Erny Smith shares a simple remembrance:

Erny Smith, December 24, 1936 – May 11, 2013

Longtime West Seattle resident Erny Ulvestad Smith, 76, passed away on May 11th, surrounded by family after a year-long struggle with cancer.

He is missed by Carole and children Stefanie, Lorrie, Lance and their families. Also survived by one brother, four sisters, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe.

At his request there will be no service. Family will gather for a celebration of Erny’s life at a later date.

Gwendolyn Schwenzer clearly lived a full life over her 94 years. Even if you never met her, this remembrance shared by her family is proof:

Gwendolyn (Hill) Schwenzer
1918-2013
Beloved Mother, Nana, Great Nana and Great–Great Nana.

Gwen was born in Seattle on Dec 6, 1918, graduated West Seattle High School in 1937, married Herb (Fritz) Schwenzer when she was just 18, and had 4 kids throughout the years: Sharon, Diane, Fritz, and Vicki.

In 1944, Gwen went to work at Boeing as an original “Rosie the Riveter,” working on the B-29s as part of the World War II effort. She also worked at the Hideaway Tavern in White Center.

In 1979, Herb passed away, leaving a void in Gwen’s life, and that was when she joined the Eagles Clowns and became “Bubbles the Clown,” allowing her to make others happy with her great sense of humor.

Volunteering at Mount St. Vincent for 13 years earned her a warm welcome when it was time for her to move into the assisted-living area, where she is pictured on their brochure and passed away on May 8, 2013.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

That certainly will include the fellow “Rosies” with whom she was featured in this 2009 WSB story.

Fourteen months ago, we introduced you to a West Seattle centenarian named Ina Mann, with whom we spoke along with three generations of her family, visiting her one day at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home (now a WSB sponsor). We just learned from Ms. Mann’s family that she has passed away. They are sharing this remembrance, along with photos (above, Ms. Mann on her 100th birthday with five of her seven granddaughters):

Alexandrina ‘Ina’ Mann * December 21, 1907 – April 19, 2013

Longtime West Seattle resident Ina Mann went to her eternal home, with Jesus, on Friday, April 19, 2013, after a long life of 105 years. Ina was born outside London, England, to Albert and Louise Whitehead. She crossed the Atlantic on a ship at age 4 with her parents and 2 younger brothers, Walter and Albert. The family settled in West Seattle where her father built the family home on 46th and Findlay. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School. After graduation, she worked for several years at Hostess Baking Company.

Her early memories of West Seattle included California Avenue as a dirt road with horses and visiting Luna Park on Alki as a young child. She met her husband, Huntley David Shaw Mann, Sr., while visiting the Swedish Club.

Ina never drove a car, loved gardening and working in her yard. She spent the last seven years under the loving care of Katie Gilliantte and Penny Nemoede and staff at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home.

Ina is survived by her son, Huntley Shaw Mann, Jr., his wife Marlene Hill Mann, 7 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

The family also shared this photo of Ms. Mann and her son, featured in our story last year:

That was taken in 1951.

West Seattle Elementary wants to make sure that everyone who knew teacher Heidi Hudeckova knows about the memorial for her at the school this Saturday. Counselor Laura Bermes tells WSB that Heidi died last month, just 50 years old, from a brain aneurysm, adding, “Heidi taught at West Seattle Elementary in the Developmental Preschool Program. Graduated students from that program populate local schools throughout West Seattle. We’re hoping to get the word out so that those who loved Teacher Heidi, and those whose lives she touched can share in this celebration.” Parent Ellen Bremen says of Ms. Hudeckova, “Heidi was an institution there; her years of experience and almost magical intuition of what makes a ‘higher needs’ child thrive changed countless children’s lives, as well as their parents.” The memorial, described as an informal potluck for sharing memories, is planned for 11 am-1 pm Saturday (May 4) at the school, 6860 34th SW.

Family and friends are remembering David Franks, gone too soon at just 61. Here’s the tribute sent to us to share with you:

David A. Franks died unexpectedly March 29 of natural causes, one month short of his 62nd birthday. Though he lived in north Burien, he had lifelong ties to West Seattle. He grew up in the community, first in a house near the steel mill, then in the home his parents owned for more than 40 years on 42nd SW just south of Jefferson Square. Dave was in West Seattle every week, helping support the needs of his parents, and maintaining contact with friends and the families of two nieces who live here.

He was born April 30, 1951, in Seattle, graduated from West Seattle High School, and attended the University of Puget Sound. He had a career with the US Postal Service, where he rose from part-time mail handler to supervisor of the mail processing center at SeaTac Airport.

Dave was close to his large family, and had an extensive circle of friends, many dating to college days. A lifelong bachelor, Dave was a much-loved uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews, with whom he always was generous with time and gifts.

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