From the family of Robert “Bob” McCoy, who died this week at age 81:

Robert “Bob” McCoy passed away March 3, 2014, with his family by his side.

Bob was a resident of West Seattle for 50-plus years. He started his career at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in 1964 and retired in 1998. He was a member of the White Center Eagles.

Bob was born February 2, 1933, in Seattle, to Harold and Jessie McCoy. He was raised in Kent and attended Kent Meridian High School. He is survived by his wife Ilene of 60 years, daughter Debra and her husband Joe Ruskamp, daughter Linda and her husband Michael McGee, daughter Barbara, son John, and daughter Pam and her husband Cary Hood, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and his brother Jack McCoy of Vancouver, Washington. He was preceded in death by his sister Helen and his brother Phillip.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 1:00 pm at Yarington’s/White Center Funeral Home, 10708 16th Ave SW. Reception follows, 2:30-4:30 pm at the White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW.

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

Joan Mraz “was the ultimate volunteer,” recalls Clay Eals, executive director of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, which he says she co-founded as “the catalyst who crucially transformed founder Elliott Couden’s dream into a reality when we got our start 30 years ago, based at South Seattle Community College (13 years before we opened the Log House Museum).” Ms. Mraz died this week at 78, and a memorial gathering is planned March 9th. Here’s a remembrance shared by her family:

Joan Bailey Mraz, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and lifelong West Seattle resident, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2014, at Providence Mount St. Vincent. She was the firstborn twin of Ruth and Glen Bailey on July 29, 1935.

She was senior-class president and graduated in the class of 1953 from West Seattle High School. Joan won an art scholarship to Seattle University, from which she graduated with a bachelor of arts. She went on to teach art and art history at South Seattle Community College and was co-founder and former president of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

Joan was a fighter. She received a kidney transplant in 1989, which lasted the rest of her life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Elemer Mraz in 1996 and son Steven Roger Mraz in 2008. She is survived by her twin sister Diane Tice of Seattle, daughter Kristina (Graham) van Etten of Sydney, Australia, son Oscar (Nicole Devine) Mraz of Seattle and Mark (Bridget) Mraz of Edmonds. Joan was a proud grandmother to Lauren, Jordan and Nathan van Etten of Sydney, Australia, Marguerite Devine-Mraz of Seattle and Lukas and Kellen Mraz of Edmonds. She will always be remembered for her smile, caring attitude, love and deep affection for others.

The family asks that remembrances may be made to Northwest Kidney Centers (PO Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114) or Southwest Seattle Historical Society (Log House Museum, 3003 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116).

A celebration of Joan’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, at St Paul’s of Shorewood Lutheran Church, 11620 21st Ave S.W., Seattle, WA, 98146. Please sign Joan’s online guestbook at www.becksfuneralhome.com.

The SWSHS website will have an extended obituary of Ms. Mraz sometime this weekend, and we’ll link to it here when it’s available. Meantime, anyone wishing to honor her through volunteer work with the SWSHS has an opportunity to do so almost immediately – the next volunteer-orientation session is 11 am-1 pm tomorrow (Saturday) at the LHM (61st/Stevens).

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: The aforementioned SWSHS appreciation of Ms. Mraz is now published – see it here.

A memorial service is planned in April for Richard Ware Lantz of Fauntleroy, gone after what his family describes as “a full life,” and you’ll likely agree after reading the remembrance they’re sharing:

Ware Lantz, 97, died at home in his sleep on February 16, 2014, following a short illness. He lived up to his teenage nickname “Gadget,” for he was forever inventing, dissecting, conducting studies, diagramming, exploring new technologies, going wherever his curiosity took him. He was a consummate storyteller, and loved to read.

Ware was born in 1917, in Kearney, Nebraska. His earliest years were on a dry wheat farm in eastern Colorado. At the beginning of the Dust Bowl, his family moved to Hoquiam, Washington, where he grew up working in his father’s auto service/repair business. He put himself through college during the Depression, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1940.

Early in the Second World War, he went to work at the Seattle Pacific Shipyard. He was immediately smitten with his new draftsman (appropriate term at the time), Ruth Immel, and they married eight months later.

They moved to Boston when Ware took a position at the Radiation Lab at MIT, working on development of radar defense systems. After the war, they relocated to California for work with North American Aviation, and in 1949 they moved to Seattle, where he worked for Boeing. While at Boeing, Ware was a supervisor on the Bomarc and Minuteman missile systems. After 30 years, he retired and began a second career, building architectural models, and picture framing.

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One week after news started circulating about the death of 42-year-old Chad Kellogg, the well-known alpinist and former West Seattleite hit by a falling rock while climbing in Argentina, memorial plans have been announced: 11 am next Saturday (March 1st) at the First Free Methodist Church on Queen Anne (3200 3rd Ave. W.), followed by a 1-5 pm reception at the Seattle Bouldering Project in the Central District (900 Poplar Place S.). Updates are promised on this page of a memorial website set up at RememberChadKellogg.tumblr.com; its moderators also invite those who knew Mr. Kellogg to send their photos and stories, and have already published more than a dozen, including some with breathtaking photos like these.

A memorial service is planned on March 8th for Betty Lou Benson, whose family shares this remembrance:

Betty Lou Benson died peacefully at age 90 on February 12, 2014 after a short illness. She was born August 20, 1923 in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Denver (DU) in Education. She moved to Tacoma in 1949 to teach elementary school and met her husband, Norman, in The Mountaineers. He had also moved from Starbuck, Minnesota to Seattle to work for Boeing.

They married in 1951 and enjoyed skiing, hiking, and folk dancing together. They made their home in West Seattle for over 50 years where she was a homemaker involved in her church, school PTA, Camp Fire, and Boy Scouts. Early on, they purchased a cabin on Vashon Island, which is still enjoyed by the family today. Betty was a door-to-door Avon Lady in her Admiral district neighborhood and worked part time at the Louise North dress shop in the West Seattle Junction. Later she was active in the West Seattle Garden Club, Federated Women’s Club, and her Kappa Delta Sorority Alumnae group. She was always generous with her time and talents.

She also collected countless donations for the Salvation Army Hickman House for victims of domestic violence and was named their Volunteer of the Decade in 1998. After her husband Norman passed away in 2002, she lived 11 years at the Kenney Home, a very special community of friends where she received kind, compassionate care. She was a wonderful mother with a positive, gracious spirit. She always enjoyed people and was a dear friend to many. She loved the ocean, beach walks, and especially trips to Hawaii. She leaves behind her children Janet (Mark) Thomasseau and Gary (Jane) Benson and grandchildren Allison Thomasseau and Matthew Benson.

Remembrances may be made to West Side Presbyterian Church – Youth Special Event Scholarships – or Salvation Army Hickman House at 1101 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 8, 2014 at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave. SW. Share your memories at forestlawn-seattle.com.

(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 this Saturday for Charles David Pierce, who died last week at age 54. Here’s the remembrance his loved ones are sharing:

Charles David Pierce died Tuesday, February 11, 2014. David resided at Providence Mount St. Vincent for the last thirteen years and died peacefully in his sleep.

For the last 36 years David has lived as a quadriplegic, as a result of a car accident at the age of 17. David graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1980. David will be remembered for his strength of character, his sense of humor. and kind heart. David will be missed by all who knew him and cared for him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014, 9:30-12:00, at Providence Mount Saint Vincent Chapel, 3rd floor, 4831 35th Ave. SW.

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

Famed climber and former West Seattle resident Chad Kellogg, 42, has died in Argentina after a rockfall in Patagonia. A WSB reader wrote to share the sad news as early reports surfaced such as this one at Climbing.com; tonight the news also has appeared at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) and TheNewsTribune.com. Mr. Kellogg lived in West Seattle seven years ago when a climbing mishap killed his 38-year-old wife Lara-Karena Kellogg (mentioned briefly on WSB in April 2007), whose family are longtime West Seattleites. The person who e-mailed us says Mr. Kellogg “should be recognized and remembered as a great man who accomplished incredible things, most notably — speed ascents, summiting peaks, defeating cancer, to name a few.” The Times story details many of those accomplishments; the Climbing report notes that “in recent years he had accomplished many superb ascents.” No word yet of memorial plans.

Family and friends gathered Friday to remember Bob Love. Here’s a look back at his life:

Robert (Bob) W. Love Sr., 89, of Seattle, passed away January 27th, peacefully in his sleep.

Those who knew Bob Love will fondly remember him as a very caring man with a “larger-than-life smile.” He had a great wit and constant sense of humor. He brought laughter wherever he went. As father and grandfather, he always had encouraging words for his family. If life got someone down, he was there with encouraging words and a smile. Out of a generous heart, he went out of his way to help people get through things.

Bob was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the youngest of 3 sons, born to Clarence William Love and Cora Erickson. He and his older brothers, Bill Love, and Lou Love, lived in Utah until approximately 1936 when the Loves moved to Seattle. He attended West Seattle High School. Soon after graduating, Bob was offered a spot in a Machinist Trade School program. God had led him to the work he was ‘cut out for,’ and he became passionate about it, and soon advanced into Foreman positions.

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The family of Larry Launceford is sharing this remembrance with news of his celebration of life this Saturday:

Larry Launceford, 65, a lifetime resident of West Seattle, passed away on December 9, 2013 at his home. He was a graduate of Sealth High School, class of 1966, and Burnley School of Art, class of 1969.

Larry was a passionate, talented graphic artist, leaving behind an accomplished body of work. He was an avid billiards player, and reader. He is survived by his father, Earl, his siblings John and Judy, and his sons, Nicolas and Ian.

Memorial donations may be made to The Larry Launceford Memorial Scholarship at Sealth High School.

Larry’s celebration of life will be held from 1:00-4:00 on January 25th, 2014 at The Eagles Club of White Center.

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

Memorial plans are now set for longtime West Seattle community advocate and entrepreneur E. Warren Lawless, who died last Monday at 95. When we reported on Mr. Lawless’s passing, we promised an update when the memorial details were announced; we have now received them from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, which honored him just last year for a half-century of service. The memorial is planned for 2-5 pm next Saturday (January 25th) at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse (4470 35th SW), with a program starting at 3 pm. Mr. Lawless’s family invites everyone “to bring their memories and share with all.” You can read more about Mr. Lawless’s storied life, in this remembrance published by the Western University of Health Sciences, for which he served as a board member for more than 30 years. (WSB photo from last month’s Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast)

Family and friends will gather one week from tomorrow to celebrate the life of Sue Scharff, gone too soon at just 50, and they want to make sure everyone touched by her knows about the event:

Sue succumbed to ovarian cancer on December 16, 2013, at home, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Audrey Scharff and sister Beth Scharff. She is survived by her father Sam Scharff; son Jeremy Kim; granddaughter Miranda; ex-husband Kimin Kim; and nieces and nephews. Sue was a masseuse in West Seattle, where she lived for the past 9 years. She enjoyed many activities ranging from riding her motorcycle Thelma, walking along Alki, exploring Schmitz Park and Camp Long, but her heart belonged in Bridgeport, Washington, helping out at Rama Farms.

We will all miss Sue’s wonderful smile, her great life advice, her compassion for those of less advantage, and her big caring, giving heart. She was a wonderful Mother and Friend who could take any situation and find a peaceful solution. She selflessly volunteered her own body in research for ovarian cancer in the hopes of helping someone else.

We will hold a Celebration of Life for Sue at the West Seattle Eagles on Saturday, January 25th, at 1 pm. Come and enjoy time with friends and family as we share stories of the short but beautiful life Sue led.

(2012 photo courtesy Karl Sutter)
West Seattle has lost a giant. Warren Lawless died early today at the age of 95, according to his friends and colleagues at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.

Less than two years ago, the club honored Mr. Lawless for his 50 years of service. In 2008, Mr. Lawless was recipient of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Community Service Award.

In addition to being a community-service champion and volunteer, his resumé included decades in publishing, including as founder of the West Seattle directory known as the Banana Pages. He was a writer as well, with a column on WestSeattle.com in recent years. He also worked in the osteopathic profession for more than 30 years, including service as executive director of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association and chairing the board of Western University of Health Sciences.

He continued a very active career in public service until the end; just a month ago, we photographed him as he volunteered during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. He was a past president and most recently the club’s Secretary Emeritus.

We will have more later about Mr. Lawless’s life, including memorial information when it’s available.

ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: A memorial service has been announced for Saturday, January 25th, at the West Seattle Golf Course, 2-6 pm.

The family of the late Lucille Brisky Dodd is sharing this remembrance:

Lucille Brisky Dodd, 82, passed away on November 21, 2013, while recovering from hip surgery.

Lucille was born in Mount Vernon, WA on December 13, 1930, the youngest child (“Babe”) of John and Ella Lowman Brisky, and the sister of Maryl, Charlotte, and Billy. Beloved mother of Steve Dodd of Downers Grove, IL, John Dodd, Tom Dodd, Lynnea (Kirk) Manahan, and Donna Oslin, all of Seattle. Grandmother to Christy, Dani, Morgan, Emily, Cole, Clara, Tony, and Heather. Lucille was an independent and unique woman and will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Admiral Heights Merrill Gardens and to the medical staff at Highline Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness. Remembrances may be made to the Humane Society or an animal charity of your choice.

As per her wishes, there will be no public service.

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

The family of the late Joy J. McLean Newman shares this remembrance:

Joy J. McLean Newman – wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, West Seattle native – left us on December 18, 2013.

Joy started her working career as a mail messenger at Boeing, where she met the love of her life, Harry. Not long after their marriage, they moved to Diablo, where Harry worked as an operator for City Light. Upon their return to the greater Seattle area, Joy worked as a “taco bender” for Taco Time, a real estate agent, for the Postal Service, and as a COLA surveyor. She was a longtime Teamster, retiring from Laidlaw bus company as a driver for special-needs children. Joy loved the outdoors and bird watching.

Joy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Harry; children Carolyn (Kate), Alec (Margot), and Annette (Bill); sister Sylvia, brother Stuart, grandsons Maclean and Dan, granddaughters Julia and Lilli, step-granddaughters Sarah, Rachel, and Emily; nephews Nathan, Martin, and Charles. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities – CARE, Mercy Corps, or a charity of your choice.

Joy’s last message was one we could all use in our lives: Forgiveness.

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

A funeral Mass is planned one week from today – next Monday, December 30th – at Holy Rosary for Richard Joseph Kord, whose family shares this remembrance:

Richard “Dick” Kord passed away Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the age of 87. Born in Tacoma, he was 6 when his family settled in West Seattle permanently. Dick attended Holy Rosary and O’Dea High School, met his wife “Dottie” of 64 years, and enrolled in summer school to graduate early so he could sign up for service in the US Military Transport in the Pacific during the war, alongside his lifelong friend “Mick.” He then graduated from Seattle University while working at Sears part-time. This led to his 42-year beloved and dedicated career with Sears, where he established cherished friendships as well. Retirement allowed him more time to spend with his wife, family, friends, working on his home and pursuing his love for boating.

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Family and friends will gather at Holy Family Church one week from tomorrow to remember Bob Youngs. Here’s the remembrance sent to us to share with you:

Robert (Bob) M. Youngs, Sr. passed away suddenly at home on November 21, 2013, at age 83.

He was born in Longview, Washington, on March 23, 1930, the third of six children born to Curtis and Ruth Youngs. While growing up, Bob and his family moved up and down the West Coast, living in Washington, Oregon, and California. While living in Aumsville, Oregon, during his high-school years, he met the love of his life, Rosalie Mack, and they married in 1950.

Shortly after marrying, Bob was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. After returning to his family, he attended Oregon State University and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, while also working as a cabinet-maker. Bob and Rose moved to Seattle, where Bob spent the next 34 years at Seattle City Light, retiring as Chief Electrical Engineer. Together, Bob and Rose raised five children and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They could often be seen walking hand-in-hand; their love still had the spark of newlyweds.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, loved to spend time with his family and friends, and was a jack-of-all trades…if it was broken or in need of repair, he found a way to fix it. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, hiking, gardening, as well as traveling near and far. His family and friends reaped the benefits of his woodworking skills, with built-in cabinetry, desks, staircases, fireplaces, and more. Bob helped guide years of youth serving as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 351. Bob was very involved with church activities and provided strong leadership to the Holy Family Knights of Columbus (PGK, FS). Bob also dedicated many hours to The Mountaineers Snoqualmie Lodge, helping create a wonderful family getaway. In all of his endeavors, Bob benefitted from many lasting friendships that have endured throughout the years.

Bob was a dedicated father, grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife Rose, their children, Rob (Brenda), Rich (Lisa), Rex, Ross (Suzanne), and Ruth (Dennis Lew), and their grandchildren, Derek Youngs (Brittnee), Ashley Youngs, Kelli Youngs, Tony, Devin, and Cameron Lew, and their great-grandsons, Carter Youngs, Tyler Lew, and Jordan Lew.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, December 13th, at 7:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 a.m. with a reception following the service. Both events will be at Holy Family Church, 9622 20th Ave SW, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Holy Family School Randy Terlicker Scholarship Fund.

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

At the center of our photo from this past July is West Seattleite Rusty Harper, photographed as he led his fellow Seafair Pirates ashore at Alki Beach as this year’s “Captain Kidd.” Last weekend, Mr. Harper died at just 56 years old. His wife Bonnie shares this remembrance:

Rusty Harper
October 1957 – December 2013

Rusty Harper, of West Seattle, will be remembered most recently as Captain Kidd of the Seattle Seafair Pirates this year. He loved the camaraderie and being a part of the “historic tapestry of Seattle”. He got the biggest thrill at the start of every Torchlight Parade. Looking straight down 4th Avenue at the throngs of people waiting for the first cannon blast from the Moby Duck was his favorite moment each year. His Pirate friends became his brothers, and brothers help make a place a home. His motto was “Tempus Fugit.”

His friends knew him as a Southern Gentleman. He was born in a small town in Mississippi, but spent most of his youth in Mobile, Alabama. Although he and his wife of 20 years, Bonnie, lived in Seattle since 1995, Rusty retained his beautiful accent. After a career in real estate, Rusty went to culinary school, which brought him to Seattle. He worked in the food manufacturing industry for years, but most recently joined Sage Fly Fishing on Bainbridge Island.

Rusty was on a continuous journey to enrich his mind and soul. His search led him to convert to Catholicism in his early 30’s. He was a passionate reader of literature, history, sci-fi and horror. He wanted to finish War and Peace, but only made it through the difficult part that was written in French – he had so looked forward to reading the rest in English. He loved graphic novels and comics, too. He spent many hours with his nose buried in the Dark Knight series of Batman. He loved art and music. As a baby boomer, of course there was AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, but he developed a profound love of jazz and big band music, particularly Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. Travel was a big part of Rusty’s life. In recent trips to Europe, he spent many happy hours exploring art and culture. Several petite Parisian ladies working in a tiny chocolate shop might remember the shock of seeing a big redhead in a trench coat burst through the doors declaring in French, “I am an American chocolatier – where is the metro?”.

Rusty was the only son of Patricia Harper, who lives in Mobile, and the late Russell Harper. Rusty is remembered by his wife and her big family of sisters, nieces, nephews, and their children who loved their Uncle Rusty. His “hey, ya’ll”, “Roll Tide!”, big grin, and hearty laugh will be profoundly missed. Tempus fugit. Vita brevis.

Mr. Harper’s memorial is this Saturday (December 7th), 2-4 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd SW).

Family and friends will gather in memory of David “Thad” Batchelder at Our Lady of Guadalupe this Wednesday. Here is the remembrance announcement shared by his family:

David Windsor Thaddeus Batchelder, 22, died last Wednesday, 11/20/2013.

Thad was born to David and Kimberly Batchelder, July 3, 1991, in Seattle. Thad graduated from West Seattle High School in 2009 and spent his most recent days working alongside his father.

Our son’s passion was always skateboarding. He spent many, many days skating with friends in West Seattle’s skate parks and areas. He loved music, flag football, the Seahawks, the Boston Red Sox, and hanging out with his huge network of friends and family.

Thad is survived by his parents; Kimberly and Howard Chilcott, David and Michele Batchelder, siblings; Audrey Batchelder, Jackson Chilcott, Samuel Batchelder, Amy Batchelder, Benjamin Batchelder, and beloved niece Gracelyn Mae Pepper.

“We love him more than all the world can hold…”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am this Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with reception afterward in the parish hall.

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

Family and friends will gather next month to celebrate the life of 75-year-old Bob Privett. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Robert (Bob) M. Privett, of West Seattle, passed away surrounded by family on November 12, 2013. Bob is survived by his son, Mark Privett; his daughter, Lisa Hines, and her husband, John Hines; his granddaughters, Grace and Sarah Hines; his companion, Holly Howard; and many other loving family members and friends. Bob survived an aggressive form of prostate cancer only to die from acute myeloid leukemia five years later, at the age of 75.

Born in Boise, Idaho, Bob lived most of his life in Seattle. He attended Gonzaga University and served in the US Air Force. Bob was a certified employee benefit specialist and later a computer and network consultant. While semi-retired, Bob drove a shuttle bus for patients and families of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Bob was a warm, intelligent, and witty man who enjoyed traveling, bicycling, hiking, and sailing. Bob was an active and warm presence in several 12-step programs and served as a volunteer for the 34th District Democrats.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at Dakota Place Park, 4304 SW Dakota.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the American Cancer Society (here).

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

Family and friends will gather Sunday at The Hall at Fauntleroy to remember Patt Sutton, 86, who led a full life of community service, family-raising, and more, as her daughter Amy Sutton writes::

Mrs. Patt Sutton, two-term president of the Seattle School Board, tireless citizen advocate for equitable education, and mother of 12, left us peacefully in the early morning November 14, 2013. Patt was admired by many for her strong voice, her warmth, passion, humor and keen intellect, and above all, her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Patt was born September 12, 1927 in Oklahoma City to Ruth (Burdick) and Lawrence George Harries. As a child growing up in the Jim Crow south, she was acutely aware of the hypocrisy and unjustness of segregation. An independent thinker, she questioned inequities whenever she found them, prompting her early departure from high school, college and the Catholic Church.

Patt met her husband and life partner Dr. John William (Bill) Sutton while attending the University of Nevada. She was blessed to meet her match in a man who admired her strength and unconventionality, as well as their shared desire to “go for an even dozen.” Following their marriage in March 1949, they moved to Santa Barbara, where Bill taught chemistry at the University of California. The family relocated to Ohio in 1955 when Bill joined the faculty at Denison University. Patt supplemented their income by working as a secretary at the local inn.

As a young adult, Patt worked as a reporter at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

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Family and friends will gather in Kenmore on Saturday to remember 74-year-old Loretta Ann Kirby (Lenning), who grew up in the Lowman Beach area. Her family shares this remembrance:

Loretta passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957 and attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she learned how to waterski and play pinochle. She worked for United Airlines until her retirement in 2004.

She was born to Gladys and Ingvald Lenning and is survived by her husband Bob, and sons Scott Jacobson, Jeff Jacobson, & Mason Kirby, as well as four grandchildren and her sisters, Audrey Lenning Anderson, Margaret Lenning Norberg, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Inglewood Golf & Country Club in Kenmore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.

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

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.