Family and friends will gather next Saturday (September 20) to remember longtime community advocate Ed Dupras. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:

Ed Dupras passed away on August 7, 2025 at the age of 78, after a battle with cancer.

Ed made his home in West Seattle, where he was a passionate and engaged member of the community. Known for his sharp wit, generous spirit, and strong sense of civic duty, Ed dedicated much of his time to local causes and political engagement. He was an active supporter of the 34th District Democrats and a proud participant in Drinking Liberally, where spirited conversation was always on tap.

Whether he was volunteering for neighborhood initiatives or advocating for progressive change, Ed brought warmth, humor, and integrity to everything he did. He will be remembered not only for his activism, but for his friendship, his kindness, and his willingness to go on a Costco run for you because he was going to go there anyway and it was no problem at all.

A memorial gathering will be held at The Hall at Fauntleroy on September 20th at 1-4 pm, where friends and loved ones are invited to share stories and celebrate Ed’s life.

Ed would have wanted his memorial to be informal. Open microphone – if there are memories you want to share.

“No flowers,” he would say. “The guest of honor wouldn’t have wanted them.”

Ed is survived by his two children, Sarah and Edward Dupras.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather September 26 to remember Ray Giacomini, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Romano “Ray” John Giacomini was born December 7, 1930, and went to heaven on August 23, 2025.

Ray was born in Gary, IN to Lorenzo and Luiga “Louise” Giacomini, Italian immigrants from Udine, Italy. Our Dad and Nonno is survived by his daughter, Tina Huston, son-in-law, Jeff Huston, his granddaughters, Mallory Huston and Paige Huston, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Louise, his parents Lorenzo and Louise Giacomini, his brother Larry Giacomini, and brothers-in-law Mimo Campagnaro and Fred Campagnaro.

Ray was born at the beginning of the Great Depression. His father became unemployed, and the bank closed – taking his parents’ savings. This left a big impact on him and affected the way he looked at life. Ray graduated from Merrillville High School in Merrillville, IN. He worked in the steel industry before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After leaving the U.S. Army, he attended Purdue University and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He secured a job with Boeing and left for Washington state, which he affectionately called “God’s country.” He vowed never to return to the cold winters of Indiana.

While at Boeing, Ray met a beautiful security clearance clerk, Mary Louise Campagnaro, and they married in June 1962. Soon after, Ray was transferred to Vandenberg AFB to work on missiles. After a few years, he went to work for Lockheed in San Diego. During his career in San Diego, Ray worked on the DSRV, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles. San Diego became home, residing there for over 50 years.

Ray was a family man. His family always came first. He was a wonderful provider, a great teacher, and a fixer extraordinaire. Ray and Mary Louise enjoyed many years of retirement and travel with family and friends. Their devotion to their granddaughters made a huge impact on their lives. We are eternally grateful for the additional years we had with him. Rest in Peace, Dad and Nonno. Continue to watch over us and provide guidance. Give Mom and Nonna a hug and kiss from us – SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR!

Funeral mass is Friday, September 26th at 11 am, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee St. Interment immediately following at Holyrood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Autism Society of America, San Diego Chapter SWIM PROGRAM. 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather October 8 to celebrate Ken Sanberg‘s life, and are sharing this remembrance now:

Kenneth John Sanberg
May 11, 1948 – April 11, 2025

Ken and his wife Pam were married for over 50 years and raised 2 children, Kimberly and Ken Jr.

Ken grew up in West Seattle and went to school at Lafayette Elementary, James Madison Jr. High School and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1966. He continued on to Highline Community College where he studied law enforcement but ended up working for the Port of Seattle, retiring after 40 years as a Senior Construction Inspector. Ken was always detail oriented which was extremely helpful in the work that he did.

Ken had a need for speed! Fast cars, fast motorcycles, and especially fast boats were a big part of his life for many years with boat racing being his biggest passion, first racing flat bottom drag boats, and then the K racing run about circle boat class (unlimited). Ken joined Seattle Drag and Ski Boat Association with his dad when he was a teenager and remained a member for the rest of his life. Weekends in spring, summer, and fall meant heading off to the races (mostly in Washington) to compete with other like-minded enthusiasts.

As his family grew, attention shifted to more things that they could all enjoy together. Skiing with family and friends was a yearly event for many seasons. Water sports at Treasure Island were big in the summer. Pam and Ken eventually moved to “The Island” after retirement to enjoy the beauty of island life full time. It was a great place to enjoy riding his Harley and the other motorcycles he had and he and his riding friends took full advantage of the lighter traffic on the Olympic peninsula.

Ken was outgoing and friendly and always willing to lend a hand when needed as was evident from the large group of friends he had. He lived his life to the fullest and has left lasting memories.

Celebration of Life
Wednesday, 10/8 2025 -11:30 AM
Glen Acres Golf & Country Club
1000 S. 112th Street

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to:
Parkview Group Homes
1114 15th Avenue E., Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 324-4113

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather September 19 to remember Jim Eldred, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

James “Jim” Eldred will be remembered by his family and friends on September 19th in West Seattle. Jim passed away on October 27, 2024 in Benson, North Carolina. He was profoundly thoughtful, kind and considerate, and steadfastly dedicated to his family, friends, community, and faith.

Jim was born in West Seattle on February 27, 1948 and attended West Seattle High School, where he played basketball and football. He studied at the University of Washington, setting the stage for a career at Pacific Northwest Bell and US West Advanced Technologies.

Following retirement, Jim served his community in Monroe, Washington, by volunteering as Administrator for the Christian School and as Deacon and Elder at his church. Jim later moved to Benson, North Carolina. Passionate about his hobbies, Jim was an avid sailor, a skilled writer, a determined wood carver, a painter, and an excellent cook and baker.

In recent years, Jim focused on sharing the significance of living in relationship with Jesus and wrote a book, A Depth of Insight, about his experiences.

He is survived by his wife, Maudene “Dena” Eldred; children Kim, David, and Jeff Eldred; siblings Beth Davis and Bill Eldred; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Betty Eldred.

We will miss our wise counselor, problem solver and fixer of things ,and his legacy will continue to bless, influence, and inspire us.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends of former longtime West Seattleite Jason Grube will gather next Saturday (September 6) tp remember him and celebrate his life. Here’s the remembrance and invitation, they’re sharing:

On Monday, August 4th, we lost Jason Grube.

He was a devoted husband to Shannon, and a loving father to Monty (17), Wolfy (14), and Everest (9). He died in a sudden and tragic bicycle accident at just 48 years old.

Jason was so many things to so many people. He was kind. He was loving. He was creative. And he was generous. He was also wise. And funny. He was curious and he was spiritual, embracing beauty and possibility. He was all of these things and more. But to those who knew him best, he is simply irreplaceable.

A recent journal entry from Jason included the following quote: “Every candle is lit by another flame.” He was so often the other flame, bringing light to our lives, right when we needed it the most.

Now, this is our turn to return the light and the love we have been given. We are raising funds to support Shannon and the boys. Your donations will help cover funeral expenses, household needs, and provide stability as they adjust to life without Jason’s steady presence. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your memories. Thank you for sharing.

Jason Grube’s memorial service and celebration of life (after party) will be held on September 6, 2025, just north of Seattle.

Memorial Service:
2 pm at Branches Church
18350 NE Woodinville Duvall Pl, Woodinville

Celebration of Life:
4pm at Story Cellars Winery
19501 144th Ave NE STE A500, Woodinville

If you knew and loved Jason, you are welcome to join us. The plan is to share lots of memories. If you can’t make it, there will be a livestream of the memorial service with details to follow.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather September 13 to celebrate the life of former longtime West Seattleite Ron Wirtz. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Ronald Joseph Wirtz passed away suddenly on July 6, 2025. He had been dealing with lung cancer and is now at rest and in peace, in the long arms of our compassionate creator, Jehovah Shalom.

Ron was born in Marshall, MN in 1938 to John Joseph Wirtz and Loretta Catherine Longtin Wirtz. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wirtz; stepson, Jason Gooding (Angela); step-grandchildren, Gloria and Josiah Gooding; and 3 brothers, John and Don Wirtz and Gary Seiler, and a sister, Bonnie Johnson (Randy); and many nieces and nephews, including a great grand niece.

At 15 years old, Ron moved to Germany with his mother, stepfather, 3 brothers and a sister; later to Columbus, GA. At a young age, Ron worked summers on farms, learning to operate heavy equipment. He joined the Army National Guard at age 18, serving in “C” Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry from 1956 – 1958. Ron returned to Marshall to graduate from Central Catholic High School in 1957. He was graced by the hospitality of Dick Catton’s family and Herman Seiler. Ron worked at the Gas Station Co-op and as a janitor at the high school to pay for his rent and tuition. After high school, Ron followed his father to the Seattle area to work at Boeing while continuing his service in the National Guard from GA to Marshall and then at Sand Point Army Naval Airbase in Seattle.

Ron soon left Boeing (then known as “The Lazy B”) to work in a more fulfilling role in construction and excavation. He was able to purchase his own equipment, become self-employed, and start his own business in 1968 as Advanced Ditching & Excavation Services, Inc. Ron enjoyed his work and gained a reputation for being “The Best.” He strived to offer the best, most reliable service possible and was known for being dependable, fair, on time, efficient, conscientious, safety oriented and willing to go the extra mile. Any hang-ups or breakdowns on a job site were remedied ASAP. Ron took pride in his equipment, his work, his customers and was often up at 4:30 AM, to return home at 7:00 PM. He never failed to affectionately say goodbye to his wife in the morning and return with a warm happy greeting, after a long day’s work.

Recreationally, Ron enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf, gardening and gym workvouts. His friends were important to him and he earned some endearing nicknames:vScoop, Scooper, Dingo, Legend, Wirtz-Man, The Best, Larger-than-Life, The Old
German, Stud Muffin, Dirt Whxxx. Ron was known for extending random-acts-of kindness, such as secretly paying for a young family’s dinner in a restaurant or gifting a young boy a *$Bennie* after he and his father finished a round of golf with him.

Ron was a romantic and was sure to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and holidays. He loved his wife as much as humanly possible; protected andvprovided for his loved ones and prayed for God’s mercy on his soul. He will be remembered as a good man and dearly missed.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave. NW, Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Calvin Presbyterian Church or another charitable organization of your choice.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Those who knew and loved Angela “Unakelrea” Baker are sharing her story as they bid her farewell:

Friends,

With gratitude and sadness we announce the “wedding day with the divine” for Angela “Unakelrea” Baker, née Joseph, September 22, 1940 – August 17, 2025.

The middle child of 13 children, she was born into a Yup’ik Inuit tribe in Akulerak, Alaska, in 1940, a remote, now-extinct village on the Yukon river near the Bering Sea. Her father Jasper was a reindeer herder, hunter, fisherman, and tribal leader. Her mother Alma, was a strong, determined, and powerful matriarch.

Anyone who met Angela knew her sweet, kind & gentle spirit and usually loved her from the moment upon meeting.

Taken from her family as a child, she survived the brutality of Catholic boarding schooling for Native Alaskan children all the way up through high school. Always resilient in tough situations, she turned that experience into a 40-year nursing career. She graduated from the University of New Mexico, Roswell, as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the early 1960s and moved to Los Angeles to begin her long and venerable nursing career. While there, she cared for many Hollywood movie stars of the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. While in Los Angeles she was thrust into the hippie generation’s “free love” movement and the Summer of Love in 1967, whereby she attended many Love-Ins in Griffith Park and concerts of 1960s music. She maintained her love of 1960s folk & rock music all her life and attended many great concerts. She was one of the uber-cool ones…

Ever a restless and adventurous spirit, she worked a short time as a nurse in Fairbanks, Alaska, before moving to Medford, Oregon, where she was a highly regarded Intensive Care nurse at Rogue Valley Memorial Hospital from 1970 to 1984. She also worked locally at various nursing facilities before moving to Seattle in 1989. While in Seattle, she worked at numerous clinics, hospitals, qnd nursing facilities, including a nursing project in the Portland area, before retirement in 2005.

She was fiercely independent, brave, adventurous, and a voracious reader. She was active in AA and practiced meditation to maintain her sobriety. After retirement she spent her days at the beach in West Seattle with her sweet dog Lily, beachcombing for treasures and visiting every bookstore she could find.

In 2019 she moved back home to Alaska to spend the remainder of her years living with her eldest sister in Anchorage, where she concluded her life outside of Alaska by speaking only her native “Yugtun” language to the end of her days.
She had only one child, Patrick, who lives with his wife Kathryn in Bremerton, Washington. She is survived by her oldest sister, Christine, a grandchild in Vermont, and scores of cousins, nieces, and nephews in tribal western Alaska and Northern Virginia.

In memory of beloved Angela, kindly consider donating to a local nursing organization, an Alaskan Native or Native American tribe.

As Angela would say amidst the chaos of life….”Easy does it…”

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Joan Dawson and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Joan Neilsen Dawson passed away from advanced heart disease on August 9, 2025, in Seattle.

Joan was the daughter of Neil and Elaine Neilsen and grew up on Alki Point. She was a 1965 graduate of West Seattle High School and attended the University of Washington. She resided in West Seattle for most of her life and had worked at the family business, Neilsen Florists, when she was younger.

She is survived by her children Joshua and Elizabeth, her brother Steve, and several nieces and nephews. Please consider donations in her name to Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather September 13 to remember Denise Small, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:

To Denise Small’s friends and family, she was a positive force, a loyal friend, a hard worker dedicated to her goals, an amazing sister, daughter, partner, and friend, someone who never gave up, whose “lists contained lists,” and whose legendary catchphrases included “Make it happen for yourself!” and “Everybody’s a winner!” “Work with what you got!” “Spin it up!”

To all of them, Denise Small is enormously missed.

Before Denise left this world on May 29, 2025, she spent every moment of it living her life to the fullest.

Born in Tukwila, Denise went to school in the Highline School District at McMicken Heights Elementary,
Chinook Junior High, and Tyee High School, where she graduated in 1985.

Denise dove straight into the business world, earning a degree at ITT Peterson and eventually joining the Minolta company in Seattle, where her top sales earned her a spot in the President’s Club for five years in a row.

At Minolta, Denise met Jill Keeton, who remembers, “Denise was in a role that was foreign to me—a member of the diva club that I admired from afar. But we clicked.” What followed were 26 years of “friendship that was unwavering. Nothing was off the table in discussion. Trust. Kindness. Laughs. Tears. Frustrations. Worry.” Denise and Jill traveled together, enjoyed meals everywhere “from crazy Denny’s to the sophisticated Top of the Mark,” and on many adventures, Denise would remind Jill with one of her famous catchphrases, “We got this!”

Denise’s love for travel was legendary; she shared in recent years that she didn’t need to make a bucket list because she’d already visited so many places across the Pacific Northwest and the world. Jill remembers trips to Rome, Paris, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and LA, as well as “Spa days. Band days. A TMZ bus trip and seeing Leonardo di Caprio’s house. No whys needed — it was all fun.”

A favorite trip of longtime friend Chris Assau was to Chile, where his father, a concert pianist, was being honored with a museum. “Denise got on Chile TV on a late-night TV show discussing classical music,” he recounts. “It was an unprepared cameo!”

Denise was known for hitting “any spa, anywhere, anytime,” says her partner Randy. “Denise loved it all. In recent years, she loved our annual trip to the Sol Duc hot springs in Olympic National Park.”

Randy first met Denise at Seattle nonprofit Northwest Center (NWC), where Denise worked for 21 years before retiring in 2024. Denise was devoted to her work at NWC, which provides services to children and adults with disabilities, making a huge impact on the organization’s marketing efforts and helping make NWC’s iconic Big Blue Truck a regional household name.

Denise progressed through roles as NWC’s Business Development Manager, Director of Marketing, Senior Director of Operations of The Big Blue Truck, and eventually Vice President. She was known for her marketing and operations know-how and her ability to plan and execute incisive strategy and complex, multi-channel campaigns while enlisting countless coworkers and myriad business and media contacts to ensure success. She led Northwest Center’s 50th anniversary marketing campaign including brainstorming creative strategy and securing major media sponsorships.

“Denise brought an open, creative, never-say-no attitude that made for an amazingly good time on any business development project that involved her,” Randy remembers. He loved Denise’s positive energy, a sentiment shared by many who knew her.

While Denise loved exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states in her vintage Pleasure-Way camper van, you could also spot the camper on many summer days in scenic areas like Alki Beach. A longtime West Seattle resident, Denise adored West Seattle Summer Fest, where for several years she hosted a booth for The Big Blue Truck. She frequented neighborhood art walks, plant sales, outdoor movies, concerts, and nearly every restaurant, coffee shop, store, and nightspot the area had to offer. Denise participated in many West Seattle Community Garage Sale Days with her friend Chris, including the most recent sale on May 10, 2025. She also got the most out of what she called “deck life,” enjoying family, friends, and her beloved parakeets on her sunny front deck, perched on a hill with views of lush firs and the top half of Mt. Rainier.

Even when Denise was going through cycles of cancer tests and treatments, she remained a loyal and involved sister, daughter, and friend. She took trips to Montana to visit family, treated her dad to steak and lobster dinners and theater events prior to his death in 2018, and acted as a caregiver and advocate when her mother’s health began to decline. And she never seemed too tired to share one more story, stay for one more nightcap, enjoy one last number from the band, or try one more new thing: on her last New Year’s Eve, Denise tried a King Crab leg for the very first time.

“Denise will be remembered as the ginger she was, as a baller, as the person who spun it up [another famous catchphrase] and made it happen,” says her sister Jody Huber.

“She was my compass, taught me what was important in life,” says Chris.

And when Randy sums up what advice he thinks Denise would want everyone to take, he also sums up her remarkable spirit: “Do not hold back. Do what you dream of. Make it happen for yourself.”

Denise Small left this world surrounded by loved ones, of whom there were many. She will be greatly missed by her loving partner Randy Stockton, mother DeAn Small, brother Darrin Small, sister Jody (Greg) Huber, and nephews and niece Shawn, Dalya, and Ben. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Small. Her absence is keenly felt by countless friends including Jill, Natalie, Lydia, Chris, Laura and Nicole, her little birds, and legions of friends and colleagues across the Seattle region in the disability, marketing, media, nonprofit, and business communities.

A celebration of Denise’s life will be held in West Seattle on September 13th, 2025, at the Dakota Place Park Building from 12 to 4 pm, 4304 SW Dakota.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

The family of Rick Rice is sharing this remembrance with his community:

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Rick Rice, who died on Friday, August 1, of advanced Parkinson’s Disease exacerbated in late May by a fall. The family is very grateful to the staff at Providence Mount St. Vincent for their steadfast and loving care during his up-and-down recuperation and relapses.

Rick and his wife Joyce, natives of Hingham, MA, found their final home in West Seattle in 2007 following 10 years in Hermiston, OR, which followed 7 years on Queen Anne, and before that many years in many states as well as in Brazil and Australia. After a career in HMO management, Rick enjoyed lending his expertise to the Senior Caucus at then-Group Health. He was also a weekly stalwart bridge player at the West Seattle Senior Center (now The Center) and a regular though grudging exerciser at the West Seattle Y. (After all, when asked how he would spend his retirement, he answered, “Play golf, read, and nap.”) More anticipated were the regular Friday lunches at the Seattle Fish Co. and Sunday breakfasts at the late-lamented Alki Café, as well as meals at myriad other eating establishments in the area.

Rick and Joyce were so happy to find a home just a block away from their daughter Lauren Burgon and her children Andrew and Alexis. In 2010 their son, Andrew, and his wife Bobby arrived and their family now consists of Madeleine, Josiah, Dashiell, Makenna, and Loki. We have rowdy birthday parties and celebrated Rick’s 84th on August 8.

Rick was well and thoroughly loved and will be sorely missed.

Donations in his name would be most welcome at Hi-Liners Musical Theater in Burien online here or by postal mail to The Hi-Liners, PO Box 48346, Burien, WA 98148

We invite you to read more about Rick and leave any memories at earthfuneral.com/obituary/frederick-rick-quaine-rice-jr-08012025

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather September 13 to remember “Renée” Anton, and are sharing this with her community now:

Remembering “Renée” Anton
10/25/1938 – 06/11/2025

Renée Anton was born Reingard Gunthilde Schreiber on October 25th, 1938, in Nürnberg, Germany, to Marcellus and Katarina Schreiber. An only child, Reingard lost her father in WW2 and grew up staying mostly in the city with her mom and often with family out in the countryside. Reingard was given the book Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, in English, and she was captivated. She learned to read the book and decided she would continue to study English. As a young teen, she was one of the first in Nürnberg to ride on an airplane for a sightseeing tour of her city and thus began her love of airplanes. During her year in Ramsey, England, as an au-pair for an English family, Reingard met Queen Elizabeth and her sister Margaret in a meet and greet line, and she was forever smitten with royalty.

After graduation from Labenwolf Gymnasium (high school), Reingard took jobs in the Nürnberg courthouse, transcribing court documents and subsequently taking a job as a secretary with the US Army, where she met Lieutenant G. Myron Anton, Army, of Seattle. Reingard and Myron were married in 1958 and had a son before moving to Seattle in 1960. Another son followed in 1960 and a daughter in 1965. American friends and family began to know her as “Ren-“e”, the hard letter E, which eventually morphed into Renée.

Myron and Renée bought their house in the Fauntlee Hills in 1968 after moving from their first house on 40th Ave SW. Renee was very active at Fauntleroy Church, volunteering, and singing in the choir. Myron was a Director of Sales for the 767 at Boeing and Renée took a job as a secretary at Boeing for 5 years. Both were active with the Boy Scouts and other organizations within the community. Myron and Renée were married for 27 years. In 1985, newly single Renée received her degree in Early Childhood Education and opened Loving Daycare and Preschool in her Fauntleroy home. Together with her daughter, they continued Loving Daycare in 2 locations for 30 years, caring for dozens of children from the neighborhood.

Renée enjoyed music, singing while playing piano, sewing, traveling the world, swing dancing (she was really good!), gardening, and her family. She is often thought of as an interviewer, as she loved to sit down with everyone she met and ask them their life story (and you could not get away!). She really enjoyed talking with and getting to know people. In retirement Reingard continued living in her beautiful brick Fauntlee Hills home, her “castle” she would say (remembering her dear Kaiserburg Castle in Nürnberg). She loved tending to her garden, the view of Puget Sound and “her mountains” she would say, sunbathing on the deck, and playing with her cat Tinkerbelle.

Reingard was sharp and agile until the last day, when she passed peacefully of natural causes surrounded by loved ones on June 11th, 2025. Renée is survived by her 3 children, Gary (Ivetta) Anton of McDonough, GA. Gregory (Cynthia) Anton Sr. of Kent, WA, and Linda (Daniel Munoz) Anton of West Seattle; her grandchildren, Gregory Jr., Jennifer, Laura, Maria, Monica, Joseph, Michael, Jessica and Brianne; her great-grandchildren, Tahjanae, Isaak, Noah, Mason, Samantha, Emma, Lily, Gianna, Nico, Demi, Aniyah, and Michael.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Providence Mount St. Vincent in her memory.

If you knew Renée, please also join us in remembering her at her “castle” on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at 2 pm.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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Family and friends are remembering Janice Fitterer, known as Mary, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Janice Marie “Mary” Fitterer (Ivey) was born at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA on July 31st, 1947 to Cecil White Ivey and Iris Ione Ivey (Stanton). She is predeceased by her brother Bill (Barb) and brother Joe (Pam). She is survived by sister Cecille (Steve d. 2015) and brothers Jim (Beverly) and John as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Mary was predeceased by her oldest son Christian Cameron (d. 1995) and is survived by her sons Zane (Claire, Grace, and Bedford) and Aaron (Lacey, Christian George, Abigail, Gage, and Tate)

Mary graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and married Richard Fitterer in 1969. Richard and Mary raised their family in Moses Lake, WA. While in Moses Lake, Mary was influential in the arts and city beautification projects – as well as spearheading such initiatives as the concrete/paver replacement project. She spent several years on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mary was an influential figure with the Big Bend Manta Rays Swim Club and a partner in developing what would become the St Rose of Lima School Auction. Mary left for world travels from Moses Lake in 1997. She visited Italy, France, Mexico and many parts between. Being raised in a Navy family, travel was always a big part of her life. We are grateful she was able to see as much of the world and art history as she did.

Mary was called to be with her Beloved Son Christian, her parents, and siblings on August 3rd, 2025. Anointing was performed by Fr. Jose Maldanado of St Patrick’s Parish, Pasco, WA. There will be no services. Any remembrances should be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org/donate

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather tomorrow to remember Henry Benzinger, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

In Loving Memory of Henry Jacob Benzinger
November 03, 1967 – July 22, 2025

Henry Jacob Benzinger, a beloved brother, son, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, surrounded by his family. Born in Bremerton, Washington, Henry brought joy and light to all who knew him.
Henry was a proud graduate of Olympic High School, Class of 1988, and a devoted parishioner at both Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Bremerton. Before his illness in late 2023, he lived an active life filled with music, friendship, and service.

An accomplished athlete with Down syndrome, Henry participated in Special Olympics for many years — competing in basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer, bowling, and swimming. His passion and spirit inspired teammates and coaches alike.

Henry’s favorite pastimes included playing the piano, guitar, and harmonica. He was a master of word search puzzles and a source of endless smiles and hugs to those around him.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Henry Benzinger. He is survived by his loving mother, Annie Benzinger, and his siblings: Cathy Tresler (Pat), Theresa Raab (Mike), Sean Benzinger, Colleen Jones (Lindy), and Christine DeBois (David), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A Rosary service will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 7000 35th Avenue SW. All who knew Henry are welcome to attend and celebrate his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Special Olympics Washington — Peninsula Region, supporting athletes in Kitsap, Gig Harbor, Mason County, and surrounding areas. To contribute, visit: specialolympicswashington.org/donatelocal and select Peninsula Region.

Please share memories, photos & condolences on the guestbook: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/henry-benzinger

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather Sunday (August 10) to celebrate the life of Clive McCoy, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Clive McCoy passed away July 16, 2025. He was 61 years old. Clive lived a full life and was a gift to all who met him. Clive had Down Syndrome. He started school at age 3 at the Northwest Center. He attended Grandview School and graduated from Tyee High School in 1984.

Clive then went to work at the Seattle Bagel Bakery for many years in the kitchen. He took his job responsibilities seriously and was proud of the work he did. When Clive was no longer able to work, he participated in local day programs. Clive lived with two roommates and care givers helping with activities of daily living. It was a model for semi-independent living.

Clive will be missed. He was our little brother, an integral member of our family. Clive loved his family and his church. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW, on Sunday, August 10 at 2 pm. Memorials can be made in memory of Clive to Tibbetts United Methodist Church.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends will gather August 22 to remember Pat Doran, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Patricia (Pat) Carolyn Doran
March 17, 1937 – June 27, 2025

Pat Doran passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, surrounded by her daughters, son-in-law, and the love of her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Doran; her parents, Frances and Anton J. Kraft; her sister, Joann Crabtree; her nephew, Damon Dunckel, and her beloved dog, Abby — who was more like a third child than a pet.

Pat was born and raised in Yakima, WA, where she attended Catholic school from grade school through high school. There, she made lifelong friends—and a few lifelong memories that, as she liked to say, were best left unwritten.

In January 1958, she married her sweetheart, Dick Doran, after he proposed under the glow of the northern lights. They settled in West Seattle, where they built a life together and raised their daughters, Allyse Doran Pagán and Janine Doran.

Pat previously worked as a bookkeeper in a Yakima pharmacy, but her favorite job by far was at Husky Deli in West Seattle. She loved serving her community and working alongside people who became like family.

Once their daughters were grown, Pat and Dick split their time between Seattle and Sun City, Arizona. They spent winters in the sun—golfing daily and spending time with nearby family and friends. They returned to Seattle each summer once the weather was finally up to par. They moved to Arizona full-time in 2008 and were happily married for 56 years.

Pat was a proud thrifter. Estate sales, Goodwill, garage sales—she had a talent for finding treasures and a real flair for showing them off.

She was also deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. Throughout her life, she stayed active in the church, teaching catechism, organizing community events, and never missing Sunday mass.

In her final years, Pat returned to West Seattle to be closer to her daughters. She quickly became beloved at her assisted living home—known as the strong, sassy, independent woman with a big heart and a quick wit.

Even in her final days, Pat remained sharp as ever — especially when it came to card games. Whether it was cribbage or mahjong, she played to win (and usually did). Her competitive streak never faded, and neither did her love of a good laugh around the table.

Pat leaves behind her daughters, Allyse Pagán and Janine Doran; her son-in-law, Sal Pagán; grandchildren David Pagán (Elysia), Rachel Pagán, and Sarah Pagán; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen (Bill) Wagner, and many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply.

She will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her faith, her sense of humor, and her ability to make a room warmer just by walking into it.

Pat’s funeral will take place at 10:30am, August 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle.

Pat will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of your favorite charities that support children or animals. These were two causes that were dear to Pat’s heart.

Please share memories and sign the guestbook at: emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/Patricia-Doran

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

When we reported last month that Pegasus Book Exchange owner Fred Epps had died, arrangements weren’t finalized for his Celebration of Life. Now, his family says the plan is set, and asked us to share the announcementword:

Fred Epps from Pegasus Book Exchange passed away in June. His Celebration of Life will be held at the Center for Active Living on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 between 11 am and 3 pm. All are welcome – please come and share your stories!

If you aren’t able to attend (or even if you are!) we encourage you to leave a message on his memory page:
pegasusbookshop.com/fred-memories

August 16 would have been Mr. Epps’s 72nd birthday.

Family and friends are remembering Steven C. Wood and sharing this remembrance:

Steven passed away at the age of 76 on July 15, 2025, after a long courageous battle with Congestive Heart Failure.

Born in Seattle on December 27, 1948, and raised in West Seattle, Steven was the eldest of seven sons born to Charles and Dorothy Wood. In January 1972, Steven met and fell in love with Susan Hoselton. They both knew that “this was the one”. They married on May 6, 1972. Bothell, WA was home until building their dream home in Anacortes, WA and retiring. Steven and Susan were married 53 years until his passing.

Before retiring, Steven worked as the Northwest Regional Manager for the Wm. Wrigley Company. He always smiled when a niece or nephews would ask “Uncle Steven, do you have any gum?”.

Steven loved cats, cars, woodworking, Elvis, anything electronic and most importantly boating. He had his first boat at the age of 14. It was a 16’ runabout. He traded a stereo (he built himself) to a neighbor for the boat. For many years, Steven and Susan spent most summer weekend waterskiing on Lake Chelan. Eventually, they traded to a larger vessel and enjoyed 30 years cruising the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands. They made many lifelong friends along the way.

Steven was also the Go To handyman for family and friends. If you had a remodeling project, Steven was the man. He was a carpenter but especially loved electrical projects. Just don’t ask him to do plumbing! He was very proud that he completed all the wiring on their home built in Anacortes. He liked to brag that it passed the first time!

Steven is survived by his wife Susan; brothers Robert (and wife Sue), Michael, Donald (and wife Lori), Thomas, James (and wife Vickie), and Charles (Chug) (and wife Lorrie); 21 nieces and nephews; and 24 great-nieces and nephews.

A date for a memorial Service has not yet been decided but will be published in the future. Please bookmark his memorial site to check for updates when his service will take place.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

When we published the remembrance for Rev. Dr. Stephen Ross two months ago, plans were not yet finalized for his Celebration of Life. Now they are:

A service celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Ross will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 1 pm (PDT) at Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church in Des Moines, Washington, and via Zoom for those who are unable to join in person. All who loved him or his family are welcome and encouraged to attend. The physical address and link to the live-stream can be found at saltwaterchurch.org/celebration-of-life-stephen-e-ross

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Bill Van Cleave, and sharing this remembrance with his communities:

William “Bill” Wallace Van Cleave Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife of 58 years, Pauline “Patty” T. Van Cleave, his daughter Kimberly Van Cleave Michaels, and son-in-law Robert Michaels.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late William Wallace Van Cleave Sr. and Catherine Streiff Van Cleave, Bill grew up in Webster Groves, cheering on the Cardinals with his younger siblings, Lynn Van Cleave Martin and Peter Van Cleave. Bill was proud to be an Eagle Scout as a young man and graduated from Webster Groves High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. Bill painted houses to put himself through Drury College and went on to follow his father’s career path in the insurance industry. After graduation, Bill headed to Hartford, Connecticut, where he met his future wife, Patty, the first month after his arrival! He then began a long and successful career at The Travelers Insurance Company in Downtown Hartford. A few years later, the couple welcomed their daughter, Kim.

Bill enjoyed life’s little routines — especially riding the bus into Hartford with Governor Ella Grasso — and found joy in simple pleasures like wearing a nice suit, walking his dogs, and pedaling his bike around Old Saybrook. A true artist at heart, he was known for his lightning-fast portraits and capturing a pastoral scene or a favorite pet.

With a kind heart and steady mind, Bill was a man of strong traditions and stronger handshakes. A devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church, he lent his voice to the choir and spent more than 25 years as a lay reader, visiting nursing homes in Newington, CT. Bill joined the Masons of Newington Sequin-Level Lodge 140 and enjoyed that brotherhood. He was also a passionate, and thorough, genealogist and founder of the Van Cleave family website.

Bill had a gift for working with his hands — whether it was building a breakfast nook, fixing a fence, or crafting an antique-inspired wooden canopy bed. Every nail and brushstroke came with precision and pride. In 2010, he and Patty became residents of Seattle to be near their two grandsons, Burke and Shepard Michaels. He cherished every moment being with them and watching them grow. While in Seattle, he joined the Masons there and became a Worshipful Master for Alki Lodge 152.

Bill’s life will be celebrated this summer on both coasts with intimate family gatherings, featuring his artwork. He will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Labs4rescue.com — a nod to Bill’s deep love of his dogs.

Please share memories and photos on the guestbook at emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/william-van-cleave-jr

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Earlier this year, in the remembrance for Laura May Bruco, friends promised an announcement when her Celebration of Life details were set. Now they are:

Friends (and pets of friends) are invited to celebrate the life of Laura May Bruco on Sunday, August 3rd at 3 p.m. at the Dragonfly Park Pavilion in West Seattle (4111 26th Ave SW). Please dress comfortably for this community gathering in the park.

Photos, memories and condolences can also be shared with Laura’s friends and family at the Kinzley Funeral Home online tribute page at kinzleyfh.com/obituary/laura-bruco

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Arlene Emel, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Arlene Hazel (Harrington) Emel lost her battle with Lewy Body dementia on June 27, 2025.

Born June 29, 1938 at Fort Jay on Governor’s Island, New York, Arlene spent her childhood as an Army brat crisscrossing the country at least 3 times by train. After her family settled in Seattle, she attended Ballard High School, graduating in 1956.

In August 1959, Arlene married Harold Emel, which began a 66-year-long loving marriage that produced 4 children (Michele, Kathleen, Jessica, and Thomas). When those children were grown, Arlene and Harold adopted Jessica Nicole for a grand total of 5 children, followed by 4 grandchildren (Cory, Xavier, Haley, and Josh) and 3 great-grandchildren (Litha, Thomas, and Elodie).

Arlene and Harold lived in West Seattle from 1960-1978.

Arlene loved roller-skate dancing and even dabbled in roller derby. She spent 50 years in Girl Scouts and over 20 years as a foster parent along with her husband Harold. Arlene’s Catholic faith played a huge role in her life of service to family, friends, community and Church. Arlene’s service touched many lives and we are better for knowing her.

Eternal rest grant unto her soul and may perpetual light shine upon her.

In Arlene’s honor, please send donations to the Silver Sage Girl Scout Council: girlscouts-ssc.org

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Family and friends are remembering Lou Landino, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Louis Landino
March 17, 1941 – June 29, 2025

Louis Landino, a driven and accomplished man, passed away on June 29, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1941, Lou went to Muhlenberg College for his undergrad and University of PA in Philadelphia for dental school. Lou then made his home in Seattle, where he attended the University of Washington to obtain his specialty in Orthodontics. After graduation, he began to build a decades-long career as an orthodontist. With more than forty years in practice with his two locations in Tukwila and West Seattle, he earned a reputation for excellence, precision, and dedication to his craft — helping shape the smiles of countless patients and leaving a lasting mark on the local community.

Lou had a vigor for life. He raced Formula One cars, piloted planes, hunted and fished, golfed (with several hole-in-ones), carved birds with precise detail, painted, and crafted furniture by hand. Each of these pursuits reflected not just talent, but a commitment to learning, improving, and doing things well. He was a man of great skill and deep pride in everything he accomplished. Even after suffering a stroke with partial paralysis in 2008, he began to paint with his non-dominant hand — continuing to produce expressive, abstract works that still reflected his eye for detail and creative spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; sister, Susan; daughters, Marti and Rachel; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. His legacy endures in the many things he built, created, and achieved throughout his long and full life.

A celebration of Lou’s life will be held (update) at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW, on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 from 2 pm – 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor his memory by embracing the things you do best — with pride, purpose, and an unwillingness to settle for anything less than your highest standard.

Please share photos, memories and condolences on the guestbook located at emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/louis-landino

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)