West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
Family and friends will gather next Tuesday to remember Jerry Rice. Here’s what they are sharing with the community:
Longtime West Seattle resident Jerry Rice, 72, of Olympia passed away on July 5th. He was born in Seattle to Howard and Ellade (Sinnett) Rice. He attended Holy Rosary School, St. Martin’s High School in Lacey, and graduated from Seattle University. Meeting and marrying the girl-almost-next-door, the love of his life, Barb Conlan, he gladly joined her large and boisterous family, and they became an important part of his life. After he and Barb raised their own family in West Seattle, they retired to Olympia in 2018, where they enjoyed kayaking, biking, and walking in nature.
Jerry was one of the kindest, most giving, and selfless individuals to walk the earth, with great personal integrity. He was a gifted mechanic, and helped many people throughout his life, both with their cars and in other ways — be they friends, family, or strangers. While sharing his talents generously, he always remained a humble soul. He loved animals, particularly cats, and in addition to being adored by his own felines, was “godfather” to assorted neighborhood cats who came to visit him.
His passion was classic Chevrolets, and he restored scores in his lifetime, his “baby” being a 1959 Chevy Impala. During the last year of his life, while undergoing chemo, he elected to take on a new project, and completely disassembled and restored a 1977 Chevy Nova. Jerry was not a man to sit idle, even while battling cancer. In addition to restoring cars, he was always eager to improve his homes, and with amazing skill created many beautiful updates and additions to both interiors and yards, including building huge decks at his Olympia lakefront home.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved son Matt. He leaves behind Barb, his wife of 41 years, and daughters Brigette and Katie. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lacey on July 18th at 10 a.m. Any memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Jerry’s favorite charity.
(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 Ken Schiele and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Kenneth Louis Schiele
October 21, 1969 – June 30, 2023Ken, our son, husband, dad, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning on June 30, 2023 with his wife and mother at his side. He was 53 years old.
Ken was born on October 21, 1969 in Inglewood, CA. Over the course of his childhood, he and his family put down roots in Boise, Idaho, Rye, New York, and Tehran, Iran. Ken studied mechanical engineering at Gonzaga University in Spokane, also obtaining a master’s degree for the same from the University of Washington, then settling in West Seattle with his wife Lisa.
Ken’s favorite role in life always was being a father and husband, but this man wore many hats. He had a long career as a ski designer at K2, where he was part of a team creating some of the best telemark skis in the world. If you’ve ever taken a deep powder turn with a free heel on a pair of K2 telemark skis, a bit of Ken Schiele took that turn with you. Ken loved skiing, and it took him around the world with favorite trips including the Haute Route in the Alps, the many days with the K2 crew at Whistler, and Hokkaido in Japan. He also loved to hit the slopes in Idaho at Bogus Basin and Brundage with his dad and brother-in-law Clay.
Ken was fond of saying, “I don’t exercise under fluorescent lights.” Every day he was on the move, and he escaped to the outdoors every chance he got: skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, longboarding, and even taking up downhill skateboarding in his fifties. A lifelong, beautiful-to-watch, expert telemark skier, there are stories of Ken telemark skiing a half pipe and hitting a slopeside playpark to ride some rails in a vintage skydiving suit.
And music! Ken was a drummer, who once set up with his punk band “The Orphans” and played a gig in front of the United Nations in New York City. He was a DJ for years at KAGU, the student-run radio station at Gonzaga, creating and hosting the early ‘90s Saturday night standard, Radio Identity Crisis. For Ken, discovering new music was a lifelong passion, and his collection of Cumbia on vinyl is rumored to be one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. His love of music and skiing once collided, in fantastic form, when he dragged a pair of telemark skis he had designed to a concert by LA punk band X, gifting a band member and telemark skier with a pair.
Ken loved Peanuts, Charlie Brown, and especially Snoopy. The stuffed Snoopy from his daughter Louise accompanied Ken to the hospital and never left his side.
Above all, at his core, Ken was a family man and will be remembered for his love for and pride in Lisa and Louise. Ken’s generosity of spirit, joie de vivre, kindness, and offbeat sense of humor will be missed by so many people that he touched throughout his life.
Ken is survived by the joy of his life, daughter Louise; his beloved wife of 28 years, Lisa Esztergalyos; parents Roy and Sue Schiele; sister Christine Schiele Gutierrez and partner Jack Culverhouse; sister Janet Schiele Roscoe and husband Clay Roscoe; sister-in-law Maria Esztergalyos and husband Eric Hanson; nephews Marco, Ezra, Rex, and Charlie and niece Estella; and mother-in-law Theresa Esztergalyos, who called Ken her lighthouse.
We will see you soon on those slopes, Ken, where every day is a bluebird day and every run is deep powder and fresh tracks! “All the love. All the power.”
In remembrance of Ken’s amazing life and love of music his family requests that any charitable donation be made in his name to KEXP (kexp.org/donate). A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in October 2023, 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 July 30 to celebrate the life of Bob Hereford, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
Robert Roy Hereford, age 73, passed away on 6/9/2023 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer 22 months earlier. Bob’s strong will and good humor during his chemotherapy allowed him, and those who loved him, to enjoy the gift of many treasured bonus days, including time spent with his wife, Karen, exploring the San Juan Islands on their Nordic tug, Shearwater.
He was born and raised in West Seattle. He joined the Air Force in 1969 and served until 1973, mostly in Thailand. There, he discovered photography, which became his life’s passion and career. He was a much-beloved employee at Seattle Central College, working as the school photographer, until his retirement in 2014.
But he also developed a second passion, when he was introduced to commercial salmon fishing in Alaska in 1981. His first season in Bristol Bay hooked him. He eventually became the skiff man on a seiner skippered by John Nevin out of Kodiak, AK. John and his family came to be very dear friends, and Karen often joined at the end of the season to fish, crab and enjoy adventures around Anton Larson Island.
He could always be counted on, to be there if you needed him, and to entertain with his stories and laughter. He was honest and generous and kind, but also mischievous. He loved conjuring surprises, especially for Karen, some of which are legend.
His loss is immeasurable to all who knew him.
He was so grateful for the care he received from the Swedish Cancer Institute, Dr. Philip Gold, his nurse Nancy, Dr. Christine McConnell, her nurse Charlie, and all the other incredible nurses and staff there.
He is predeceased by his father Clyde, his mother Helen, and nephew Jake, and is survived by his wife Karen, sister Robin, brother David (Natalie), nephews Sam, Reif, Tyler, and Joshua.
A celebration of his life is planned for 7/30. Contact his wife, brother, or sister for details. Please consider donating to Swedish Cancer Institute, or Fishermen’s Memorial Fund.
(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 Dan DeSantis, who died in July 2020 at age 75, wants to remind those who knew and loved him that his long-delayed Celebration of Life is this Thursday:
Celebration of Life for
Dan DeSantis
July 13th, 2023
4 pm-8 pm
Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota)
If you have questions, email ginarosedesigns (at) gmail.com.
Family and friends will gather next Saturday (July 15th) to celebrate the life of Stacey McKelvey. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:
Stacey Marlo McKelvey, beloved daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and cat-mom, passed away on June 19, 2023 in West Seattle.
Stacey was born November 20, 1969 in Seattle to Laura and Bill. The following year on the same day, November 20, 1970, Stacey’s little sister Brook was born. One of Stacey’s favorite things was being able to celebrate both their birthdays together and remind people that they were born on the same day.
Stacey was a lifelong West-Seattleite who attended Gatewood Elementary, Denny Middle School, Rainier Beach High School, and South Seattle Community College. She loved waking up early, flowers (especially orchids), music and singing, movies (lots of musicals), and her kitties.
Stacey is survived by her parents: Mother Laura and Steve Neilsen; Father Bill and Debby McKelvey; her Sister Brook and Jim Amundsen; her Brother Cam and Brittany Neilsen and Niece Elianna; her Niece Melissa Jones and her Husband Kei Kawada; and her Fur Babies Black and Blue.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Stacey on Saturday, July 15th, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave SW.
Please send any photos or memories to StaceyMckelveyMemorial@gmail.com to share with the family.
(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 Daniel Spengler and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Daniel Robert Spengler
Age: 77Date of Birth: 1-21-1946, Seattle, to parents Daniel F. Spengler and Virginia R. Spengler (Lee). His family were West Seattle residents for over 70 years and active in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and community. Dan lived in his family home until his passing.
He passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023, at home in the arms of his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Tamsen Spengler, daughter Lisa Spengler, son in-law John Price, granddaughter Piper Price, brother Dan Spengler, sisters Donna Harrison and Karen Metcalf, and many cousins, all whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed spending time with his cousins. He even assisted with raising some of them. He truly appreciated their assistance during his battle with lung cancer and throughout his life.
He enjoyed participating in the Junior Achievement Program in school and was the Valedictorian for his graduation from Briscoe, Tukwila, WA and attended O’Dea High School, Seattle.
Dan was a Shipfitter in the Boilermakers Local Union; he became a Business Representative and then an Organizer for Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local Union 104. He subsequently was promoted to Union Organizer for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Dan attended many training seminars regarding labor organizing and was an effective organizer in many states. He was motivated by his desire to improve the lives of working men and women.
He was a dedicated board member of the United Friends Group Homes in West Seattle. He loved visiting with the group home residents and always made them smile and laugh. He often brought his Wheaten Terrier, Fanny, there to visit with him, which the residents truly enjoyed.
Family and friends will remember him for his love of gardening, especially his roses and his love, training and caring for rescued Wheaten Terriers. He was always there for his family and friends with a helping hand when needed, and shared a true sense of humor with them. He had a love of music and always had a line from a tune to share with others. He often would sing a few lines of the song “Happy Trails” to folks as they were leaving.
Dan requested no formal service be held and a private gravesite burial be held for family only.
In memory of Dan, memorials can be made to PetConnect Rescue. info@petconnectrescue.org. 877-838-9171, PO Box 60714, Potomac, MD 20859
To share your condolences and memories of Dan, please visit www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Daniel-Spengler
(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 Marty Davidson, and sharing this with his community:
Martin “Marty” Swen Davidson of Seattle, Washington, beloved and cherished Dad, husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, neighbor, and cat owner, passed away on June 25, 2023, at age 56, of heart failure.
Martin was born in Seattle to William and Beverly Davidson. A true Washingtonian, he grew up in Kent and graduated from Bremerton High School, where he was named Prom King and Class President. He attended the University of Washington and earned a degree in Accounting from Seattle University. Martin went on to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Over his career, Marty (as he has been known since college) has worked at numerous companies, including Price Waterhouse, AT&T Wireless, National Frozen Foods, PCC Community Markets, and Bartell Drugs. When he passed, he was Senior Director of SOX compliance at Rite Aid. Marty served on the Board of Directors for Camp Fire, a national nonprofit that connects young people to the outdoors, others, and themselves.
Family and friends were always the cornerstones of Martin’s life. When he was 7 years old, his father and Uncle David started to build “the round cabin,” at Hartstene Pointe, where he and his siblings and cousins spent summers and weekends together swimming, exploring the beaches, boating, building bonfires, and riding bikes. Hartstene Pointe was Martin’s “happy place” from early childhood, through high school and college, and long into adulthood, where Marty, Jamee, and Max obtained their own place and friends and family spent hours enjoying “the Barnacle” and being out on the boat.
Martin developed a tight group of lifelong friends in college with annual fly-fishing adventures including treks in the Northwest, Montana, and, recently, a trip of a lifetime to Patagonia. Also, avid music lovers, they seldom missed concerts by their favorite bands, starting with being Deadheads and attending many Grateful Dead concerts.Marty met Jamee Fields, his beautiful and loving wife of 20 years, at AT&T Wireless. Their marriage was full of love and adventure. They truly were best friends who built an incredible life together. They enjoyed travel, boating, playing pickleball, good food, fantastic wine with great company, daily games of Settlers of Catan, and spending time with those they loved most. The highlight of their life is their amazing 13-year-old son Max, whom Marty cherished with his entire being. The two enjoyed “hanging out,” challenging one another at chess, ping pong, and basketball, and talking about history, politics, favorite books, and TV shows.
Marty was a generous, thoughtful, kind-hearted, intelligent, engaged, and vibrant man of many talents. Known as the “Mayor of the Neighborhood,” he welcomed and showed up for everyone. He embraced life, spending hours gardening, tying flies for fishing, and socializing. He was proud of his Icelandic/Norwegian heritage, and his love of trivia and politics made him an excellent source of information about world events, current and past. He had an endearing sense of humor and was universally beloved by all.
Martin “Marty” was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lee Wayne Davidson. He is survived by his wife and son; sister, Sandra Davidson; brothers Bob Davidson (Molly) and Steve Sorensen (Michele); nieces and nephews Jessie Davidson, Ford, Harpur and Marshall Davidson, Dane and Nicole Sorensen; and a large extended family that includes beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and close friends-turned-family.
A Raise Your Glass/Celebration of Life will be held on July 27. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, SonicGuild, Seattle Humane Society, Safecrossings Foundation, in Martin “Marty”’s memory. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
(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 want to remind all those who knew and loved Leticia Martinez that the community celebration of her life is tomorrow (Saturday, July 1st) in West Seattle. Everyone is welcome at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW) between 1 pm and 4 pm. Leticia, who was 58 years old, has been gone now for three months. The original announcement of her memorial was in her obituary, published here June 5th. As noted then, crowdfunding via the GoFundMe page “Justice for Leticia“ continues, to help support Leticia’s son, legal costs, and memorial expenses.
Family and friends are remembering David Mousset and sharing this remembrance with the community:
David Arthur Mousset
January 2, 1950 – June 7, 2023David was born to Lavelle (Swanson) and Arthur Mousset in Japan on Jan. 2, 1950, while his father was stationed there. He had a sister, Carolyn, who was 11 years older.
He grew up in El Paso, Texas, and Magnolia as a child where he attended elementary school; and his teen years in West Seattle where he attended James Madison Jr High and West Seattle High School. He graduated with the class of 1968. He lost his father when he was 17 and his mother moved to Baltimore to live with his sister. Determined to stay in West Seattle with friends, he spent his Senior year living on Alki. Many memories (and parties) with friends there. He loved cruising the beach in his Austin Healey. He was the life of the party and had a love for sports cars, baseball, and music. Having the nickname “Madman Mousset,” there are a lot of stories. He played in local bands and attended many concerts. He managed the Old Spaghetti Factory in Seattle in his 20s.
David married his first wife, Jill Saeger in 1976 at her family home in West Seattle. She was the younger sister of one of his best friends, Jeanne Saeger. In 1977 they had a daughter, Jessica Lavelle Mousset. They were married for 9 years. He loved to travel and plan trips to Disneyland with his daughter, Jessica. He introduced her to the magic of Disneyland at a young age and then later to her children. He was called “Disneyland Grandpa.” He had fond memories of going as a child with his Uncle Jack. Pirates of the Caribbean was his favorite ride.
Around 1986 he met Shari Lynn Rinderneck. They married in Reno, Nevada in 1990. They traveled together, enjoying trips to Mexico and Hawaii. He helped raise her daughter, Jessica Lynn. And his mother Lavelle lived with them in her elderly years. They lived in Burien and White Center before buying a home in Poulsbo on Liberty Bay, which he loved. He and Shari were married until 2006. They remained friends and he was able to spend over a year enjoying the property again before entering assisted living. She was very supportive during his end stage of life.
He also spent several years living with his dear friend Jeff Dill in Morton. They had been friends since Junior High.
He called himself a “mountain man” and enjoyed hiking in his youth, fishing, boating, and camping. He went fishing every opening day weekend and planned camping trips with friends around the date. Lake Alta was one of his favorites.
In 2018, he found out he had another daughter through Ancestry DNA. He also found out he had a son (confirmed) in 2021. He was able to meet his daughter Ruth and spend time with her, her children, and grandchildren in Minnesota.
David passed away on June 7th, 2023, from chronic kidney disease.
He was preceded in death by his father Arthur in 1967, his sister Carolyn in 1986, and his mother Lavelle in 2010.
He is survived by his daughter Jessica Lavelle (Mousset) and son-in-law David Cook. Grandchildren, Shayne (Anelise) Mousset, Haley, Matthew, and David Cook… and great-granddaughter, Adeline Mousset.
A daughter, Ruth Cottew in Minnesota, grandchildren Alyssa (Tisa) Lassahn, Austin Decker, and 6 great-grandchildren.
A nephew, Chris Ebert, a niece, Joni (Ebert) Coscia, and a great-niece, Rachel Coscia.
A brother-in-law, Robert Saeger, and niece Nichole Novak Forsell from his first marriage.
His last wife and friend Shari Mousset and her daughter, Jessica Lynn Hood.
Lifelong friends Jeff Dill and Don Nokes.
*A celebration of life will be held on July 3rd at Shari’s waterfront property in Poulsbo, where he loved to spend time.
(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 Schilling Sr. and sharing this with the community:
William R. “Bill” Schilling Sr. beloved son, husband, father, brother, son-in-law, cousin, and friend, passed on Oct. 25, 2022, in Brunswick, GA.
Bill was born July 30, 1956, in Seattle, to Albert A. and Rufina Migawa Schilling. He enjoyed the carefree life of growing up in Seattle – or as he called it, “The Great Northwest,” surrounded by family and friends. He always loved the outdoors, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, biking, skiing, golfing, running marathons, bowling, football, basketball at the field house, swimming being a PADI National approved skin diver and continued them throughout his life. Along with his interest in sports and the great outdoors, he enjoyed travel, especially cruising, NASCAR, learning news daily, making a big batch of his delicious homemade “Bill’s K.A. spaghetti” as he called it, chess, games, history, photography, gardening, and was a national online cribbage champion.
Upon graduation in 1974 from Evergreen High School, Bill began work and attended Highline Community College. A neighbor suggested he might enjoy working in the parking industry, and that he did. His chosen career spanned 48 years in parking transportation management, serving all segments of commercial parking for such nationally recognized companies as System Parking/Standard, Century, Park N’ Fly, AAA Parking, Compass Parking, Sea Island Co. and I&L FMS – FLETC/Department of Homeland Security. Having been promoted corporately, he resided in Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and on the Georgia coast.
As a “key man” executive Bill worked tirelessly, learning as he worked from the ground up throughout his storied career of six decades in the parking/transportation business. He originated business and performed corporate operations management involving corporate contracts and business transactions, oversight of personnel and developed corporate strategies while managing the day-to-day business of parking automobiles. He enjoyed longstanding business relationships with experienced professionals, commercial real estate managers, property owners and managers, vendors, boards of directors, international committees, sporting events, high-profile Hollywood production teams, corporate CEOs, local and state officials-even the Georgia Governor. Having hired, trained and promoted many executives he was affectionately called “The Parking Guru” and sincerely practiced a “team” approach in his management style; always being ready to roll up his shirt sleeves and pitch in to do whatever the job was with the team. He led by example. Bill was known for his top professionalism, dependability, quick wit, humor, loyalty, fairness, promoting employees from within, kindness, above all he enjoyed delivering the highest and best service for everyone. He practiced “Team” in his business and personal life.
A few celebrated career highlights – recipient of prestigious BOMA Award-CBRE L.A., opening of new highrise office towers, luxury hotels, off-site airport, office-retail malls, hospitals, universities, city wide and regional management; The Atlanta Olympic Games Committee Company representative; Pasadena Rose Parades, The Emmys, The Oscars, Super Bowl XXXIV Company rep Auto point person keys to players, Dodger Stadium, The Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center and oversight of special and private events. He regaled us with stories of meeting famous celebrities, movie stars and musicians, U.S. Senators, and a cherished lifelong honor to meet and shake hands with Papa Bear George Halas, a founder of the NFL. Let’s just say, Bill knew Pro Football.
Bill loved people and led a life of service and care of others, not only in career pursuits. His hospitality knew no bounds, whether it be entertaining or opening our home to others -he gave of his heart, his time and talents to others, which is what his parents taught him – for service to God. He found great joy in volunteering in his early days as an unpaid volunteer firefighter in Seattle while attending college working full-time, founding an annual charitable corporate golf event, serving at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, in Marietta, GA; a company United Way employee rep, a union employee rep, building Habitat for Humanity homes, sponsoring missionary teams, giving donations to others, rescuing animals, helping neighbors, coaching his son’s soccer, basketball, football, and Little League teams, as well as once saving a little girl, Bettina, from drowning at Hicks Lake.
Bill and the family loved and enjoyed family pets especially “Dylan the Wonder Dog”-who with his athleticism was a celebrity in the Seattle Times, “Rowdy,” who lived up to his name, “Missy” Miss Q who he couldn’t contain, would scale 10 ft walls in 10 sec flat and “Raider” the most lovable Lab”, “Twitter Bird” the rescue Mockingbird that fell from the nest and he trained to jump from one hand to the other before releasing. Together they shared fun times and adventures with family, friends and neighbors including cookouts, trips to visit grandparents and relatives, friends, sports, concerts, events, cruises and vacations across the U.S.A, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well their lake cabin in the NC mountains. No matter where he roamed, his favorite place was Lincoln Park, hiking amongst the fern grotto, overlooking the ferries and sunsets. Bill was a proud American and he loved America and its great history. He encouraged Bren and Bill Jr. in their genealogical pursuits and together they attended many historic places and patriotic events, especially being a part of The 400th Anniversary of The Jamestowne Society Founding of America weekend in Williamsburg.
He is predeceased by his mother, Rufina Rose Migawa Schilling; and father, Albert Arthur Edward Schilling; a brother, Patrick Schilling, all of Seattle.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 36 years, Brenda Kellam Schilling; son, William R. Schilling Jr. of Brunswick; brother, Dennis J. (Cathleen) Schilling of Burien; sister, Penny (David) Anderson-Gill; nieces, Ashley Anderson-Gill and Diana L. Schilling; and nephew, Kevin Schilling, cousin Arthur Schilling of Washington; mother-in-law, Zelma Ruth Burgan Kellam of Atlanta, as well as many family, friends, neighbors and business associates across the country.
Honorary pallbearers are Michael Gossler, Joseph Renner, Joel Wattum, Michael Wenderoth, Charles Stone, Anthony Clay, Oliver Howard, Samuel Howard, John Randall, Arthur Schilling, and Eric Schilling.
Bill was a Member of Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, in Marietta, Georgia and a Life Member of The National Parking Association.
The visitation, memorial service and celebration of life reception was held at noon on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at College Place Methodist Church, in Brunswick, Georgia with the Rev. Scott Stanfill officiating. Inurnment will be at Lee’s Chapel Cemetery, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
(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 Dr. Patrick M. Hogan, who had a longtime dental practice in West Seattle. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing:
Pat died peacefully surrounded by his family May 31, 2023 at the age of 74 due to pancreatic cancer. Born October 25, 1948, in Seattle to Raymond and Kathleen Hogan, he attended Mercer Island High School where he played football and graduated in 1966. Pat graduated Cum Laude from the University of Washington and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
In 1971 he married the love of his life, Jan. Pat graduated from the UW School of Dentistry in 1974. After graduation, he spent 3 years as a Captain in the Army Dental Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, earning the Army Commendation Medal. While at Fort Bragg, Pat and Jan welcomed their daughter, Kelly, in 1976. They subsequently returned home to Seattle, where Pat began his practice at the West Seattle Dental Center in 1977. Daughter Kyle was born in 1980, and Kacey in 1986. Pat and Jan lived in Burien, West Seattle, and Normandy Park while they raised their three girls.
Pat thoroughly enjoyed serving the West Seattle community as a dentist and treated his patients with a very high level of care, and he was known to follow up with patients in the evenings and on weekends. As Pat stated about his practice, “The true joy of practicing dentistry is in the relationships that you build with your patients. My practice feels very much like a family. We have many patients who started in our practice as children, and are now bringing their children to see us. I can’t express what that type of loyalty means to myself and to my staff.” During his 46 years practicing dentistry, he spent time teaching at the UW School of Dentistry, participating in West Seattle Rotary, and numerous dental study clubs, including the Renaissance Study Club, receiving years of continuing education.
Pat was very active in basketball until “the hips wore out” and was also a “founding father” of Hoopaholics Basketball Camp, which benefits Childhaven. Pat retired from dentistry in 2020 and he and Jan moved to Bainbridge Island. Throughout Pat’s life his passions were his family, basketball, and exploring the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juans in the family’s wooden trawler the “First Light.” Pat is survived by his wife Jan Hogan, brother Tim Hogan (Candy), daughters Kelly Johnston (Scott), Kyle Udo (Chandler), Kacey Lugar (Evan) and six grandchildren: Jane, George, Bennett, Emerson, Ella and Clare. A private celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on June 27.
(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 Jim Borrow is remembering him on the first anniversary of his death, and sharing this with his community:
Dr. James Whitaker Borrow
February 1, 1944 – June 12, 2022Born in Seattle to Will and Lucile Borrow, Jim was raised in West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1962. He completed an undergraduate degree at the university of Washington (1967), where he was a member of the UW crew. He remained friends with many that he crewed with for the rest of his life. He also graduated medical school at the U.W. (1971) and years later, a residency in Radiology (1987).
He lived in the San Francisco Bay area during the 1970s into the early ’80s, where he was a staff physician at the SF Public Health Service Hospital (1971-1974) and then practiced emergency medicine at Alameda Hospital (1974-1983). There he met his future wife and life partner, Janice, who arrived in his emergency room from an auto accident. They married in 1982 and moved to Seattle.
In Seattle, he completed a residency in Radiology and practiced at First Hill Diagnostic Imaging (FHDI) from 1987 until his retirement in 2016. During his years there, he did early pioneering work on prostate cancer diagnosis, first with ultrasound and ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and subsequently developed and promoted high-resolution prostate MRI techniques and clinical applications. He was a trusted clinician and held in very high regard in the field of both general oncology and specialized studies of bone marrow-based tumors in collaborative work with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Another area of special expertise was in detailed MRI evaluation of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, with particularly detailed knowledge and attention to the complex joints of the human body. He was often the definitive opinion on abnormalities of the more common disorders of the knee and spine.
In 2007 while still practicing at FHDI, he became a clinical instructor in the department of Family Medicine at the U.W. School of Medicine. He was boarded in Family Practice as well as Radiology.
Jim combined an extreme level of interpretive ability with an unusual level of compassion and personal interaction with patients, which is uncommon in radiology. He was a valued clinical physician who chose to specialize in Diagnostic Radiology and left profound impacts on the medical community in Washington.
He was a dedicated physician who generously assisted many patients, family members, friends, and friends of friends navigate our medical system when they were faced with serious health challenges.
Throughout his life, Jim had a passionate love of travel, and he and his wife, Janice, traveled extensively. A favorite destination was the Himalayas, where they trekked numerous times in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.
Jim had a never-ceasing curiosity about and interest in the world, nature, history, culture, and people. Besides degrees in medicine, he had a degree in television broadcasting from San Francisco State and a degree in Technical Writing from the U.W. He pursued both out of his desire to make medicine more understandable to the patient population.
Being civic minded, he was a member of both the Capitol Hill and Alki Community Council, working to better the livability of the neighborhoods he resided in.
Being steadfast, kind and compassionate, he loved to help people in any way he could. During the course of his life he touched many lives.
He was preceded in death by sister Susan Flood. He is survived by his wife Janice Viekman Borrow; sister Betsy Borrow, brother Bill Borrow; sister in law Diana Borrow, brother in law John Flood, sister and brother in law Meredith and Ralph Gilbert; and numerous nieces, nephews; grandnieces, and grandnephews.
On this, the first anniversary of your death, we remember and honor you and your life well lived.
Jim’s online guest book may be signed at obituaries.seattletimes.com
(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)
Seven weeks after the news of Leticia Martinez‘s death, her family is sharing this remembrance with word of her Celebration of Life on July 1st:
Leticia is survived by her son Patrick Cosman, her parents Guadalupe and Lino Martinez, sisters Maria Arvizu, Elizabeth DeGeare and Laura Martinez-Dicus, brothers Rafael Martinez and Ricardo Martinez, nieces Maria Arvizu-Gonzalez and Lina Dicus, nephews Brian Nateras and Finley Dicus.
Leticia was born in San Diego California on March 26th, 1965. She graduated from San Dieguito High School in 1984 and moved to Seattle in 1996. In 1998, she welcomed her son Patrick into the world. In 2005, Leticia opened Café Rozella, which was a vital part of the White Center community for over ten years. Many multi-cultural and diverse events were held at the Café including musical performances, community support groups, and dancing, all showcasing Leticia’s love for her community. In 2007, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels named her “a force of change.”
Leticia loved spending time with her family, taking walks on Alki Beach, cooking, and had a love for fashion. She was a devoted mother and made many lasting friendships. She was actively involved in her Buddhist community, where she found peace and happiness. She touched many people with her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her unselfish nature and trust in others also led to her being taken from us too soon.
Leticia will be deeply missed by friends and family and those who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Leticia on Saturday, July 1st, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave. SW, Seattle.
If I should go tomorrow
It would never be good-bye
For I have left my heart with you
So don’t you ever cry
The love that’s deep within me
Shall reach you from the stars
You’ll feel it from the heavens
And it will heal all scarsDonations can be made to her GoFundMe page “Justice for Leticia,” which will help support Leticia’s son, legal costs, and memorial expenses.
(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 Michael R. Butler and sharing this with the community:
Michael Richard Butler of Seattle died on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was born on August 19, 1935, and lived to be 87 years old. He was the youngest child of Mayo Philbrick Butler and Jeannette Florence (Hainsworth) Butler.
He is survived by his wife Betty M. (Kidder) Butler and three sons, Michael P. Butler (Puyallup), Todd K. Butler (Ketchikan, Alaska), and Brett H. Butler (West Seattle). Mike was the grandfather of Natasha M. (Butler) Whipple, Jason R. Butler, Melissa B. Butler, and Tanner K. Butler. He was the great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren.
After graduating from West Seattle High School in 1953, he attended the University of Washington, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation he served six months active duty in the Army and 9½ years in the Army Reserve. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as a Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. After active duty, he began working for the family business, Butler Construction & Engineering Company. They built many highways, bridges, and buildings in the Pacific Northwest.
He was a lifelong member of the Seattle Yacht Club. He joined in 1954 as a junior member to participate in the yacht club’s junior sailboat racing program. Soon after, in 1955, Mike’s father also joined and had the family cruiser “Paramour” built. One of Mike’s greatest pleasures was cruising in the Paramour throughout Southeast Alaska and the British Columbia coast with family and friends.
He enjoyed learning family history and was always involved in a history project. His family were early residents of West Seattle, in the Admiral district, and helped develop the area. He assisted his niece Barbara Pope with stories and photos when she wrote “A History of Butler Construction Company, 1908-1992.” He was a member of the Southwest Historical Society and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum and contributed some early family photos to the history book of West Seattle, “West Side Story.”
Remembrances can be sent to Southwest Seattle Historical Society or the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum.
(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 June 11th to celebrate the life of Lacey Watson. Here’s what they are sharing with her community now:
Lacey Jayne Watson, 41, of West Seattle, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Lacey is predeceased by her grandparents, Millicent and Wallace Reid. She is survived by her parents, David and Donna Watson; her fiancé, Justin Pace; grandparents, Harry and Connie Watson; and her sisters, Brooke Gower and Melissa Watson (Brian Nowka).
She is also survived by her uncles, Drew Watson (Becky), Daniel Watson (Mary), Darren Watson (Jackie), Dustin Watson (Jolanta), Wallace Reid (Jayne), and Michael Michalski (Denise); her many cousins; her beloved nephews and nieces, Matthew, Braydon, Emily, Ashley, and Mahayla; as well as countless friends.
Lacey’s cancer started at age 25. During 10 years in remission, she gave life it all and accomplished so much in a short time.
She continued her education, receiving a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Business and International Management from City University of Seattle.
Lacey became a Broker and President of Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders. She truly loved her work in making the “world move.” Lacey did volunteer work in the schools of Seattle and became active in politics.
Lacey was a role model for all; her smile and wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten. She is dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, June 11th. Please find celebration details, and share remembrances at forevermissed.com/lacey-jayne-watson.
(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 Jon-Paul “JP” Sletten wants to be sure everyone is invited to his Celebration of Life this Tuesday (May 30th) and are sharing this remembrance along with the invitation:
Jon-Paul (“Jon”) (“JP”) Sletten passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in the early morning hours of April 27, 2023. He was 53 years old at the time of his death – gone from this world too soon for all who knew and loved him.
Jon-Paul was preceded in death by his brother, James Galen (Daisy) Sletten of Bozeman, MT, his grandparents Marvin and Margaret Sletten, Thomas and Dolores Barclay, and Orlano and Phyllis Palm, all of Anaconda, MT, his uncles Marvin “Red” Sletten of Seattle and John “Jack” (Eileen) Sletten of Anaconda, MT; and his aunt, Linda Sue Miller-Page, of Tacoma.
Jon-Paul is survived by his mother Cheryl Anne (Mike) Dunn of Anaconda, MT, his father Charles Edward Sletten of Laurel, MT, his stepfather Tony Wayne Palm of Anaconda, MT, his sisters Jessica Sletten (Joe) Daniels of Longwood, FL, Charlsie Jane Sletten of Billings, MT, and Korri Jane Palm Toll of Scotch Plains, NJ, and his brother Toby James (Stacy) Palm of Roseburg, OR, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Sletten, Barclay, Palm, and Miller families.
Born on February 26th, 1970, to Charles and Cheryl Sletten, Jon-Paul attended school in his hometown of Anaconda, Montana, graduating from Anaconda High School in 1988. He was a brilliant student and an avid reader who had a passion for world history. He was also a boy filled with a sense of wonder who loved to create imaginary worlds that transported the minds of his siblings, cousins, and friends. Later in life, his knowledge and creativity would help him bring acceptance and peace to others; many felt truly seen by Jon-Paul, even when others were unable to fully acknowledge them.
Jon-Paul was a hard worker who started his first job at 14 years old, bussing tables at Barclay II, a local Anaconda supper club. He went on to become a career server, working at multiple restaurants in the greater Seattle area and eventually settling at his final place of employment: Endolyne Joe’s. Jon-Paul was well-known in the Seattle service family for his engaging personality. He went to extremes to bring smiles to the faces of his customers and co-workers, relying on his signature sense of humor, and readily deploying a string of bad jokes if all else failed.
Jon-Paul’s primary passion in life was his love of people. He had a bright smile and an easy, cackling laugh, and he was always quick to share both with others. He loved his family and friends deeply. He could be both silly and serious, but he was always loving. And whenever Jon-Paul was nearby, the people who loved him crowded around to feel his light shining on them, while he joked in his quick-witted way and told animated stories.
A Celebration of Jon-Paul’s Life will be held at Endolyne Joe’s at 9261 45th Avenue SW, Seattle, on May 30th, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. We hope you can join us there to share your favorite story or memory of this wonderful man whose accepting nature brought peace to so many. If not, don’t worry – Jon-Paul would understand and would simply ask that you do something kind for another person to honor his time on this earth.
Please send family condolences or final personal comments to Hope Lutheran Church at hopeluchurch@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital at give.seattlechildrens.org, an organization that Jon-Paul visited often to support one of his favorite people, his cousin Kaylor “Bean” Feeley, who received life-saving medical care there.
Special thanks to the staff at Endolyne Joe’s in Seattle, Emerald Cremation and Burial in Seattle, and Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda, MT.
(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 Laurie Jo (Holdridge) Treosti, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
LAURIE JO (HOLDRIDGE) TREOSTI
October 21, 1948 ˜ January 17, 2023Laurie Treosti passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on January 17, 2023, in Vancouver, WA, after a long battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 21, 1948, in Seattle to Robert and Jo Holdridge.
She graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1966. She received her BA in Education from Central Washington State College in 1970 and moved to Vancouver to begin her teaching career. Teaching was a passion that she enjoyed for 44 years, instilling her own love of learning in her students by empowering them to be resilient and work beyond any challenges they face. She modeled this every day in her career facing the daily challenges of having MS. She was an advocate for disability awareness. Often, former students would return to her classroom at Mill Plain Elementary to thank her for the impact she made in their lives. She made a difference to countless students and their families during her career.
While teaching, she pursued a law degree in the evenings. In 1991, she received her Juris Doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School. She practiced law for 30 years at Boyd, Gaffney, Sowards & Treosti, focusing on Estate Planning. For 20 years before retiring from teaching she was both an educator and an attorney.
Laurie cherished time spent with her many friends and family. Her smile, wisdom, compassion and sense of humor will be missed.
Laurie is survived by her mother Jo (Holdridge) Bonzon; her brother Stuart Holdridge and wife Patty; niece Amy Holdridge, husband Ed Gallas and daughter Abby Gallas; nephew Jeff Holdridge, partner Rebecca Bailey and son Connor Holdridge; stepbrother Gary Bonzon; and stepsister Sherry Osmonovich, and husband Louie.
A celebration of Laurie’s life is being planned for this Spring/Summer. A memorial scholarship is being created to benefit Evergreen Public Schools students in Laurie’s name. Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
(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 June 10th to remember Verona Ryan, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
On this past beautiful Easter morning, our family took pause to think of our mother who had also recently risen, passing in her sleep on March 29th at the age of 90. She was the most remarkable combination of brains, compassion, and pragmatic problem-solving; at once artistic, analytical, graceful, humble, and beautiful, she embodied so many of the virtues we find ourselves still pursuing today.
Born July 6, 1932 in tiny Steinauer, Nebraska, as the fifth of six children to the Rev. Ernest and Ana Tischhauser, both Swiss immigrants, she was soon swept up with her siblings to a small town outside Austin, Texas where her father had been named pastor of a bilingual protestant church. Verona exhibited her brains early on by skipping two grades in elementary school, before moving at age 12 to Tacoma, WA where she graduated from Lincoln High School, met and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Morgan, and continued her study of music at Puget Sound College. They moved to West Seattle in 1956.
For the last 67 years Verona has been a pillar of strength and influence at Alki United Church of Christ. If there was ever glue that held a place together, she was it. She served multiple times as Chair or Business Manager of the Church’s Board of Directors, was influential in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC, decorated every service with beautiful altar floral arrangements, offered her glorious soprano voice as choir soloist, and became church organist and keyboardist for 26 years of services, weddings, and memorials. In the background, Verona was also the part of three pastor selections, a leader of Women’s Fellowship, a key organizer of special events, and the creator of several major pieces of stained-glass art found around the church and in the homes of other parishioners. There were no bounds to her energy or commitment.
Through it all, she always remained open, approachable, patient, kind, humble. Verona was a calm but powerful force.
We are tremendously saddened by the loss of her guiding presence in our lives. Her cheerful demeanor and peaceful approach were always a blessing, always comforting; she was an island of calm in a world often too busy to slow down. She was also ready for the end. It was a frustrating disappointment to her, because the change to dependence came so rapidly and she so did not want to be a burden on anyone. Yet, she was also so appreciative of those who visited, and of those who cared for her. She would always remark how much she enjoyed our time together. Then she would make a point of saying, “But you better not feel guilty about not being able to be here.” To which we would laugh and say, “But mom, we always will. It’s part of loving you.”
Right up to the end she had a great sense of humor. Self-effacing, humble; frustrated, but recognizing this is often how the end plays out. Her sense of self-awareness never left. For us, it’s always so hard to see a great life end this way. For that, we are sad. But in heaven, we are sure she’ll get the best seat available – right in the front row.
Verona is survived by her daughter, Morgan Brig, sons Tim & Mark Morgan, step-daughter Beverly Taylor, and brother Eric Tischhauser.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 10, 1 pm, at Alki United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances or donations to Alki United Church of Christ or the West Seattle Food Bank.
(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 June 10th to celebrate the life of Betty Spadoni. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Elizabeth “Betty” Spadoni
December 3rd, 1955-January 31st, 2023On Monday, January 31st, we lost Betty to the battle she has had with her health in recent years. In true Betty form, she fought fiercely and never lost the spark we love so much.
Betty’s personality was one of a kind. Her quick wit and “always something to say” humor was what she was known for by friends and family. Born into the infamous Spadoni family to Dorothy and Henry in 1955, she was one of ten siblings that were raised in West Seattle. She joins her family including five of her brothers and sisters in paradise and leaves behind her children Jason Holmes, Sarah Holmes, and Mariah Lillie, as well as grandchildren Bella, Sicily, Jason Jr., Hudson, and Marquis. This is in addition to her four living siblings, Don (Judy), Marianne (Dan), Irene (Doug), and Steve (Debbie) as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
Always gaining energy from interacting with others, Betty spent her career working around people. This included being a lunch lady at Our Lady of Guadalupe school and working at her family-owned and operated restaurant Whizburger/ Huckleberry Square in Burien.
A celebration of life for Betty will be held at St. Bernadette Hall at 11 am on June 10th at St. Bernadette Parish School, 1028 SW 128th, Burien.
(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 Jon Paul Tharp; here’s what they’re sharing with the community:
Born in Hammond, Indiana, on February 25, 1938, Jon passed away in Auburn, WA, on April 21, 2023. Son of the late Daniel F. Tharp & Mary Gehring Tharp; brothers Daniel F. Tharp II of Florida & Charles W. Tharp, deceased.
After attending Hammond Tech High School, he moved with his parents to West Seattle and graduated in 1957 from WSHS. He was employed at Boeing for forty-three years as a machinist, retiring in 2000.
Jon met his wife Audrey Lowdon at West Seattle Christian Church, and they were married there in August of 1962. He lived in West Seattle from 1962 to 2005, then moved to Lakeland Hills in Auburn, WA. He enjoyed working in his “garage” and as a “handyman” at church in West Seattle and in his retirement community in Auburn.
Children: Bryan (Lori) Tharp of Kennewick, WA, and daughter Karyn Tharp Eklund (Terry) of Covington, WA.
Five grandchildren: Tyler, Curtis, and Payton Eklund & Brady and Evan Tharp; sister-in-law Judy Lowdon Russell (Alan) of Spokane, WA; three special nieces, Cari Sheppard of Tigard, OR, Lindy Mihata of Anchorage, AK, and Shelly Krasselt of Spokane, WA.
A private family graveside service is planned.
(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 Shirley J. Roe and sharing this with the community:
Shirley J. Roe passed away at Angel Wings Adult Family Home in Des Moines, Washington early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Shirley was born in Seattle to Agnes and Peter Bullock on October 16, 1928. She was a lifelong Seattle resident.
Shirley met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Roe, while he was in the Navy, stationed in Bremerton. They married on June 9, 1948.
Shirley and Chuck remained happily married and living in West Seattle for the next 68 years, until Chuck passed away in 2016.
In her mid-40s Shirley attended the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Teaching Certificate in 1974. She worked for many years in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Washington, where she retired in 1991.
Even at 94 years young, Shirley was a passionate lifetime supporter of women’s rights, equal civil rights for all, and giving back to the community. Chuck and Shirley traveled throughout the world into their 80s. They enjoyed working as volunteers for NARAL, the Millionair Club, and caring for many foster children over the years. Both of them played a huge role in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Shirley was uncompromising when it came to correcting grammar and the war of “I love you, more.” But, most of all, she loved her family fiercely. We feel fortunate to have had both Shirley and Chuck as parents and grandparents. They inspired everyone around them to always give back more than they take and to work toward the greater good for all. We couldn’t have asked for better role models.
Shirley is survived by her sons Patrick (Sherri) and Mick (Vickie), her grandchildren Mike, Josh, and Amanda, and her great-grandchildren Tyler, Emma, Delila, and Zachary. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck, grandson Derek, parents Agnes and Peter, and sisters Patricia and Sally.
If you would like to share memories of Shirley, please do so at funerals.coop/obituaries/shirley-j-roe.html. A private celebration of Shirley’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite nonprofit organization in Shirley’s name.
(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 May 13 to celebrate the life of Helen Sardarov. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Helen Sardarov, June 16, 1921-March 4, 2023
Born to immigrants Hilda (Hakala) and Milo Jonovich from the edges of Europe in the rural community of Teanaway, Washington, Helen lived a century full of life that her parents from Finland and Montenegro could not have imagined. When Helen, her brother and parents moved to Seattle in 1936, they added 4 new residents to city’s 366,000. Her parents ran boarding houses, filled with fellow immigrants seeking community and companionship. She anglicized her name from Jelena to Helen and embraced what was then a small city. Family lore says she met her husband Frank after sneaking out with her friend Mil to a “Slavic Youth” dance. They were married 62 years, until Frank’s death on December 21, 2004. They built a house in West Seattle in the late 1940s where she lived until 2022.
Helen graduated with a secretarial degree from Edison Vocational Technical Institute. “Not much choice,” she said, “being a woman.” Nevertheless, she excelled at every position: her smarts, promise, and dependability did not go unnoticed. By the end of her career, she was a “Secretary 3” at the UW Library. She had immense pride that her daughters (Linda Clevering and Barbara Sardarov) and granddaughters (Sara, Karen, and Marie Clevering, and Kate LaSpina) had their choice of professions and graduated from college.
Helen rarely slowed down. Her garden was a magical delight for grandchildren; her raspberry jam was hoarded — relished. And she traveled, from the “Old Country” to Hong Kong and Oklahoma, where Linda and her family lived. Her daily schedule revolved around reading, educating herself, exercising, and volunteering. Never a fan of driving, she confidently rode the bus or walked for her regular errands and exercise.
Helen was stubborn, fiercely loyal, quiet, humble, and much loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 13 from 11-2 at the Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave SW.
You may share memories at westfordfuneralhome.com.
(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 Keith Holsman and sharing this with his community:
Keith Holsman passed away April 12, 2023, at age 81.
Keith was born in Bigfork, Minnesota, September 24, 1941, to Marie and Spencer Holsman. Spencer was an officer in the Boilermakers union and was deployed to Kennewick, Washington, then to Seattle, where the family settled near Schmitz Park. Keith met his lifelong partner, Donna Huntley, at Madison Junior High School. The pair started their courtship and held hands as they crossed the street to West Seattle High School, where they graduated in 1960. Keith and Donna married in 1962 and had their first child, daughter Kelley, in 1964, then son Jeff in 1967. The family of four settled in Fauntlee Hills and have remained in West Seattle.
Keith started his career as a Boilermaker at Todd Shipyard, then changed trades to Sheetmetal Local 66, where he worked as Journeyman. In the 1970s, Keith had several stints in Prudhoe Bay Alaska working on the oil pipeline which he termed as the “wild west.” Keith retired from Local 66 in the mid-1980s and began to purchase apartment buildings with Donna. Keith was a jack of all trades and could do all tasks involved with managing the apartment buildings. He loved his tools and bought the best, the biggest, and the most powerful. “Tim the Toolman” from the TV show Home Improvement would have been envious.
Keith was loved by his three grandchildren, who were lucky enough to have him in their lives into their adulthood. Sadly, on April 5, 2023 Keith had a heart attack and passed away a week later with his family at his side. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Donna, their two children Kelley Porter (Mike) and Jeff Holsman (Marianne), and their three grandchildren Amanda Dray (Matthew), Chris Porter and River Porter (Schantell).
The family wishes to thank the staff at Cherry Hill Swedish Hospital for their care and support.
We will miss his great one-liners that will live on in our family and keep us chuckling for years to come. Life is not the same without him.
(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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