A Celebration of Life is planned May 12th for Vanetta Warren and Dick Warren, who died five days apart after almost 60 years together. Their family is sharing their remembrances together, too. Here is Vanetta’s:

Vanetta Rae Warren (House) passed away surrounded by family at her home on Alki Beach the evening of October 24, 2022.

Vanetta was born in Bozeman, Montana 3/24/1934 to parents Edgar (Ed) J. House and Lucile M. House (Johnson). Her parents, older brother Wayne House, and younger brother Bruce (Pinky) House, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, Michael; her grandchildren: Ben, Brian, Michael, Bart, Sarah, Barbara, Erika, Paula, and Patrick; great-grandchildren: Coralie, Oakley, Freya, Tucker, and Alessa.

Vanetta left Bozeman with her family at age four and moved to Vashon Island. She grew up on the Island and graduated from Vashon High School. In 1952 she married fellow Vashon native Mitchell (Mike) Plancich. They had one child, Michael (Little Mike). Sadly, their marriage did not last and Vanetta moved to Seattle to secure employment. She worked at a variety of secretarial jobs and studied at night school to become a dental hygienist, a career she followed for the next decade.

In 1964 she met an old high school boyfriend, Richard (Dick) Warren, who was recently divorced and had moved from Idaho back to Seattle. They married in 1965, then moved to central Alaska where they both worked at a Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) base in Clear, Alaska. Vanetta worked as the executive secretary for the base director and Dick as an engineer. Vanetta was a good sport and frequently collected both husband and son from their many outdoor adventures in a weatherized four-wheel drive pickup truck. After three-years of careful saving, they moved back to Seattle and bought a small beach cabin on Alki Beach in West Seattle. With Michael’s help they remodeled the beach cabin, building a large back deck with a privacy fence. Vanetta hosted many happy parties with out of town guests sleeping outside on the deck on the waterbed from May through September.

Vanetta continued working and became bookkeeper then later vice president of Air Club International. She followed that career with one as a real estate agent specializing in area condominiums.

Although sad to see the little cabin go, they replaced it with a beautiful new home on the beach, designed by Dick but with features she specifically requested. Vanetta lived in that same location for nearly 54 years, cooking (especially French and Mediterranean cooking with Dick), and entertaining family and their many, many friends. She loved dancing and dining out, the Arcadians’ Dance Club, the West Seattle Book Club (she always enjoyed a good mystery), and playing Bridge with friends. Vanetta and Dick loved to travel and visit friends. Besides spending most Thanksgivings with friends in Hawaii, they traveled to French Polynesia, sailed to Fiji, made multiple trips to the East Coast and Europe (Vanetta especially enjoyed Denmark, France, Italy, and Greece). But, they always returned to their home, where she co-hosted an annual family gathering, ‘Camp Alki.’ She especially enjoyed having her home filled with the laughter of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their dogs, beach fires, salmon bakes, children roasting hot dogs or marshmallows, and just playing on the beach.

Vanetta will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her and especially by her entire family. A Celebration of Life for both Vanetta and her husband, Dick, who sadly passed away just 5 days later, will be held at Salty’s on Alki on May 12, 2023. Please click on this link to RSVP to the Celebration of Life.

(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 planning a party to celebrate Noreen Wilde‘s life on May 20th. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community now:

Noreen Eliza Wilde 3/13/1964 – 3/18/2023

“I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints…” -Billy Joel

Noreen grew up the second youngest in an LDS family in West Seattle and graduated from Chief Sealth High School. She was a voracious reader of books throughout her life, and she was a champion speller and grammar queen. Noreen enjoyed walking in the woods, growing flowers, the Methow River, candles, making jewelry, attending the symphony and other concerts, brewing kombucha, and baking delicious treats, among many other things. Noreen was irreverent and hilarious and generous, passionately liberal, and a fierce defender of reproductive freedoms. She was a devoted Aunt and Great Aunt to family and friends alike and always had a gift for connecting with and uplifting young people. The three great loves of her life were Reggie, Viggo, and Brodie. Noreen was among the minute percentage of folks who survive with pancreatic cancer for over five years. She will be remembered as an expansive, resilient, and wonderfully unique individual by all who knew and loved her.

Gifts in her memory can be made to Abortion Care Network: abortioncarenetwork.org/donate

There will be a memorial party and BBQ celebrating Noreen’s life with stories, games, and food on May 20, 2023, in Tukwila. If you would like to attend and want more information, please text or call her niece Jessica at 206 9one5 9five5five.

Your comments with memories of Noreen are heartily encouraged and welcomed.

(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 next month to celebrate the life of Keith Grayson. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community now:

Keith Grayson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 30, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Helen, his two children Matthew and Heather, and four grandchildren – as well as three brothers and their families.

Keith was well known in the West Seattle community as a football and baseball coach, owner of the Classic Barber Shop for over three decades, and as a lifetime resident. He loved fishing and watching the Washington Huskies play football, in addition to spending time with his family.

His Celebration of Life will be held on May 6th at noon at the Junction Church in West Seattle, followed by a reception at the West Seattle Eagles from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Donations may be made to the Junction Church in lieu of flowers. He will be greatly missed.

(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 David Zuckerman, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

David Zuckerman passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2023 after a long and brutal battle with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s. David’s last four days were spent at home, in his beloved music room, surrounded by family and friends and listening to his favorites — Mozart, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan.

David was born in 1960 in Brooklyn, New York to June and Israel Zuckerman. There was no mistaking his Brooklyn roots in his straightforward manner of speaking, his love of a good bagel, and his ability to parallel park in impossibly tight spaces. David attended Great Neck South high school in Long Island, where he made lifelong friends and was, of course, on the math team. He went on to Brown University, where he was a math major but seemed to be equally focused on playing music. His friends from Brown remained close to him throughout his life. Following college, David put that math degree to good use … by becoming a recording engineer at the Splice of Life studio in Boston. For reasons that still remain unclear, David then left the recording business and entered law school at Northeastern University in 1985. On the first day of law-school orientation, David met his life partner, Maureen Devlin. After the longest courtship in recorded history, they married in 1998. David’s extraordinary legal mind was revealed at Northeastern. Classmates, including Maureen, relied on David’s notes and class outlines to survive. Purportedly, some of those outlines remained in circulation for years. David was selected by his classmates to give the graduation speech, in which he noted that our class attitude was not that we could play this game as well as anyone, but was instead, “This is a dumb game everyone is playing. Maybe we should change the rules.” Following law school, David moved to Seattle to work for The Public Defender Association. He then clerked for Federal Judge William Dwyer before opening his own practice.

David was a rare breed, a true Renaissance man. He was a brilliant criminal defense lawyer who managed to fight for his clients with tenacity, courage and decency. He was not only highly respected by clients and colleagues, receiving in 2017 the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ highest honor, the William O. Douglas award, but was equally respected by his adversaries and the judiciary as well. David had many clients facing a death sentence and would say that his greatest professional accomplishment was that not one of those clients lost the battle on his watch. David was endlessly giving of his expertise, often volunteering his time to provide advice or to speak at continuing education events. He also was passionate about protecting civil liberties and devoted countless hours in service to the American Civil Liberties Union.

There was so much more to David than his remarkable legal career. David was a talented musician, having played piano in several rock bands including his aptly-named college band, The Geeks. He was also always athletic, an avid skier, a swimmer, a former competitive diver, a runner, and a triathlete. He loved to hike and backpack and traveled far and wide to do so. He had a wry sense of humor, specializing in eye-rolling Dad jokes, never lost his cool, and always made time to care for friends and family.

David’s pride and joy were his twin daughters, Anna and Leah Zuckerman. He was endlessly devoted to them. They adored him and the feeling was mutual. Nothing mattered more to David than the happiness of his girls. He never missed an opportunity to be with them, or to brag about them, as they flourished into the beautiful, brilliant, amazing young women they are today. No doubt that David’s influence and love will carry them through forever.

In addition to Maureen, Anna, and Leah, David is survived by his brother, Daniel Zuckerman, and by too many friends to count. While his light was extinguished too soon, he packed more into those 63 years than most of us can dream of doing. May he be at peace now and free. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date. For more information and updates, visit: EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/David-Zuckerman

(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 Jim Huntley and sharing this remembrance with the community:

James C. Huntley
February 29, 1948 – March 29, 2023

Jim was born in Seattle on February 29, leap year day, in 1948. He was the second-born child of Charles and Virginia Huntley. Jim was raised in West Seattle and attended Alki Elementary, James Madison Junior High School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1966. After graduation, he went to work with his father at Huntley Machine and Tool. Jim worked at the family machine and fabrication business until it closed in the late 1990s.

Jim loved to be on the water and over the years enjoyed all kinds of boating. He belonged to the Roche Harbor Yacht club and spent many days exploring Puget Sound in his boat “Jambo.” Jim was also a motorcycle enthusiast and was part of a club called the Jolly Rogers Motorcycle Club. Jim made many friends throughout his lifetime and treasured all of those friendships.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his best friend and loving wife Michele, and his daughter Kimberly A Ferkingstad. He is survived by his son, Kameron Huntley, his granddaughters Anna and Sonja Ferkingstad, and his sister Donna Holsman.

(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 Edward Eckberg and sharing this with the community:

Ed Eckberg was taken home on February 26, 2023. He was born May 12, 1936, the only son of Gerald and Gladys Eckberg, in Seattle. He grew up in West Seattle and attended Lafayette Elementary and James Madison Junior High. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1954.

He met his future wife, Layne Miller, while working as a lifeguard at Colman Pool. Ed and Layne married in 1959 and went on to have three daughters: Kari, Sheryl, and Erika. Ed graduated from the University of Washington with a Business Administration degree. He worked his way up at Seattle First National Bank to eventually become Vice President. In 1974, he and a long-time friend purchased an apple orchard in the Chelan/Manson area. Ed and Layne moved to Manson permanently in 1989 and spent many years lovingly improving their property on Greens Landing Road. Ed loved swimming, boating, skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling. He enjoyed many active trips doing the things he loved to do.

Ed’s faith was an important part of his life. He spent years attending Bible Study Fellowship and attended Living Stone Church in Chelan for many years. Ed was kind and generous with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family. Ed loved Jesus and his family are confident that Ed is resting in His presence now.

Ed leaves his wife Layne and daughters Kari (Steve), Sheryl (Brian), and Erika (Coley). He had seven grandchildren: Matthew, Aaron, Tizita, Jacob, William, Molly, and Weston.

Precht Rose Chapel is assisting the family with services. A private family graveside service was held.

(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 John F. Watson and sharing this remembrance with the community:

John was the first-born child of Frank and Helen Watson in West Seattle in 1947. He passed away 3/22/23 in Gig Harbor.
 
John attended Holy Rosary Grade School and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1965.  He then attended Highline CC and University of Washington before starting an illustrious career at Boeing. He spent over 30 years at Boeing, making many life-long friends. John always loved being on the water and owned 2 beautiful yachts, the Scorpio and the White Cap.  He loved taking friends and family out on Lake Washington, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and the San Juans. He was kind beyond words and generous to a fault.  He was an avid bridge player and art collector.  Loved dogs, Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, and cookies!  His health deteriorated over the last year, making life difficult. 

We are thankful to his many friends who helped care for him, including, but not limited to, Rosalie, Mike, and Janis. He is survived by his two brothers Ric and Andy Watson, sister Debbie Coghill, their spouses, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all adored 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)

When Dan DeSantis died in July 2020 at age 75, it was just a few months into the pandemic, and impossible to gather for memorials. Now that a few years have passed, his family is ready to invite friends and relatives to a gathering this summer. We were asked to share this announcement:

Save the Date

Celebration of Life for
Dan DeSantis
July 13th, 2023
4 pm-8 pm

(updated) This will be held at Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota).

Family and friends are remembering Tyler Tomaselli, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Tyler Sinclair Tomaselli
July 24, 1985 – February 12, 2023

Tyler was born and raised in West Seattle, the “Westside Bestside,” and he loved life with a passion. He loved baseball, football, and basketball and was an All Star athlete. He loved animals, was always kind and loving to everyone and was a very humble person. He is survived by his father Paul, mother Cathy, brother Jake, his turtle Melissa, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, as well as many good friends from the West Seattle community. He is now resting at peace with his heavenly family, friends, his dog Jasmine, and the lord. We love you Tywu, we will miss you but will also see you again soon.

Please share memories, photos & condolences with Tyler’s family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Tyler-Tomaselli.

A celebration of Tyler’s life will be held at a future date in West Seattle, please check the obituary page for details.

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 April 1st to remember Mike Wallace, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Michael “Mike” John Wallace was a true and proud West Seattleite until his final day on February 26, 2023. He passed unexpectedly at the age of 65 in West Seattle.

Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who is survived by his bride, Shari Lynn who he cherished as “the luckiest girl in the world.” He was a proud father of Christopher (Taryn) Wallace and Michelle (Alden) McCormick. He was the most vibrant Grandpa to his five grandchildren: Scarlett, Junior, Aidan, Evelynn, Sloane, and excited for Michelle & Alden’s newest addition due this October. They will forever remember making noise and trouble with Grandpa Mike.

Mike is preceded in death by his sister, Kathi Norberg, and his parents, Hugh & Betty Wallace who raised him and his seven brothers and sisters in a loving home along 35th Avenue full of childhood memories. Mike is also survived by his siblings; Pat (Sheri) Wallace, Barbara Roumonada, Patty Valentine, Linda Byrne, Sue Ericson, and Terry Wallace.

Mike made a notable and memorable impact during his 45 years at Avis where he built a career that he treasured. He never started a day without a cup of Starbucks coffee. He was always donned in his Avis swag, cruising the lots in his red Nike Air Forces. Mike was a magnet who brought people together through music and laughter. On the weekends, he took to the stage drumming with his band, The VanHolt’s. When he didn’t have a gig, he and Shari would spend their time at their property and “happy place” in Desert Aire. If you knew Mike, you fell victim to his famous pop-bys, random calls and saw a brief appearance at every event, but he made sure it never lasted too long as he would leave with a classic Irish Goodbye.

Michael John Wallace’s contagious smile, drum solos, and unforgettable charismatic spirit will be missed and remembered by all.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 2-5 pm at the Seattle Lutheran High School Gymnasium. All who want to share in Mike’s memory are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a local Hope School students fundraiser that benefits Music4Life, a non profit dedicated to getting musical instruments into the hands of kids. Follow this link to donate to Dominic’s GoFundMe page.

To share your condolences and memories of Mike, visit:
emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Wallace

(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 the family of longtime West Seattle Junction gift-shop owner Gregor Terjung announced his death in January, the date wasn’t yet set for his celebration of life. Now it is, and they want the community to know that the memorial is planned for Saturday, April 1st, 11 am at West Seattle Christian Church (4400 42nd SW). Online tributes are also still welcome at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gregor-Terjung. Mr. Terjung owned and operated Terjung’s Studio of Gifts for half a century until closing the shop and retiring at age 89.

Family and friends are remembering Malik N. Davis and sharing this with the community:

Malik Nkrumah Davis was larger than life in all possible ways. He was often heard before he was seen, with his booming voice calling out a greeting or his laughter echoing around the room and, standing tall in both height and character, he made those around him feel cared for and protected. But he was most known for his passion and outsized love which encompassed all of those he cared about, fueled his pursuit of social justice and drove his well-known fervor for his beloved University of Washington Huskies. Nothing was greater than his endless love for “his girls” – his beautiful wife, Colleen, and his adored daughters, Waverly (15) and Quincy (13), who were the center of his world.

The profound impact of his life is matched only by the pain of his passing, since he died Feb. 21, suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack at home.

Malik was born to Alice Davis and Waverly Davis on Dec. 2, 1970 in Seattle. He graduated from Garfield High School (‘88) and then earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Washington (’94). He went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration from the New School, located in New York City.

His mother, Alice, inspired his passion for social activism starting when he was a boy. He grew into a gentle giant with humility and compassion. He spent his life committed to helping others and actively working for positive change, whether that was through his work in politics, at non-profits, or marching for justice.

At the time of his passing, he was a Legislative Aide for Seattle Councilmember Alex Pedersen and previously worked at Mary’s Place as the Associate Director; at the University of Washington as Director of Constituent Relations, UW Alumni Association, and later as a Major Gifts Officer at the College of Arts and Science. He also previously was a Client Relationship Specialist for Charter Construction and held several roles for the City of Seattle.

Malik was a proud and active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity as well as The Breakfast Group, a Seattle-based non-profit focused on addressing the challenges of at-risk youth of color. He was a frequent mentor to high school and college students, in addition to being an active volunteer in his community and at his children’s schools.

Malik will be remembered for his gregarious personality and fierce advocacy for people and the causes he held dear. He had a consummate ability to make every person around him feel as though they were the most important in the room. He was always up for whatever his family wanted to do, whether it was dressing up in their tradition of themed Halloween costumes, sharing a passion for all things Marvel with his daughter Quincy, being his daughter Waverly’s biggest fan at her sports events, or going on myriad trips, including a pandemic vacation in an RV, a visit to New York, Hawaii, and a recent trip to Disneyland. For his 50th birthday, he and Colleen took a cross-country train trip, in honor of his passion for trains. Malik adored Luther, their chocolate Labrador, and the newest addition to the Davis family, Otis, their French Bulldog.

Malik was loved beyond words and returned that love so powerfully that it will wrap around his family for the rest of their lives and will ripple across time for generations to come.

In addition to his wife, daughters, and mother, he is survived by his brother Kalauu Davis, of Seattle; brother Karim Davis, niece Kaleilah Davis and stepmother Sheila Davis, all of Tigard, Oregon; a large and loving extended family and enough friends to fill a stadium. Malik was preceded in death by his father.

The Davis Family is proud to share that leaders from the City of Seattle will be proclaiming this December 2nd, Malik’s birthday, as “Malik Davis Day.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a scholarship being set up in Malik’s name to benefit Kappa Alpha Psi. For more information, visit www.MalikDavisMemorial.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 will gather March 19 to celebrate the life of Curtis Fairbanks. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:

Curtis Benjamin Fairbanks, 58, passed away on February 11, 2023 at his home in Wenatchee, Washington.

Curtis was born and raised in West Seattle and spent many summers at Snow Creek resort in Neah Bay with his grandparents, Bob and Ruth Marts, developing a love for the outdoors. He played hockey for most of his life and later developed a passion for stunt kite flying at the beaches in Washington. Later Curtis moved to South Carolina to spend time by the beach, returning to Washington State in 2018. He truly loved his dogs Kamali and Emma – his best friend and Service Dog of 9 years. Curtis was an amazing designer and creator, spending many hours working in his shop – always constructing, creating, troubleshooting, and fixing things.

He is survived by his mother Susan Baker of Wenatchee and wife Andrea Shane of Charleston, SC (son Jeffrey); he leaves behind his son Andrew (Haley) Fairbanks and daughter Chelsea Fairbanks; siblings Christopher (Tracy) Fairbanks, Elizabeth Fairbanks, Hoang Min Thai, Heather Baker, Helen Baker, Sherry Rogers; Marcela Gonzalez-Reyes; grandchildren Henry and Benjamin Fairbanks; nephew Brandon Fairbanks; niece Amber Fairbanks; nephew Ryley Fairbanks; and stepmother Mary Fuller. He is preceded in death by his father William Fairbanks and stepfather Donald Baker.

Family and friends are welcome to a celebration of his life on March 19, from 1-4 pm:

Dakota Place
4304 SW Dakota Street

Donations can be made to Bravos Kindred Canines, bravoskindredcanines.org. This will help others receive Life-saving diabetic alert dogs like Curt’s lifesaver, Emma.

(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 March 24 to celebrate the life of Frank Ambrozic. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

On February 8, angels gently carried Frank Edward Ambrozic to Heaven’s Field of Dreams. They have seated him next to his cherished father Frank Louis behind home plate in the best box seats. Together they are enjoying watching the Yankees’ M&M Boys, Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle (and all of baseball’s greats) play pick-up games. Sun shining and stadium’s speakers serenading him with Sinatra, George, and all his favorite tunes.

Born in Butte, Montana, on April 27, 1956, he was described by his mom Billie as a kind and happy baby; these traits would continue to describe him as a man. Devoted to his family, friends and community, Frankie lived a life of service, always caring for others before himself.

A husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, friend, and coach, Frankie brought joy to not only those who loved him, but to everyone he met along the way. Always making friends wherever he’d go. There for others to lend an ear, offer help, share a laugh and a joke, or give you a great big hug. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday, as he lived his life always thankful and ever giving.

Married to his love and soulmate Connie for 43 years, together they blessed the world with their three children Tyler (wife Michelle), Donna (husband Jeff), and Casey (wife Erin). “Papa” to his five cherished grandchildren, Max, Ava, Julianne, Leo, and Cooper. Never a task too big or favor too grand for this papa. Unwavering support and encouragement inspired them all and the rest of his very special family.

To quote one of his favorite singers, Jimmy Buffett, while we “cannot reason this hurricane season,” may we find comfort knowing he will forever be our guardian angel who will calm any rough waters and guide us to safe passage. To honor him, may we celebrate his life by living by his example – to be kind, happy, always thankful and ever giving.

Celebration of life at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and gym Friday, March 24th, at 11 am.

(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 March 12 to remember Phillip J. Morris. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Phillip J. Morris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend passed away suddenly at the age of 82 on February 9, 2023.

Phil was born on November 13, 1940 to James and Marjorie Morris. He grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High in 1959. He was a member of the first Little League team in West Seattle. He graduated from Central Washington University and during his career he worked for Boeing, Pfizer, and spent many years at Todd Shipyard. He loved to ski (which he did until he was almost 80), hike, travel, working on home improvement projects, and was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners.

He is survived by his wife Baiba, son Brad (Glynis), step-daughter Laila (Scott), grandchildren Ty, Malia, Ruby, and Micah Morris, and Lauren and Jenna Collins.

Memorial service will be held on March 12th at 3 pm at Fauntleroy Church, 9140 California Ave. SW.

(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 C. Wiseman, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Daniel Calvin Wiseman
April 2, 1953 – February 17, 2023

Daniel C. Wiseman passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023, in West Seattle after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dan was born in Madison, South Dakota, on April 2, 1953, to parents Austin ‘Cal’ and Joyce Wiseman. He was the second oldest in a family of six children. When Dan was just four months old, the young family moved to Seattle. Dan graduated from Evergreen High School in 1971 and attended South Seattle College.

Dan grew up working in the family business, learning the trade from his parents. He eventually purchased the still-operating Wiseman Appliance of West Seattle’s Admiral District in 1981. As the owner of Wiseman Appliance, he was a valued member of the Nationwide West Marketing Group. He belonged to the group so that he could bring more value to his customers. He also served as a long-time member of the board. Dan was very generous with his time, talent, and philanthropic donations to the West Seattle Community he loved. Dan was a past chairman of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, West Seattle Anti-Crime Council, and the Mayor’s Small Business Task Force. He was past president of the West Seattle Jaycees and his condominium’s HOA board. He received the Mayor’s Small Business Award in 1994.

Dan loved to play golf, travel to Alaska for fishing trips, travel the world, and make frequent trips to Las Vegas with his good friends. Dan loved gatherings with family and friends, and taking in the ever-changing views from his Alki condo. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and loved ones.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by daughter Christina (Philip) Larsen and their daughter Brooklyn of Sammamish. He is also survived by his five siblings: Paula (Billy) Small of Renton, and brothers Stephen of Kirkland, Craig of Shelton, Scott (Theresa) of Seattle, and Mark of Des Moines. In addition, he is survived by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his longtime companion Dolores Smith.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for their care and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home. Please share your memories of Dan at: emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Daniel-Wiseman. The site will also list the date and other details of the upcoming celebration of his life.

(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 Terri Ann Geary, and sharing this with the community:

Terri Ann (Warden) Geary
March 8, 1948 – January 28, 2023

Terri Ann (Warden) Geary, 74, of Seattle, passed away on January 28, 2023 in San Diego, California.

Born March 8, 1948, to Harry and Beryl Warden in Seattle, where Terri spent her youth, Terri grew up in West Seattle, attending and graduating from West Seattle High School in 1966. After graduation, Terri attended Western Washington University in Bellingham.

While in high school, Terri started modeling for Frederick & Nelson and working with a photographer in a photo studio. On a whim in college, Terri went to an interview with Eastern Airlines with a friend and was hired on the spot as a flight attendant. Setting out on a new adventure, Terri began training and working on the east coast for the airline.

It was in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1969 that Terri met and fell in love with Jack Geary. She spotted him on stage playing with his band at the Townhouse Restaurant one night. After a short courtship, the two married a year later on January 27th, 1970, settling in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Jack played music at night and worked a number of construction jobs during the day. Terri started her career as a restaurateur at Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport. On June 9th, 1971, they welcomed their only son, Colin. Colin was raised in Newburyport.

In 1991, Jack and Terri drove across the country to return to her hometown in Seattle to care for her elderly mother. In 1993, Terri, Jack, and their business partner, Declan Fury, became proprietors of the Owl N Thistle Irish Pub located in downtown Seattle. Eager to make this a family business, Colin answered his parents’ call to move to Seattle and help run the pub. Terri, Jack, Colin, and Declan strived to build a community place filled with music, supporting local musicians. To this day, the Owl N Thistle has been wildly successful and a staple in the community. Thanks to their hands-on approach and generous nature, many of their employees have gone on to be successful entrepreneurs, and musicians. Walking into the Owl N Thistle for the first time, there is a strong sense of community with patrons and locals and a rich connection to Seattle’s music scene, just as they envisioned. In addition to running restaurants, Terri made and sold leather goods, handcrafting handbags, vests, jackets, and other items. Terri was happiest with her family, sailing, crafting, or reading when she was not working.

Terri was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Beryl Warden, her husband Thomas “Jack” Geary, and their son, Colin.

She is survived by her sister Judy Wade and nephews Sean and Gavin Cassidy.

No public services are planned. Honoring Terri’s love of all animals, donations to the Seattle Humane Society in her name are suggested.

(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 March 4th to remember Maarten Verburg, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Martinus “Maarten” Verburg, 56 years old, of Seattle, passed away on February 13, 2023 following a nearly year-long battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born in Santpoort, Netherlands to Martinus and Henrica Verburg, Maarten is survived by his wife Marcy Mabry, son Yoeri Verburg (Hoofddoorp, Netherlands), bonus children Jessica and Jakob Rugland & bonus mom Jeanie Larson (Seattle), sister Annette Verburg (San Juan Capistrano, CA), brothers Kees (Sen) Verburg (Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium) & Frans (Mary) Verburg (Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands), nieces and nephews Tom (Olivia), Sebastiaan, Maaike, and Sabine Molloy, Kerenza, Karst, & Kevin Verburg, and Jordan, Kai, & Ciara Verburg, countless good friends from his travels around the world, and the WS Naz church community who welcomed him with open arms and love. A Launch Mission Manager at ISISpace, Maarten dearly loved his colleagues and never lost that childlike joy of getting to launch satellites on rockets.

Maarten loved all things where he could use his imagination: playing piano, saxophone, & bass guitar, photography (he had all the patience to wait for just the right shot), drawing, painting, cooking, songwriting, and poetry. From backpacking, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking, running, ice skating, swimming, Maarten loved anything active outdoors. He loved working with his hands, from construction, to landscaping, to getting on the floor and playing Legos. His love of travel and animals began as a child, when he spent a few years in South Africa. Making friends around the world taught Maarten that we all have more in common than not.

Maarten was such an extrovert but also very humble. He’d be the first to admit that he was imperfect and didn’t have all the answers, and he did not suffer fools gladly. But Maarten did have two guiding principles: Never Give Up On Anyone, and Do Good & Don’t Look Back.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 10:00 am PST on March 4 at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene. Reception following at the church and at our home next door. Maarten appreciated a good whisky – we’ll raise a glass in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the completion of Maarten Park, a park for gathering the community adjacent to WS Church of the Nazarene and our home: gofund.me/f54126ac

Deepest thanks to Maarten’s care team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and UW Medical Center, including Dr. Ryan Cassaday, Heather, Christen, Lindsay, Jonelle, Kayelin & Ruth (UW 8SA), and countless nurses and staff who supported Maarten with kindness, caring, tenacity, and for allowing Maarten’s humor to shine through amidst the fight. That Maarten was only in hospice care for 4 days is but one testament to their honoring 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)

Family and friends will gather next month to celebrate the life of Terry C. O’Neill, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Terry C. O’Neill
June 5, 1936 – January 26, 2023

On January 26th, 2023, Terry passed from the arms of his beloved wife Wendy for over 64 years into the eternal arms of Jesus. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final days of life here on earth. He valiantly fought a long battle of recurring pneumonia, which rewarded him extended months, if not years, with us all.

Terry was the firstborn of Thomas and Hope O’Neill (Foster) and then his brother Michael came along in 1939. He attended Lafayette Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1954. He attended Whitman College for one year and then the University of Washington night school while working full time in the family business in West Seattle, O’Neill Plumbing Company, started by his grandfather James O’Neill in 1917.

Growing up, Terry spent the summers with his family on the North Shore of Hood Canal. He became an excellent water-skier and enjoyed boating and sailing with his family and friends. It was on the beaches of Hood Canal at a young age that Terry met Wendy – eventually becoming the love of his life. Terry was very involved in the Sea Scouts and spent many days and weeks aboard the Yankee Clipper throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. He loved being on the water with the wind in his face and the waves at his feet. He was also a very accomplished snow skier. He took road trips with friends to Sun Valley, ID (sleeping in a van), and even hiked up part of Mt. Rainier from Paradise and skied down. He loved the outdoors spending time with friends and family.

Terry was a loving husband to Wendy (Arnold) since their marriage in August 1958. Together they traveled for special celebratory occasions to Hawaii, Fiji, and Europe. He was a wonderful father to Tomi Jean O’Neill, Todd & Lizzie O’Neill, and Tim & Stephanie O’Neill. Terry and Wendy valued making memories with their family and planned wonderful vacations. They went camping throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia; they sailed through the San Juan Islands; went skiing on winter weekends to all the mountains in WA; they spent spring breaks in Palm Desert and Maui, and summers of course on the shores of Hood Canal. In 2007 Wendy and Terry fulfilled a longtime dream of purchasing a winter home in Scottsdale, AZ. They enjoyed their home with family and friends for many years.

Terry was a special “Papa” to all of his grandchildren (6) and great-grandchildren (almost 8). He leaves a legacy with each of them – Brandon & Stacy LaVielle with Layla (7) and Scarlett (5) in Seattle, Marie (O’Neill) & Caleb Bagdanov with Simon (3) and Moses (1) in Santa Barbara, CA, Alex LaVielle in Seattle, Katie (O’Neill) & Andrew Thompson with Everett (5), Oliver (3), and Ford (2 months) in Gig Harbor, WA, Samantha (LaVielle) & Mike Kerr who are due with their firstborn in May in Seattle, and Annie (O’Neill) & Casey Borden in Portland, OR.

Terry and Wendy took over the reins of O’Neill Plumbing Co. in 1961 from his parents and grew the business tremendously over the next five decades. He handed the operation to his youngest son Tim, who purchased the business with his wife Stephanie in 2013. Early on in the business he was plumbing and working out of his truck while Wendy answered the phones day and night operating a 24/7 emergency service business. They soon added another plumber, which meant another truck and equipment, and then another. In 1976 they expanded by purchasing a building on California Avenue in West Seattle where the 105-year-old family-owned business still operates from today. They added an underground division while continuing to grow the repair and emergency side of the business for both residential and commercial customers. Terry and Wendy supported many community programs through the company including the Lions Club, Pee Wee Baseball, and the YMCA. They always believed in generously giving back to the community.

Terry loved a good conversation. He was always asking good questions of others and sincerely interested in everyone he met. He poured into people whether that was his family, his team at O’Neill Plumbing Co. or his friends. Terry was a loyal friend over the years staying in touch with some of his first childhood friends throughout his entire life. Whenever anyone had a conversation with Terry either briefly or at length, they usually heard a cute joke and walked away laughing and smiling. Terry loved to laugh and keep things on the lighter side.

Terry has faith in Jesus Christ as his Rock and Redeemer. He lived out the principles of his faith by serving others and doing what was right, true, and good. He understood and extended grace to others on many occasions. He and Wendy attended Fauntleroy Congregational Church in the ’60s and then in the mid-’70s joined Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle.

Terry will be deeply missed by his wife, his family, and so many friends and colleagues. As he shared just a couple weeks before his passing, “I’ve had a good life and I have a wonderful family.” We love you Papa, and we will be with you again someday.

A celebration of life honoring Terry will be held at Canterwood Golf & Country Club in Gig Harbor at 2 pm on Sunday, March 19th. Please visit www.rill.com to view pictures of Terry and leave a personal story or remembrance. If you would like to make a gift in his memory, please do so to the charity 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)

Family and friends will gather later this month to remember, and celebrate the life of, Micheala J. Hoppe. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:

Micheala Joan Hoppe passed away at her family home in West Seattle on Friday, December 2, 2022.

Micheala was born in Seattle on February 21, 1935 to Nann and Joseph Tierney. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1953. She joined the Boeing Company, where she met and married Charles Hoppe. They raised their three sons, Michael, Brian, and Alan, and enjoyed many summers at their Hood Canal cabin. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, son Michael, and sister Petra. She is survived by sons Brian and Alan, sister-in-law Linda, daughter-in-law Carolyn, grandsons Joseph and Daniel, and great-granddaughter Evastyn.

Micheala will be greatly missed. She was a vibrant and loving mother and wife and shared many wonderful years of fun and laughter with longtime friends. She was the anchor of her family. She was a school-bus driver for 18 years and shared many great memories of the kids she had on her bus runs over the years. She and Charles enjoyed many trips with the Friendship Force travel organization and made many lifelong friends around the world through these adventures.

One of her greatest joys was playing music with the church organist and friend John. They enjoyed decades of duet-playing for Sunday services as well as the different piano recitals and events that John was involved in. She loved singing in the choir too. She loved being involved in community outreach, particularly making baby quilts with her friends in the sewing circle and knitting caps at home.

A family service will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery on February 21. Micheala will be laid to rest and join her husband Charles and son Michael.

A memorial service will be held at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 25 followed by a Celebration of Life reception. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Tibbetts United Methodist Church or the charity of your choosing.

(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 Marilyn Masterman, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

MARILYN MASTERMAN
12/6/1932 TO 01/07/2023

Marilyn’s smile and laughter would light up any room she entered. She had a quick wit and ready comment for anyone who crossed her path. Marilyn was quite a character and not easy to forget. When Marilyn began her adult life, she moved to Seattle in 1950 and witnessed much of the city’s music and comedy history in her 90 years. Marilyn had many friends throughout her life and times.

Marilyn was extremely interested in civil-rights issues and stayed informed about politics and life. She spent her career in the hospitality industry (working at fine hotels like The Olympic, The Westin, and the Warwick) and her customers and co-workers loved and confided in her.

Marilyn married Lyle Masterman in 1963 and lived in West Seattle until her stroke in November 2021. After her stroke, Marilyn moved to Gig Harbor to be closer to her daughter, Marjanne Masterman. The stroke affected her speech and cognitive skills, the most important parts of her personality, as well as her fierce independence. On January 7, 2023, she left this part of her journey to join those that had preceded her in death, her twin sister, her Mom & Dad, her husband Lyle, and many other siblings and friends. Marilyn brings them her laughter, love, and mischievous ways. Without a doubt, she will liven things up!

Marilyn is survived by her 3 stepdaughters; Shari, Sandi, and Marjanne Masterman, her son-in-law Gary Lauritsen, 4 grandchildren; Catherine, Dominique, Lauren, and Etienne, and 3 great-grandchildren: Theo, Cami, and Zach.

Marilyn was born in Arkansas in 1932 to James and Mary Ann Miller. She was the fifth of 14 siblings and there are many tales of their lives together. Her surviving siblings live outside of Washington and include Norma Peyton, Glennett Britton, James Miller Jr., Claudette Griffith, Gloria Banks, Charlene Hammonds, and Ivory Miller. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

We will miss her laughter, her chuckle, and her quick wit every day. Life is not the same without her.

(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 Jane Kennedy Leyva and sharing this with the community:

Jane Kennedy Leyva passed away January 31, 2023, with her daughters Lisann and Jen present in loving support.

Jane was a pioneer for Title IX sports. She played softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. She was accepted into college at the University of Washington for her grades and athletics with plans to major in physical education back in 1968. Instead she became a role model to her daughters showing them what women can do. She became a much-loved coach and foster mom to young people throughout the WS community. Her house was always loud and crazy, and full of laughter and love.

Jane is survived by her daughters, Jen, Lisann, and Megan, her son-in law Len (Jen), her grandchildren Quentin (Meg) and Lexi (Lisann), and all the extended Kennedy clan. A celebration of life is planned for March 2023.

(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 Patricia Way and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Patricia Ann Way

Born Halloween 1951 in Washington, D.C., to her Mom (born Christmas Day) and her Dad (born Valentine’s Day). Passed away peacefully 01/08/2023 and went with God. She got her Masters in Fine Arts in Printmaking from Stanford University, and was a very talented artist (and supportive teacher) her whole life, with shows in the US and abroad.

Patricia was always a caring, thoughtful, giving spirit to her family, friends, and anyone she met. Her beautiful, kind soul and her wonderful, strong art made this world a better place.

She is survived by her loving husband Christopher, her son Sam, her two kitties Ace and Stella, and her two puppies Pac and Coco.

God Bless Patricia!

Please share condolences, photos, & memories of Patricia at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Patricia-Way

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)