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)

Family and friends are remembering Kay Frankenstein, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

On November 21, 1932, a force of nature named Joy Kay (Rutledge) Frankenstein was born in Cascade, Idaho. Having gone out into the world and recently returned to her Idaho roots, she left us on January 8, 2023 while living in Boise, Idaho. As per usual, her passing was on her terms and her timeline. Fate and chance were once again cheated out of having the last laugh.

Growing up in Cascade and Boise, the two biggest influences in Mom’s young life were the loggers who worked for her father and the nuns at boarding school, both of whom had little success in taming her, but not for want of trying. From the loggers she learned her salty, direct style of communicating and that depth, humanity, and intelligence are independent of money and position. From the nuns she concluded that communing with the Divine is best done in the presence of dirt, plants, wild places, and children, all of which she nurtured and cherished throughout her life.

Kay obtained her nursing degree from the University of Portland in 1954. A member of the ski and tennis teams, she loved sports and liked a challenge, especially if it involved speed and winning. She met her husband, Paul Frankenstein, while skiing circles around him at Mt. Hood. Not being one to beat around the bush, Kay talked Paul into tying the knot on February 4, 1956 after six months and two dates. She was never one to dally once a decision was made. They lived happily in wild places in central Oregon and the mountains of Washington before settling in Seattle for the long haul.

Child-labor laws apparently do not apply to your own children and childhood was not to be wasted for her five kids – Paul Frankenstein (Linda Frankenstein) of Carmichael, CA, Anneliese Frankenstein (Sallie Neillie) of Bend, OR, Gretchen Frankenstein (Leo Shaw) of Seattle, Fritz Frankenstein (deceased), and Helga Frankenstein of Boise, ID. Graduation from high school spawned young adults who knew how to manage money, grow and cook their own food and feed whoever showed up at the table, figure out how to build something, stay alive in the woods, dress a wound, learn until you were in the ground, be ever generous to others and curious about the world, challenge injustices, and use the “crap that life throws at you” to make fertilizer. Kay could not help but always find a teaching moment, letting her kids try whatever interested them as long as it was somewhat legal, danger be damned. Our scars and bones have many stories to tell.

Her grandchildren, Otto Gabrielli (Cassandra Green), Augusto Gabrielli (Audrey Speicher), Paul Frankenstein, Monica Lane (Phil Lane), and Genevieve Duffy, hopefully have nothing but good memories and bawdy stories to pass along to Kay’s great-grandchildren, Hailey, Colton, Ashley, Enzo, and Yet-to-be-Named. Kay outlived her husband, Paul, and siblings Darrell Rutledge, Persis DeLaMare, and Patricia Rutledge, but they left behind numerous nieces and nephews who kept in touch with Kay to the end.

Her friends, acquaintances, and the few not unhappy to read this missive described Kay as fiercely independent, strong, supremely competent, self-sufficient, curious, steadfast, loyal, always genuinely interested in everyone, and a friend’s friend. Her idea of “family” seemed to extend to the entire planet. Her curiosity took her to more than 80 countries, her last trip as a passenger on the mail boat through Norway’s coastal islands. She cherished the people she met and the experiences she had with them as much or more than the monuments and art she viewed. While in assisted living the past year or so (on her terms of minimal assistance, of course), the staff joined her family, making her chicken adobo, keeping her apprised of their children’s goings-on, and just enjoying the fact that she genuinely cared about them and their families.

In her usual manner, Kay requested no fanfare in the way of a service, but wants you to spend your time and money instead by supporting people helping others and/or Boise’s children and families in need of emergency assistance by donating to Companis (companis.org), 1111 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA 98122, or the Boise Education Foundation S.A.F.E. Fund (boiseschoolsfoundation.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 Friday to remember Ronald Douglas Riedasch, who died January 5th. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

Ron was born December 11, 1942 to Glenn and Marjorie Riedasch in Seattle and raised in West Seattle with his sister, Eleen. He attended Lafayette Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, graduating in 1961. He went on to Washington State University, joining the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and a prouder Cougar you would never meet!

Ron then chose to serve his country in the Coast Guard as a Lieutenant (j.g.) from 1967-1970. He trained in Yorktown, Virginia and competed on the rifle team in Miramar, CA, placing fourth among rifle teams from all branches of service before deploying to Honolulu, Hawaii. After his time in the service, earning his MBA from the University of Washington in 1972, and playing semi-pro football as tight end for the Seattle Titans, Ron elected to work at Boeing, where he quickly rose through the ranks in defense (Seattle), electronics (Dallas) and operations (Everett and Renton). His manufacturing processes were named best in the nation in The Five Pillars of TQM: How to Make Total Quality Management Work for You (Creech, 1994). At the height of his career as Director of Operations, 747/767, he managed over 12,000 employees and received praise from colleagues and reportees alike for his honesty, fairness, loyalty, work ethic and ability to remain level-headed in crises. His family always felt exceedingly safe traveling on the planes built in his factories.

In his downtime, Ron adored being outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, hunting, fishing, or boating. He and his cherished wife, Ann, spent years traveling the coast of Western Washington and Canada with their boating club, The Rat Pack. He remained active and fit playing senior competitive softball in the Associated Softball League (Palm Desert, CA), Puget Sound Softball League (WA), and Senior Softball USA (national leagues) from the time of his retirement until his head injury in 2019. After he was unable to play, he always yearned to get “back in the game” and support his teammates. His belongings were full of notes from coaches on how to play better, and that’s what Ron always strove for: to do better.

Ron was devoted to his church, the West Side Presbyterian Church in Seattle, where he was a deacon. He felt so blessed to be able to lift up his fellow parishioners with prayer and support, decipher the Bible and offer advice and consolation where needed. He also loved to read the Bible nightly with Ann and discuss their thoughts on passages.

Ron and Ann adored traveling to Mexico, Hawaii, and Southern California to visit the grandkids whenever Ron’s softball schedule would allow, and they shared many wonderful memories with Ann’s lovely sisters, their respective husbands, and Sasha’s family. Ron was preceded in passing by his father, sister, and stepson (Jon). He is survived by his wife Ann, mother Marjorie, daughter Sasha (Craig), stepchildren Chris (Debbie) and Pam (Brad), five nephews, seven grandchildren including grandson Becker and granddaughter Ellia, and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Ron’s name. His memorial service is at 1 pm Friday (January 20th) at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California 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 Gregor Terjung, longtime owner of Terjung’s Studio of Gifts in the West Seattle Junction. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Gregor Terjung, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, entrepreneur, artist, craftsman, passed away on the evening of January 9, 2023 at the age of 93 with his family by his side.

Greg was born an only child on September 19, 1929 in a rural area of Chicago, Illinois to immigrant parents from Hamburg, Germany. He spent his boyhood working on local farms and playing in vacant lots joining friends in pranks and antics. He told stories of rubber-band-pistol fights in the local cemetery, making their own ice-skating rinks and racing bikes with Wizard motors.

As a young teenager, he worked mowing lawns. He learned to paint from his pastor’s wife and created several beautiful acrylic pieces that are still hanging in the Terjung home today. He attended a four-year all-boys technical high school in Chicago and graduated in 1948. Soon after, joining the Western Army Antiaircraft Command at Hamilton Air Force Base in California, where he trained and worked as a draftsman preparing maps and charts.

In the fall of 1950, Greg married the love of his life, Gloria Pucci, and two years later left the army. Greg and Gloria eventually settled in West Seattle, finding work as a graphic platemaker, where he held fond memories of his work and co-workers. He also found great pleasure in sharing camping, boating, hiking, surf fishing, and clamming adventures with family and friends.

Finally, in 1969 Greg found an occupation that would serve him well for 50 years – proprietor of a West Seattle gift store. There again, he loved his work and found great satisfaction in serving people and making close friendships. Greg was active in the West Seattle community, serving as president of the “Junction Shopping Center,” was involved in the West Seattle Rotary Club, and acted as president of the Westside Italian Civic Club (despite his German roots).

After retiring at the age of 89, Greg continued to keep busy in his deluxe workshop, making everything from furniture to small toys, gifting most of his work to family and friends.

It was no secret that Greg had a zest for life, was hardworking, generous, patient, adventurous, kind and loved his family with all his heart.

Greg is survived by his wife Gloria, children Gina McCullough Grohs (Ken), Gail Spores (Beldon), grandson Reis McCullough (Azusa), and great-granddaughter Noelle. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.

Please share condolences, photos and memories with the Terjung Family at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gregor-Terjung

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 January 28 to celebrate the life of Donna Bystrom. They’re sharing this remembrance with her community:

Donna Jean Bystrom
October 3, 1926 – November 26, 2022

Donna was born and raised in West Seattle, eldest of the two children of Irene and Howard Whittlesey. She attended school at Lafayette Elementary and West Seattle HS, graduating in 1944. She went on to attend UW for a couple years and played saxophone in the band.

She was working as a clerk at Sears when she met Albin (Al) Bystrom at the Trianon Ballroom in downtown Seattle. They married in 1949 and lived for a time at her parents’ house as Al began his career at Boeing.

Donna and Al bought a house on Olga Street in West Seattle, where they started their family. Margaret, Elaine, and Keith began their lives in that home. In 1960 the family moved to a new home designed by Al’s brother Arne on 56th Ave SW where, soon after, Craig was born.

Donna was a stay-at-home mom; while active in St John’s Episcopal Church, she was involved in Saint Anne’s Guild, various committee activities, and the annual Rummage Sale.

In 1962 the family bought lakefront property on Mason Lake and over the coming years built a large cabin and dock and spent summers skiing, swimming, and enjoying campfires and happy hours with friends and family. Donna truly loved it there and welcomed the grandchildren who came to enjoy it, too.

Donna and Al traveled to Europe, Scandinavia, China, and enjoyed a number of sea cruises following Al’s retirement from Boeing in 1987. They were active snow skiers for many years with a close group of friends. When Al died in 2010, Donna stayed in the house for another year before selling and moving to an apartment at the Landmark in Ballard. She remained there until 2019 when she returned to West Seattle, living in an apartment at Mount Saint Vincent. Early in 2022 a decline in health brought her to Aegis Living in West Seattle.

Preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Al, and her brother, Ken, she is survived by her children, Margaret (Paul), Elaine (Tami), Keith (Debi), and Craig (Karen); grandchildren Eric (Andrea), Mara (Sean), Chad, and Kirsten (Blake); and great grandchildren Jardyn, Olivia, and Addison.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, January 28, 1 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave. SW in West Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations to West Seattle Food Bank in Donna’s honor are encouraged.

(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 for a funeral mass this Friday and a celebration of life in March to honor Harold Foster. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Harold Dale Foster, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, in White Center. He was born on February 26, 1926 in Spearfish, South Dakota to Ralph Bay Foster and Gertrude G. (Willsie) Foster.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 66 1/2 years, Lorraine C. (Garceau) Foster, his son Michael Dale Foster, his parents Ralph and Gertrude Foster, and all of his siblings, including his brothers Ray Foster, Everett Foster, and Wesley Foster, and his sisters Fae E. Rainey and Lola Mae Foster, as well as many extended family relatives and very dear friends.

Harold is survived by his son Jeffrey J. Foster and his daughter Sue Foster; his grandchildren Kara (Adam) Peters, Amanda Foster, Matthew Lambertsen, and Mark Lambertsen; great-granddaughter Sloan P. Kilpatrick-Foster and great-grandson Oliver Dale Peters, as well as his nephew Wayne (Kathy) Rainey and Loraine (Rainey) McRae and many special distant relatives and very close friends.

Harold had a nomadic childhood due to poverty since his father Ralph Foster was always looking for work. He told stories of moving many times and having very little to eat while growing up, including working for a neighbor and getting paid with a sack of potatoes to help feed his family when he was a teenager. His Father died in 1942, a few days after having surgery for a ruptured ulcer, when Harold was 16 years old. He moved back to Seattle, where his mother Gertrude Foster was staying with his older sister Fae E. Rainey. Eventually, Harold bought a house with his mother near South Seattle Community College. Gertrude Foster was working as a Nurse, and he started working at the Boeing Company in 1943. He left the Boeing Company briefly to serve his country in the Navy from 1944 – 1946.

In 1948, Harold was back working at the Boeing Company and he met his future wife Lorraine Garceau through her sister Aurora Garceau. Harold and Lorraine had a double wedding with Lorraine’s sister Muriel and Keith (Bud) Pearson on September 15, 1950, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. They had three children, Michael Dale, Jeffrey John, and Suzette Marie. They purchased their home in 1961 and Harold would go on to live there for 61 years with many family gatherings and Harold’s last birthday open house on February 26th, 2020.

Harold and Lorraine were parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church for almost 70 years and had their children attend Holy Family school as well as their granddaughter Kara and many other cousins. Harold was also a longtime Aerie member of the White Center Eagles since the 1950s, where Harold and his wife would dance around the supporting pole in the middle of the dance floor at the old Eagles building. In later years, he would go to the new Eagles building to meet his “Cooney” friends (as Lorraine would say) for a drink at 4pm and he enjoyed Sunday morning breakfasts with his Eagle buddies.

Harold and Lorraine went on to purchase camping membership at Lake Trask Timber Trails near Shelton in 1975 with many other Sears and Boeing families. Camping was a great getaway from the city at their summer retreat. They made many friends over the years there who became like extended family and Harold always had a joke or two to share with everyone as well as a helping hand.

And that’s his story and he is sticking to it. Please smile to yourself when you remember him.

His funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at Noon at Holy Family Catholic Church in White Center, located at 9622 20th Ave SW. His burial will follow at 2 pm at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton. No reception following.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW.
The Foster Family is looking forward to celebrating this wonderful man’s life with everyone.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to Northwest Kidney Centers, PO Box 3035, Seattle, Washington 98114.

(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 Anna W. Missler, and planning a celebration of her life this spring. For now, this is the remembrance they’re sharing:

Anna Wilhelmina Missler
May 20, 1929 – September 21, 2022

Anna passed away on September 21, 2022, at the age of 93, after a short illness, with her family by her side.

She was born May 20, 1929 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, to parents Anna Christina Wilhelmina Albertha Bedina Huisen and Jan Willem Van Voorthuisen. Siblings Sophia, Willy, Christina, Yanni, Albert, and Chris. Times were difficult growing up during WW2, and her mother passed shortly after the war ended.

In 1950 Anna and Nicolaas Missler were married in Utrecht, The Netherlands. They welcomed daughter Yvonne in 1950, and Elizabeth (Christa) in 1958. With their young family, they immigrated to the United States in 1960, sponsored by the Fauntleroy Church, and settled in West Seattle. In 1961 they welcomed daughter Diana, and in 1964 Nicolaas Jr.

Family was most important to her, and she was so proud of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anna put herself through beauty school, and then became a partner operator at Elite Beauty Salon in the West Seattle Junction. She worked as a hairstylist for 20 years until 1993 when Nico became ill, and she retired to care for him at home. Nico passed away in 1996.

Anna’s next adventure was moving into her beloved condo on Alki Beach. She loved daily walks on the beach and sitting by the window watching the daily activities of walkers and boaters throughout the day.

A Celebration of Life is planned in May. Details will be provided closer to the date of event.

(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)

Friends and family are remembering Lola Shugart. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

E. Lola Shugart – May 18, 1923 – November 23, 2022

Born in Missouri, Lola Shugart was a long-time West Seattle resident, first in the Admiral district with her husband, Bob, and then for 40+ years in her lime green house on 42nd Avenue SW. In October 2021, she moved to be with family in the Tri-Cities, where she passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Eve.

Lola was known to many in the Junction, including neighbors, Safeway employees, and the tellers at numerous banks! She enjoyed standing at her gate and chatting with passersby, with whom she shared her love of gardening, dogs, cars, and politics. Lola was lively and outgoing, blunt and sometimes cranky, but always true to herself. The neighborhood is a little less colorful without her!

Her local friends would like to thank the staff and volunteers at West Seattle Senior Center and Sound Generations Meals on Wheels, who ensured that Lola was well fed throughout the COVID lockdown. She mentioned many times how much she enjoyed and appreciated your care … and especially the biscuits and gravy!

(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)

Just before our recent storms, friends got the devastating news that Kalilah Hunter, known by many for her work at the temporarily closed Luna Park Café, had passed away. Here are remembrances they’re sharing:

Our dear friend Kalilah “Shmeow” Hunter sadly departed this world on December 16, 2022. She was 37 years old.

Kalilah was raised in Spokane and has been a West Seattle resident for around 15 years. Since she arrived in West Seattle, she has been a beloved consistent face at Luna Park Cafe. She found her chosen family at the cafe in her coworkers and regulars who she truly loved so much. She was a face so many looked forward to seeing during breakfast time especially at the cafe. Luna Park was her home and it was a part of her heart.

Kalilah had so many friends in so many different circles and was so very loved by all who got to know her. When she first arrived in the Seattle area, she was very active in the punk scene. For years she was a valued integral part of The Morgue underground punk venue. It was there at The Morgue that she made so many lifelong connections that she cherished so much. She always spoke about The Morgue with so much love and admiration, and she was very nostalgic about that very special time in her life. In general, though, as many know about her, first impressions were not her strong point. But with a bit of patience, once she let her guard down, she showed the loving and caring person she was protecting. Sometimes her love came natural and sometimes folx had to work for it. And I assure you, it was worth the wait, because to love her and be loved by her was a true gift. Her family circle was far and wide and included all different types of individuals, never with judgement, only with love.

Kalilah’s list of interests and accomplishments are vast. She was a yearly participant in the Polar Plunge and raised a lot of funds for the Special Olympics over the years, and she was a huge supporter of ASL (American Sign Language). She was a true advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and she always was ready to stand up and fight for equality and human rights. Shmeow was an incredible artist and produced hundreds of drawings and paintings during her art career. From cartoon characters to portrait realism, her immense talent was recognized by all. She was a proud member of the HappyTime Apocalypse art gallery at The Greenwood Art Collective for many years. Cats were prominent in her work, reflecting the intense love she has for all of the kitties of the world. Her art is a legacy that will bring joy and happiness for lifetimes to come. And her sense of humor was unmatched. She is truly one of the funniest and quirkiest people you ever have met, hands down. Laughs were always present in her company to say the least.

Sadly she leaves behind her kitties, Lilly and Ajah, best doggie friend Noodle, father and 2 sisters, incredible partner Lincoln, roommate Rachael, her favorite kiddos Victor and River, and SO very many of us who considered her family and loved her dearly. This is a loss of epic proportions for many and our lives will never be the same without her. Kalilah’s impact on the world was immeasurable, and she will truly live on in the hearts of all of those who she touched. She will be sorely missed forever.

Tributes from a few of those she touched:

“We are saddened to say that our beloved Kalilah has passed away. As most of our regulars know, Kalilah was a Luna Park staple. She started at Luna 15 years ago as a very young shy hostess. She blossomed into a great waitress loved by all her customers. There has never been such a sweet and quietly funny member of the Luna team. The Luna staff has always been family where most are lifelong friends. We were looking forward to Kalilah coming back when we reopened. She will be missed by all her customers, friends, and family. Rest in peace, sweet Kahlilah.” – John A. Bennett

“My family have been Luna Park regulars since before I was born, and that tradition has continued for the past 21 years. Though I’ve spent the last 5 years working with Kalilah at Luna Park, our relationship began with me as a wide-eyed kid in her section every week, in awe of her older, quirky, punk coolness. In this way it feels like I’ve known her my entire life, and I guess I have. I’ll never forget how excited she was when, at 16, I started working at Luna, and how immediately welcomed I felt, due in no small part to her enthusiasm and warmth (she is likely somewhere cosmically cringing at being described as warm and enthusiastic, but it’s true.) She was endlessly patient with me at this time, and despite my incredible awkward-teenagerness when we began working together, she always treated me like her peer. Over the years that we worked together and in the last few years specifically, she became my close friend and one of my favorite people in the world. I don’t think I ever told her this, but every week I eagerly scanned the schedule to see if we were working together (we always were), as the prospect of getting to spend time with her made me excited about getting up in the morning. She was endlessly cool and funny and truly, deeply, badass. Despite her badass exterior, however, she was never truly cynical. She loved so hard and so deeply, and if you had the honor of being her friend, you know how dedicated she was. She was unwaveringly loyal to those whom she loved, and was earnestly dedicated to making sure they felt it. I will feel honored to have known her for the rest of my life. I have enough stupid anecdotes of the shenanigans we got into to fill a whole book, but I’ll spare you that right now. I hope that wherever she is, she knows how incredibly loved she is. By myself, my family, and the community at large. F*cking love you, Shmeow. I’m gonna miss you. – Clara Humphreys & the Messier-Humphreys family (Tom, Carolin, and August.)

(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 Pamela L. Allen and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Our dear Pamela Lea Allen, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and loyal friend, passed away unexpectedly in her home in West Seattle on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022, after a brief illness.

Pam was first and foremost a loving mother to her son Alexander, the center of her universe. Alexander is currently attending Whitman College. Pamela was immensely proud of Alexander as he launched his college career at Whitman College so successfully. Pam’s heart was with her family and friends and her beloved pup, Harper Rose. She loved the yearly gatherings at the family cabin on Loon Lake in eastern Washington, where her family and devoted longtime made lasting memories together.

Pam loved the outdoors – hiking, backpacking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and bicycling. Her dream was to have a sweet little farm with goats and furry friends to tend to. She coined nicknames to her friends in her own special unforgettable way, and she made friends across the country and around the world as a traveler.

Pam was born in 1959 in Seattle and grew up on Bainbridge Island. She graduated from The Annie Wright School in Tacoma in 1978, and went on to attend Whitman College in Walla Walla, graduating in 1982 as an Art History major. Pam was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Pam began her architectural studies at SUNY in Buffalo, New York, and later earned her master’s degree at The Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Pam was a talented architect, working for several firms in the Seattle area before starting her own architectural practice, Pamela Allen Architecture, serving her community near and far.

Pam is survived by her dear son Alexander Land; her adoring parents Darrell and Sada Kate of Bainbridge Island; her brother Timothy Allen and his wife Gina with their children Sam, Lily, and Chester; her nephews Daniel and AJ Allen of Seattle. Pamela was preceded in death by her oldest brother Gregory Allen. Pam adored her niece and nephews and doted on them as a loving aunt since they were babes in arms. She is also survived by her former husband and Alexander’s father, Jason Huntley-Land of Bainbridge Island, and was close to Jason’s mother Janet Land of Lincoln, Nebraska.

A private family memorial is planned as we share our grief together. A celebration of Pamela’s life will be held in late winter for her many dear friends and lovely neighbors. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. In lieu of flowers, Pam’s wishes were for donations to be made to: Whitman College, Hamlin Robinson School, or Mary’s Place Seattle. Please share your memories of Pam here and to stay informed about Pam’s Celebration of Life to be held in the near future.

(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 Saturday to celebrate the life of James C. Haury. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community:

James Clinton Haury
AUGUST 17, 1941, TO OCTOBER 11, 2022

Lifetime West Seattle resident and Marine Mechanic Jim Haury died after a short illness. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Born in 1941 to Clint and Margie Haury, of Haury’s Boathouse on Alki, Harbor Ave in Seattle.

Jim is survived by his wife Alice of 59 years and sons, Paul and wife Alizah Olivas, and Todd and wife Tasuray Haury, their two grandchildren, Nicholas Haury and wife Porsche, and Mikki Haury and partner David Lovett, and their two great-grandchildren, Vanessa Haury-Lovett and Ryoma Haury, and three granddogs, his sister Jeanne (Haury) James and brother Bill Haury, and his many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his Illness he kept his optimism, wonderful sense of humor, a most welcoming smile, and twinkle in his eyes.

Jim was a marine mechanic by trade for over 65 years with a large client list of happy boaters. Jim owned his own repair shop in White Center for more than 50 years. Todd joined him in 1984 and always worked alongside him and will continue the business in the same Haury care. Paul did the tech work and kept his computers up and running. Even though Jim was semi-retired, he continued to work until his illness worsened. Jim loved bird hunting, fishing, and boating, and hiking with guns and a camera, exploring the Pacific NW with family and friends.

Please come to celebrate Jim’s life with us. December 17, at West Beach Condominiums,
10203 47th Ave SW.
Building B, Meeting Room
12:00 to 4:00 pm

Please bring pictures and stories.

“Go, get lost in the woods. We’ll find you.”

(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 December 28 to remember Clara R. Dempsey. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:

Clara Dempsey
March 31, 1931 – September 10, 2022

Clara Romola Dempsey passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 10th at Mt. Saint Vincent nursing home.

Born in Seattle March 1, 1931, to Norwegian immigrants Sigurd and Karen Thuen. Clara spent her entire life in Seattle, growing up in Madison Park and West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1949

Clara married Robert (Bob) Dempsey on June 6, 1953, in Seattle, raising their three children in West Seattle. She worked in retail at Rhodes Department Store and Johnson’s Apparel and in the annuities department at Safeco Insurance, from which she retired to travel with Bob and enjoy her grandchildren. She spent many years fundraising as a member of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Fauntleroy Guild. She was a friend to many who appreciated her kind heart and sassiness.

Clara was a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners and enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She loved family gatherings, hosting many of them, and activities with her Seattle Police Family.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Robert Dempsey Sr. She is survived by her children: Kathie (Steve) Itter, Bob Jr. (Tobi), and Mike; four grandchildren: Sean (Kali) Dempsey, Hayley (Jared) Griffin, Katy (Chase) Itter, and Michaella Dempsey (Taylor Schulze); and five great-grandchildren: Ronan and Finnley Dempsey, Tyson, Ashe, and Landon Griffin.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 11:00 a.m. December 28th at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle, followed by a reception at The Lodge at Camp Long. Remembrances may be made to Clara’s favorite charity, Seattle Children’s Hospital.

(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 Sandra Coryell Rudd, who lost her life after a collision last month. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:

Sandra Lee Coryell Rudd passed away unexpectedly at the age of 83 in November.

Sandra was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a member of a multi-generation horticulture and landscaping family. After high school, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she met and married her beloved husband of over 50 years, Professor Dale Rudd. They raised their children, Karen and David, in Madison, Wisconsin, before she and Dale retired to West Seattle in 1997. Dale preceded her in death in 2018.

A longtime civil-rights activist with the League of Women Voters, she was a pioneer in Title IX gender-equity law in Wisconsin. She was a master gardener, propagating her own plants, and an active volunteer in West Seattle, focusing on feeding and clothing the local homeless and low-income residents. Last but not least, she was an animal lover and advocate and fundraiser for animal welfare.

An energetic, gregarious, and kind-hearted woman, she was loved by many and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

(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 Tuesday to remember Daniel L. Nitkey, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Daniel Leroy Nitkey was born August 29, 1944, in The Dalles, Oregon; the first child of John W. Nitkey and Frances L. Fagan Nitkey. Danny died in Everett on November 25, 2022, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family.

As a young boy he built go-carts and raced them down 39th Ave and Marine View Drive with his friends and was a master at playing marbles – he started with a small bag of marbles and ended up with a large jar of them. Danny learned to drive on the country roads in Harrison, Idaho when he was 13 years old. He graduated from Sealth High School in West Seattle in 1962. After graduation, Danny worked for Nitkey Construction, his father’s company, before joining the U.S. Army, serving from 1963 to 1965 during the Vietnam War.

His parents predeceased him. He is survived by his children Cheryl, Roy, and Michelle Nitkey; his siblings Joan Kocharhook (Steve), Susan Griffin, Frances Kahler (Rick), Kathy Hostenske, and Lawrence (Eliza). Danny has five grandchildren – Anthony (Kate) and Brittany Modica, Hannah Nitkey, Ryan Keller, and Charlie Stensel, and three great-grandchildren – Laila Flores, Nicole Nitkey, and Isaiah Feil, and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 on December 6 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 7000 35th Ave SW. Mass will be preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 am. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries, Idaho, near his grandfather Andrew Nitkey.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Providence Hospital in Everett and Hospice for their care of Danny. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John W. and Frances (Fagan) Nitkey Endowed Scholarship at Gonzaga University, Gift Accounting, 502 E Boone Ave, Spokane, WA 99258-0098. Gifts can be made online or by phoning Gonzaga University at (509) 313-6142.

Live stream of Funeral Mass can be found at: olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg

(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)

Three months ago we published this remembrance of Clara S. Hattori. Now her Celebration of Life is scheduled – here’s the announcement:

Please join friends and family to celebrate 103 years of life well-lived by CLARA SASAKI HATTORI.

Share your memories and stories.

December 6th, Tuesday
4:30 to 6:30 pm
at C&P Coffee in West Seattle (5612 California 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 will gather one week from today to remember Mary F. Abernethy. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:

Mary Frances Abernethy, 90, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022. Mary was born on August 24, 1932 to Everett E. Herron and Mary Clark Herron on Beacon Hill, where she attended Catholic school. The family moved to West Seattle, where Mary attended Holy Rosary Catholic Girls High School until her graduation in 1950.

In 1955, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Seattle University. On November 5 of the same year, Mary and James D. Abernethy were married.

Mary then stayed home to raise their four children. Once her youngest was in the fourth grade, Mary went to work at Schick Shadel hospital as a rehab nurse.

Upon retirement, Mary enjoyed sewing and attending classes and other social activities through the Seattle Parks Department. Mary and Jim enjoyed going on road trips in their camper van, as well as going on cruises.

Mary is survived by her husband Jim, her children Bob (Annelle) Abernethy, Carol (Steve) Heurion, Kathy Vincent, and Jim (Blanca) Abernethy, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her final years, Mary struggled with dementia. Her family would like to acknowledge her caregivers and thank them for their dedication, kindness, and compassion for her during her illness.

Funeral mass and reception to celebrate Mary’s life will take place on Wednesday, November 30, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle. (7000 35th Ave SW)

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

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 are remembering Charlie “Tuna” Fleming, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Charles William Fleming
July 11, 1941 – October 3, 2022

“Tuna” Fleming (AKA: Butch, Charlie, Chuck, “T”). Charlie was born in Seattle to David Peter Fleming and Grace (Knoff). Growing up along the Duwamish River, he was briefly raised there on a houseboat, which was moved close by to 12th Ave SW – near West Marginal Way – and expanded. He attended Highland Park, Denny, Chief Sealth (he was a sprinter and hurdler) and West Seattle H.S. As a boy he was adventurous and bright and often chose a divergent path: fishing the River, running the log booms, roaming the woods, rebuilding and racing boats. As a young man he embraced work and a life – rambunctious, diverse, wild, boisterous, combative, creative, FUN and funny (after his major heart attack twelve years ago, he awoke in the hospital the next morning: Nurse: “Were you a smoker?”, Charlie: “No, I quit.” Nurse: “How long ago?” Charlie: “When was I admitted?”)

His entire life he loved: Hydroplane races (CdA was historic); dirt-track motorcycle racing; Hot August Nights Car Shows in Reno; parties; road trips / sports cars; motorcycles; Sports (Track & Field, Mariners, Seahawks, Golf, High School Athletics). He devoured the Seattle Times front to back every day. He had a near-photographic memory and could amaze you with addresses, street names, phone numbers, etc. from jobs and locales long past.

Through it all, Tuna worked: creating fine things by his hand – mostly as a Boilermaker and primarily as a world-class welder in Puget Sound Shipyards, Hanford, and Shops from California to Canada. For many years he owned “Pro – Weld Fabricating” which showcased his unmatched creativity and craftsmanship. He welcomed small jobs for individuals often building artistic gates, stairs and railings, etc. But he also took on huge Industrial projects with insightful savvy.

He shared his generous heart, cherished his friends, family, and most dearly, his beloved wife of 40 years, Trina (Jones). Life with Trina was largely responsible for his tamed behavior in the second half of his journey.

He is survived by: brother Mike Fleming, step-daughters Barbie and Stephanie, nephews Eric and Ryan Fleming, Tony Johns; nieces Joanne Fleming and Becky Fleming.

Charlie was preceded in passing by his father David, his mother Grace, his sister Francis, brother David Lee, sister Patricia Lynn, stepmom Emily Wolbert-Fleming, and his beloved Trina.

Charlie preferred that no Memorial be held … but warm memories of him, we shall forever hold close. RIP Tuna!

(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 Mark A. Vinson and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Mark Alan Vinson, of Shoreline, died on September 25, 2022, after a nearly 4-year battle with colon cancer.

Mark was born in Seattle on January 5, 1974. He was an extremely bright and funny child who graduated from Holy Rosary School in West Seattle, Kennedy High School, and Pepperdine University.

Post-graduation, Mark worked in the Molecular Epidemiology Program at Pacific NW Research Institute in Seattle. He co-authored five manuscripts in reputable cancer research journals and helped design grant proposals funded by the NCI and Superfund. Having a background in cancer research, Mark was appreciative of the excellent care and compassion he received from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance doctors, nurses, and staff throughout his cancer journey. Mark was brave and strong in his battle, taking care of himself until only a few weeks before he passed away.

Mark was a beloved friend to many. Reflecting on Mark’s passing, one of his closest friends, Toby Cheff, said, “Mark was a kind soul, very intelligent, widely talented, and genuinely cared about the plight of our planet, our country, and most of all his friends and family. It was through the toughest times that Mark showed his finest human qualities. Even through all of his suffering, Mark found a way to practice gratitude.”

Mark had many interests, including disc golf, drumming, music, art, and cooking. He loved to purchase items from area thrift stores to refurbish them for resale or thoughtful gifting to family and friends. He spent much of his time renovating stereo equipment – purchasing parts and repairing classic pieces. Mark’s apartment was like a museum – with treasures stashed in every nook and cranny and stories to tell about each of them.

Mark is survived by his parents, Alan Vinson, Jr. and Mary (Granquist) Vinson; sisters, Kristi (Mike), Jessie (Gerald), and Heather (Mike); nieces, Izzy and McKenna; and nephew, Jayden.

A funeral service is not planned at this time. Instead, donations may be made in Mark’s name to Hopelink or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

(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)