In Memoriam
A page dedicated to Seattle Club members who are gone, but not forgotten.
If you wish to add a memory, please email our webmaster.
Norm Garvin (18 March 1947 - 21 November 2022)
I am sorry to report that Norm Garvin has died. Norm had been dealing with health issues for quite a while.
Norm started coming to Seattle Club in 2005, and played his first tournament the following year. He enjoyed club and was always welcoming to new players. In addition to Seattle Club, Norm also frequently attended the West Seattle Scrabble Club.
You can read the family's posted Obituary for Norm
Norm's wife Annette said there will be a celebration of his life, but it might not be for a while.
I know how much he loved the club and has been missing ever since. I hope he plays scrabble in the great unknown... -- Annette Van Der Voort
Scrabble on, Norm Garvin, we'll miss you. -- Claudia Finn
Jane Jackson (1928 - 21 August 2021)
Very sorry to let you know that Jane Jackson died yesterday, at her home. She had been in declining health for the last few years, but was not suffering.
Jane Jackson started coming to club in the 1990s. Her husband, Bob Jackson joined her soon after, and they both attended club regularly for many years. They were both welcoming to new players and enjoyed sharing their love of the game. Jane will be missed.
There are no plans for a memorial or other service.
Dinah Breda (1934 - 23 December 2020)
Sad to announce that Dinah Breda died this morning at her home, after a long struggle with health issues. She will be laid to rest at Herzl Memorial Park on Sunday, 27 December, at 10:45 am.
Dinah came to Scrabble club for many years with her husband, Uri Breda, until it became too difficult for her to attend. She and Uri often played Scrabble at Third Place and hosted players in their home.
Tobin Lathrop (1967 - 2020)
I'm sad to let you know that Tobin Lathrop, former Seattle Scrabble Club member, died last week from pancreatic cancer. He was 52.
Tobin was married to Christina O'Sullivan, who was very active at club and created the club's first website. Their son Charles is 19.
Condolences can be sent to Christina and donations in Tobin's memory can be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Also, David Firstman has set up a GoFundMe page to help Christina with a huge pile of medical bills. Please consider pitching in, if you can.
You can send notices for the club Memorial page to Rebecca.
Remembrances of Tobin
Tobin was one of the first people I met when I started coming to club. He really enjoyed the game and it was a pleasure to play with him. -- Rebecca Slivka
I remember Tobin was well-liked by the club, liked everyone in the club and had no qualms about playing blue or white cards. He purely enjoyed playing Scrabble.
Tobin and I have warm happy memories with the Seattle Scrabble club and the friends we made in our Cascadian and occasional National (Canada & US) championship tournaments. -- Christina O'SullivanSo sad to learn about Tobin. -- Frank Kashuk
I am so very sorry to hear that. I had not kept in contact with him and Christina but remember them fondly. -- Uri Breda
Tobin was such a friendly and happy person. He seemed so comfortable in his own skin. I am very sorry to hear he has passed at such a young age. My sincere condolences to Christina and family. -- Jane Bissonnette
Nancy Roeder (1945 - 2020)
We just heard from Jane Jackson that long-time club member Nancy Roeder has died. Jane didn't know much, but apparently Nancy hadn't been feeling well for a few days and then died suddenly.
Nancy was a fixture at club for decades. She enjoyed playing Scrabble with everyone and was very welcoming to new players. Nancy split her time between Seattle and California, so we appreciated when she was able to join us. We will miss her.
If you are looking to make a donation in Memory of Nancy, her husband recommends contributing to The Nature Conservancy, which she supported in her will.
Remembrances of Nancy
Obituary (Published in The Seattle Times from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2020):Sorry to hear Nancy has passed. I always looked forward to seeing Nancy at the Club or on Thursday afternoon at the Shoreline Senior Center. Now I'll have to depend on memories of her and the good times we shared to make me smile. I'm glad she was my friend. -- Jane Jackson
So sad to hear this. I was just thinking of her the other day. We shared a birthday and we always got along so well. She will be missed. -- Rachel Grubb
Sorry to hear Nancy has passed. I got a kick out of her. She will be missed. -- George Bissonnette
So sad to hear this! When I lived in town and was a very poor graduate student, Nancy got front row tickets to a show at the Paramount and she invited me. She took me out to a lovely dinner beforehand. -- Hilary King
Nancy Lee Roeder
Nancy Roeder died in Lake Forest, CA, on Sunday January 5, 2020.
Nancy was the second of 4 daughters born to Robert and Eleanor Newman in Akron Ohio. She was born on April 19, 1945. Nancy received a BS in Psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a PhD from Washington University in St. Louis. She was married to Charles Roeder for 50 years, and has one son, Michael Roeder, and two grandchildren, Oliver Roeder and Cosette Roeder, living in Lake Forest, CA.
Nancy enjoyed gardening, playing scrabble and accumulating dishes and glassware. She was dedicated to her two grandchildren, and was a very loyal and loving wife and mother. Nancy is survived by her younger sister, Janet, living in Charlotte, NC, and her husband, son and grandchildren.
An informal memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home at 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle on Friday, January 17, at 3:00 PM.
Alice Goodwin (1933 - 2019)
Alice has been a fixture at the Seattle club for over 20 years, coming regularly almost every week. The rare times she was away, she was off to a Scrabble tournament, or visiting family, or traveling around the world to experience something interesting or new.
Alice was a pleasure to play with, and was comfortable playing with anyone. She was particularly good with players new to club, welcoming them into our world. We will miss her.On the evening of Monday, March 11, 2019, Alice's son Daniel posted the following:
Regarding the years-in-your-life vs life-in-your-years distinction:
My mom came from pretty good stock to cover the first of those.
I'd like to think I was able to keep her spirit of adventure going to cover the second. (see: Peru. Pretty sure they don't see many 80+-year-old travelers at Machu Picchu. NOTE- that trip was with me and wouldn't have happened otherwise so it's an example of something she wouldn't have thought of attempting.)
It's one thing to live 86 years. It's a bit different to ... LIVE... that long.
But today that hit the end of the line, discourtesy of a particularly fast-moving pancreatic cancer. She had been getting around fine just the days before the snows of last month. Her mind was sharp (adjusting for pain effects) until the final weeks if not days.
I don't know if there's any ...next... and I sure as anything don't want it to be infinite but...
Her next adventure began today. Fair winds and safe travels.Remembrances of Alice
She will always hold a bright spot in my heart. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I know that no one lives forever, but it's tragic nonetheless when we lose people we wish could live forever. I'm so sorry for your loss and all of our loss. -- Rachel Grubb
I have such warm memories of your mother, at the Scrabble Club and just running into you two on the street. Very sorry to hear of her passing. -- Douglas Honig
I'm very sorry to hear this, Daniel. Your mother was one if the first people I played against in a Scrabble tournament, more than 30 years ago. Thanks for writing such a lovely tribute. -- Jeff Parsons
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an adventurous soul (and a darned good Scrabble player) who accomplished much in her life. She will be missed. -- Lynn Dreyer
Your mom was an amazing person, and I was honored to have her join us on trips all over the world! -- Rich Baker
I am so sorry for your loss and so happy for the wonderful relationship you shared with your mom. I very much enjoyed meeting her and spending time with both of you in Ireland in the summer of 2012. I know you have terrific memories of all the great places you got to visit with her -- Marsha Gillis Daniel
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person. -- John Karris
Sorry to hear about this. Your mom was always a joy to be around. My condolences to you and the rest of your family. -- Mike Frentz
Dan, i am praying for you and your loved ones. i am glad you two had each other. i always enjoyed seeing Alice at club and she was always cheerful and ready with a kind word. The Scrabble Universe will miss her. If you ever need anything: like a ride, or help with something, etc., just let me know. -- Robert Kearn
She will be missed. Always enjoyed seeing her at so many tournaments. Glad you both could share so many good times together. I felt the same away about my Mom who passed away just over a year ago - we had lots of trips and fun times together and she was sharp until the end. May you remember the good times. -- David Johnson
So sorry to hear this- I will miss seeing her at Scrabble tournaments. She was always cheerful when we played. I liked hearing about your adventures with her. -- Miriam Gregory
Dan and family, Alice will be sorely missed. So sorry to hear she has left us. -- Jane Bissonnette
Still startled by the news, but it's making me think about what are the things we admire about a person and try to emulate. Alice had a calm poise and determination at every point in a game of Scrabble that perfectly demonstrated that every player can enjoy every play by each player, of every game, whether you win or lose. Alice had perseverance and a ready smile for the quirks of the game. We admired her and we all miss her already. -- Mark Peltier
I remember your wonderful Mom, Daniel. I was so impressed with the good relationship you two had. Clearly you were a great blessing to her to help her live a full life in her senior years. My heart goes out to you at this time of great loss. x -- Lawren Freebody
Daniel, my condolences for your loss. Your mother welcomed Alec and me into Scrabble club, and it was a joy to hear stories of her life and family from her. She is missed. -- Chris Sjoholm
Although we met Alice through Seattle Opera Guild's Parties and Previews, our conversations were often updates on Scrabble Club activities. She obviously enjoyed your group very much. Alice always made new members welcome and helped out at every event. She is missed. -- Mary Ellen Mullen & Bo Woronowicz
Always knew I was in for a battle when I sat down to play Alice! Great competitor and enjoyed her wry wit. We will remember and miss her. -- George Bissonnette
Ann Ferguson (1950 - 2018)
Co-founder of the Seattle Scrabble Club member Ann Ferguson passed away June 20, 2018.
Obituary for Ann Louise Ferguson
Ann Louise Ferguson, age 68, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2018 after a brief battle with the cancer that had returned. Ann was born February 2, 1950, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Bessie Fern Fielding Warren and Earl Wells Arthur Warren.
The third child and first daughter, Ann held many responsibilities in the home of her youth, often caring for her five younger siblings, all of whom she loved beyond measure. Always the big sister, she encouraged them in the development of their talents and gifts, and instilled in them an appreciation for the joy of drama, poetry, art, and music. Ann was the first to say she couldn't carry a tune, but she always sang with great gusto. A good student, with a keen intelligence, she was an avid reader, stored an amazing amount of trivia in her mind, and always enjoyed learning. A member of Mensa, puzzles and challenges always appealed to her. She loved playing Scrabble, competing in tournaments all around the country, began the Seattle Scrabble Club, and even served on the board of the National Scrabble Association. Professionally, she worked in typesetting and then in medical transcription, and also in real estate. Ann loved a good road trip, particularly those with her siblings to spend time with family in Idaho. She was devoted to her family and her close friends.
A quality inherited from her mother, Ann was endlessly generous. She gave to all of her time, her heart, and anything she might have that she thought someone she cared for might want. She found great joy in serving others. She always rooted for the underdog. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ann was devoted to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. She enjoyed serving in many capacities in her church, always finding great happiness in working and serving alongside those she cared so much about. The young Primary children whom she taught always knew that they were endlessly loved by Sister Ferguson.
She was married for a brief time at a young age, and her daughter Betsy was the joy of her life. She often said they "grew up together." She gave her all to the raising of her daughter. An amazingly hard worker, Ann consistently was employed not only full-time, but also in multiple part-time jobs to provide for them. They were blessed with a close bond of love and friendship between them, enjoying their time playing board and card games, traveling on road trips, going to garage sales, watching movies, and simply spending time together.
Ann is survived by her daughter Betsy (Darin Eckton), grandchildren Rae, Emma, Clara, Quinn, and Sydney, her siblings Dee, Ed (Lesley), Jean, Joan (David Gibson), Eldon, Michael (Holly), Sandra, her many beloved nieces and nephews, and extended family in Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Bess Warren.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mountlake Ward (22015 48th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace), June 23, 2018. A viewing will begin at 10:00, and services will begin at 11:00. A graveside service and final interment will take place the following week at the Taylor Cemetery near Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Remembrances of Ann
Mom, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there for me, for teaching me, listening to me, helping and forgiving me, loving me, and always, always paving the way for me. I will ever strive to live the standards you taught, and become the person you seemed to believe I already was. Until we meet again, my sweet mother. You were simply magnificent. -- Betsy (Ann's daughter)
Ann was a formidable Scrabble opponent and a level head when we needed it. She will be missed. My sincere condolences. -- Jane Bissonnette
Decades ago, Ann Ferguson wanted me to play in my very first tournament way before I felt I was ready to play in tournaments, but she had a lot of confidence in my abilities. Ann always believed in the Best of everyone. -- Midori Howard
Charlene Bishop (19?? - 2012)
Long-time Seattle Scrabble Club member Charlene Bishop passed away July 26th, 2012.
Charlene was a regular at club and played in the first Seattle tournament in 1988. She was a lively addition to any Scrabble session, and she was instrumental in getting our club meeting space at FareStart Restaurant (next door to the Josephinum). Unfortunately, she was not able to attend club regularly after it moved to the University District, and her health declined.
Remembrances of Charlene
Those of us who knew Charlene loved her ready wit, respected her quick intelligence, and enjoyed her company. She has been missed and will be mourned by those of us who shared a game, a chat, or a brew with her. -- Eileen Gruhn
Claudia Bishop (1986 - 2011)
Claudia Bishop started coming to club in March of 2011. She was excited to play SCRABBLE and was eager to learn more and improve her game. Claudia also became close friends with long-time club members Dinah and Uri Breda.
Sadly, just a few weeks after her 25th birthday, Claudia passed away the morning of July 25th. We don't have any more details or information, but have heard that there will be a service for her in the Bay Area.
I was just getting to know her and found her a delight. I will miss her! — J. Midori Howard
Toby (Thora) Cozens (1928 - 2006)
Long-time Seattle Scrabble Club Treasurer Toby (Thora) Cozens passed away the morning of December 22nd. Toby had been battling brain cancer for months and was able to stay in her own home until the last few weeks (she was assisted in maintaining her independence as long as possible by her very supportive family).
In addition to being the Treasurer of the Seattle Scrabble Club, Toby also recorded game stats for every club session for years, and provided incomparable assistance at every Memorial Day Tournament. Toby also volunteered with several other organizations and libraries.
Toby has been part of the Seattle Club from the very beginning--she became involved initially as the babysitter of club co-founder Mark Oppenheimer. She will be missed.
Remembrances of Toby
Even though it was expected, this is still very sad news. I have known Toby since the earliest days of the club, and her interest in the workings of the club and her diligence in maintaining the records kept it going. Besides playing and working as treasurer for the club for many years, Toby gave her time to a school library and to the Puget Sound Blood Bank. She always saw the best side of people. I know that a great many people will miss her. -- Ann Ferguson
Toby has been missed on Tuesday evening.
Always gracious, straight-forward with a very welcoming word for newcomers, she is one of the reasons I kept coming back to the club after losing so many games at first.
I remember how she liked to play with the board upside-down. How she'd smile with that twinkle in her eye and joke about almost everything. -- Jane JacksonToby was the first person who greeted me on my maiden visit to the a scrabble club. She was friendly and welcoming. She encouraged me to return even though my ego took quite a beating that first year of club. I loved her dry sense of humor. I will miss her. -- Jane Bissonnette
Toby was a big help with the club and the tournaments; it was a great comfort knowing that I could rely on her. I miss having her at club. -- Rebecca Slivka
Carl Barish (1941? - 2006)
Carl's tournament history Carl's club history
Carl Barish played a very sharp SCRABBLE game, and was a regular member of the Seattle Club for over 14 years. He loved to tinker with electronics and radios. Carl designed and sold his own line of digital Scrabble clocks (the 2Timer) that is still in use today at the Seattle Scrabble Club and elsewhere. He was also a member of the Mike and Key Amateur Radio Club (his callsign: KC7ZK).
Remembrances of Carl
I'm sad to hear about Carl. Even though I didn't know him very well, he seemed like a real nice guy. I got to play him for the first time at the last session I was at. -- Doug Kruyt
This is soooo sad. I really enjoyed the time I spent with Carl and always looked forward to seeing him. My condolences to all of you. -- P.K. in PDX
I am very sorry to read of Carl's passing. I liked him. -- Christina O'Sullivan
Please send my condolences to Eileen, Midori, and others at the club who I know were close to him. -- Chris Schneider
I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't know Carl well, but he was a good guy. Friendly, curious and willing and able to talk about a wide variety of subjects away from the Scrabble board. -- Mike Baker, Portland
I was very sorry to hear about Carl's passing away. He was a good friend who gave me rides in Seattle several times, and he had also played in our Western Canadian Championship a few years ago. I spoke to him at the Portland tourney just last month. Please pass the deepest condolences of our club and myself to his family. -- Siri Tillekeratne, Calgary
Sorry to hear about Carl--he was a great club member -- Larry Nargi
He always had a ready laugh. You always felt comfortable around him. He was a nice guy. -- J. Midori Howard
I will always fondly remember Carl for commenting about the new word list regarding the word pizzazz - that it had no business being on it! He was a nice man who was always ready to smile or be a friend. -- Lee Ann
It's going to be tough not seeing Carl sit at his usual table at club. He taught me a lot of things about how to play the game, and I always knew it was going to be a good battle when we played. More than just a good Scrabble player, however, he was always sportsmanlike, glad-hearted, and witty. Those are the things I'll miss the most. -- Mike Frentz
Ralph Neubeck (1941 - 2004)
Seattle Scrabble Club's member and punster par excellence, Ralph Neubeck, left the Scrabble scene and his career as an inspiring history teacher on December 17, 2004, when pancreatic cancer won the final battle. His obituary, which smacks soundly of Ralph's authorial hand, can be viewed at: Ralph Neubeck, 63, Franklin High history teacher, Seattle Times.
Jan Prashker (1954 - 2003)
Jan Prashker died February 12, 2003 after a long struggle with a brain tumor. She was a long time member of the Seattle Scrabble Club, a regular, whose sweet disposition never wavered throughout the progress of the disease. Even after she was moved to a hospice facility, she welcomed and enjoyed a game of Scrabble right up to the end. She will be missed.
Remembrances of Jan
I will miss Jan - she truly was a sweet, generous person. -- Ann Ferguson
Jim Greenway (1904 - 2001)
Jim Greenway was another long-time club member who played well into his 90's. I'm sure many of the old-timers have fond memories of him.
Seattle Times Obituary of Jim Greenway