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Joseph MERCULIEF Obituary
Joe, age 66, born on Saint George Island, Alaska on July 9, 1946 fell asleep in the Lord November 28, 2012, at his home in Kirkland, surrounded by family, following a heroic year-long battle with pancreatic cancer; his mother, Angelina, preceded him in death. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was strong in his convictions, loved with all of his heart, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need; he was truly a spectacular man and he touched many lives, near and far. Joe came to Seattle at the age of 13 to attend school; he graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1965 and from Shoreline Community College in 1967 (AA degree). He served as a radioman in the U.S. Army for two years. Joe worked at Paine Instruments for 18 years, and Microscan Systems as a salesman for 21 years; he retired from Microscan last May. Joe was an active member of Saint Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral. He was an avid tennis player, loved biking with his grandson, boating and vacationing at Lake Chelan with family, hiking, being outdoors and spending time with friends. He enjoyed traveling, and had a strong affection for music, food, wine, and aged bourbon. He was known for being a dreamer and a storyteller; he could fix anything. Joe will truly be missed by all who knew him, but he lives on in each of us. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Kathi of 45 years;his son, Jason Merculief; his daughter Melissa Merculief Landis (Nathaniel), grand children Forrest Merculief and Noah Landis; his brother Leo Merculief (Chris), his sister Elizabeth Merculief (Fr. Paul), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Paneheda (memorial) service, 6:00 PM, Monday, December 3rd and funeral, 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 4th at Saint Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral, 400 Yale Avenue North, Seattle. Graveside burial following at Evergreen Washelli, Seattle. Donations may be made to St Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org), or The Aleut Foundation (www.thealeutfoundation.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph MERCULIEF
Dick Wilson
December 6, 2012
"Memory Eternal"
Kathy, you will be in my prayers
Salmon fishing w/Joe in Sitka
Darren Jensen
December 5, 2012
Joe my best friend and I will always hold him dear to my heart, Joe & I spent hundreds of hours in the last 20+ years together on the tennis courts mostly at Gold Creek in Woodinville or anywhere there was a court to play on. Joe had a sprit that was unlike anyone I have ever met or will ever meet. He was always there for me to help at any time and he was the same with everyone that knew him, He was more than a friend he was my brother and will be truly missed and never forgotten.
Robin McGuire
December 4, 2012
We will always have fond memories of Joe as our neighbor. His laughter, his love for a great bourbon, his helpfulness (especially when we did not know how to fix something) and his gentleness with children. His legacy will always remain. Marc, Lauren, Garrett and I are all so sorry for your loss.
December 3, 2012
Kathy,
I went to Elena Petrovna Kalfov's Panehida tonight and learned from Carol Sotnik (Robert's widow) that your husband passed away. My heartfelt condolenses to you and your family. He is in my prayers. Eternal Memory!
Ilona (Holm) Melnyk
Katie Musser (Diani)
December 3, 2012
I remeber Joe and Kathi at my wedding in Aptos like it was yesterday, although it was 3 years ago. He and Kathi showed us such support and love. We will sure miss you Joe. I am praying for you Kathi, Uncle Leo, Auntie Chris, Cousins Mel and Jason. I love you guys.
Steve & Clair Kinney
December 3, 2012
The Joe we knew at work could be a real spitfire, when crossed . . . yet he was often the first person that someone with a problem would turn to. If possible, he offered a solution; if not, he offered solid advice and comfort. Joe never gave less than 100%. He was often “open all night,” working in the wee hours of the morning if he couldn't sleep; it wasn't uncommon to receive an email from him marked 3:37 am.
However, everything that he gave to work was nothing compared to what he gave--and got--from his family. He was a rock for his daughter Melissa and son Jason; for his older grandson Forrest; and he felt blessed to have survived to enjoy baby Noah. But even a rock requires a foundation, and Joe found much of his own strength in the loving bedrock of his 45-year marriage to Kathi, who shared it all with him and even in this last year never showed him the face of despair.
Joe was short-changed in the number of years he was given. But he packed as much life into those years as many who live much longer. We were fortunate to count him as a friend. He truly was one in a million, will be missed and can never be replaced.
Lovingly remembered,
Louisa Fedosenko
December 2, 2012
From, Louisa and Kylee..... You will be in our hearts forever.....Memory Eternal!
Pat Sultan
December 2, 2012
Joe was a good neighbor whose words of wisdom and kindness will be remembered.
John and Linda Dietz
December 2, 2012
Our condolences to Kathy, Jason, Melissa and the entire family at the loss of a husband, father, and everybody's friend. We celebrate Joe's life as we remember our time as neighbors! God's peace to you all!
Diana Heslop
December 2, 2012
I remember him as always being happy and outgoing. He will continued to be remembered for all of the good he has done and the lives he touched. My prayers and condolences to all of the family. xoxo
Arlene Diani
December 1, 2012
Kathi and Family,
Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers...
Love,
Jim & Arly
Dorothy Engel (Heslop)
December 1, 2012
Thank you, Joe for so many fond and loving memories growing up. Joe was a second father to me - he proved it many times when Mel and I used to get in trouble together. I have cherished and will cherish all of the love and affection that Joe gave to me. I am so very sad that a void is left within all of us who knew and loved Joe now that he is gone. I am glad, however to know that Joe is in heaven, at peace and is reunited with his good friend, my dad. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Ann Allen
December 1, 2012
Kathi & Family:
I am shocked & so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have many wonderful memories when we were close neighbors in Kingsgate V - thank you for those - especially with baby Paul. We have an engagement on Tuesday, but know that I will be praying & I will be with you all in spirit. God bless you & keep you in His loving care.
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