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John Sullivan Obituary
Jack was born October 7, 1933 in Spokane, WA and died March 19, 2017 at Alpental, WA. He attended St Therese School, Seattle Prep, and Seattle University where he graduated with a degree in accounting. He had a long career in the insurance and reinsurance business.
While at Seattle University Jack met Marion E. Edwards and they were married in 1956. Four children followed in the next eight years: Louise, Patty, Michael and Charlie. Jack's life was a constant balancing act between business, family, travel and outdoor activities.
Jack was an avid alpine skier, sailor, and traveler, sometimes combining all three. Alpental was his home area and he was actively involved as an instructor with the ski school for many years.
He also loved sailing. Marion and Jack spent many summers exploring the Salish Sea and beyond. He was Commodore of Seattle Yacht Club in 2008.
Business and pleasure gave Jack the opportunity to visit many parts of the world. If you could get there by train that was his preference although he was also a frequent flyer / road warrior before the terms were coined. He was always planning another adventure and yes, reservations need to be cancelled.
Jack actively supported many organizations in the Seattle area often sharing his insurance expertise. Someone said he never met a committee he didn't like. He certainly enjoyed being involved.
Jack gathered friends wherever he went. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and never passed up the opportunity for a party. Drop him into the bar car on a train and he would soon have a new friend or two or three. We are certain there is a fine gathering being held in heaven where Jack, glass of scotch in hand, is catching up with his parents, brother Bill, in-laws Chuck and Helen and many friends who have gone before.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Louise (Domenic) Sportelli, Patty Stanford, Michael (Paula Anderson) and Charlie; grandchildren, Emily and Thomas Stanford and Daniel, Kate and Anya Sullivan; and brother, Jerry (Wendy).
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 25th at 2 PM at
St James Cathedral
804 9th Ave, Seattle 98104
Remembrances may be made to
Hunthausen Fund c/o St James Cathedral Parish; or Seattle Yacht Club Sailing Foundation.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sullivan
Sponsored by The Family.
David Martin
February 3, 2023
My late condolences to the family of John Sullivan. I had the honor of working in the downtown Seattle office from 1983-1988. I started in the mailroom and eventually worked as a Treaty Assistant in the Treaty Department. I loved working for such a prestigious company in the downtown Seattle area back in the day.
He touched many lives and helped us in our journey of life. God bless and God speed.
Jeff Koenig
July 7, 2019
Very sorry to just now learn of Jack's death. He gave a young, green reinsurance broker a chance in 1989 and for the next 5 years he taught me so much about the business and he was the best civilian boss I ever had. I am so grateful to Jack for giving me that chance as it paved the way for the remainder of my career. Blessings to his whole family.
Jo-Ann Kelly
June 16, 2017
I just heard about Jack's passing and I am so sorry to hear this news. Jack and Marion have been regulars at many Catholic benefits. They have always greeted us warmly and their travels and adventures are enviable. Jack used his business experience to assist many groups and we all will miss his willingness to aid in any way that he could. I am so sorry for this news. A big hug for Marion and family.
Paul Hopkins
April 7, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Sullivan family. Throughout my career at Farmers I had oppourtunities to work with Jack, his father, brother and son. All wonderful, exceptionally bright and caring people. That said, I was closest with Jack and learned a great deal from him including the desire to help, teach and mentor others.... I am a very appreciative beneficiary of his guidance and support. His life was one lived to the fullest and his memory will always bring a long and genuine smile. Rest In Peace Jack and thank you from me and all the others you helped during your life's journey.
Peter Persuitti
March 26, 2017
On behalf of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and our team serving the Archdiocese of Seattle especially, we send our prayers and condolences on Jack's passing. We were fortunate to get to know him as he shared his talent and expertise on behalf of the Archdiocese. We are stronger because of his presence, his insights and his expertise. He lives on in all we do to help the Church. Requiescat in pace, Peter Persuitti
March 25, 2017
I always felt so welcome when invited to share an event at the cabin at Alpental. I will always remember Jack at the SYC employee party when he was Commodore. He was the life of the party. After working the dinner buffet, he danced the night away with many including myself. What fun he was... He will be missed so much!
Micheline Huber, Seattle
Kathleen Dyer
March 24, 2017
Jack taught me to ski about 40 years ago. I had just moved to Seattle and tried skiing once and loved it. I immediately signed up for lessons at Alpental and Jack became my instructor. At the end of the first lesson, Jack asked who wanted to go up chair one. Of course I went and Jack very carefully ushered me down the mountain as I had no idea how to ski the "steep stuff." After my lessons were completed I still saw Jack on the mountain many times. He was a great guy and I could tell he lived life to the fullest. I'm sorry for your loss, but take comfort that Jack had way more than one man's quota of life, love and laughter.
Terri Ulbricht
March 23, 2017
Dear Marion, Louise, Patty, Michael and Charlie, I remember fondly when you all included me in your family outings to the cabin and ski school while I lived in Seattle. Jack was not only a excellent business role model but a great father figure to me. Seems only fitting he passed on the feast day of St Joseph, patron of workers and father of Jesus. May he rest in peace.
March 23, 2017
Jack had a personality bigger than life itself. Always not just a pleasure to be around but FUN!
Marion, you have had a beautiful and exciting life living with that man not to mention the knowledge he imparted on to his children. He will be missed by so many but most of all by you and your family.
Love you, Carol (Edwards) Fox
Amy Lengel
March 23, 2017
Jack definitely made an impact on all that knew him. My family shared many memories with him at Alpental, the Seattle Yacht Club and the Catholic Church. He had a smile, a good story and a bit encouragement for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with Marion and family. I hope my Dad was one of the first to greet Jack at the pearly gates! Rest In Peace ~ Amy (Marler) Lengel
Mary McGahey
March 23, 2017
Sorry for your loss. So many good memories will help ease the grief. He is up in Heaven rooting for you.
Ted Newton
March 23, 2017
P/C Jack, it was an honor knowing you and enjoying many great memories together. Rest in Peace and Crab On Forever!
March 22, 2017
Many fond memories of Jack.
Al and Loretta Osborne
March 22, 2017
Marion and family...Ruth and I are so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. A warm and wonderful person who will be missed by all of us at SYC and Crozier. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Ruth Magnan
March 22, 2017
Sorry to hear the news...memories as part of the Farmers Insurance Family for many years.
Janine Atkins
Administrative Assistant
MARV ALLISON
March 22, 2017
To Marion, Gerry, Wendy, family and friends: Sending positive, caring thoughts your way.
Marv and Bobi Allison
Paul Patsis
March 21, 2017
Jean and I are so sorry to hear of Jack's Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marion and your entire family. Jack was a friend, colleague, mentor and inspiration. We will miss him beyond words.
Paul & Jean
Dani Nelson
March 21, 2017
So sorry for your loss, I am certain he is up in Heaven laughing and enjoying all those who have awaited his arrival. Cheers.
Larry Smith
March 21, 2017
Our sincerest condolences to you Marion and your family... so very sad to hear of Jack's passing ... will miss him forever.
Larry and Alison
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