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John Voorhees Obituary
John Lloyd Voorhees passed away August 15, 2014 at the age of 88. He was born in rural DeWitt, Iowa on August 30, 1925. He first came to Seattle in 1946 while serving in the Army. His typing skills kept him stationed at Fort Lawton, processing military records instead of being shipped overseas. After his discharge, he went back to Iowa, earned a degree in education from the University of Iowa in 1951 and then taught high school social studies for one year. Returning to Seattle he entered the Juniors in Journalism program at the University of Washington, where he wrote for the UW Daily.
By 1953 he was on staff at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer covering the arts which included gallery shows, music concerts, plays, dance performances and opera. He left the P.I. for The Seattle Times in 1969, still covering the arts.
In 1973 he became the Times' television columnist commenting on broadcast journalism, PBS programs and also popular network series. With his playful, sophisticated wit and adroit use of words he wrote columns that were entertaining as well as informative. He retired in 1991 but continued to review select programs for the Times as a freelancer until 1999.
John liked to travel abroad and made many trips with friends to Europe, South America and Mexico. His delight in Broadway musicals and dance performances took him to New York City many times over the years. John was a dapper dresser with a penchant for cowboy boots and high-top sneakers. He enjoyed getting friends together for lively conversation and one of his inventive soups. He savoured a gin martini at the end of the day. Most of all, John loved working in his garden, where he tirelessly watered, fed and spruced up the plants, often while humming or singing songs from the 30's, 40's and 50's. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Donegan (Roger), of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is survived by Michael Cunningham, his partner-in-life of more than 37 years, and his brother, Harold Voorhees (Betty), of Urbandale, Iowa as well as three nephews, Allan Voorhees (Connie), of Clive, Iowa, Larry Voorhees (Carrie), of St. Joseph, Missouri and Joel Voorhees, of Clarksville, Tennessee. He also leaves behind five grandnieces and grandnephews, and two great-grandnephews.
Memorial services will be private. Remembrances in his name may be made to an arts organization of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Voorhees
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Melinda Bargreen
August 18, 2019
Can't believe it has been five years since John's passing. I still think of him so often, whenever I encounter something that would make him laugh (or make him exasperated, as he often was by the idiocies we encounter in life!). Gone, but never forgotten.
August 24, 2014
So many memories of our wonderful friend and colleague -- we are all just overcome by appreciation for John's kindness, humor, talent, and character. Most of all I think about his greatly loved partner Michael, who made John's life such a joy. I will always remember John's love of great art and his love of show tunes, his patience with friends and his exasperation with the clueless or the bigoted, his adventurous cooking, and the pleasure he took in their beautiful garden. John's life was a gift to all of us.
Tony Volchok
August 24, 2014
Dear Family,
I just wanted to say that i was sorry to hear of Johns' passing. I also wanted to let you know, that he was one of my dads favourite writers , always saying nice things about my dad in the paper. A good man has passed. My prayers go out to all of you.
Joel Baker
August 24, 2014
Sorry to hear about John's passing. My dad worked with him for many years at the Seattle P-I and Seattle Times (Ed Baker). Rest in peace, John, and peace and comfort to your loved ones.
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