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Christa
June 21, 2023
Still think of you often. I want to flip a coin and see who is paying for lunch. I want to be on vacation just like you, and most of all I would like to sit out on my deck with you and have wine, dinner that you made, and endless conversation.
Love, Christa
Allen Larsen
June 11, 2021
Dear Joe. I just returned from a trip to Hawaii and thought of you. The sunsets, the music, and the feeling of aloha. It's been way too long my friend. Upon arriving in seattle late last night, my wife, son and I all had late dinner at 13 coins. Again, I thought of you.
I wish with all my heart I could tell you how much I appreciated you. I wish you could hear it. I never fully told you what you meant to me back when I had the chance.
Thanks for all the laughter and fun. And for endless stories for me to reminisce about.
Miss you Joe.
Tim
February 12, 2010
Joe, Wow! What a difference a year makes!
Last Feb.at this time, we were both buried in deep snow and could hardly get around in our cars. This Winter has been a no-show,... for both Seattle and Spokane. You would've loved it!!!
The last time I ever talked to you was on Presidents'Day, and we were talking of taking a trip back to Kentucky someday to see Lincolns' birthplace on your ancestors' farm in Hodgenville. Who knew then that you had only a day to live.So much left unsaid.....
I still miss you everyday and many times I want to call you up to talk about a Husky victory (or loss),or something in the paper about Hawaii, Mexico,or some great new restaurant you'd love to hear about.
Cathy and I are planning a Fall cruise to Alaska and wish you could go with us too.You and your folks went on so many of them.
I'm going down to Portland tomorrow for the golf show, and will finally see Jeffs' "new" apt. The one you helped him decorate last year before the snows hit!
We'll drink a toast(or 5!) to you ,buddy and remember your friendship for the rest of our lives!! Still missing you nearly 1 year later, Tim
PS. It was Crown Royal I poured on your grave marker on your birthday!!I know how you liked the "Good Stuff"!Hope you like the Husky flowers and pinwheel too!
Christa Brackenbush
February 4, 2010
Joe,
Missing you. Todd and I are flying to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji today. You would love this trip and I think of all the times we spent on the deck before and after my trips talking about every detail. I have a new house sitter now. Thank you for the sign you sent me on your Birthday. I will take it with me.
Love,
Christa
Jeff Chinn
January 29, 2010
Hey Joseph
It's been almost one year now. Hardly a day goes by that something comes up making me want to text or call you for a good laugh. Damn I wish you were still around. Your absence at every activity leaves a big hole on this planet for the rest of us still walking on it. I have fixed my (your) Solara and it runs like a charm. Waiting for nice weather to take the top down. You come to mind every time I open a good bottle of wine. & I thank you for my small jackpots on any Hawaiian themed slot machine. Especially Kona Gold! Tim "poured" you some Canadian Club on your birthday - hope you liked it. For 2010 I vow to get the rest of your ashes spread according to your wishes. Meaning a trip to Kona...
Jeff
January 22, 2010
Joe,
Jim & I are going on a cruise in May and I will be thinking of you. I remember the Mexico cruise when your ship was pulling out and ours was just coming in and shouting and waving as if you could see or here me.
Love you, miss you lots
Rose
Lila Brackenbush
January 20, 2010
Dear Joe: Thinking of you while I'm in Hawaii and sharing your fondness for this beautiful place! Love Lila
Christa Brackenbush
September 15, 2009
Joe, you have missed some good family times and meals. I showed the car with out you, but won 2 second place trophies. I had a few trips to Tri Cities. Who would have guessed that Al is now gone too. Remember when I left work early and met you and Al on the boat? I think of that and both of you are gone now. Missing you.
Love,
Christa
Lila Brackenbush
September 12, 2009
Dear Joe: We had another birthday celebration dinner out tonight. Missing you my friend! Love, Lila
Rose Seeley
August 13, 2009
Hi Joe,
I was wanting to call you and pick up where we left off planning a get together to talk over good times. Couldn't believe I was too late. Well, we would have had a great time as always. Thank you for the lunches,dinners, and our special thanksgiving spent together when we had no where else to go! your laugh is forever imprinted in my mind and I will always remember the good times and our special friendship. Will think of you often and miss you alot!
I still laugh over the "Zingers" after work. I'm so glad that you and Christa had such a wonderful friendship over the years and I only wish that I could comfort her right now over the loss of your company and friendship. So many memories and such good times! I was talking with Maria the other night and we were sharing some of the stories and the great times we had working at Greenwood. Just was never the same after everone moved on. I hope you got to live at least most of your life "the way you wanted to".
Love you, miss you!
Rose
July 9, 2009
Joe...
Next weekend I will be headed up to Seattle for Christa's 4th Annual BBQ. I am real excited to see everyone and to spend time with Christa. I was thinking about it today and my thoughts suddenly turned to you and I just felt that I needed to come out here and talk to you for a minute. You know the weekend just won't be the same with out you there. It always took the both of us to talk Christa into opening a bottle of the good stuff. LOL!!!! You know I'm gonna try but I might be asking you for some help anyway! I miss you so very much!
Lovin' ya man!!!
Todd
Rita Sevcik
June 26, 2009
Joe - me again. I've been thinking about you and Christa all day today. It's Cool Desert Nights here in the Tri-Cities and I keep thinking about how much fun it was to be in the parade with you last year, getting stopped by the police for speeding (but it wasn't us!), watching Christa try to catch up with her dad - all those wonderful memories of times with you come back. I wish you were here to party with you guys.
Love,
Rita
Rita Sevcik
June 19, 2009
Joe - the Blue Goose is closing! Remember all the great dinners we all had there! I cannot think of a nice glass of wine, Cool Desert Nights, or Spring Barrel Tasting - or listen to Hawaiian music without thinking about you. We miss you and hope you know how much you impacted all of our lives. I'm so glad I have a couple of Christmas plates (thanks to Christa and Lila) of yours. So, memories of you will still be with me over the holidays. Wish you were here to celebrate Clinton's 5th birthday with us. I'd love to share a glass (bottle of) wine with you.
You enrich our lives and surround us with memories.
With many good memories,
Love
Christa's Aunt Rita
Pat Mainella
June 15, 2009
Joe,
Daisy, Joe and you were such a big part of my growing up. Reading the memories here reminded me again of your gentle soul. Again, thanks for being my friend.
Pat Mainella, Pullman/Spokane
June 15, 2009
Joe, I called the paper early this morning and got the spelling of your name corrected on the website. Also had them link the Spokane obit to the already established memorial website set up in March thru the Seattle paper, so all new guestbook entries will appear here. Your cousins Pam, Lana, Rod and Roger are all getting into town on Thursday, and Jeff, Ernie and several others are coming in Friday, so all we need now is good weather and a good turnout for your "send off". I hope you'll be pleased with the effort everyone is putting in on this for you to make your service a sucess.. Love 'ya! Tim
June 14, 2009
Well old buddy, we're finally into the "home stretch"! Your obit came out today in the Spokane paper, announcing next Saturdays' memorial service down at the cemetery, and it looked fine.The photo of you I chose looked great,you'd be proud of it!!I wrote 5 drafts of the obit before I got the one I wanted. Thank goodness I double-checked the proof they sent me on Friday night, as they left out the entire sentence that begins with "survived by..." Now tonite Jeff calls to tell me the on-line version has your name mis-spelled!! They left out the "S" in Joseph!!I will fix it as soon as they open tomorrow,I promise you!
Took a drive today over to Grand Coulee Dam to see the sights and get a change of scenery, but ended up thinking about how you would've loved the warm sunny day and the spectacular thunder and lightning show we saw on the way back to Spokane.It was a show you would've enjoyed! I found a paper in the bar at the Indian casino where we ate lunch, and I tore your obit out of it to keep as a reminder of todays drive.
Anyway, if I can make it through the week and your memorial next weekend, I'm hoping it'll finally bring some closure to this sense of "unfinished-ness" for lack of a better term.Sharing sorrow and stories of you with others and finally seeing a stone with the words carved into it may make it more "real" to me.Thinking of ya, buddy. Tim
June 11, 2009
Joe, I have NOLA booked again for this year. I wish you would have taken me up on my offer to go with us a few years ago. You would love it. Stacy came over for dinner and we had a good time. Why no communication from Ouija??? Missing you and the 6am phone calls. I have a lot to tell you about. Love, your Christa
Lila Brackenbush
June 8, 2009
Dear Joe: Thanks for the beautiful candlesticks and all the other gifts you gave me over the years. I will think of you every time I use them. Our family get togethers are just not the same without you and our little boy, Clint. Missing you. Love Lila
May 25, 2009
Joe: Todd and I have returned from another trip to Mex. I worried about the cats because you were not here to watch over them. I had a lot of time to think about things during the trip and I thought about you a lot. Did you see the red sunset with me??? Love, Christa
Lila Brackenbush
May 17, 2009
Dear Joe: We had another family birthday dinner yesterday and again, you were not there. Christa was not here either because she went to Cancun. Anyway, we thought about you and mentioned your name at the dinner table. Memories of you will not be forgotten. Your friend, Lila
David Taucher
May 3, 2009
Dear Joe
I hope you are resting easy in a better place drinking a big glass of Leonetti with cheese and crackers. You left a lasting impression on earth and to all your freinds. You are truly missed. You where a true friend to us all and a mentor to those that had the honor of working with you.
Joe...to you...Aloha nui nui...and woof woof!
Lila Brackenbush
April 19, 2009
Dear Joe: Today was my birthday and as usual we had a family birthday dinner at the house. We sure missed you being here with us. Christa brought over some beautiful dishes and glassware that were found in your picnic baskets and she shared them with us. We will think of you when we use them. Thanks for the memories. Love, Lila
Joe, my best friend. This will be the first time in 15 years that you will not be joining me for SBT (Spring Barrel Tasting). I even have a wine maker dinner lined up for the usual group of Larry, Rita, and the rest of us. You would have been here today, celebrating with my Mom and family. It has been a good day. We will be using your picnic basket this weekend.
Love,
Your Christa
Lila Brackenbush
April 13, 2009
Dear Joe: Just to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers so much. I think of Christa and your other friends and how they will miss you at all the upcoming special events that you attended together. I will be missing you too my friend. I hope you are making yourself at home upstairs and that you have the best of everything. Your friend, Lila
Christa Brackenbush
April 12, 2009
Joe, Happy Easter. Thank you for the cards you left for me and Jeff.
Love,
Christa
Cliff Jones
April 2, 2009
I have known Joe for over 30 years. It was very sad to learn of his death.We have been thru many good times and bad together. You will be missed.
Lila, Christa and Alison Brackenbush/Satterlee
March 29, 2009
Don, Lila, Alison and Christa got together today for lunch at Christa's. We were thinking about Joe and we reminisced about the past. We looked at Joe's photo albums and it was fun to see pictures of his travels. He had some lovely pictures of flowers from the tulip festival in La Conner. It's hard to believe that he will not be joining us for all the special occasions coming up. Joe, we will be missing your presence very much. Love Lila
Joe, you would have loved my scallop chowder today. I am wearing your 2 necklaces and have been listneing to IZ non-stop. I sold the Jag, the cats miss you, I do too.
Love, Christa
Dear Joe (My Snow Buddy): I miss you so much and always will! Who is going to bring me Key Lime Pies? That was always so nice of you. I'll always appreciate that you took Brennen and Wyatt to all those neat Seattle spots. They had so much fun. Christmas, birthdays, Christa and your BBQ, etc. just won't be the same without you. And of course Thanksgiving at Christa's with all your beautiful plates, dishes and vases. I'll never forget the Neiman Marcus plate. It was so beautiful. Thanks for all the joy you brought to our family. I love you, Alison "AliCat"
Mary Jane Vanderpool
March 23, 2009
I was very saddened to hear the news about Joe. My cousin Tim called me to let me know. I knew Joe when I was a kid and a young teenage girl. I had quite the crush on him as well. I will always remember that gorgeous face of his and his beautiful smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Rest Easy Joe. You will be missed by many who loved you.
March 22, 2009
Joe, you would have stayed at my place the past few nights if you could have. Lesa has news. We would have watched the sunsets, talked on the deck for hours and you would make Putanesca for dinner. Miss you... Love, Christa
Karilyn Reid
March 20, 2009
I haven't seen Joe since my college days. From what I remember of him, he was a blast to be around. He had a quick wit and could give and well as he could take from among his college friends. I've been updated about Joe's whereabouts and doings from our mutual friend, Tim. It was nice to hear about the trips they took and how much fun they had. As I have read all the shared memories, it is clear that he will be very missed. Joe...thanks for making my college years a little brighter.
Todd Lowrance
March 18, 2009
Joe left a lasting impression on everyone that he touched. I met Joe about 10 years ago at a Manager's Meeting for Fred Meyer in Portland. It seemed like he knew everyone and as I got to know him better, I realized that he did know everyone because that was the type of person Joe was. He was the life of the party and he drew people too him with his magnetic personality. Over the years, as I got to know Joe better, I began to realize how lucky I was to have such a true and devoted friend in Joe. There was nothing he would not do for you and he would jump into action the minute he knew that you needed him.
He loved alot of things and one of those things that I was able to share with him was Spring Barrel Tasting in 2008. It was a great weekend and you just know that he was all prepared with the picnic items, and the bottle of wine that went perfectly with all the food that he brought for us to have lunch. He was so thoughtful and generous. He will be missed by so many!
Lila Brackenbush
March 18, 2009
Yesterday I ran across an Obama/Biden banner that Joe had sent me in January with a note on it saying "Happy 2009", Love Joe. I put it in a packet of collectibles that I'm saving for my Grandson. Today I was putting out some different home decorations and putting away some other ones and one that I was putting away for a while was a beautiful hurricane lamp that Joe had given me for Christmas two years ago. There are memories of Joe all around this house.
Tim Wink
March 18, 2009
It's been over 2 weeks now since I got the call that my oldest friend, Joe, had passed away at his condo in Seattle.It still doesn't seem quite real that he's gone, after all the years we knew each other.
I met Joe in 1st grade here in Spokane and we became life-long friends, attending school together all the way through Community College.I spent as much time up at his house as I did my own,it seems.His folks,Daisy and Joe, were like my 2nd parents.(How I still miss Daisys' cooking and Big Joes' drinks!)
He got me my 1st "real job" working with him at the North Spokane Valu-Mart. ( It was soon clear that retail was not for me though!)
Our 8 day trip up to Canada and around to Vancouver,B.C. & Seattle in his '69 Mustang in'72 was a great road trip for we two 19 year olds!!!He loved the big cities and knew he had to move there soon!
As kids we spent many great lazy Summer days at his Aunt and Uncles' cabin at Newman Lake,or up at my familys' swimming pool.
I visited him at every one of his new stores as he was shuffled around the state by his job.("Join Fred Meyer, see the world", he used to say!)
He so loved living in Seattle with all the things "to do" there, compared to boring old Spokane.
He introduced me to his beloved Hawaii,(and indirectly to golf,thanks Joe!), in May of '98, after I took him to "my spot", Las Vegas, the previous year.
He escorted myself and my friends, the Ellenz's, "cruise novices all", to Mexico for 7 days in May of '04 and was the life of the party as always.
The day we spent at his condo in Mazatlan was the highlight of the trip!He was in his element there,sun on our backs, toes in the surf, drinks in our hands!!
He came over for my retirement party just last June, and made 2 more trips to Spokane last Summer for poolside barbeques at my brothers', and to just "hang out" in the nice weather.It would be the last time I'd see him,....,although we talked several times each day as this past brutal Winter wore on. He was so looking forward to Spring and the first trip over the pass in his convertible to Yakima wine country for Spring Barrel Tasting!
He was a good, kind soul and great, loyal friend and I will miss him everyday for the rest of my life.
Rest easy now Joe, and know that those who knew and loved you, will hold your memories dear to the end of our days. As you used to say at the end of a call, " Love 'ya" !!!
Aloha and farewell, my dearest friend.
Kent Ellenz
March 18, 2009
Joe was a friend to our family. We will always remember the special memories he helped to create on our cruise to Mexico with him. He was a generous and gentle soul and we will miss him. Kent, Becky, Ashley, and Kelsey Ellenz
Floyd Lockie
March 17, 2009
I knew Joe since 1st grade. We lived on the same block. We went through high school. I don't think we ever did anything together but I still feel the loss because we shared so many school memories. Good-bye, Joe.
March 17, 2009
We have lost a good friend, but feel
good that we were able to meet Joe.
We only knew Joe for a short while,
but enjoyed the time we had!
~Ed & Shirley Ellenz~Spokane Wa
Dick Baker
March 17, 2009
Well, what seems like a long time now seems like such a short time. When I met Joe, I was a regional for Spokane, Yakima and the Tri Cities where I first met this young man Joe. I knew he had what it takes. Over the years, we became friends, my partner Randy and I. We lived not too far from the Greenwood store he managed and would see him there or often after work.
Even though we loose touch with close friends, they are always good friends and at times you place them in a special place and then lo and behold, you see them again and it is if time has not passed at all. I am sorry we did not see you over the last few years, but know that we shall be looking forward to that time when we reunite and we can all break up in hearing your gregarious laugh!
Randy and I know you are the life of the party up there! Thanks for being who you were and for being our friend.
Dick and Randy
Allen Larsen
March 17, 2009
"Much may be known of a man's character by what excites his laughter" Goethe
Joe, I am not sure if they have intranet "upstairs" or not, but you need to know how much you touched my life. You took me under your wing when I was a young trainee, and developed me well on my way towards becoming a Man. You were wise in a way that only now I can totally understand. There isn't a day that I don't quote you, share a story about you, and still look back in fondness at our years we spent together. Your gracious attitude towards me simply amazed me. Oh, and when I was young and dumb, and you tried to caution me about getting married at such as young age.... well you were right! Your Fred Meyer Family misses you... you have no idea how many people you helped mold into leaders! You touched many, and you will not be forgotten! Joe, I love you and will miss you!
Christa Brackenbush
March 17, 2009
Joe, it was such a nice gathering at Spiro's on Sunday, just what you would have wanted. I finally got to meet Tim and we all drove the Firebird to the gathering, even though it was raining. Now I have to wash the car. I miss you, my friend.
Dean Paglialunga
March 16, 2009
I was surprised to hear the sad news. Joe was known by many of us here at Chinook's. He was a pleasure to have in and talk to and we really enjoyed his laugh. We will miss him much.
Roger La Voie
March 16, 2009
I grew up with Joey, that's what we used to call him when we were young, but have been out of touch for several years. I am glad to see by this guestbook he had a lot of friends. He shared a special place in my life...and still does.
Janeice Pennington
March 16, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of Joes' passing. I met Joe through Paula Harrington. When I moved to Hawaii Joe & Paula came over on vacation and for emotional support. I remember a wonderful dinner on the lanai at the condo Joe & Paula stayed. The table was beautiful, the food divine, the company delightful. Joe had such a zest for life and knew how to make it beautiful for others. Joe - Aloha - you are one of the good guys!
Lila Brackenbush
March 16, 2009
Joe would have been really proud of the nice gathering of friends in his honor at Spiros yesterday. It was wonderful to hear the stories and memories people had to tell and to see people connecting that probably hadn't seen each other in a long time. The food and wine was great and everyone had a good time. Joe would have loved being there, but I know he was in spirit. We love and miss you Joe.
Joe at the cabin.
Lana Hess
March 16, 2009
I can remember how thrilled and proud your parents were when you entered this world. You started life in Japan where the earthquakes scared your dear mom, Daisy, on a regular basis. You were like a soul mate to your cousin, Pam, when you were both little. We have many joyful memories of Velma and Virg's cabin, of your beloved Fuzzy and of shared adventures throughout the world. You certainly inherited your dad's hearty laugh. Find peace in eternity, dear cousin
Kami Ellenz
March 15, 2009
I knew Joe through the many stories of his best high school friend Tim Wink. Tim is our family's friend. Tim and Joe went with my family on a cruise to Mexico in 2004. It was a great time. Joe had us all laughing and we were all laughing more listening to him and Tim and their humorous bantering. I am glad I got to know Joe mostly through Tim and his stories but also on that cruise. I vividly remember walking the streets Mexico with him. May all that knew him have peace and cherish the times they spent with him. Joe's spirit will live with all whose lives he touched.
Kenny Locke
March 15, 2009
I knew Joe through Fred Meyer - first in the early 80's at the old Lakewood building, again in the late 80's I worked for him at the Broadway store while I went back to school. Since I now work in Ballard I'd run into him at that store from time to time... Was very surprised to see Joe's obit in the paper but am glad to see that he's finally going to get the rest he needs - he always worked too hard for this life. RIP Joe.
Rita Sevcik
March 15, 2009
I wish I could be there today to help celebrate the memory of a very special person, but snow on the pass keeps me in Kennewick.
I'm Christa's aunt Rita. I came to know Joe through family gatherings with my brother's family and the years we were together at the Yakima Valley Barrel tasting. Joe and I shared a love of wine and of Hawaii. I treasure my memories of some great times, wonderful picnics, fine food, Hawaiian music playing the background, and riding with him in the Cool Desert nights car parade last August. A picnic with Joe was a memorable event. He was fun to be with - he was always ready to have a party and take things up a notch. I am grateful for his love and concern for Christa. He was a very generous man. Christa told me that he loved me - and I love him too. I think he knows that. Joe, you are in my prayers. Love, Rita
Richard Cole
March 15, 2009
I shall always remember our times in high school. Rest in peace my friend.
Donna Rose-Johnson
March 14, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. I will cherish the memories forever.
Paula Harrington
March 14, 2009
I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Joe’s death. I had hoped he would get a chance to visit me here in Arizona this spring. He introduced me to the Big Island where we shared many wonderful vacations. I was looking forward to introducing him to Arizona. I will miss his laugh and wonderful spirit.
Jeff Chinn
March 14, 2009
I've been friends with Joe from waaay back in the day in Spokane up to today. We got into too much mischief... I am going to miss his friendship greatly, our Cougar/Husky debate (0-12, baby - for the last time....) and I cherish the week we spent recently in his beloved Hawaii. Joe, I hope you're up there somewhere playing cards with Geneva, Lovie & Andy, and your mom and dad, and Clinton and Vanilla and you're looking over some nice tropical beach sipping Leonetti Cab. I will take good care of your convertible. Miss you a lot, big guy.
Jeff
Lila Brackenbush
March 14, 2009
We were so shocked to hear about Joe's death. We had just spent time with him a couple weeks before. He had become part of our family, spending many holidays and special occasions at our house. Joe was always bringing us some sort of beautiful flower arrangement or plant. We have two orchids that he had given us that bloomed beautifully this year for three solid months. Those orchids will always remind us of him. Joe was a great friend and we will miss him in our lives.
Sherri (Walker) Kull
March 14, 2009
I have fond memories of Joey from JJ Browne Elementary School. We shared many birthday parties and classroom adventures. He was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed.
Dad and Joe
March 14, 2009
David Fox
March 14, 2009
Joe and I were buddies at Changes Bar & Grill. His hearty laugh always lifted my spirits. He loved Hawaii so much; I hope he's there now.
My Firebird that Joe called "his"
March 14, 2009
My trip with Joe to Mazatlan
March 14, 2009
Christa Brackenbush
March 14, 2009
Joe, my best friend and a part of the family. I will miss our deep talks on the deck with a glass of wine and the sunset in the background. I will miss our road trips to Barrel Tasting and Cool Desert Nights. Who will drive my Firebird? I will miss the togetherness at family holidays. I will miss the times you stayed at my place and didn't want to leave. I will miss the 6am phone calls and deciding what's for dinner. Thank you for being with me through Clinton's death and when I had to have Vanilla put down. Thank you for reading the poem. Thank you for all of my memories of great times together. I miss you. Your two angels are watching over you now. Love, Christa
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