Reflecting on 2023: In Memoriam of Seattle's Cultural Icons — A Tribute to the Luminaries We Lost
As the curtain falls on 2023, The Seattle Times features team takes a poignant journey through the year's end, paying homage to the luminaries who graced the realms of arts, food, outdoors, and more within the vibrant tapestry of Washington. In this retrospective, we honor the memory of those who, though no longer with us, have left indelible marks on their respective fields.
From passionate activists and visionary artists to unwavering advocates for the arts, including a beloved meteorologist and a resilient Holocaust survivor who sought solace amidst the grandeur of Mount Rainier, these individuals have woven rich narratives into the fabric of Seattle's cultural legacy.
The tributes, penned by Seattle Times reporters, serve as heartfelt odes to these remarkable men and women. In April, the art world bid farewell to the iconic Mexican American painter, Alfredo Arreguín, whose vibrant and intricately patterned depictions of nature earned him acclaim spanning continents, from Spain to the Smithsonian Institution. His influence reverberated, paving the way for a new generation of Latin descent artists.
Arreguín's canvases were a kaleidoscope of his life experiences—brilliant hues reminiscent of Michoacán pottery, inspired waves echoing his time in Japan, and the majestic wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. While accolades adorned his distinctive blend of influences and vivid colors, it was his gregarious and generous spirit that lingered in the memories of those who knew him. Described as a man who embraced life with gusto, his son, Ivan Arreguín-Toft, fondly recalls, "He took really big bites out of life.
As we delve into these tributes, we celebrate not only the artistic legacies left behind but also the enduring spirits of these luminaries who, in their own ways, added vibrancy and passion to the cultural mosaic of Seattle. Their stories resonate as testaments to a year that saw the passing of giants, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the creative landscape for years to come.
In Memoriam: Remembering Van Conner of Screaming Trees and Deborah Hadley of Pacific Northwest Ballet
The echoes of 2023 carry with them the somber notes of loss as we pay tribute to two influential figures who left an indelible mark on the realms of music and dance. Van Conner, the bassist of the iconic grunge band Screaming Trees, passed away at the age of 55 due to pneumonia on January 18. Together with his brother Gary Lee Conner, they formed the fraternal nucleus of Screaming Trees, playing a pivotal role in propelling the band to prominence during the early days of the grunge movement. While their commercial success may not have reached the zenith of some peers, Screaming Trees' impact was undeniable, with their anthem "Nearly Lost You" becoming a quintessential tune of the era, forever embedded in the "Singles" soundtrack. Beyond Screaming Trees, Van Conner's musical journey extended into various side projects, showcasing his versatile talent in bands like Solomon Grundy, VALIS, and Musk Ox.
In the realm of dance, the graceful artistry of Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Deborah Hadley graced the stage, leaving an enduring legacy. Her heart, stilled by heart failure in May at the age of 71, was a beacon of enchantment on the dance floor. Hadley's ability to captivate audiences, vanishing into her roles with an "otherworldly" presence, was a testament to her magical prowess as a dancer. Serving as PNB's star ballerina in the 1980s, she retired without fanfare in 1991, embodying a humility that defined her character. Post-retirement, Hadley founded the Washington Academy of Performing Arts, channeling her passion into nurturing and inspiring young dancers, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of ballet.
As we bid farewell to these luminaries, their contributions resonate in the chords of music and the delicate movements of dance, reminding us of the enduring power of artistic expression. The legacies of Van Conner and Deborah Hadley continue to reverberate, influencing the creative landscapes they graced and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Remembering Visionaries: Wier Harman of Town Hall Seattle and Rachel Marshall of Rachel's Ginger Beer
In the closing chapters of 2023, we pay tribute to two exceptional individuals whose impact resonated deeply within the cultural fabric of Seattle. Wier Harman, the charismatic executive director of Town Hall Seattle for 17 transformative years, left an indelible mark on the venue and its diverse community. Harman's ability to turn every Town Hall gathering into an intimate experience, regardless of the crowd's size, defined his legacy. His passing on December 11 at the age of 57, a victim of lung cancer, marked the end of a chapter during which he guided Town Hall through a $35 million renovation and the challenges of a global pandemic. Beyond the visible milestones, Harman's commitment to affordability and inclusivity, coupled with unwavering support for artists, underscored his profound impact. Colleague and friend Joshua Roman highlighted Harman's keen awareness of possibilities, connections between people and ideas, and an unmatched passion for bringing them to fruition.
In April, Seattle felt a profound loss with the untimely passing of Rachel Marshall, the innovative force behind Rachel's Ginger Beer. At 42, Marshall's legacy extended from humble beginnings in Licorous's kitchen to establishing what many deemed the gold standard of ginger beer in Seattle. Her vibrant flagship store in Pike Place Market and subsequent taprooms were not just venues for beverages but became integral parts of the city's identity. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Marshall's impact reached into the social realm, championing aspiring cooks, particularly women and people of color. Her mentorship, described by Yalla owner Taylor Cheney as "life-changing," reflected Marshall's commitment to supporting women and creating space in the culinary industry. Seattle mourns the loss of not just a business leader but a true advocate for diversity and inclusion.
As we bid farewell to Wier Harman and Rachel Marshall, we celebrate the enduring legacies they leave behind. Their contributions, whether in the realms of cultural programming or culinary entrepreneurship, continue to resonate and inspire, shaping the collective spirit of Seattle for years to come.
Remembering Icons: Steve Pool, the Trailblazing Weather Forecaster, and Thierry Rautureau, Seattle's Beloved 'Chef in the Hat'
As the pages of 2023 turn, we reflect on the lives of two extraordinary individuals who left an indelible mark on Seattle, each in their unique way. Steve Pool, the beloved KOMO 4 weather forecaster, passed away on November 21 at the age of 70 after bravely confronting early onset Alzheimer's disease. Pool's remarkable 40-year career at the station was not only defined by his legendary broadcasts but also by his pioneering role as one of the country's first Black weather forecasters. A recipient of several Emmys for his exceptional work, Pool's warm spirit endeared him to colleagues, friends, and viewers alike. His versatility even led him to grace the screens of ABC's "Good Morning America." Upon retirement in 2019, he reflected on the privilege of his career, emphasizing the difficulty of breaking into the industry. Inducted into the University of Washington's Communications Hall of Fame in 2004, Pool's life and journalism career set an incomparable standard, creating a welcoming space for viewers and paving the way for future generations.
In the realm of culinary excellence, Thierry Rautureau, fondly known as the "Chef in the Hat" for his signature fedora, left an enduring legacy in the Seattle culinary scene. Renowned for his posh and prix fixe restaurant, Rover's, Rautureau earned a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest in 1998. His subsequent ventures, Luc and Loulay, continued to captivate diners with his culinary prowess. Beyond the kitchen, Rautureau dedicated himself to charitable causes, serving on the board of nonprofit Food Lifeline. His impact extended beyond the culinary world, as captured by fellow luminary Tom Douglas, who described him as a fabulous chef, true friend, generous soul, loving father, curious mind, and thoughtful husband. Rautureau's passing in October at the age of 64, attributed to the effects of pulmonary fibrosis, marked the end of a chapter, leaving a void in Seattle's culinary landscape that echoed far beyond its borders.
As we bid farewell to Steve Pool and Thierry Rautureau, we celebrate their enduring contributions, be it in delivering the weather with charm and precision or crafting culinary experiences that linger in the hearts and palates of those fortunate enough to partake. Their legacies, woven into the fabric of Seattle, serve as inspiration for generations to come.
In Memoriam: Murray Stenson, Seattle's Iconic Barman, and Bronka Sundstrom, the Enduring Holocaust Survivor
In the heart of Seattle's vibrant culinary scene, Murray Stenson stood as a towering figure, earning accolades as the humble barman behind Zig Zag Café. Long before being crowned "The Best Bartender in America" by the Tales of the Cocktail festival in 2010, Stenson transformed Zig Zag Café into a destination bar, leaving an indelible mark on the city. His worldwide legacy includes the discovery of the obscure pre-Prohibition era drink, "The Last Word," which became a cult sensation during the cocktail renaissance and now serves as the de facto signature cocktail of Seattle. Stenson's approach to mixology rejected Instagram-pyrotechnics and the pretentious title of mixologists, focusing instead on the sacred art of greeting regulars by name, memorizing their drink orders, and cultivating a cherished third place ambiance. Beyond his own craft, Stenson mentored countless barkeepers, imparting the timeless philosophy that defined the church of Murray. His passing in September at the age of 74 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the confines of Zig Zag Café.
In a different chapter of resilience and endurance, the world bid farewell to Bronka Sundstrom in November at the age of 98. A Holocaust survivor of remarkable strength, Sundstrom's journey began in Poland, where she faced the horrors of internment in a ghetto and deportation to Auschwitz. Witnessing the loss of her family, she endured the brutality of forced marches and concentration camps before liberation in 1945. Sundstrom's resilience led her to Sweden, where she met and married Ake Sundstrom. Settling in Tacoma in the late 1940s, they found solace and inspiration in the local mountains. In 1980, they retired to a cabin in Ashford, becoming beloved figures in Mount Rainier National Park. Bronka Sundstrom, the oldest woman to climb Mount Rainier in 2002, personified independence, strength, confidence, and beauty, drawing inspiration from the mountains she loved. Even in her 90s, she continued to hike, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the physical landscapes she conquered. Her passing in November, from congestive heart failure, marked the end of a life shaped by resilience, love, and an unyielding connection to the mountains she held dear.
In Memoriam: Stephaun Elite Wallace — A Trailblazing Scientist, LGBTQ+ Advocate, and Father in the Ballroom Scene
On August 5, the world lost a luminary in the fields of science, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and ballroom culture with the passing of Stephaun Elite Wallace at the age of 45. A scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Wallace left an indelible mark through his trailblazing efforts in HIV and AIDS research and his unwavering commitment to addressing COVID-19 disparities. Widely recognized as a Father in the national ballroom scene, Wallace's impact extended far beyond the confines of the laboratory.
In Seattle, where he was a beloved figure, Wallace's legacy is etched in the medical and ballroom communities alike. His pioneering career played a crucial role in uplifting and expanding healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing significantly to advancements in the field. Beyond his professional achievements, Wallace was a mentor to many in the ballroom scene, offering invaluable support and guidance. Described by his friend and colleague, C. Davida Ingram, as a parental figure caring for chosen children, Wallace's impact went beyond scientific breakthroughs, touching the lives of those he mentored and inspired.
Ricardo Wynn, Wallace's chosen son, emphasized his father's role as a role model for many Black LGBTQ+ individuals, underscoring the profound influence Wallace had in fostering community, resilience, and self-empowerment.
Stephaun Elite Wallace's passing marks a significant loss to Seattle's LGBTQ+ community. As we reflect on his life, we recognize the monumental contributions he made, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that transcends disciplines, embraces diversity, and continues to inspire future generations in science, advocacy, and the vibrant tapestry of ballroom culture.
In conclusion, the departure of Stephaun Elite Wallace on August 5, at the age of 45, left a void not only in the realms of science, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and ballroom culture but also in the hearts of those he touched. Wallace's legacy is a testament to his pioneering work in HIV and AIDS research, his commitment to addressing COVID-19 disparities, and his significant contributions to healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals. Widely acknowledged as a Father in the national ballroom scene, he served as a mentor, a parental figure, and a role model for many, leaving an enduring impact on chosen children and the broader community.
As Seattle mourns the loss of this distinguished scientist, advocate, and cultural figure, Wallace's influence remains alive through the lives he uplifted and the advancements he spearheaded. His legacy prompts reflection on the strides made in LGBTQ+ healthcare and the intersectionality of his contributions to both scientific research and ballroom culture. Stephaun Elite Wallace's journey serves as an inspiration, challenging us to continue the pursuit of inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment in our respective fields.
While his physical presence may be absent, the echoes of Wallace's impact persist, urging us to carry forward his spirit of mentorship, resilience, and community building. In honoring his memory, we recognize the lasting imprint he left on Seattle's LGBTQ+ community and beyond, ensuring that his contributions continue to guide and inspire future generations.