I was honored when the Kurtz/Harvie girls asked me to write Jack's obituary. It was the first I had ever written and wish it would be the last. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. Jack lived a long, wonderful life but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. We were lucky enough to be able to see Jack the day before he passed. He was in great spirits and didn't lose that sense of humor, even on his final days (those c's and d's tho Judge). Our lives will never be the same without him here on earth but I look forward to seeing him one day in heaven.
RIP Grandpa Jack
We love you so much
Jack Schuyler
Kurtz
May 23, 1925-
September 28, 2016
Jack Schuyler Kurtz (the Judge), 91, of Bellingham, passed away
peacefully on September 28th, surrounded by family. Jack was born on May 23, 1925 to Amy Billings
and Williard D. Kurtz. He spent most of
his life in the Port Angeles and Everett areas and eventually left his roots to
serve in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Signalman during WWII. On October 5, 1946, he married the love of
his life, Helen Elizabeth Wakefield, and together they had six children. Jack also attended the University of
Washington as a Theta Chi and earned his degree in Economics. He continued his
education as a Husky where he received his law degree 1951. With his wife and determination in tow, he
moved to Bellingham where he began his own law practice: J Schuyler Kurtz. Later he was elected as Justice of the Peace,
and served as Superior Court Judge from 1965 – 1985.
Jack had a keen sense of humor, was as smart as a whip and had a
mind full of amusing anecdotes. One of
his favorite quotes was from a 107 year old lady, "Don't be serious, eat a
lot of butter, and NEVER look back.” He
was quick to give advice and humble enough to take it. Jack told his friends and family, “enjoy life
while you can” and “when you retire, actually retire.” After raising his
family and serving the community that he loved so much, he did just that. Upon retirement, Jack and his wife Helen
traveled in their motorhome throughout the US and Canada but eventually
returned to the Northwest to be close to family.
Jack was an avid golfer, a sports fisherman and enjoyed skiing
and other outdoor activities. He was actively
social and well- known in the community.
After his wife’s passing in 2012, Jack sparked up a special companionship
with Marie Atwood, where he continued to live life to the fullest. The two of them traveled back East to visit
family, strolled the beaches of Hawaii and frequented the hot spots in Fairhaven. Jack had a zest for life that was contagious and
a sense of humor that was unforgettable.
Jack was a devoted
husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. He was preceded in death by
his wife of 66 years Helen and son in law Rod Harvie. He is survived by his 6 children,
Patricia (Larry), Michael (Lisa), Marsha, Laura, Janet, Paula (Faruk), brother
Gordon (Gwen), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adore
him. His legacy will live on through those
fortunate enough to be loved by him.
There will be a Memorial on October 8, 2016 at the Bellingham
Golf and Country Club in honor of his life at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice
Foundation at 2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225.
The reception was FULL of people who loved him; family, friends, and other Judges and lawyers alike. The stories that were told were funny, entertaining and so incredibly heartwarming. I wasn't going to speak myself, as I was under the impression only his son Mike was going to talk. After walking into the room and seeing my favorite thing- AN OPEN MIC, you know I had to share just a few words. This is what I came up with in about 20 minutes. Jack, you are all of this and so much more. You are so missed.
I've got a little story
And I have to make it rhyme
Talking about the judge
I just don't have the time
To tell you all the stories
To share who he was
The man, the myth the legend
Great at all he does
He's the guy at the restaurant
Who tells you what to do
"Don't get seafood at an Italian place"
But orders the oyster stew
He tells it like it is
Doesn't care how you feel
You don't want his opinion?
He'll start with, "here's the deal…"
The day he passed away
He still seemed to smile
We went over his UW grades
It had been a while
Lots of C's and D's he said
Law school wasn't cake
"I bribed all of the teachers
It was all I could take"
He's the lover of golf
Of sports and fishing too
Even my husband will tell you
There isn't anything he can't do
We love the Judge
We miss him so
But his legacy will grow
And all of our memories
We created together
We'll take when we go
Today let's remember
To live the way he would
He'd love this crowd of people
He'd be here if he could
Instead he's above
Thankful for all of you
Jack, the Judge it's you we adore
We'll always remember you
Miss you Grandpa Jack!
I've got a little story
And I have to make it rhyme
Talking about the judge
I just don't have the time
To tell you all the stories
To share who he was
The man, the myth the legend
Great at all he does
He's the guy at the restaurant
Who tells you what to do
"Don't get seafood at an Italian place"
But orders the oyster stew
He tells it like it is
Doesn't care how you feel
You don't want his opinion?
He'll start with, "here's the deal…"
The day he passed away
He still seemed to smile
We went over his UW grades
It had been a while
Lots of C's and D's he said
Law school wasn't cake
"I bribed all of the teachers
It was all I could take"
He's the lover of golf
Of sports and fishing too
Even my husband will tell you
There isn't anything he can't do
We love the Judge
We miss him so
But his legacy will grow
And all of our memories
We created together
We'll take when we go
Today let's remember
To live the way he would
He'd love this crowd of people
He'd be here if he could
Instead he's above
Thankful for all of you
Jack, the Judge it's you we adore
We'll always remember you
Miss you Grandpa Jack!
