John Petrich

Obituary Jack Petrich The Honorable John A. "Jack" Petrich peacefully concluded a life well-lived on January 7, 2010. One of six children, he was born on September 1, 1919 in Tacoma to Martin A. and Mary Ellen (Moore) Petrich, and was a member of the pioneer Petrich ship building family. Jack attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Bellarmine High School in Tacoma. In 1941 he graduated from Santa Clara University and immediately entered the U.S. Navy's Officers School at Columbia University in New York. Jack ended a distinguished naval career in 1946 as a Commander of a mine sweeper in the "Big One" in the South Pacific Theater. Upon returning to the United States he entered Georgetown Law School, graduating in 1949. He was admitted to the bar to practice law in Washington State the same year, and joined the office of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, where he was soon appointed Chief Criminal Deputy. In 1954 he and his partner, John Binns, opened their private practice. A longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, Jack served with distinction from 1956 to 1966 in the Washington State Legislature in Olympia, first as a State Representative then as a State Senator representing the 26th District in Pierce County. He served as JFK's Western Washington campaign coordinator in 1960 and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In 1980 he was appointed by Governor Ray to Division II of the State Court of Appeals, and served as a judge in this position for 13 years. Jack was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tacoma, and also served on numerous Boards, Commissions and advisory groups over the years. He retired from his public and professional career in 1993 to pursue his business and personal interests, but most importantly to continue to nurture his strong commitment to his immediate and extended family. As husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mentor, he held "court" at his Fox Island home every summer, and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining his family and guests with spirited discussions about law and politics. Jack's personal life was as rich and rewarding as his professional career. In 1947 he married Margaret Horan. He raised six children with Margaret until her death in 1967. In 1971 Jack married Ann-Louise Griewe Soper and brought 4 more children into his loving embrace. Ann-Louise passed away in December 2009. Jack was an exemplary citizen, friend, father, grandfather and husband. He walked in grace and lived his life with commitment, integrity and love. He was an inspiration, role model and guiding light for the many people who had the privilege and pleasure to know him. The world will seem a less bright and empty place without his presence, yet the world is so much better because of his presence. Besides Margaret and Ann-Louise, Jack was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Hervey, Martin, Allen and Jim. He is survived by: his sister, Sr. Mary Ellen Petrich of Encino CA; his children, Peter Petrich (Mary) of Tacoma, Jane Petrich of Kodiak, Alaska, Nora Petrich (Jim Maupin) of Port Townsend, John Petrich, Jr. (Joanne Liantonio) of La Conner, David (Jenise) Petrich of Tacoma, Elizabeth Petrich (Allen Pleus) of Olympia, Wesley "Skip" (Sue) Soper of Federal Way, Marianne (Jeff) Short of Tacoma, Sally (Jim) Dwinnell of Yakima, Patrick (Debbie) Soper of Grapeview; 27 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren respectively. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 11:00 at St. Patrick Church in Tacoma, followed by a reception held at Slavonian Hall on 30th Street in old Tacoma. A private burial service was held this past week. The family especially wishes to thank the caregivers at Orchard Park, Father Seamus Laverty, and the sensitive and professional care exhibited by the doctors and nurses of Tacoma General Hospital. Donations can be made in Jack's name to the Petrich Scholarship Fund at Bellarmine Preparatory School, SERRA club of Tacoma, or St. Patrick Elementary School. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.