In Memoriam

John Glansbeek, one of the most frequent volunteers for this newspaper, died on December 9, 2005. Although John was a cantankerous man to those in power, he was a dedicated volunteer in organizations such as the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, the Freedom Socialist Party, and of course the Washington Free Press.

He died of complications in an operation intended to treat his lung cancer. He was 60 years old. Born in Ohio, he was the son of Dutch and German immigrant parents.

Many friends came to his home memorial service. People were visiting and eating, and at some point everyone hushed and then took turns speaking about their memories of John. I'm sure John would have been fascinated by all the different perspectives on his life.

John was an avid reader, especially of history and politics. He was also interested in mechanics, carpentry, and painting. He had a love of historic airplanes.

John Glansbeek (seated) with friends in his West Seattle home shortly before his death, with modified protest banner above.

He came to Seattle some thirty years ago, I'm told, by hitching a ride on a train car up from California. He was a union painter for some years here, but lost job referals when he became critical of practices of the union leadership. He was loyal to the truth as he saw it. One attendee at the memorial said that John once joked that his epitaph should say: "He always bit the hand that fed him." Everyone laughed in recognition.

John's sister Sibella Schwehr came to Seattle from Florida shortly before his death, and was able to spend some good days with him. Although he was very short of breath near the end and was using an oxygen machine, he was in fairly good spirits.

Since his lung cancer was diagnosed about a year ago, John made an effort to enjoy life more, taking a road trip to visit old friends, going on park outings, and taking a ride in a friend's small aircraft. He remarked to me recently that as he approached the potential end, the value of material things seemed increasingly less important.

He enjoyed seeing my two little kids run around, and he told me a couple times, "Kids will keep you young."

Doug Collins