Jeff was born in Seattle, Washington to Roy and Charlotte Lowe. He had an idyllic childhood, growing up with his brother, Stuart, on the shores of Lake Washington. There are many wonderful stories of him swimming, boating, fishing, and skiing throughout his youth that were always a pleasure to hear. While there was rarely any extra money in the budget, Jeff grew up with very loving parents who encouraged the following of passions and a brother with whom he shared them. As a result, he and his brother spent their teen years building and maintaining boats and engines so they could participate in outboard boat races. It was a cherished family activity and there are several trophies, including a national championship that he won in 1966, to show for all the fun.
After graduating from Mercer Island High School, Jeff enlisted in the Coast Guard in the Fall of 1964. He had fond memories of the comradery and friendships he created during that time, especially the six months of active duty that was spent in San Diego.
During his six years of reserve duty, Jeff worked different jobs, attended Bellevue & Seattle Community Colleges, and in 1970 was hired to work for the Mercer Island water district. Throughout it all, the extra-curricular fun continued as he and his brother also shared a love of cars and airplanes. They owned a plane together while in their 20s and the stories of loop-de-loops over the top of their house were both awe-inspiring and exciting to hear. Perhaps this passion for boats, cars and planes fueled a desire for something even bigger, as in 1974 Jeff moved on to fire trucks when he became a fireman for the Angle Lake Fire Department. Jeff was a fireman for 25 years, the last 8 of which were spent as the Fire Marshal for the City of SeaTac, a position in which he was very well respected. The last few years of his career, Jeff was promoted to be the Assistant Chief of the fire department.
Jeff was a loving son, uncle, and friend. When his mother needed extra care, he hired a wonderful woman to assist. Vicky Hofaka and her daughter Tina took great care of Charlotte and during that time Jeff developed a special bond with them that continued the rest of his life. As a friend, you could find no better person. Always ready with a helping hand, easy smile, and conversation. I have loved the stories from his friends of him bringing heaters over when the furnace went out, rolling a row-boat over as a gift with the promise of fishing the following summer, and him sitting down chatting with people just to check in on how they’re doing. He was a life-long fisherman, enjoyed fly fishing, tying his own flies, and loved the fishing trips he took with good buddies to a variety of places. And he was also an avid bowler. He played for many years on leagues during his retirement and was well liked by all who knew him.
Finally, he was my uncle and I loved him dearly. Even though we moved from Seattle when I was very young, Jeff was a loving presence throughout my life as we were fortunate to be able to visit multiple times a year. He helped teach me to ski when I was 7, made sure my friend and I were safe when we moved back to Seattle after college, cheered me on when I graduated from business school, and rescued my daughter and I when we were stranded on the freeway. Little snippets of time will never do justice to the quiet strength and love that Jeff provided, but it was ever present, and I will take it with me wherever I go. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial will be held for Jeff sometime in the Spring/Summer of 2021 when we can all get together and reminisce in person.
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