Willard "Skip" Edward Kanouff Jr.

Willard Edward (SKIP) Kanouff Jr or passed away Monday, May 23 at the age of 69, after a yearlong battle with Leukemia. A resident of Renton for the final 26 years of his life, He died at home while in hospice care, with his wife by his side.

Skip was born in Seattle on January 26, 1953, to parents Virginia and Willard E Kanouff. He grew up in Seattle and attended Ballard High School.

After high school Skip worked for A&D Terminals and Central States Trucking, loading and unloading freight for several years. After realizing the physical work would eventually take its toll on his body, he decided a change was needed. Skip trained for a job in the travel industry, hoping to satisfy his desire for travel. Although that dream never materialized, in 1991 he landed a job working for Costco Wholesale at the 4th Avenue location in Seattle. Skip worked briefly in the Meat department, Security, and Pharmacy before his final move to Cashier. It was from this position that he retired in 2018 at the age of 65, after 27 years at the same Costco location.

While working for Costco Skip would occasionally be called upon to go to Costco’s Northwest Regional office where he would cover for their Administrative Assistant while she was on Vacation. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Karen. Skip married Karen Gai Hanrahan on June 13th, 1998. Skip completed Karen’s small family by instantly becoming stepdad to her 2 children, Corey and Amanda. Having never been a father before, there were adjustments to be made. Gone was the hope for frequent travel, and in its place came unimagined challenges to parenting his new stepson Corey, who has Down Syndrome. Rising to meet this challenge, Skip became a Special Olympics Coach in Renton, focusing mainly on Softball and Basketball.

Coaching brought self-pride and purpose to Skip. The man who never planned on, or expected to be, a parent, was now coaching a team of kids with special needs. The kids loved him! He spent 6 years coaching “his team” from 1999-2004 and he often bragged about winning the State Championship in Softball. When his team reached their late teens, he decided to take a break. He always hoped to return after he retired.

In addition to Coaching, Skip enjoyed family Fishing and Camping trips, Gambling, Yard Work, Playing Guitar, Gambling. Jazz and Blues music, the Beatles, Gambling and DOGS, DOGS, DOGS

To all of those who knew him, Skip was a family-oriented home body who was, funny, kind, supportive, polite, extremely charming, and always there when siblings needed help.

Skip is preceded in death by his parents Virginia and Willard Kanouff and his niece, Jackie Lane.

Skip is survived by his wife Karen Kanouff, Stepson Corey Tipper, Stepdaughter Amanda Whitbeck, Son in Law Jake Whitbeck, Grandson Easton, sisters Candice Kanouff and Ginger Williams, brother Randy Kanouff, several nieces and nephews and countless friends. We will all miss his presence and warmth.

Per Skip’s wishes, The Kanouff family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Picnic on Saturday August 6th from 12:00 to 4:00 at the North Shelter of Gene Coulon Memorial Park in Renton. Additional details and directions will be posted on Skip’s Facebook page.

Remembrances can be made to Special Olympics or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (Links and information provided below).