Kurtis Karl Ochsner
January 6, 1960 - May 16, 2006
Obituary
Kurtis Karl “Kurt” OCHSNER
Loving father, gentle soul, reliable friend, generous sea captain, Kurt Ochsner passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on May 16, 2006 while working in Pusan, South Korea. He was 46 years old.
Kurt is remembered by his many friends and associates as a consummate “man’s man”, a real “go-to” kind of guy, connected, classy, and willing to help. His polite, kind and gentle nature, modesty and distinguished looks made him popular among his peers beginning in grade school and continuing into his adult life.
Kurt was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He attended Shorecrest High School, graduating in 1978. After graduation Kurt answered the call of the sea, becoming a Sea Captain and working in Alaska, Norway, Korea, Russia and the South Pacific.
Kurt’s first priority was always to his daughters, Madeline and Aimee and to their welfare. “Moo Moo” and “Aimster” were his pride and joy. He taught them that kindness and respect are the foundation of every good person. When not working, Kurt could most likely be found at one of many of his daughter’s sports activities, or traveling with them, snow skiing with them or volunteering in their schools. The girl scouts and their leaders were delighted to have Kurt take part in the mother/daughter activities. Naturally athletic, Kurt loved nature and was an active outdoorsman. Born into a skiing family, Kurt also enjoyed participating in and watching all sports, especially baseball, basketball, golfing, tennis, swimming, cycling and camping.
Kurt touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by his loving daughters Maddie and Aimee. He is also survived by his parents Julia Sischo and Richard Ochsner Christine, brother Erich Ochsner, sister Heidi J. Hynes Patrick, Grandmother Georgia Olson, nephews Keegan and Shea Hynes and niece Callie Hynes, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends and fellow fishermen.
Kurt’s laid back smile, clear blue eyes, good natured heart, and quirky sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Kurt’s life will be held at Rosary Heights, 23120 Woodway Park Rd. Edmond, WA on Sun, June 18th at 1:00 p.m. Parking is limited to family members. Drop off passengers at the memorial and park at the closed Albertson’s Store – 9803 Edmonds Way. Carpool shuttle for drivers to Kurt’s memorial departs 12:15, 12:30 and 12:45.
In lieu of flowers, a college trust fund has been established for Madeline and Aimee at Bank of America, 8550 15th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98177. Checks made out to the Ochsner Family Fund may be mailed to the bank directly or to the Ochsner home at 10214 Belgrove Court NW, Seattle, WA 98177.
Kurt – “Fair winds and following seas”
“To live in the hearts and minds of those left behind is not to die
Dearest son, I missed your call on my birthday but I’ll be seeing you soon.
Love you always
Kurt was an important part of my life for many years and he will always remain lovingly in my heart. Goodbye Kurtie, with love…
Dorothy
Hi Daddy, I love you and miss you more than i could ever express. I think about you all the time and have cried a million times for you. If love could of saved you, trust me, you never would of died. I’ll always be your little girl and no one will ever be able to take your place. Theres a big hole of lonliness in my heart that will never be filled. For you gave me more love than any child ever could of asked for. I love you so much and will be sitting at your grave praying to you soon.
With all of my love, Moo Moo. Your eldest daughter Madeline Nan. And i’ll always say my last name with pride!
Julia,
Jacob was at Hurrah for Me with Aimee in Ms. Davis’ class. I was very saddened to read of Curt’s death. Our hearts and prayers are with you and the girls. Sue Silverman & Jacob Ziontz
What a sad and tragic loss…our hearts go out to all the family! To Madeleine and Aimee – we are so sorry that your father leaves behind his wonderful girls, and to Julia – we can only imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling. You are such a dynamo of spirit and giving, and yet have been asked to bear an unfair burden. We grieve along with you at Kurt’s untimely passing.
With heartfelt sympathy from all,
Debbie, Andy and Jillian
This feels surreal, to be writing about Kurt, so young, my age, but I believe that God has his plan and someday we will see each other again in his promise land.
What a sweetheart that Kurt. Where do I start? What do I say? Kurt and I go way back. He was a very close and dear friend of mine in Jr. High and some of High School until I moved to California, then back to Seattle 6 years later. We spent time together off and on throughout the years. I feel very lucky to have known Kurt, he was there for me many times when I was a young mixed up teenager. We would talk for hours on the phone,I am thankful for the bond we shared back then.
Just for the record did you ever see or know anyone with more beautiful eyes than Kurt?
I feel shaken and surprised by this, as I am sure everyone does. The strangest thing happened and I don’t know why, but I had a dream last night and it was about running in to Kurt at the Doctor’s office, so when my husband woke me up this morning and told me about Kurt’s passing I was pretty bewildered as to the timing of the dream?
I want to extend my sincere condolences to Kurt’s family and his children. I know the Ochsner family and they are great people, as well as very resourceful, Kurt’s children will be well taken care of and loved immensely, what a comfort that must be for Kurt. I plan on attending the celebration of Kurt’s life this Sunday.
I feel thankful for the memories, for they will be forever mine….
I want to share one of my favorite poems written by; Melinda Sue Pacho
I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
¬¬¬ Melinda Sue Pacho
Love you always Kurt………………
Betty Doyle Law
Our family knew Kurt for a short time.
Upon meeting Kurt, there was an ease with him in conversation and a feeling of meeting someone special. He was a man to whom we felt ”at home” with right away. He had a quick easy laugh, ready for fun. We experienced a sense of pride knowing him. He was dearly in love with his daughters, and very proud of their many talents. Kurt’s good natured personality, ethics, and strong drive are evident in his two daughters Madiline and Amiee.
Kurt, We will miss you very much,
The Eik Family
While I did not know Kurt as a man, I do remember him as a 6th grader who attended the school where I was teaching 1st grade. I remember him as a fun loving, happy, very popular guy with good leadership qualities. He always seem to have a smile on his face and to be surrounded by lots of friends. I believe he held an important Student Council job, but am not sure about that part of my memory.
We have so enjoyed Kurt being part of our kid events. He was always good for a smile at Maddie, Amie and Kathleen’s soccer games. Ever since Kurt drove Kathleen home from a girl scout event she found her friends’ dad to be a kind soul.
Aimee and Maddie, we wish you strength. I know your fathers kind and fun loving spirit will live in you long after he is gone.
Our condolences..The Power family
To Aimee and Maddie,
I never met your dad, but have heard so many nice things about him. He must have been a wonderful father to you two, and I’m sure you miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With my deepest sympathies,
Kathleen O’Keeffe
My deepest sympathies to Kurt’s loved ones. I hadn’t seen him since high school but he’d been on my mind. He was so kind and good- so different from the flighty guys in our class. I was unable to attend the services due to being out of town. However, while on the ferry, I saluted him as it seemed fit since he was a sea captain, and gave a prayer of thanks that I had known him. Life is not promised- and for him to go at such a young age, has really made me stop and not take life for granted. Goodbye Kurt- I am so honored to have been a part of your past.I will see you up above some day and we can catch up.
Hello everyone,
What a beautiful gathering and tribute to Kurt’s life, yesterday. I feel truly happy to have been a part of his life. I want to say to Kurt’s family and everyone who helped with the gathering yesterday, it was done with style and class, just the way it should have been, you are great people…..Betty