April 1, 1930 – July 14, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Edward Monahan announce that on July 14, 2023, at the age of 93, he lost a short battle with COVID and peacefully passed with family by his side.
Joe was born to Joseph and Bernice Monahan on April 1, 1930 in Seattle, WA. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1948. He attended the University of Washington and obtained a Masters in Forestry. His career began in 1953 when he accepted the position of Assistant Forester for the City of Seattle in the Cedar River Watershed. In 1967, Joe was promoted to Director of Watershed Management. Joe raised his family in Cedar Falls, a City of Seattle Community, where he worked. After 35 years of dedicated service, Joe retired in 1989.
Joe was a longtime resident of the Snoqualmie Valley. He loved living in North Bend where he and his wife Carole and four children, Judy (Jim), Jim (Kate), Laurel and Lisa spent many years. Joe built his first home in 1973 on the second hole of the Si View Golf Course and built his last home, a beautiful custom home in
Fall City above Tall Chief Golf Course in 1987. He was a family man who very much loved his grandchildren (Kelly Monahan, Shelly Monahan, Kevin Monahan (Laskmi), Joseph DePinna, Audrey DePinna and great grandchild Gracie (Kelly). He was an influence in their lives, giving them wisdom and love. Joe loved spending time in his yard, traveling, cruising and visiting. Joe served on many boards throughout his lifetime, including the Snoqualmie Valley School Board for 22 years and actually handed each of his children their High School Diploma. Joe could tell stories like no other, remembering very clear details from his early childhood and the many back roads he had driven over the years. He made friends everywhere he went and kept in touch with so many of these people over the years.
Joe was a long-time private pilot and kept his plane at the Fall City Airport. He loved flying his 1958 Cessna 172, which was named Tin Tilley. He made many trips to his favorite State of Alaska, including British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories. He made numerous trips with family and friends to points as far north as Barrow. He was also an avid golfer, loved to hike and just enjoyed the beautiful Northwest and Southwest forests and landscapes. Joe often said, “I want no regrets in life before the Lord calls me home, don’t put off today what you can do tomorrow as tomorrow is not guaranteed”.
Joe will be missed everyday by those that knew him. Joe is predeceased by his loving wife Carole and daughters, Laurel and Lisa. Following the wishes of Joe, there will be a private celebration of life.
