Jack Eskenazi was born in Seattle to Isaac and Esther Eskenazi, Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Turkey. He grew up in Seattle’s central district, one of five brothers (Ralph, Ezra, Mordecai, and Bill). His early life in Seattle was colorful, diverse, and infused with the sounds of Turkish, Ladino, English, and Greek. He fell in love with hiking, mountains, forests, and songs as a boy scout. Upon graduation from Garfield high school, Jack joined the army air core and flew in Europe during WWII where he was eventually shot down and became a POW. After the war, Jack graduated from the UW School of Forestry. He met and married Velva Rose (Andy) Anderson in 1948. Although he would have liked to spend the rest of his years in the forest he was recalled to active duty.
Jack retired from the USAF in 1969 as a lieutenant colonel. Jack and Andy settled on Whidbey Island with their five children (Marc, Jesse, Sarah, Nan, Ellen). His second career was in real estate where he spent much time in the forest and maintained land dedicated to conservation. Jack loved his community on Whidbey, where he served as a port commissioner, encouraged voting, performed in the local theater group, and advocated for veterans and for human rights everywhere.
Jack and Andy moved back to Seattle in 2016, to be closer to family. He remained active in promoting peace and democracy until his last days. He strongly believed war is not the answer. You may have seen Jack at Greenwood and 125th supporting Ukraine and urging you to vote.
Jack passed peacefully at Kline Galland Home surrounded by family, laughter, and love. He is survived by Andy, his wife of 76 years, his children and their families, and extended family. Jack attributed his longevity to family and keeping a sense of humor in all things. Jack made the world a better place with his everyday acts of compassion, friendship, and connection with people from all walks of life.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the charity of your choice and that you exercise your privilege to vote.
