Captain, crew so kind to pay respect

Published 3:03 pm Friday, August 14, 2009

I am impressed with the Washington State Ferry system. After recently losing my younger brother, Kevin, to an early death, my family gathered to pay last respects. Nineteen of us boarded the Kittitas at Mukilteo on a recent Saturday morning and asked a deckhand for permission to spread my brother’s ashes on the Sound during the trip across to Clinton. The deckhand immediately checked with the captain, who conveyed his permission.

The captain briefly stopped the boat at mid-crossing, announced the reason to all those onboard, and then after the ashes were dispersed, issued three blows of respect from the ship’s horn before continuing the trip. A number of other passengers let us know how meaningful the event was to them as well.

At a time when so many people seem to be dissatisfied with government services, my family is deeply appreciative of how we were treated by the Kittitas’ wonderful captain and crew.

John Reis

Mukilteo