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Ex-Gov. John and Lois Spellman remembered at joint funeral

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Ex-Gov. John and Lois Spellman remembered at joint funeral
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Ex-Gov. John and Lois Spellman remembered at joint funeral
The Rev. Oliver Duggan prepares communion during a joint funeral Mass for former Gov. John Spellman and his wife, Lois Spellman, at St. James Cathedral on Monday in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Then-Gov. John Spellman puts his signature on legislation in his office in 1981. (Washington State Archives)

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Former Washington Gov. John Spellman and wife Lois Spellman were remembered Monday for their public service, Catholic faith and a devoted marriage that spanned more than 60 years.

A joint funeral was held for the couple at St. James Cathedral in Seattle.

John Spellman, who was elected the first King County executive in 1969 and Washington’s last Republican governor in 1980, died Jan. 16 at age 91. Lois Spellman died nine days later at age 90.

John Spellman served a single term. He drew kudos for producing a budget on his first day in office, for defusing prison overcrowding, and for his open-door policy and friendly relations with the Legislature.

Lois Spellman was known for a life of service to her family and community, including efforts to promote volunteerism, food banks and Northwest artists.

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