Joe Fine, 76

Joe Fine, 76, of Seattle, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, from pancreatic cancer.

Joe was a legend to all who had the honor of knowing him.

Born Dec. 17, 1938, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Mary Lamoureaux, he would spend his earliest years in Valentine at the family ranch just over the border in South Dakota. After World War II, he was adopted by William Fine, and the family settled in Billings, where Joe would graduate from high school. He attended and graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula. While there, he was an active member of the Phi Delt house where he was known as “Shakey.” After graduating, he married Sharon Sayre and together they had two sons, William Glen and Gregory Joseph.

He was a successful sales rep for Standard Oil and then Carpenter Paper before settling in Kalispell, where he owned a number of businesses including Joe's Varsity, The Jean Factory and Clothes Gallery. Whether he was creating award-winning promotions like Levi Clause and the Jean Advisor, or later selling diamonds in retail, doing remodel construction or the nearly 10 years he spent at Home Depot in the Garden Department, Joe is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and almost magical salesmanship. All along the way, Joe collected a diverse group of friends that remained close throughout his life.

In 1984, Joe moved to Seattle, and in 1985, met Sharon “Cricket” Ackerlund, who couldn't' resist the twinkle of his Irish eyes. The couple were married in 1991, and built a life together in West Seattle. He and Cricket enjoyed a passion for gardening that saw their home recognized for gardening excellence on numerous occasions. Their garden and patio were the center of conversation, food and great wine for a wide circle of friends. Joe's passion and knowledge of Washington wine made him a legend in Walla Walla and he became known as the leader of the “West Seattle Fine Wine Club.” He had a love of convertibles, feeding his birds, the color red, his kitties and people.

A man blessed with charisma that was only matched by the size of his heart, Joe collected friends with astonishing ease and these friendships lasted his lifetime. Joe didn't care what a person did for living or how much money they made, he found magic in just about everyone and knew how to help them see that magic in themselves. Countless individuals through the years have sought and relied upon the advice of “Father Fine” and “Papa Joe.”

Joe was a proud Marine, father and dedicated husband.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ackerlund; and two sons, Bill Fine and his wife, Gloria Flores, and their sons, Fernando, Benjamin and Lucas, and Greg Fine. He also loved his stepchildren, Andrew “Drew” and Marsha Ackerlund and their children, Emily, Ethan, Emmett, and Ellynn and Sam Schumaker; David Ackerlund and Pamela Ackerlund; and nephew, Bruce Bosley and his wife, Catherine Broom.

The family would like to specifically thank the myriad of friends who have provided support and love — too numerous to list.  

“May the force be with you, Papa Joe.”

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Dukes Chowder House on Alki, 2516 Alki Ave. S.W., in Seattle.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Joe's love of pets, donations may be made to Pasado’s Safe Haven of Sultan, in Washington (pasadosafehaven.org) or the charity of your choice.

“You gotta know!”