February 1, 1948—August 14, 2012
Jeffrey Ira Akrish passed away August 14, 2012 at 64 years after a 21-year battle with heart-related illnesses. Funeral service was held on August 16, 2012 at the Hills of Eternity.
Born on February 1, 1948 in Seattle, Jeff worked for his father and uncle at Market House Corned Beef. In 1989 Jeff was diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by a virus. On June 19, 2001, Jeff received a heart transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center; eight years later Jeff beat lymphoma, receiving chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant treated by the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Jeff’s duty and love for his family gave him the strength to battle his illnesses. Jeff was married to the love of his life, Carol, for 13 years, living in Redmond. Jeff loved his family, especially enjoying family dinners. He is survived by his brother Ken Akrish, son Ronald Shay Akrish, daughter in-law Carisa, and his granddaughter, Cecilia Rose, who was Jeff’s pride and joy. Jeff had three step-children, Melinda Hoffman and Erik Matteson, Garrett and Barbi Hoffman, Joel and Mary Ann Hoffman.
Jeff’s family extends its gratitude to the University of Washington Medical Center, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the transplant donor program, and all his physicians who treated him over the years. Remembrances are greatly appreciated to the UWMC, SCCA, or Temple De Hirsch Sinai.
Jeffrey Ira Akrish
