Western Washington Coordinator of John F. Kennedy's campaign died last week

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John A. "Jack" Petrich, Tacoma native and World War II Vet, died Thursday at Multicare's Tacoma General Hospital. Petrich served in the Washington State Legislature from 1956-1966, representing the 26th district (which included much of the current 27th district and part of the current 26th district). in 1960 he served as a regional coordinator for the Kennedy campaign and delegate to the National Democratic Convention where he supported efforts to make Washington's Scoop Jackson Kennedy's running mate. Petrich was among the dignitaries to welcome Kennedy to Cheney Stadium in 1963.

Appointed to the state Court of Appeals by Gov. Dixy Lee Ray in 1980, Petrich served the court until his retirement in 1993.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Jan 16th at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Parish, Tacoma (1001 North J) and will be followed by a reception at Slavonian Hall (2306 North 30th).

(Note: I paged for Sen. Petrich while I was still a student at St. Patrick School and skipped school to see our President at the ballpark that day)