Jeffrey Scott Small, age 68, of Shoreline, WA, a retired Journeyman Plumber, died peacefully at his home on August 1st, 2024. Jeff is survived by his daughter; Kelly Stonelake Kreishman, his three grand-children; Ames, Reive, and Greer Stonelake; his brothers Dan Small and Jon Small, and his sister, Kathy Klein. Jeff is predeceased by his parents, Eugene Small of Colesville, MD, and Suzanne Camp-Goodman, of Albuquerque, NM, both born in 1931 in Flint and Detroit, MI respectively. Jeff was born in Frankfurt Germany, where his father was stationed at the end of the Korean War as an Army medic. He grew up coast-to-coast in Los Angeles, Illinois, and Maryland. He lived like a Rolling Stone, but settled down on the West Coast, making Seattle his home in the 80s. He had a long plumbing career with the City of Seattle Housing Authority, where he enjoyed working for people who were always glad to see him.

We remember Jeff as a funny, creative, intelligent nature lover who was happiest birdwatching, listening to Jimi Hendrix, tinkering with a Mac, or pulling up to a car show in a late 60’s Mopar. A lifelong seeker and devotee of Eckankar, Jeff believed death was not final, but an essential part of the process of gaining spiritual knowledge. His body is being transformed to nutrient rich soil that will support restoration projects on the Olympic Peninsula, one of his favorite places in the world.

Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the 1970’s, Jeff was hospitalized at least 18 times and experienced many significant hardships. The love he had to offer and the big, beautiful life he led despite this disease is a testament to Jeff’s courage and fortitude. It can be easier to dismiss those who struggle with homelessness and mental illness than to fully acknowledge their humanity and inherent worth; may Jeff's life inspire us to approach others with curiosity and compassion, especially people we don’t understand.

Jeff’s family would like to express gratitude to the staff and residents at Ronald Commons for the home and community that became a lifeline. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Compass Housing Alliance in Jeff’s name, because everyone deserves the dignity and safety of a home. 

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