Amid music and dancing, Olympia gathers to remember downtown business owner Anne Buck
There was dancing, there was music and then friends and family filed into the Capitol Theater Sunday afternoon to remember the life of downtown business owner, community activist and tiny park advocate Anne Buck.
Buck, who was probably best known for Buck’s Fifth Ave., a gourmet spice shop, died in October. She was 94.
Although the gathering was in downtown Olympia, Buck received the New Orleans-style send off she had requested. The Artesian Rumble Arkestra led the procession into the theater, and just like in New Orleans, the music was at first funereal, then joyful, perhaps reflecting Buck’s spirit.
Longtime friend Janice Arnold — who distributed little red hearts made of wool with an “A” stitched into them for Anne — recalled that her mother described Buck as “all wool and a yard wide,” which was the ultimate praise.
“I appreciate her independent spirit,” said Arnold about Buck.
Once everyone was inside the theater — and friends and family nearly filled the lower-level seats — there was more music in the form of two acoustic guitar performances, followed by the introduction of Buck’s large immediate and extended family. They numbered more than 20 as they took the stage.
That was followed by the personal recollections of those who knew her.
Walt Jorgensen recalled that she was instrumental in hosting gatherings of the Carnegie Group, activists who tackle issues of growth and development. He also praised her work as an artist, particularly the portraits she painted of the Carnegie Group members, a collection he referred to as a “rogues gallery.”
“She made each Monday a little easier,” said Jorgensen about a set of keys she had given him to hold those meetings. “Thank you, Anne.”
Photographer and business owner Susan Parish said Buck was always encouraging to young female business owners.
“I’m really sad that Anne is not going to be with us,” she said. And then she looked up.
“Thank you, Anne,” Parish said. “I love you and I’m going to miss you.”
This story was originally published January 20, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
