Jonathan Frank Whetzel ’48

Jonathan died on June 9, 2002, in Seattle, Wash., his dearly loved adoptive homeland. His great legacy was in shepherding landmark environmental legislation through the legislature in a special session in 1970. The Seattle Times described him as "the kind of politician who helps make government work. He was smart, passionate and had a knack for reaching out across party and ideological lines." Jonathan died after a long struggle with a debilitating stroke.

Jon served in both the Washington state house of representatives and the state senate for more than a decade. He was active in the private sector with Bullitt Co., King Broadcasting, and Harbor Properties. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he had a continuous private law practice.

A native of Pittsburgh and graduate of Shady Side Academy, he served in the Navy from 1945-46. Jon graduated cum laude from Princeton in English and was in Cloister. All his life he loved theater and opera and was an avid cyclist, completing several major rides.

To his widow, Judith, and sons Jonathan Jr. and James, the class extends its sympathy.

The Class of 1948