Obituary of Sebastian River Chase

Sebastian River Chase was born at home in Pacific, Washington, on May13, 1988, and died December 2, 2020, in Tacoma, Washington.

Sebastian’s early years were spent in Pacific. He then moved to the Olympia/Tumwater area.  Early travel experiences included trips to Canada to visit relatives, Nantucket Island to see his dad, and a trip to Portugal with his sister and granny. In the mid-2000s, he took to the road for adventures (hitch-hiking and hopping trains), covering many areas of the U.S., and into Central America.  This hobo lifestyle put Sebastian in contact with a variety of people far and wide, and gave him rich, valuable and sometimes unsettling experiences.

Sebastian attended Black Hills High School in Tumwater, wrapping up his high school education with a GED.  He enjoyed playing the trombone and being a part of the BHHS music program. He was a quick learner at most all he did and applied his skills to a variety of  jobs, including work at the Muckleshoot summer school, being a camp counselor, general laborer, and lot associate at Home Depot.  Sebastian worked as a volunteer at the Salvation Army and Works In Progress.  Though not a recluse, Sebastian was generally a private person. He was an interesting, well-read person and a deep thinker who held diverse interests. Sebastian could pick up and play just about any musical instrument and could easily familiarize himself with a variety of tools.

Sebastian was most at home foraging, wandering, and enjoying what nature had to offer.  He was rich in knowledge, talent, creativity, and love.  Even when mental/substance issues plagued him, he focused on caring for the land and water; he considered himself a steward of the land and “keeper” of the river.  For several years, he lived on an island in the Stuck River and frequented the New Hope Church in Pacific, where he was befriended by Pastor Mark.  He engaged with and was respected in his little community. There are so many reminders, and memories; may a blanket of affection cover any of them that are less fond.

Musician. Magician. Sensitive soul. There was something special and unique about Sebastian. Creative. Sneaky. Smart.  Life-of-the-party introvert. Fast learner. Wild hair... and later, wild eyes.  Silly and loved tiny adventures. Funny with a mischievous smile. Traveler, storyteller. Stuck, afraid, at peace.  Sebastian River Chase –loved.

From Chelsea: “Your body is done. You unzipped it, stepped out, took a deep refreshing breath and smiled.... with a quiet and peaceful mind.”

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Renee Cruickshank and Kurt Henneck of Olympia, Washington; father and stepmother, Robert and Kara Chase of Mashpee, Massachusetts; sister, Chelsea Rain Chase of Tumwater, Washington; step siblings, Rory Henneck (Jessica) of Seattle, Rachel Henneck of Seattle, Jessica Aguiar (Lucas) of Olympia; maternal grandmother, Audrey Cruickshank of Tumwater; fraternal grandfather and step-grandmother, Jim and Gail Chase of Auburn, Washington; step-grandmother, Shirley Henneck of Tumwater.  He is also survived by aunts and uncles, James Chase (Lani), Murray Chase (Susan), Ken Chase (Raelene), Cristi Cruickshank (Rick Cuddy), Ronnie Cruickshank, Harry Henneck and Gary Henneck; and several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by sister, Jasmine Natash Chase.

Much gratitude to all of you, along the way who had a hand in Sebastian’s life - family, friends, loves, strangers. I want to especially give thanks to our family, Pastor Mark Gause of New Hope Lutheran Church and Lori Dutting of Navos for the extra care and concern in recent times.

In lieu of flowers, go plant a native tree, or if you are inclined to make a donation, please choose a local community resource that supports humanity that may be struggling (mental health organizations, substance abuse prevention, basic necessities-some suggestions below).  The need is great.

• TOGETHER 
• Battle Field Addiction
• Beacon Youth Center in Tacoma 
• South Sound Womenade Tumwater  
• New Hope Lutheran Church and Food Pantry, Pacific, Washington 
• NAMI Thurston-Mason

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