In memory of Captain Joel K. Cosney: A loving farewell to a bright light who was born in Lancaster, Calif. on July 22, 1959. Joel departed to follow a brighter light on Feb. 18, 2006 in Gig Harbor.

Those of us touched by his light, and there are many, include his much loved and loving wife, Patricia; his parents Elaine Cosney and Joseph Cosney; his sister Samantha Cosney and nephew Kevin; children Jackie McCord of Whidbey Island; granddaughter Raimie McCord; Tim and Nancy Retynski; his family and friends; his Crowley family, and every person whose life he passed through — an immeasurable number.

Joel knew himself well enough to begin living his dream at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., graduating in 1981, and spent the next 25 years in an office with a 360-degree ocean view.

Joel was a Whidbey Island resident for more than a decade, and met his wife in Langley.

We will all celebrate his life and light at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Bell Harbor Convention Center on Pier 66 in Seattle.