Joseph L. Schwab 77 of Ellensburg died October 7, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family. Joseph was born on November 17, 1930 to Joseph and Anna (Laurence) Schwab in Roslyn WA. He graduated from Cle Elum High school in 1948. Growing up he worked for his Dad at Roslyn Motors. He and his family enjoyed camping, fishing, snow sledding the Roslyn streets and high School sports at Cle Elum High School. He enrolled at Washington State University where her earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. During his college career he supplemented his college expenses by working summers in the Roslyn coalmines. This experience was instrumental in him throwing down the pick and shovel and picking up the mortar & pestle. After graduating from WSU in 1952, Joe began his pharmacy career at Nicholson Drug in Ellensburg. This is where he met his wife to be Sally. He was drafted into the military service during the Korean War, and honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. In 1955 Joe and Sally were married in Ellensburg, and moved to Sunnyside, WA, where he worked at Walters Pharmacy. At that time Graig and Mary were born. They returned to Ellensburg and he partnered with Carl Ostrander and Clarence Helgeson at Ostrander Drug's. The Ellensburg downtown was his passion. He was an active member of the Chamber of commerce and PEP Downtown Task Force. During his pharmacy career, he developed close and compassionate relationships with his customers he considered all personal friends. When not at the pharmacy, he enjoyed fishing the Yakima River, following CWU Basketball and WSU Football. He also enjoyed making wine, golfing, snowmobiling, hiking the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and hunting the elusive wild morel and boletus mushroom. "Where did you leave the map to your mushroom patches??" In 1992 Joe and sally retired from Ostrander's and began traveling. They particularly enjoyed the tropics and Europe. When at home, his interest was growing and showing Dahlias. He continued his close friendships and was fond of Fishing and socializing with his many friends and family. Joe was truly at home with all the natural resources and friendships Kittitas County has to offer. He was a steward to many and an ambassador for us all. Joe was a member of the Elks, He was the past President of the Washington State Pharmacists association, Puget Sound Dahlia Society, Western Art Association Master Gardner Association and Rotary Club of Ellensburg. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Anna Schwab and his Brother Michael Schwab. He is survived by his wife Sally his son Graig (Sue) Schwab of Ellensburg, Daughter Mary (Bruce) Allison of Woodinville, WA. Brother Warren of Valley, WA. And brother Dennis (Beverly) Schwab of Cle Elum, WA. He has 4 grandchildren and 7 nieces & nephews. There will be a time of visitation on Wednesday October 15, 2008 from 2pm to 6pm With the Recitation of the Rosary to follow that evening at Steward & Williams Tribute Center. Funeral services will take place on Thursday October 16, 2008 at 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Roslyn WA, followed by internment at Roslyn Memorial Gardens in Roslyn WA. Donations can be made to the Ellensburg Hospice, Washington State College of Pharmacy and to the Western Art Association. Arrangements are under the care of Steward & Williams Tribute Center Ellensburg, WA.