Felix Joseph Darcy died on January 5 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA, after a week of

comfort care. Born July 3, 1937 in Lewistown, MT, Joe was the fifth child in a family of eight siblings. He

graduated from St. Leo’s High School in 1956 and attended the College of Great Falls (now Providence

University), graduating in 1959 with a B.S. in education. He taught for one year in Belgrade, MT, and

then traveled to Japan to teach the children of American military families living there. In Japan, Joe met

the love of his life, Nora Marie Slack, also a teacher for the military. When they returned to the states,

Joe earned a Master’s degree in educational science at the University of New Mexico in 1964, the year

before the couple were married in Nora’s hometown of Louisville, KY. As newlyweds, Joe and Nora

traveled extensively, both teaching for a time in Germany. Stateside, Joe’s study shifted to

environmental health, in which he earned another degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1970 and

finally a doctorate at the University of Minnesota in 1982, with a dissertation on the characteristics of

wood dust. Joe and Nora finally settled in Olympia, WA, where Joe worked as an industrial hygienist, a

career that lasted until his retirement. Throughout his life, Joe was an avid marathoner, mountain

climber, and cyclist. And in retirement, he loved to golf, cook, and cultivate garden flowers. Joe was also

a constant reader and always eager for political debate. He was a great believer in women’s rights and in

conservation efforts. He is preceded in death by brothers Mike, Pat (Jeff), Dan (Dave), and sisters Sally

and Mary. He is survived by his wife Nora, his brother Tom, his sister Francie (Veronica) Morton, many

loving nieces and nephews, and a host of long-term friends who are saddened by his passing.

Condolences

Colleen Evans January 17, 2023

Long time friend Olympia , Washington

Dear Nora: I was shocked and saddened to learn today of Joe’s death. I believe Joe was just 18 when he came to live at our home in Gt. Falls. In many ways over the years I considered Joe just like a brother. Meeting you I knew you were the perfect match for him. I’m so sorry we lost contact these last years. Thoughts and prayers always. Colleen

The last family owned funeral home in Thurston County.

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Condolences

Colleen Evans January 17, 2023