Jimi Hendrix’s unassuming grave in Renton at the Greenwood Memorial (425-255-1511) is visited by a steady stream of fans even today, more than 25 years after the rock legend's death. A full celebration of Hendrix and rock 'n' roll was developed by ex-Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen at the Experience Music Project in Seattle Center.
Although Kurt Cobain's ashes were scattered to the wind in the singer's hometown of Aberdeen, a memorial statue is viewable in Seattle in a grunge music lover's garage across from the Grace Harbor Chamber of Commerce. 800-321-1924.
Not only fast action Kung Fu fans may wish to visit the resting places of Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. Both are laid to rest at Seattle's most prestigious cemetery - the picturesque Lakeview Memorial in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. A top a gentle hill, this park-like site overlooks Lake Washington and the gothic architecture of the University of Washington.
Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascades just off I-90, Roslyn residents of yore are buried in a fascinating old-time cemetery, or rather cemeteries, according to their affiliation by lodge, trade, nationality or neighborhood. All counted, there are 23 cemeteries located on a wooded mountainside interring Druids, Old Knights of Pythias, Serbians, Caccaitori D'Africans, and Foresters. There is a plot for veterans, and one lone grave of a person unknown. Many graves are above the ground and most have expressive headstones. Recently laid to rest, but not in the graveyard, was the filming of the television show Northern Exposure. Storefronts of Dr. Joel Fleishmann's office and KBER radio are still to be found, as is the very much alive and kickin' Brick Tavern.
10,000 souls rest in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ellensburg, a 106-year old grave yard on 16 hillside acres outside the city. Tombstones of many early pioneers are found in the Memorial Cemetery in Edmonds, a seaside town recently voted "the friendliest town in the Northwest". Let's hope that goes for its dearly departed as well!
The gateway to Dutch dairy country is the Lynden Cemetery, which is divided by the main thoroughfare, Front Street. The pioneer settles of this border town rest in peace in the southern section, while their Dutch Reform neighbors prefer ethnic solidarity in the northern part. Old tombstones in both sections are interesting to contemplate over a famous local ice cream cone.