Longtime Edmonds Windermere real estate agent Emoke Rock and her partner Steven “Skip” Wayne died Friday, July 2, when they were hit by a Sound Transit light rail train.
According to this report from Shoreline Area News, the two were crossing the street at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Way South and South Alaska Street in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. They were in a crosswalk, but Seattle Police reported that they were crossing during a “Don’t Walk” signal.
They were hit and pinned under an electric light rail car. Seattle Police responded, as did the Seattle Fire Department, which extricated them.
Emoke Rock was declared deceased at the scene, and Skip Wayne was transported to Harborview in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
Emoke Rock was a 1963 graduate of Shoreline High School. She was the president of the Shoreline Rotary 2007-2008 and was also active in the Edmonds Rotary Club, said Edmonds Rotary Past President David Kaufer. “She was lovely — truly loved by everyone in the club,” Kaufer said.
A former teacher, Rock had recently retired as a real estate agent at the Edmonds Windermere office. She and Wayne had just returned home from a long RV trip around the U.S. prior to the accident.
Greg Hoff, owner of Edmonds Windermere, said Rock joined his office in 1994 and retired in 2018. “She was the first agent I hired after I purchased the office,” Hoff said. “She was the consummate team player. Always willing to help newer agents, get involved in our community events such as the Halloween festivities, Community Service Day, our food drive fundraising activities, and the 4th of July Children’s parade. She was a kindred spirit and sincerely cared about others and our community. ”
“Even though she retired, she stayed in touch with many of her friends in the office and was in contact with us in the days leading up to her passing,” Hoff said.
Hoff also noted that Rock was “very proud of her Hungarian heritage. On occasion she would reminisce about her parents and their American experience.”
“She was an awesome listener,” he concluded. “I don’t believe I ever heard her speak ill of another. She was a great example of tolerance and inclusion.”
Emoke was a long time friend. She found a home for my elderly sister and her husband in Stanwood.she was always ready to assist them in every way. She will be missed and will always be remembered by Janet and me. RIP dear Emoke.
Mom was an amazing realtor and always told us stories
What a tragic loss.
Emoke was the agent that I sought out in 2002 when my partner and I were eyeing a move to Edmonds. We had lost out to her on a bidding war for another property, and I thought, “I want THAT woman to get us to Edmonds!” —And — She did!
Emoke was an exquisite, calm, wonderful woman.
She and I stayed in touch, casually, after our condo transaction closed, either at Harbor Square or trading messages after I returned from a long stay in Hungary.
I’m so saddened by the news of her’s and Skip’s passing.
Sincerest condolences to the Edmonds community.
We are so saddened to hear of Emoke’s and Skips’ passing. Emoke was such a wonderful lady, who helped us buy both of our properties. We have her to thank, for where we are today! We still stayed in touch with her over the years. Condolences to both of their families, as well as their co-workers, customers and friends. She is sorely missed, by many. Rest in peace.
Oh my…this is very sad. Be careful. My condolences to their friends and family.
Greg Hoff! These words about my mom are perfect! She LOVED life and all those around her! The Edmonds community was her home for so many years and she always had a passion for all the people it! Thank you for all the memories and comments!
Sincere condolences to family and friends on this tragic loss.
I am beyond sad to hear about this accident , Emoke was not only a Windemere Real estate Agent but I knew her as my 6th grade teacher at ST. Mathew’s Catholics School. Mrs. Rock was loved by all her student including my brothers and sisters . I struggled in math and she always went beyond what would be expected to encourage me ! Last year I went back to school and she is one of the people that made me feel like I could do it , I sincerely enjoy talking to her time to time . She was a beautiful and kind person inside and out and I will never forget her. My love and prayers are with you Greg and Sherman.
Skip was a dear friend for more than half a century. Emoke we only met once when they passed through to catch up on one of their trips. And we were all instant friends. What a great couple. The only greater tragedy would be if they hadn’t met.
Skip was a kind and gentle man. He was an active volunteer in many community organizations. As a long time member at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue Skip was always willing to step up and helped the community to be a better place. When I decided to give up a volunteer position at TBT I asked Skip if he would assume the duties. He willingly did so even though he had many other responsibilities, both career wise and in the community. He did an outstanding job just as I expected. He was always there to help the world be better and he led by example.
Emoke and I go back to around ‘95, when I began to take care of her home computer needs. A lovely person they I looked forward to visiting.
I’m saddened about here passing as she had so much life left to live.
John thank you for the kind words. She spoke highly of you and the work you helped her with