Name: Jack Slee

Occupation: Worker Priest [a priest who will serve the church until his death]

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Why do you live here?

This neighborhood’s got a lot of memories. The cathedral [St. Mark’s] has the ashes of my wife, and my son and daughter were confirmed there.

How long have you lived here?

A little over a year.

How did you find this place?

A friend of mine said there was a rental here.

To what extent does this space reflect you, your personality, your tastes?

It reflects the way I am—sort of liberal-conservative. The furniture I have is both traditional and not-so-traditional. [The four-story apartment building] was built in 1924. It reflects my ordination to the priesthood, because it’s near the cathedral.

What would you say your “style” is, as shown by how you put your place together?

A lot of family in it. There’s a picture of Niagara Falls on the wall; I was born 30 miles away. I have a lot of photos [of relatives] on the walls.

What do you value most about this space?

Until recently, the independence. But I find that when you lose your wife [who passed away two years ago], independence isn’t as beneficial to me as in the past. When you live by yourself, it’s for the birds.

What are the benefits to living in this area/neighborhood?

Things are accessible on the bus line, like Fred Meyer, the community colleges, the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. I guess the fact that I’ve known a number of people [in this neighborhood] through the years; they’re accessible to me. That means a lot to me.

Disadvantages?

Living by myself.

What is your favorite feature inside your home? Favorite object?

The autographed picture of Mark Twain. Twain was a business partner of my grandfather. He signed it for my father. It’s a good photo for 1901. In the autograph he says, “It is one’s environment that makes for a climate.”

Where do you buy things for your home?

QFC and the Broadway Grill. I’m not a good cook, so I go out for food. One chair is my grandfather’s Windsor chair; it’s more than 100 years old. I bought the couch at IKEA. I get a number of things there.

Do you ever worry that you’ll have to move?

I think the chances of staying in this area are slim because of my own situation, being alone. I’m looking for a place where I can be in a group home, where you have five or six people living in one building. I have some personal misgivings about [moving into a retirement home], because you’re stuck with them. I want to choose the people I want to be with.

More turf…