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In the world of real estate, every home holds a unique story. It’s a privilege for us, as Realtors, to represent individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities. Today, as we introduce a charming one-level home in North Tacoma to the market, we want to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable life of its former owners.
Jack and Lilly Warnick were more than just homeowners.
They were titans of civil rights and human rights advocacy in Tacoma for nearly seven decades. Entrenched with multiple community organizations including Jack’s 14 years of service on the Tacoma City Council, including two terms as deputy mayor. Lilly was the co-founder of Tacoma’s City Club and first director of the Tacoma Community College foundation. They were steadfast in their dedication to making our city a better place for all.
As I delved into the eye-opening pages of “The Color of Law,” educating myself on the systemic injustices that have plagued our government and institutions, I couldn’t help but admire Jack and Lilly’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. In a profession where we strive to effect positive change, encountering individuals like these feels serendipitous.
According to his family, Jack and Lilly’s post-college years were dedicated to Tacoma, where they immersed themselves in initiatives aimed at uplifting both the city and its residents. Both Jack and Lilly were prominent figure in various community organizations, advocating passionately for civil rights, youth empowerment, and the arts. In the tumultuous 1960s, Jack played a pivotal role in Tacoma’s Urban Renewal Program and was instrumental in crafting the city’s Open Housing Ordinance, a groundbreaking measure that outlawed housing discrimination.
The impact didn’t stop there.
In the progressive 1980s, Jack spearheaded Tacoma’s first ordinance offering legal protection to LGBTQ individuals under the city’s anti-discrimination laws. The Business Examiner of the South Sound recognized Lilly in 2010 with its Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement award. And in recognition of his lifelong commitment to justice and equality, Jack was honored by the Tacoma Historical Society in 2018 as one of the city’s foremost Social Justice and Civil Rights Champions.
Jack’s and Lilly’s legacy is one of love, family, friendship, and a litany of accolades for their service to our beloved Tacoma. Lilly’s passing in 2018 and Jack’s recent passing at the age of 91 marked the end of lives truly well-lived.
