Fay Sarkowsky, a prominent Seattle philanthropist whose civic efforts helped bring the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks to the Pacific Northwest and contributed to the establishment of the Portland Trail Blazers, has died. Records and historical accounts document her vital role in shaping the modern sports landscape of the region alongside her late husband, Herman Sarkowsky.
Pioneering Seattle Sports and the 1976 Seahawks Launch
During the mid-1970s, Fay Sarkowsky and her husband became instrumental figures in securing major professional sports franchises for the Pacific Northwest. Alongside Herman Sarkowsky, she worked alongside civic leaders and investors to lobby for and secure an NFL expansion franchise for Seattle. Their efforts culminated in the birth of the Seattle Seahawks, which began play in 1976 as an expansion team in the American Football Conference before moving to the NFC.
Years prior to the NFL’s arrival in Washington, Sarkowsky and her husband were part of the founding efforts that brought the Portland Trail Blazers into the National Basketball Association as an expansion franchise. Their early investments and civic advocacy provided the financial and organizational bedrock required to establish stable professional sports franchises in two major Pacific Northwest markets.
A Legacy of Generosity Across the Pacific Northwest
Beyond their indelible impact on professional football and basketball, Fay and Herman Sarkowsky maintained a deep commitment to regional philanthropy. Their support extended across educational, cultural, and healthcare institutions in Seattle and the broader Puget Sound area. Long after stepping back from day-to-day franchise ownership, Fay Sarkowsky remained a respected figure in Seattle civic circles, known for supporting community initiatives and local non-profit organizations.
Her passing marks the quiet closing of a transformative chapter for Pacific Northwest sports history. When the Seahawks take the field for their next scheduled fixture, the franchise will continue to carry forward the competitive spirit established by the civic pioneers who fought to put Seattle on the professional sports map five decades ago.
