A Tenas Chuck Legend Sets Sail

On a cold wet morning in March at 2331 Fairview, the water witnessed a bittersweet milestone as Jim and Barb Donnette’s floating home was towed away. For over 58 years, Barb and Jim were the heart of the Tenas Chuck" dock, and while their house has moved on to make room for the future, their legend remains firmly anchored.

A Half-Century of Adventure

Barb and Jim defined the independent spirit of our community. They didn’t just live on the water; they adventured on it -- famously sailing their own vessel, Panthalassa, from Seattle, throughout the South Pacific Islands and Home. Neighbors talk about Jim as truly solar powered - an avid sailor and speedo wearer; and Barb as gardener at the Eastlake P-Patch. Jim was a UW Professor of Architecture for 30 years. Their daughter, Jennifer, attended Seward, Meany, Garfield and UW.

Barb and Jim were simply great neighbors. Though Barb now resides in Wallingford, she remains a member of the "dock family".

Welcoming a new family

The slip will soon be home to Greg and Jennifer Buehrer and their four children. Deeply involved in the Seattle community, the Buehrers are building a new floating home to accommodate their family’s diverse passions, which range from University of Washington engineering and medicine to theater and fine arts.