Passing: Peggy Warrack, the Siren of the San Juans

The Elwha

• Passing: You remember when the Washington State Ferry Elwha got “on the rocks” back in 1983?

The incident spawned a drink by the same name, a song (click here to hear it), and a bit of notoriety for Peggy, the “lady in the wheelhouse” visiting the distracted pilot on that fateful day. I got this note below from her daughter, Judy, when Peggy passed away on the 22nd last month (here’s a full obituary) and here’s a “full story” of the wreck by Dennis Nyback:

Hi, I am Peggy Warrack’s daughter. Peggy was the infamous “woman in the wheelhouse,” otherwise known as the “Siren of the San Juans.” Peggy passed away peacefully in mid-January at home in Anacortes with my sister and me at her side.

We had a Celebration of Peggy’s Life tomorrow with family and friends. Many have asked about the recipe for the cocktail, The Elwha on the Rocks. Do you have this information? I have called several places in Friday Harbor, but nobody remembers the drink.

Thanks for your link to the song. It’s awesome!!

Sincerely, Judy

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.