UW alum Jake Etchart passed away at the age of 26 on Nov. 22, 2006.

A 2006 graduate, Etchart had been a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic since the third grade but was very independent.

Etchart lived independently in Seattle from 2004-2006, despite a progressive neuromuscular disease that limited his mobility. He took pride in his intimate knowledge of the Seattle area and knew many great eateries in the area because of his love of food.

"He was proud of his degree and the career potential it gave him," said his mother, Patt Etchart. "He was just one major victory after another, from infancy. Since the third grade, he was a wheelchair user ... yet he skied and became part of the ski team in Eagle Mount. He approached life with vigor."

Etchart inspired many with his passion for helping others and living life to the fullest. He spoke at conferences around the country to demonstrate the independence his chair-mounted, voice-activated computer could bring to those with severe disabilities.

In particular, Etchart spoke at the 70th annual International Assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians in Seattle in 2004.

Etchart was dependent on portable respirators and iron lung technology for survival, but would frequently pack the life support equipment into his adapted van and head off to concerts or ball games with friends.

His parents described him as the happiest person and noted that he was very optimistic, viewing life as a gift.

"He always imagined that there was someone worse off ... and he enjoyed helping others," Patt Etchart said.

Etchart enjoyed both indoor and outdoor activities and was very social, she added.

"He was very easygoing, enthusiastic, social, liked fine food, ethnic foods, watched the cooking channel, loved politics and good conversation," she said. "There was never a day when he said, 'Why can't I do that?' or 'Why do I have to be like this?'"

He was also a thrill-seeker.

"He did everything from fly on a P-51 Mustang fighter plane to hunting deer from a blind to reeling in deep-sea fish," Pat Etchert said.

To maintain his legacy, Etchart's parents are in the process of creating a foundation to benefit disabled students.

Patt and Joe Etchart have just completed articles of incorporation for the foundation and have filed for non-profit status with the help of a local lawyer.

The foundation will provide case management and referral services to students in situations similar to Etchart's, who want to live independently but may find it difficult trying to find the resources.

The foundation also hopes to connect people like Etchart with caregivers.

Patt Etchart has experience with community development and will come to Seattle in the fall to begin work on developing the foundation with the UW Disabilities Service Office and similar entities at other local Seattle colleges.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the foundation can e-mail Patt Etchart at alpine@nemont.net.

Reach reporter Chris Paredes at chrisparedes@thedaily.washington.edu