Joan Arlene (Enslow) Semprebon Age 63, of Portland, Oregon, passed away from cancer Christmas Eve at her brother's home in Spanaway surrounded by family. Raised in Spanaway, and a graduate of Bethel High and WWU, Joan excelled in sports and majored in Education. While in Boston in the 1980's she directed videos, including one in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. Her passion for rock and roll and blues music led to 15 years as a Blues DJ at the Portland, Oregon radio station KBOO. She enjoyed playing bass guitar at blues jams. She leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Rolf, her mother Arlene Faye Enslow, sisters Mary, Patricia, Theresa, and Michelle, brothers Mark, Ken, John, and Matt, too many nieces and nephews to name, and her cat Treme. Joan stood up for animals, children, and social justice.
We here at KBOO knew Joan as a sweet and spunky blues DJ who was active on the KBOO Softball team, who played bass in the band formed for KBOO Volunteers to learn to mix live music, and we are missing her fiercely these days.
Husband Rolf Semprebon will do a tribute to Joan on Monday January 1st from 11-midnight.
Here's one of the last Blue Rhythm shows she hosted in January, 2016. Rest in Peace Aunt Joan.