Monday, October 19, 2026
Surrounded by his family and with voices of those who loved him echoing in his heart, Joe Carl Rice passed away on September 16, 2026, in Edmonds. His legacy as a Peace Corps volunteer in Afghanistan and Saipan, educator, pre-K through 12th grade administrator, consultant, author and mentor, touched many.
Joe was the oldest of twelve children. He grew up in the fields of California’s Central Valley. As an adolescent, he wrote poems and short stories and loved to read, never without a cheap Western or romance book folded in his back pocket.
Joe left home at sixteen and eventually made his way to the UW, where he graduated with a BA in education and theater in 1969. Theater gave him his voice. Humor was his signature style. After Peace Corps experiences, Joe earned his M.ED. in reading and later earned an MA in education administration. His work as a teacher and principal allowed him to introduce innovative school programs and curricula.
Joe was a prolific public speaker, and for more than 42 years encouraged youth and adults alike to persevere and tell their stories. At Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds, he inspired teachers, parents, and staff to reach for the stars. The nongraded, multiage program, which began at Sherwood, expanded into its own school, Madrona K-8. The Madrona Joe Rice Scholarship was established upon his departure in 1996.
After twelve years in Edmonds, Joe and family were off to Honolulu. Joe served as president and CEO of Mid-Pacific Institute, where he added pre-K through middle school to the existing high school, introducing innovative programs and technology with lasting impact and influence today. He helped found Schools of the Future, a program advancing new approaches to teaching and learning.
After retiring back to Edmonds in 2013, Joe was involved in the local writing community, leading writing critique groups and serving on the board of Epic Group Writers. He was a writer, traveler and avid photographer, all the while enjoying family and friends.
Joe is survived by his wife, Florence; children, Emily, Christa, Nathan, and Taylor; grandchildren, Antonio and Anders; sisters and brothers, and their families.
Memorial donations in honor of Joe C. Rice may be made to the Madrona School Joe Rice Scholarship, Mid-Pacific School, Joe Rice Helping Hands Fund, or the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
