Irvin John Quale

After 83 well-lived years and a mercifully short battle with pancreatic cancer, Irvin John Quale comfortably found his peace in his own home on September 8th, 2016.

Irv was born to Clifford and Doloris in Carlyle, Montana in the spring of 1933. The second oldest of 10 children, Irv grew up on the family’s farm, where they grew crops and kept a few farm animals. Growing up in a rural farming community during The Great Depression and The Dust Bowl, Irv was taught at an early age the importance of hard work, faith, and sharing with those less fortunate.

During his high school years, Biology and Algebra were Irv’s favorite subjects. Irv remembers going into town for dates on Friday nights, which usually included the movies or a rodeo. After graduating with the class on 1950, Irv spent two years working as a ranch hand for various local ranchers and then enlisted in the Air Force.

In the Air Force, during the Korean War, Irv was trained as a flight engineer on the B-29 “Superfortress” Bomber. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant in just two years. Aware that this rank was the highest he could achieve as an enlisted airman, Irv was honorably discharged from the Air Force after serving his four years. Irv used the GI Bill to enroll in the Aeronautical Engineering program at Utah State.

While attending University, Irv met his first wife, Sharon. They would be married for 15 years and, during that time, have two sons, Tom and Tim. After graduating, Irv began working for the Boeing Company as a cost estimator. His job would cause him to travel and subsequently relocate several times in the following years. This stress eventually caused the failure of Irv’s first marriage in the early 1970’s. A few years later in 1975 at a church singles group, Irv met his second wife, Nancy. In marrying Nancy, Irv gained a stepson, Hans. Irv and Nancy also have a daughter together, Sarah. During their time together Irv and his wife have enjoyed traveling with their trailer to many of the national parks across this wonderful country.

In 1992, after 32 years with Boeing, Irv retired from the work force. Quick to make new friends, Irv found like-minded retirees in his morning rounds of the local donut shops and thrift stores. He loved getting to know these new friends and spoke of them fondly through the years. Since retiring almost 24 years ago, Irv has helped build a number of homes with Habitat for Humanity and volunteers his time to his church. His handyman nature was a welcome addition to the church’s weekly work group tasked with maintaining the building and property. Frequently Irv would even take on projects prior to anyone realizing they needed to be done. With a life long dream of opening a restaurant, Irv enjoyed cooking for the Congregations for the Homeless, Tent City and Salvation Army Feeding Program. Irv has enjoyed many blessings in his life and feels a strong need to help out his fellow man. This is no doubt a reflection of his upbringing and the values that his family and community instilled within him.

Irv states his greatest accomplishment as his family. Irv felt his life could be summarized by the following metaphor:

“Grandmother Bair, a very dear woman, made the best apple sauce cake. When I asked her for the recipe she told me there wasn’t one. She proceeded to make the cake by going to her refrigerator or icebox in those days. I realized that she took out any leftover fruit, added an egg or two, some flour, baking soda and whichever spices happened to be in the cupboard. After it was mixed and baked, I was blessed to have a slice of cake. As always it was delicious.”

His life happened in-kind. Doors opened and Irv took advantage of each and every opportunity. All the right ingredients fell into place with all the right spices and it resulted in a delicious abundance.

Irv is survived by his wife, 3 sons, a daughter, 5 grand kids, 6 brothers and a wide extended family. One of whom recently said, “Uncle Irv is the only man who could laugh without opening his mouth and smile by frowning. Always willing to help in time of need. He always made sure hot dogs were an option at all family gatherings.” We will miss his signature eye twinkle that always appeared with a warm handshake greeting a friend, when playing with his grand kids or when reminiscing with his brothers. He will forever be in our hearts.

A Memorial Celebration will be held on October 1st, 2016 at 1:00pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (3030 Bellevue Way, Bellevue, WA 98004). We encourage your attendance at the celebration if Irv touched your life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to “The Good Samaritan Fund” at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Cedar Lawns Funeral Home, Redmond, WA.