Berent (aka) Ben was born August 6, 1933 in Port Angeles, WA and left us suddenly, September 3, 2020. Ben’s parents, Kristian and Elizabeth Egaas, deceased, had immigrated from Norway many years earlier.
The first seven years of his life were spent in a logging camp in Pysht, WA. His play area consisted of an ocean beach, and a river where swimming and log rolling were attempted. His early schooling was in a one-room schoolhouse near the camp.
Ben had two older brothers, Thomas Egaas, Earl Kenneth Egaas, and a sister, Louise Egaas Lunde, all deceased. The family moved to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood when Ben was nearly eight years old, which was a big adjustment for him. As a teenager, he was a Seattle Times newspaper carrier in the West Woodland neighborhood.
At age 17, following both of his brothers’ lead, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After basic training in San Diego, CA, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Point Cruz (CVE-119), where he received a “Letter of Commendation” for his role in eliminating a flight deck fire following a plane crash. He was also stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Station.
Following military duty, Ben was a Teamster for several companies including Grinnell Co., Massart, Co., and retired from the Boeing Co. in Everett. While employed at Grinnell, he met his wife Dorothy, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage last spring. Ben was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a good neighbor and a loyal friend. Ben always had a great one-liner, and a joke for everyone.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Dorothy, son, James (Allyson) Egaas, daughters, Sandra (Richard) Paige, Gail Egaas (Jan Bjolstad), six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and those who thought of him as their second dad.
Unfortunately, due to Covid, the services will be private.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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