Howard D. Sayler

Howard Delmer Sayler, a resident of Olympia for the past 45 years, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2013, at the age of 94. Born in Spokane, WA on June 6, 1919, Howard spent his childhood growing up on Spokane's South Hill, and was the oldest of four children. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1937.

Shortly before WWII, he began working for Pacific Northwest Bell in Tacoma, WA. His employment was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942, where he was a Navy combat veteran. His ship patrolled the Pacific in the areas of New Guinea, Australia, Okinawa and the Philippines.

After the war he resumed his career with Pacific Northwest Bell and was relocated to Longview, WA. This is where he met the love of his life, Jane Carlton. They were married on July 20, 1946. Shortly thereafter, they began their adventure of raising a family of four children. Howard was a devoted husband and father. He was involved with his children's interests, coaching little league baseball, attending high school football games, playing board games and card games. There were many summer family vacations to eastern Washington to visit his family.

In 1968 Howard was transferred to Olympia by Pacific NW Bell and it was there he retired in 1981. During retirement Howard and Jane were snowbirds in Arizona for 17 years. Howard's passion was golf, and he spent many hours golfing with his friends and family over the years. He enjoyed solving word puzzles and barbecuing for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, supportiveness and competitiveness.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, two daughters, Marsha Sayler of Federal Way, WA, Patricia Hickman (Vaughn) of Beaverton, OR, two sons, Steven Sayler and Gerald Sayler (Gilda), both of Olympia, two grandchildren, Caryn Peck (Martin) of Hillsboro, OR, and Keith Hickman (Erin) of Beaverton. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Bailey of Corpus Christi, TX and a brother, Donald Sayler (Joann), of Kennewick, WA, numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Sayler. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, WA at 1:30 p.m. There will be a reception held after the service celebrating Howard's life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Union Gospel Mission of your choice.