Lyle Edwin Pepion

Lyle Pepion was born into time August 11, 1952 in Browning, Montana to Henry and Caroline Pepion and was born into eternity on July 23, 2015 at the Seattle Veteran’s Hospital surrounded by family and friends at the age of 62. Lyle is proceeded in death by his brother, Robert Pepion, and sister, Mary Jo Perkins.

Lyle was born on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and moved to Seattle with his family during his childhood. He graduated from West Seattle High in 1971. He was a patriot and was drafted into the military on 6/28/72 and was stationed at Swedesboro, NJ as a Military Policeman at a Nuclear Missile site until his honorable discharge on 6/27/74. During his service he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He worked in Mannington Mills in New Jersey as a cashier for 7-Eleven and later worked for Safeway in Puyallup, WA for 12 years. In April 1990 he began his career and passion as a Funeral Director/Embalmer where he diligently dedicated his skills and compassion to serving families until his retirement in October 2013.

In 1980 while working for Safeway Lyle met the love of his life, Shirley. They were married on April 17, 1982 at the Sumner United Methodist Church and enjoyed 33 years of marriage. Together they raised 3 children and Lyle loved participating in all his children’s school and sporting events, especially the year he coaching the softball team, The Lightening, and took them to nationals in North Carolina.

In 1994 after 2 ½ years on dialysis Lyle was blessed with a new kidney that brought him many more years of precious time and memories with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, camping, watching and attending sporting events, and traveling to places like Seaside, OR, Disneyland, Disney World and the Eastern Caribbean. Lyle was a member of the Blackfeet Nation and had a heritage including the Flathead and Cree Nations and enjoyed trips to Browning, Montana to visit family and participate in Indian Days. He had a love for all music but rarely shared with others his gift of singing. He was a ballroom dancer and dreamed of having just one more dance with his love, Shirley. He strived to make people laugh with his sense of humor, gave unconditionally, and spent as much time with friends and family as possible. He held most dear all of his grandchildren and cherished whatever time he could have with them.

Lyle had a love for the Salvation Army and credited them for being instrumental in bringing him closer to Christ. He played multiple instruments in the Salvation Army’s band and served a few years as a camp counselor at Camp Arnold. Lyle embodied his teachings from his Heavenly Father and was selfless, humble, compassionate, and respectful to all he met.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Pepion, daughters, Deena Traikovich (Ken) and Caleena Pepion (Tim), son, Michael Pepion (Brenda), brothers Melford Pepion (Bunny) and Henry Pepion (Carolyn), sisters Michelle Pepion (Kevin), Lydia Pepion, cherished grandchildren Zackery Traikovich, Keegan Gendreau, Zane Gendreau, Miah Webb, Kaleb Anderson-Pepion, Dayton Clough, and Monique Clough and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Seattle Veteran’s Hospital for all their love, compassion, and dedication for the last 37 years. They have made us fill like part of the family and have celebrated the joys and losses in our lives.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to www.makingstrides.us or sent to 210 N. Oak St., Burlington, WA 98233.