5-9-1928 to 9-17-2020
Harold wanted us to know he lived a good life and wished the same for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was born on May 9th, 1928 in an unfinished house his father Charles and mother Ruth were building. The house was located in the Seattle area just north of the Rainier golf course. Harold was the first of eight children; the others include Margaret, Franklin, Charles (Junior), Ruthie, David, Richard, and Bobby. In 1939 at age 11 Harold moved to South Seattle near airport way. It was here that he graduated from Cleveland high school.
In September of 1947 Harold hired into the Boeing Company and worked in various manufacturing jobs until July 1952 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for 2 years. He served in the Army during the Allied Occupation of Germany performing aircraft maintenance. It was here in Germany where he met his wife Agnes. Soon after returning to the USA he rehired into Boeing. Harold returned to Germany in January of 1955 where he married Agnes. Harold and Agnes settled in West Seattle to raise a family of four children: John, Erwin, Christine, and Cindy. The arrival of grandchildren brought Harold great joy and he was happy to see his many grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up: Patrick, Zachary, Angela, Joshua, Anja, Caroline, Danny, and Jessica.
In 1961 Harold transferred into Boeing Finance Estimating and remained there until his retirement in 1990. His assignments involved many interesting space related programs including the Lunar Orbiter and the Mariner Venus and Mercury missions. Harold believed in continuous learning throughout his life and while working completed certifications in mechanical engineering and management development.
Harold touched the lives of many people, not only the lives of his extended family but also their friends often leading hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and also adventures out to the Washington Coast. Harold just loved to spend time in the outdoors including hiking, camping, fishing, and playing golf. He hiked the trail he built down to his own beach below his house often and took daily walks with Agnes at West Seattle’s beautiful Lincoln Park. Harold and Agnes took great care of their home and loved to have family over for the holidays or whenever. The grandchildren always felt it was a second home for them; a place where they were welcomed. Every 4th of July Harold and Agnes would host a party for the extended family, gathering down on the beach with swimming, kayaking, plenty to eat and of course pyrotechnics! Harold had an especially close connection with his niece Sylvia who said this of Harold: “My Uncle Harold introduced me to hiking and taught me what having a father would be like as I grew without.” Harold was very disciplined, a trait he perhaps learned in the Army, and his children are happy that at least some of this wore off on them! In retirement Harold played golf in the Boeing League at the Foster Golf Course.
Harold passed away in the early morning of 9/17/2020 comfortably still in his sleep. His spirit lives on in all his children and grandchildren, his loving wife, and many others in his life. Harold loved nature and the outdoors, never gave up on anyone—always being willing to help regardless of circumstances or what one might have done. Family always came first. His son Erwin was fortunate to talk to Harold on one of the days shortly before he died where he was particularly lucid. As Harold sat out in the fresh open air of the deck, he said that he had just finished exercising. Harold was passionate about exercising and healthy living his whole life, doing whatever he could to stay fit right up until the end. On this day, he reminisced about a hike he and his boys took years ago in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness as if it were yesterday. It was as though we were walking with Papa down the mountain slopes one more time.
Harold had a big heart that didn’t want to let go of this world or the people he loved. Papa, we miss you very much, but your spirit will remain in our hearts forever. We will even miss your silly jokes and occasional yelling at the news on TV! In the words of his oldest son John:
“Papa departed on his last journey this morning. Papa, we can’t go with you on this one, but keep your hiking boots handy, because we will go and find you when our time comes, and you can show us the wonders high on that mountain.”
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