Kermit Elmer Boissoneau Jr.

Kermit had only about 14 people in his graduating class. Kermit lived on the Columbia River with his parents Lela and Kermit Boissoneau Sr. and sister Joanne in a large tent heated by a wood stove when he was a boy, riding double on a horse to school with his sister even in the winter watched over by his sheep dog “Tippy Dog” he so loved. His father and mother worked prospecting for gold to make a living during their time on the Columbia River. His father worked in geology and lapidary (precious gemstones).

Kermit moved on to Davenport, Washington and joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Alaska and worked in Motor Pool as a mechanic during the Korean War. After serving in the military he worked in The Dalles Oregon on The Dalles Dam as a welder where his first son James Leon Boissoneau was born. Kermit moved on to The Boeing Company in Renton, Washington then to Auburn location where he retired after more than 35 years highly praised for his knowledge inventive ideas work ethic and certifications.

Kermit was a mentor and teacher to many who worked with him. Kermit was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Everyone who met Kermit loved him as he had such a kind and loving old soul. Kermit was a proud patriot and veteran, he loved his country and his freedom. He was a lifelong devoted NRA member, loving father, husband, grandpa, great grandpa and uncle. He was a “penny pincher” and always loved a good deal and kept everything.

Kermit had many quotes he used to say:

Gift of Geha see yourself as others see ya

Accidents don’t just happen they are caused

Don’t feel sorry for yourself

Cheer up things could always get worse

I’m a maverick and do my own thing

Freedom isn’t free

Kermit made people laugh, teaching them with his knowledge, joked and played pranks, he liked to surprise people and loved telling stories. He loved his animals and feeding them apples and treats. Ruby Dog was faithfully by his side as he battled cancer. He liked taking his herbal supplements, loved wild flowers, coin collecting, the birds singing, nature, sunrises and sunsets. He so enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and friends, horses and chickens, being outdoors, old trucks and working in his old shop and barn on the Goldendale farm. Kermit liked to whistle and call the animals.

Kermit is survived by:

Sharon Boissoneau, Jeff Boissoneau (son) Buckley, Debra Boissoneau-Moore (daughter) Kennewick, Yvette Schellhase-Skellenger (daughter) Iowa, Loren Schellhase (grandson) Iowa, Amber Boissoneau (granddaughter) Ravensdale, Eric Boissoneau (grandson) Federal Way, Richard Ribbeck (nephew) Idaho, Teresa Erickson (niece) husband Chris and Isabella (great niece) Moses Lake, Edward Ribbeck (brother in law) Moses Lake, two step son’s Jeff Arment Longview, and Bruce Peterson Vancouver, Peggy Arment (step daughter) Canada, Michele Nieman, Jason Arment, Christopher Arment, Sheena Debruyn, Angela Archibald, TJ Archibald (step grandchildren), Nyah Slater, Henry Nieman, Alyssa Arment, Kainoa Arment, Brittney Peterson (great grandchildren).

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, and let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love; you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love we each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and ‘Welcome Home’.