Bea Mae Aigner

"Bea lived an incredible and interesting life that no one could have predicted when we lived in Belfair, Washington. You were always more a sister than a cousin. Thank you for that. The example of how you studied and were involved in school was guidance I needed and used when I chose to grow up and try. Thank you for being the example that I followed to build a fulfilling life." -Roy Townsend.

Bea (Beulah) Mae Aigner, a remarkable wife, cousin, friend and educator passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 87 on September 17, 2023 in the caring community of Mountlake Terrace Plaza Assisted Living where she made friends, enjoyed the many visitors and the cards she received while there.

Bea was an energetic person who was kind to others as she found the best in all people. She was positive and optimistic in nature, who dedicated her life to supporting and blessing others, and doing acts of kindness and service. Bea's warm nature won her friends where ever she went. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Bea was born September 12, 1936 in Centralia, Washington, daughter and youngest child of William and Zeola McKimson. Her parents moved to Belfair, Washington on Hood Canal where she grew up with a brother Dick McKimson in a family tree that included 14 closely aged cousins who stayed close and bonded through life. In her adult years the female cousins became a “gang of 5” that periodically would travel and get-together to have a “rip-roaring” time full on gossiping, laughter, dining, and creating treasured memories.

Bea graduated from South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. Known as an outstanding student, Senior Class President, Girl's State Representative, and a member of the National Thespian Society, having roles in multiple school plays.

Bea did not always spend all her time with books and study, but enjoyed time in the out-of-doors, skiing the slopes in nearby mountains, swimming, camping, and hiking, as she never stayed still for too long. Eventually her love of the outdoors lead her to participation in the Girl Scouts as a camper, a counselor, and then Director at St. Albans Girl Scout Camp in Allyn, Washington in 1962 at the age of 24. Later, while living with her husband on the island of Okinawa, Japan, she became Director of the Girl Scout camp over the course of five years and received honors for her service.

Bea continued her pursuit of knowledge when she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Washington and later a Masters in Educational Psychology from Colorado State College, Bea quickly became a devoted and skilled educator to many of her students and praised by her colleagues throughout her teaching career, first as a junior high and senior high language arts teacher, and finishing her career as Director of Secondary Special Education for Edmond School District. Because of the common values she shared with her colleagues endearing and long-lived very special friendships were formed.

It was Bea’s spirit of adventure, keen intellect, kind personality, and uncanny ability to immediately put people at ease that drew the attention of Boyd Aigner, her soulmate, whom she married September 6,1963 on the island of Okinawa, Japan where Boyd worked as a civilian with the military during later days of the Vietnam War. Returning to stateside, she and Boyd shared many special adventures together; fly fishing and camping at lakes in British Columbia and at Duck Lake, Montana, or at fly fishing conclaves in Amsterdam, Holland and across the country.

Bea became a friend and mentor to Boyd's three children. From their first encounter Bea greeted them with acceptance and was immediately welcomed into the family. She continued with a supportive and caring relationship, gaining their respect and love and especially their thankfulness for the loving companionship she and their father shared.

Bea's family and friends were her great joys. She is preceded in death by her husband Boyd Aigner in 1995 and brother Dick (Richard) McKimson in 2022 and survived by her stepchildren Phil Aigner, wife Nancy, Bruce Aigner, wife Valerie, Marion Hiller, husband Steve, and her beloved grandchildren Holly, Cory, Katie, Michael, Mateo, and Luca, her nephews Bill & Andrea McKimson, Keith & Denise Townsend, Bret Townsend, and by 5 of the 14 cousins.

Bea will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her loving nature and unwavering support will forever be cherished by her family and friends. A unique and wonderful person.

To honor Bea's remarkable life, a celebration of life will occur at a later date.

"My children and grandchildren would run up the hill to visit her after school and then always return with books and/or coloring books in hand. They also have memories of her feeding the birds in under the Magnolia tree which was planted in her front yard. To me she was a big sister and a second Mother. Our family will miss her deeply." -Terri Kavran, neighbor for more than 35 years.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.