Kyle M Pugh, 85, of the Spokane Valley peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 13th, 2022. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his sense of humor and for his love of music that he shared with the world.
Kyle was born on January 6th, 1937 in Spokane, WA to Kyle Sr. and Lenora “Toni” Pugh. Upon graduating from Cheney High School he joined the US Naval Reserve where he served for 8 years.
Kyle married the love of his life, Sue Pugh in 1961 and the couple had two children. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Kyle played in numerous live bands in the late 50’s and continued playing bass guitar until his retirement at the age of 84. He played Tuba with the Spokane Philharmonic Orchestra before it became the Spokane Symphony. During Expo ’74 he played Tuba in the German Band and Expo band every day the fair was open. He also played with the Jim Baker Orchestra, Spokane British Brass Band, Master Class Jazz Orchestra, Project Joy Orchestra, The Variety Pac and many more to name. He played gigs with local Piano legend, Arnie Carruthers and others at the Davenport and Ridpath hotels. In 1969 he joined a regional dance band, “The Many Sounds of Nine.” Together with the other members families they traveled all over the Pacific Northwest as well as Big Sky, Montana, Sun Valley, Idaho and Jackpot, Nevada. He has so many wonderful memories of playing music with the band members who have continued to camp and play old tunes together.
Kyle graduated from EWU in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He worked for Spokane Public Schools where he taught music to hundreds of elementary and junior high students for 21 years. He was involved in the Elks Club, Evergreen Railroad Modelers, Inland NW Rail Museum, American (HAM) Radio League Ka7csp and the Professional Musician’s Union # 105.
Kyle was a volunteer for the Spokane Bloomsday Association, providing Ham radio communications for 40 years. He also enjoyed model trains, photography, lots of beloved cats, donuts in all shapes and sizes, and camping.
Kyle is survived by his wife, Sue Pugh; son, Jeff Pugh (Leann); Daughter, Kari Hansen; his grandchildren, Vanessa Pugh, Ashley Pugh (Corbin), Chris Hansen, Chandler Hansen and Chad Hansen. He also is a Great Grandpa to Rhyse.
A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 1:00 pm at Opportunity Christian Fellowship, 1313 S. Pines Road in the Spokane Valley. Please wear stripes with plaid, Hawaiian shirts or anything comfortable and casual.
The family would like to thank Kindred at Home Care services, MultiCare Valley Hospital 3rd floor nurses and Spokane Valley Fire Stations # 7 & 9 for their care, and compassion.
Donations can be made to: Cheney Historical museum, PO Box 457, Cheney WA 99004 or Cheney Railroad Museum, 1921 1st, PMB 140, Cheney, WA 99004
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