Arvle Ellis Willard Obituary (1947

Celebrating the life of Arvle Ellis Willard April 12, 1947 - June 24, 2014 St. Francis of Assisi said 'For it is in giving that we receive.' Arvle Ellis Willard, 67, lifelong Cowiche resident, who lived his life as these words describe, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Yakima Regional Medical Center. His family wants you to know what a special man he was, and how much he will truly be missed. Arvle Willard was born April 12, 1947 to Austin and Margaret (Smieja) Willard. He was the first of seven children. Arvle lived on Peaceful Valley Ranch, a Willard homestead since the late 1890's. Located on the north fork of the Cowiche Creek, the ranch was not only a wonderful place for Arvle and his siblings to grow up on; it was a haven that Arvle deeply loved in his adult life as well. Arvle treasured the peace and tranquility of the ranch, and he spent nearly his entire life there. Arvle started his education at Cowiche Elementary, switching to the 'new' Marcus Whitman Elementary with his brother Roger a few years later. He then moved on to Tieton Jr. High and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1966. While Arvle was a very intelligent young man, scoring in the top 3% on a national mechanical aptitude test, in his early years. Arvle was much more interested in working and saving money than worrying about school. As the eldest child, he was ambitious and worked hard on the farm driving tractors, bucking hay, and milking and raising cattle. While still just a boy, Arvle began working for Herke Hop Corp. There he learned good work skills in hops, apples, cattle and understanding machinery. When he wasn't working and saving, Arvle loved reading, listening to music while driving his car, dragging the Yakima Ave, hunting big game, and admiring the mountain scenery. As an excellent reader, his interests included encyclopedias, history, survival and current event magazines. He earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1967, and he also served as an altar boy for five years at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Following high school, Arvle continued his education with the money he had saved completing surveying courses at the University of Washington, before enlisting in the United States Air force in 1967. After receiving an honorable discharge as an Airman 3rd class, Arvle attended JM Perry Institute where he studied Industrial Electronics. Arvle later graduated from WICONI Construction School in July 1980. In 1970, Arvle began working for Marley Orchards where he worked for eight years as a warehouseman. Arvle then worked for six years with his younger brother David for Zurn Industries in Satsop, WA and Colstrip, Montana being the only one to work in all four divisions of power plant and cooling tower construction. Arvle's greatest and most amazing gift was definitely his caring heart. He loved visiting close relatives, always being sure to bring treats to family. Arvle did not have any children of his own, but he held a huge soft spot for all children even those he didn't know. Whenever he saw a child in public, he made sure the child walked away with an encouraging word and an extra dollar or more in his or her pocket. And Arvle's generosity didn't end there. More often than not, when he met a stranger in need, he generously took from his own pocket, saying 'They need it more', and he encouraged other family members to do the same. To Arvle, it was definitely in the giving that he received. Arvle had some very special people that he trusted and admired dearly. He so often turned to his Uncle Carl for advice as he always treated Arvle as his own son, and his Aunt Helen was his second mother cooking him special meals. Arvle's other pride and joy were his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who he loved to spend time with. Having people to help you in the last part of your life is but the greatest gift. A special thanks to the local VA Clinic, Garden Village staff and Yakima Valley Regional ICU/ACU staff, who took pride in his care. Arvle Willard is survived by his brothers and sisters, Roger Willard of Kennewick, David & Sharon Willard of Sewickley, PA, Diane & Gary Miner of Yakima, Debbie & Keith Beach of Covington, WA and Joy & Randy Hanson of Bellingham; his six nieces and nephews, Buzz Willard, Aaric Willard, Krystal Miner, Lindsey Willard-Stephan, Rachael Miner, Katie Seward, David Miner, Kathryn Reid, John Willard, Joy Willard, Daniel Willard, and Ryan Hanson; and six great-nieces and nephews: Parker, Solace, Pacey, Sawyer, Indy and Evangeline Willard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Margaret, and a brother Daryl Willard. Please join the family as we celebrate his life with viewing and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church Chapel. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon reception held afterwards at the Yakima Area Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 12 North 10th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902. SERVICES Funeral service Friday, July 11, 2014 10:30 AM Holy Family Catholic Church 5315 Tieton Dr. Yakima, WA