Joseph Andrew Vegar Obituary (1930

Joseph Andrew Vegar of Seattle, Camano Island and Prosser, Washington passed away peacefully on June 26 in his Seattle residence Aegis at Roger’s Park. He was 86. Joe, son of Matt and Katherine Vegar was born October 10, 1930. He was raised in Sedro Woolley and Wenatchee, Washington. He married Antonetta Rose Montaquila, a marriage of 63 years. Teaching, coaching, and community service were essential elements of Joe’s life. His teaching and coaching career in the Prosser School District crossed over two generations of students from 1957 through 1991. Mr. Vegar held high expectations and personal responsibility from his students tempered with his own humor and personal care. He taught seventeen years of wood shop, drafting, and Pacific Northwest History followed by seventeen additional years as librarian all at Prosser Junior High which became Housel Middle School. He coached track and field and basketball for thirty-four years. He coached football for many years and provided service to any program where there was a school or community need. Several championships and countless personal bests were attained by athletes over those many years of working with Prosser’s younger students. His enthusiasm for sport was a lifelong passion witnessed by his unending support of the Washington Huskies. Following four years’ service in the US Army, Mr. Vegar earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Arts Education at Central Washington University in 1957, followed by a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts and a second Master’s Degree in Library Science, also from Central. He served as Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Council President. Beginning in 1954 he was a member of the American Legion and was Commander of Post 207 on Camano Island. Mr. Vegar taught CCD classes for several years and was Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 639 in Prosser. He was a life member of the Elks Club. Joe was a man of integrity, honesty and attention to detail. He gave generously of his time, encouragement, and expertise, both personally and professionally. He worked diligently throughout his life in service to his community, family, and friends. He is survived by his four sons, Bruce Michael of Seattle, Joseph Stanley of San Diego, CA, Gary Matthew and wife Carol (Ammerman) of Prosser and Robert Anthony of Renton, four grandchildren, Anthony Joseph Vegar of Prosser, Lance Corporal Daniel Lee Vegar US Marine Corps, sons of Gary and Carol Vegar, Laura Vegar and Nicholas Vegar of San Diego, CA children of Stan Vegar, Netta Vegar, many nieces and nephews, including Gretchen Newman, daughter of Joe’s sister Mary Elizabeth, who proceeded Joe in death in 2015. Brother Philip Skochilich passed away in 1985. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Prosser Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held Friday, July 7, 9:00 AM at the Prosser Cemetery. Friends of Joe are invited to attend graveside services and the celebration of his life at the Horse Heaven Hills Brewery following internment. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com