Everett Kimberly Laitila

Obituary Everett K. Laitila 12/29/1957 ~ 9/30/2008 IN HONOR OF EVERETT LAITILA Everett Kimberly Laitila, 50, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on September 30th, 2008. At the moment of his death he was doing something he loved - riding his bicycle up a steep hill near his home in Tacoma. Many of us would wish for a quick passing while enjoying a favorite hobby, but for his family and friends the loss is difficult to accept because it was so unexpected and much too soon. Everett was born in Renton, Washington on December 29th, 1957, the fifth child of Hazel and Art Laitila. He was an uncommonly beautiful baby with long, curling eyelashes. His older siblings were constantly competing to hold him when he cried, but his sister Vi did the best job by dancing with him. Perhaps all the love he received from so many contributed to the very loving nature he exhibited throughout his life. Everett graduated from Hazen High School in Renton in 1976. Like his older brothers, he first went to work at the Kenworth truck factory, where his father had worked for many years. He left Kenworth to work for Safeway, starting at the Bellevue distribution center, where he loaded pallets of produce. In time he worked his way up to the distribution center office. There he made sure that all the Safeway stores in Washington were stocked with the produce needed each day. He loved his work and its daily challenges, despite its high-stress environment. Sadly, Everett was just months from his thirty-year retirement date. In 1982 Everett married Patty Evans. Patty had a son, Charlie, from her previous marriage. Everett's relationship with Charlie was one of love and pride and he was a happy participant in Charlie's wedding to Jennifer. Everett was every bit as committed to his grandchildren as he was to Charlie. His greatest joy was spending time with his three granddaughters Ivy, Olivia and Stormy, and his grandson Clayton. At least one day of every weekend was spent attending get-togethers, birthday parties, football games, and talent contests, or simply going for a swim. He was even brave enough to take the kids on trips with him in the motor home. No one could have been a better grandfather. Everett and his wife Patty divorced about a year and a half ago, but since then he found a lovely companion in Jeanine Hendricks, with whom he spent many good times. It was love at first sight. One of their favorite activities was going out for a picnic on Everett's boat to enjoy the peacefulness of being on the water. Last spring they enjoyed a cruise to Alaska along the inside passage, her 50th birthday present to him. They were looking forward to more trips and a happy retirement together. Everett was an intelligent and caring person and he had many talents and interests throughout his life. He enjoyed working with his hands and he and his brother, Paul, restored a vintage 1912 home in Tacoma. One of his passions for many years was riding dirt bikes, and he taught his son Charlie and his nephew Josh to ride. In recent years Everett became an avid weightlifter and cyclist. He had a great love of music and whenever he was exercising or doing something alone, his trusty ipod was there. He was especially fond of the Beatles' music. Everett applied his talents with gusto to a great variety of projects and hobbies. Everett was preceded in death by his father Arthur Wilfred Laitila and mother Hazel Bell Laitila. He is survived by: brothers and sisters Martha (Larry) Hyde, Art (Ruth) Laitila, Paul (Jenny) Laitila, and Vi Widen; son Charles (Jennifer) Carolus; nieces and nephews Julie DeBord (Tim), Andrew Hyde, James (Claudia) Laitila, Jerry (Britta) Laitila, Josh Laitila, Natasha Laitila, and Rachael Laitila; grandchildren Ivy, Olivia, Stormy and Clayton Carolus; and great nephews Jacob DeBord and Jacob Laitila; former wife Patty Miller; beloved companion Jeanine Hendricks; and his faithful old dog Ike. The family requests contributions be made to a memorial fund for Everett's grandchildren. Make contributions in person at any Wells Fargo branch or mail to Wells Fargo at 1819 NW Market St, Seattle Wa 98107. Please make checks payable to Everett Memorial Fund and note the account number on the memo line of the check: 5358018496.