Harry Edward Middleton

Obituary Harry Edward Middleton died peacefully early in the morning on August 5th 2010 in Tacoma, Washington. He was born in Tacoma on March 4, 1922 to Allen Middleton and Anna Mae Gaynor Middleton. He grew up in Old Town with his siblings, Allen, Dr. Thomas and Shirley Middleton. He went to St. Patrick's Grade School, Bellarmine High School and attended the University of Washington. He enlisted in the Army during WWII and was a member of an International Harvester transportation unit stationed near London England. It was there that he met and married Flavia, his wife of over 50 years. At the end of the war Harry returned to Tacoma with Flavia and their eldest daughter Eileen where they settled in the North End and began to raise their family. He and Flavia lived in Tacoma for 25 years before moving to the beach in Minter in 1969. It was there he was most happy when the house was filled with family and friends celebrating holidays and family events or simply sitting on the patio looking at Henderson Bay. There was always an abundance of laughter, clams and oysters, vegetables from the garden, blackberry cobbler, volleyball and fireworks on the 4th of July and antics on Big Red. Harry was an avid gardener and took special pride in his roses and petunias. He loved a good cup of strong coffee. He enjoyed golfing and was proud member of the first foursome off the tee at Allenmore on Saturday mornings and later a member of the Men's Club at Madrona Links. He was a member St. Nicholas Parish for nearly 40 years. Harry worked at International Harvester Company for over 40 years, beginning in the parts department and then selling heavy trucks. Harry was the consummate salesman winning numerous awards for his efforts. He loved to tell stories of his escapades as a self-described "truck peddler" and the hard work that went along with it. Harry had many friends throughout the years including those from his childhood in Tacoma, neighbors in Minter, business associates and customers, and his dear friend from WICS. We will all miss his sense of humor, welcoming nature, unmatched ability to chat, love of family and unique use of language. Kapish? Harry was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife Flavia and daughter Patricia Orr. He is survived by his children Eileen Middleton Bradshaw of Kirkland, John Henry Middleton of Tacoma and Jack Orr (Karen) of Lakewood; his grandchildren Brian (Yvonne) Bradshaw, Amy Orr Sommerseth, Steven (Jennifer) Bradshaw, Beth Orr, Brett (Christina) Bradshaw and Casey Middleton; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Harry's family wants to give special thanks to the people at Living Life Care Center for the loving care that they provided to Harry during the last two years of his life. Salamat. Rosary will be said at 7:00pm on Tuesday, August 10th at the Gaffney Funeral Home 1002 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma. A celebration of his life and Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Wednesday, August 11th at St. Nicholas, 3510 Rosedale St. NW, Gig Harbor, with a reception to follow in the church hall. The interment will be at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.