Eugene Pedrin
September 26, 1927 - February 17, 2008
Obituary
Eugene Gene Pedrin
September 26, 1927 – February 17, 2008
Eugene Gene Pedrin, 80, passed away February 17, 2008 at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He was born in Los Angeles, California to Eugene Pedrin and Carmen Varela Pedrin. He was the eldest of three children and preceded in death by both parents and his brother Daniel.
Gene was a hard-working, devoted family man. His parents separated at an early age and at the age of nine he began working to help support his family by selling newspapers. He instilled a strong work ethic in all his children. At the age of 17, by claiming he was 18, he enlisted in the Navy as an Apprentice Seaman. Gene served during World War II in China, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. During the period from 1945 to 1966 Gene served on the USS Pasadena, USS Breckinridge, USS Watts, USS Wright, and the USS Wedderburn. While aboard the USS Watts, he received distinguished service commendation for his outstanding work as an interpreter. His children have many fond memories of visiting his various ships and the excitement of waiting dockside as his ship returned from sea duty. Gene was a Storekeeper Second Class when he retired from the Navy in 1966. Following his naval retirement, Gene worked for the University of Washington supply department until he retired in 1993.
Gene was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church as an infant and developed a deep faith. Prayer was a daily part of his life. He held a particular affection for the Virgin Mary, and made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Gene and his wife were passionate Husky and Seahawks fans. They were season Seahawks ticket holders and their license plate ‘SEAHOX’ was frequently seen at the SeaTac airport when they joyfully welcomed their team home– win or lose. They enjoyed outdoor activities – trips to the mountains and lakes, canoeing, and bicycling. Gardening was a source of great enjoyment and pride for Gene. He was meticulous about keeping up their extensive rose gardens, and was known for having the best lawn in the neighborhood. Gene and Arlette were passionate about the environment and treatment of animals. Their backyard is a Designated Backyard Wildlife Habitat and they contributed to numerous organizations that supported their ardent interest. Gene enjoyed taking care of the goldfish in their pond and trying to find ways to outwit the local Heron. They were devoted to their poodles and assortment of birds and they always went the extra mile to assure that their pets had the best in life they could provide.
Gene is survived by Arlette, his wife of 53 years; daughter Arlette Davison husband Michael; sons Robert wife Lisa, Patrick companion Jane Gerard, and Kristopher wife Teresa; nine grandchildren: granddaughters Coreen Drummond, Laura Johnson Herschel, Cassie Crider Marty, Kelly DeMerritt Trevor; grandsons Mark Mariya, Daniel Lisa, Benjamin, Ansel, Michael; nine great-grandchildren: Celeste, Jason, Jakob, Taylor, Cameron P., Cameron J., Chloe, Tiffany, Thomas; and his sister Henrietta Gardner.
A memorial service will be held at Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th Street, Burien, WA 98166 on Friday, February 22nd at 10 AM. A reception will follow the service. Internment with Military Honors will be held the same day at 1:45 PM, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
The family wishes to offer special thanks and gratitude to the University of Washington Hospital Intensive Care doctors and nurses for their loving care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Eugene’s name to one of the wildlife or animal organizations that were so meaningful to him. Suggested organizations are:
The Wilderness Society
Membership Services
1615 M St, NW
Washington, DC 20036
PAWS
P.O. Box 1037
Lynwood, WA 98046
Defenders of Wildlife
1130 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
I have many fond childhood memories of Mr. Pedrin. I’m happy to know he lived a long life and died surrounded by loving family. I’m sorry for your loss.
I will miss you, Dad. The love of you and Mom have meant more to me than I could possibly put into words.Your memory will live on through all of us who were blessed to have known you and learn from your example of a sacrificial life. I know you are in heaven now and are no longer in pain. For that I rejoice.
Our prayers are sent out to your family in your time of sorrow. Eugene is a wonderful individual and an outstanding man.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Arlette and Michael, and your whole family. Even though we didn’t know your dad, what a blessing it was to read about him. He truly left a wonderful legacy for his family that will live on. What an encouragement.
We will all miss you Dad. You and Mom have given me a great and memorable childhood and have also given my children some great memories. Through your passing you have taught me so much about life. You have given me focus as to what is truly important in life. You have taught me many important lessons throughout your life and through your passing. That’s just the kind of man you are Dad and always will be in our minds and in our hearts. I love you Dad. I will always love you Dad and I’ll never forget you. With much Love & Gratitude, Your son Kris
eugene the whole family will miss and always love u
Mike, Arlette & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. I’ll always remember Gene’s warm smile, wonderful humor and caring compassion from the times I was lucky enough to share with him & your family. Take care.
Love Pat
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gene was a pleasure to know and will be missed. With much love and blessings, Treva Davison, Dan and Cindy Eskelson
This was special for me. About a year or so after my father passed away Gene and I were visiting in a quiet spot at one of the family gatherings and I asked him if he would kind of “fill in” for my dad since my dad was gone … and of course he accepted with that Gene smile, a kind of a knowing smile. After that there were a few times that he and I might disagree on something and he would look at me with the “father” look that let me know I was wrong. I loved it. He was a great second father.
I remember too, when Arlette and I got a player piano and mom and dad came over, it was in 1991. Dad loved watching it play and listening to the classical piano music. The family got together at the dining room table a little later and there was no dad! He was by himself, gazing out the living room window listening to the piano music! He did love his music.
I wish I’d had a chance to share some of my favorite memories of you yesterday, but I don’t think I would have been able to find the words. More important than memories are the things I love about you… those are what I will miss and cherish the most.
Grandpa, you had the greatest laugh… And you always greeted everyone with a smile. Of course, it goes without saying that your Teriyaki Chicken Wings were in a class of their own. I always laughed when you’d make that face at Grandma often with your hands on your hips, smile, and say “Pedrin!”.
You and Grandma were with us the day Cameron was born, and you were among the first to hold him…
I’m going to miss you more than anyone will ever know. I’m so blessed to have you as my Grandpa.
I’ll see you again someday.
I love you,
Laura
I love you Grandpa! I will miss you every day.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Our thought and prayers for our beloved Gene. Eternal Rest Grant Unto him O Lord !
We will surely miss you. Our love to Arlette and family.