Atherton Woods Pomeroy
April 8, 1927 - April 4, 2009
Obituary
Atherton Woods Pomeroy
4/8/1927 to 4/4/2009
Atherton Al Woods Pomeroy of Milton, WA died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of April 4th, 2009.
Always a fighter, he courageously faced his latest health challenge these last few years. He was diagnosed with PSP Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in Dec 2006; a rare neuromuscular disorder. He had previously succeeded in defeating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer in 2005.
Whether you met him on the ocean beach smelting, out in his garden, or in the boardroom negotiating a deal, he was a man who was at ease in his surroundings. He loved his family, his work, and life in general. He met every obstacle with determination and humor. Known for his big smile and capable hands, he was a man of patience, a ready laugh and easy friendship. He taught by example, and the lessons he passed on have well served many.
Al Dad was born in Seattle April 8th, 1927. His father was Albert Atherton Pomeroy and his mother was Dorothy Anne Pomeroy. Together they had five sons, of which two passed away as infants. Al and his two brothers, Phillip Lyde 1922 -1979, Carl Roger 1929-1947 grew up in South Seattle where the Seattle Tacoma Airport is now located.
During his youth he made many lifelong friends and had many stories about his escapades with them.
He graduated from Highline High School, and was drafted into the Army. He served in Korea from 1944-46. After leaving the Army, he attended Seattle University as a freshman, and then transferred to the University of WA. He graduated with a BA in Sociology and Business.
In 1951, he met the love of his life Jacqueline Jackie Alice Duncan, while on a summer break at Camp Houston a retreat camp of the Episcopal Church, in Goldbar WA. She was a counselor and he was an assistant to the chef his mother.
A 57-year marriage ensued which began on February 14th, 1952. Together they raised 4 children through the years – Deborah, Linda, Roger and Paul. As a father, he touched each of their lives in his own special way.
Al’s career began in 1952 as the personnel manager for Allied Stores the Bon Marché. In 1953, he accepted a higher paying position at Boeing. This began his successful 39-year long career, cumulating as VP of Finance for the 777 Program. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and counted many co-workers as his friends – he loved his work and the many challenges and friendships it brought along the way. In addition, he served on the Boeing Employees Credit Union board of directors for 11 years, including 1988-1989 as Chairman. He retired from Boeing in 1992. During this time he also cared for his elderly mother and mother in law; as well as raising his family.
Retirement brought lots of travel – mostly cruises with Jackie and the family. They fell in love with Hood Canal and spend many enjoyable times there at their cabin. Cooking, especially BBQ, gardening and woodworking became his interests. Retirement also allowed him the time to serve his church Christ Church of Puyallup, WA, lead the Milton Activity Center, and volunteer for Service Corp of Retired Executives SCORE as a Small Business Association SBA counselor.
Mostly he loved doting on the love of his life, Jackie and his grandchildren. All have enjoyed the charms of Grandpa’s care, which shall be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Phillip and Carl.
He is survived by his loving wife Jackie; and by his children: Deborah Welte John of Beaverton, OR; Linda Pomeroy-Hull Dan of Milton, WA; Roger Pomeroy Sue of Issaquah, WA; Paul Pomeroy Jodie of Auburn, WA; and his nephew James Pomeroy Pam of Mountlake Terrace, WA; his grandchildren Sarah, Peter, and Elizabeth Welte; Danielle Hull; Elena, Brandon, Jenae, and Garrett Pomeroy.
His family meant so much to him. He will be so dearly missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements are by:
Washington Memorial Park at SeaTac Bonney Watson
16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
Online condolences can be left at www.bonneywatson.com
Viewing will be held on Wednesday April 15 from 2 – 5PM
A memorial service reception following will be held Thursday April 16th at 2:30 PM at:
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at Brown’s Point,
6800 Eastside Drive NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
www.stmatthew-brownspoint.com
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may made be to:
CurePSP The Society for PSP
Executive Plaza III
11350 McCormick Road
Suite 906
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Please call 800-457-4777 if you have any questions about PSP donations.
Online giving:
http://www.psp.org/page/giftonline
Corporate Matching is accepted.
For more information about PSP visit this site. http://www.pspinformation.com/disease/psp/pspinfo.shtml
Al and Jackie were very actively involved in Christ Church in Puyallup. They offered all of us guidance and fellowship for many years. Their pew remains empty and we continue to miss them. May your memories of all the good times help heal the sorrow of Al’s passing.
Linda and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He is in a good place now and watching over all of you. Take care!
I worked directly for Al when he was the Director of Finance at the Renton Divsion. He was a smart, funny, kind, patient, wonderful man.
My condolences to his family.
Ted Schuehle
To the Pomeroy family – I was saddened to read Al’s obituary in this morning’s Seattle Times. I didn’t know him well, but as next door neighbors in Brinnon, we had a brief acquaintance. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Merry Herrin
Al and Jackie were a “Fixture” at Christ Church. We still miss them from “their” pew at church. He was a great guy, always gave my mom a ride when I was out of town. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
To the Pomeroy Family,
Even though I got to meet Al only on a few occasions the first time was at his daughter Linda’s wedding to Dan, I sensed what a special man he was. I was saddened to hear of his passing. May your precious memories of him and his love for you all help you through this difficult time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I interfaced with Al over the years and in 1990 I was assigned as the Dir of Prog Mgt on the 777 Program.
Al encouraged and supported my management intiatives. Al was the VP who provided leadership on the program until Alan Mulally was assigned as GM to replace Phil Condit.
Al was a leader in the success of the 777 Program and his only negative contribution was to retire early—-but Al earned it!!
I was honered to serve as the Master of Ceremonys at his retirement. I am a better person because the example Al exhibited every day.