Fred Barrut Vea
December 19, 1913 - August 20, 2003
Obituary
Fred Vea, age 89, left us quietly on August 20, 2003. Alzheimer’s Disease stole his mind, then his body.
Fred was born December 19, 1913 in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. At the early age of 16, he arrived in America to live the American Dream working in the fields of Southern California and fish canneries in Alaska. He served as a merchant marine and helped the injured on a hospital ship during WWII. He retired at age 65 after working tirelessly for 28 years for Burlington Northern RR Interbay Roundhouse in Ballard, WA.
After retirement he was active with his wife, Gloria, in Bibak of Pacific Northwest. He found tremendous joy in being with his grandchildren and toiling in his garden. He was a very caring, loving and generous man. He never refused anyone in their time of need. Fred was a dedicated husband and father who never faltered in his commitments.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gloria; daughter, Sharon Horton George; son, Fred Putlak Vea Betty; grandchildren, Doug Deanna Horton and Arron Andrea Horton, Melissa Ann Vea and Mike Shawn Shelly Hudgins; great-granddaughters, Arriana, Aaliyah and Zoe, as well as numerous nieces, nephews from California and Ottawa, Canada and Mrs. Jean Ramos and family of Seattle.
The family wishes to express our gratitude to the Bibak of Pacific Northwest Organization, where Fred enjoyed many a happy time, the doctors and nurses of Virginia Mason Hospital, and all the wonderful caregivers of First Hill Nursing Center in Seattle.
Viewing will be offered from 9:00AM – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 26, 2003 and Wednesday, August 27 with a recitation of the rosary on Wednesday at 7:00 PM all at BONNEY-WATSON Capitol Hill, 1732 Broadway, Seattle 206 322-0013 A funeral mass will be offered at St. James Cathedral Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 12:10 PM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle.
Please sign the online register book at www.bonneywatson.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Washington, 12721 – 30th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125.
Truly a humble man. You will probably tutor my wife Cita Sales how to drive again when you two meet each other in heaven. God Bless!