Harry Edward Miles
April 18, 1926 - October 11, 2007
Obituary
Harry Edward MILES Jr.
81, our loving father and grandfather died peacefully on October 11 at the Somerset Memory Care Center in Everett after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born in April 1926, he was the fourth and last child of Grace Van Well Miles and Harry Miles. He grew up in the Fremont and Greenwood areas of Seattle and attended St. John Grade School and Lincoln High School. He developed his life-long love of horses and horseback-riding as a boy while leading ponies at Woodland Park.
Harry graduated from high school in 1944 and less than a year later found himself in the Army in Okinawa. He spent his 19th birthday in a foxhole helping relieve the First Marine Division to “mop up” after their invasion. Okinawa was his home until WWII was over in August 1945. He then took his first plane ride to mainland Japan where he was transferred to the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper and part of the occupational troops stationed there. In addition to his training as a paratrooper, Harry also had the opportunity to put his horse-riding skills to use as a member of the Army polo team. He lived in Japan until he was honorably discharged from the Army in August 1946.
Now twenty years old, Harry returned to Seattle for a time and then joined friends on a week-long trek to Anchorage, Alaska to find work in construction. It was there that he met his future bride, Florine Blondie Ertwine. They were married in February, 1949. They lived in Anchorage, had their first of four sons, and then moved to Seattle and settled in the Crown Hill area.
Harry was a gifted carpenter and mechanic. He held a number of positions in Seattle where he used these gifts while his family grew. He eventually found his place in the auto parts business and ultimately managed a parts warehouse for nearly two decades until he retired in 1987.
In retirement, he pursued his passions of reading WWII history, trail-bike riding, hiking, golfing, fishing, and being with his grandchildren as often as possible. He lost his wife of 56 years in February 2006.
Harry will be remembered for many things, but particularly for his integrity, his fantastic sense of humor, his fun-loving/adventurous nature, his ability to fix or build just about anything, and his dedication to and love for family. We miss him dearly.
He is survived by his older brother, retired Air Force Colonel, William James Miles; his four sons: Greg, Jeff, Steve and Ed; his four grandchildren: Eric, Jeanne, Lauren and Mackenzie; great granddaughter Maliyah, and his two daughters in law: Catherine and Debbie.
The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the wonderful management and staff of the Somerset Memory Care Center in Everett for their loving, attentive care of Dad/Grampa.
Memorial services are being arranged and will be announced. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association 12721 – 30th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125. Please visit Harry’s guestbook online at www.wiggenandsons.com
As I read the notice, I could only smile. I so remember the many laughs for which Harry was responsible. Enjoy the memories. He was a fine man. Take care, Mike Johnson
I was sorry to see of the passing of Harry. I knew him for many years when I was a driver for Roy’s Auto Parts and later as the owner. He was a delight to talk to and joke with. For many years I called him Mister cool and he called me shades. I would like to offer my condolances to his family and let you know I will not forget Harry, he was a very special guy.
I was fortunate enough to have known Harry since I was a little girl… spending holidays, Connolly family get togethers and camping at the property was always a great time when Harry and Flo were there! I have missed him since his illness. Harry was a jokester- glass of wine in one hand, bright red nose and cherry colored cheeks and ALWAYS a kind word. I know that he and Flo are reunited and loving every minute of it! Rest well Harry- you are loved and will be missed by all of us left behind!
Dear Greg, Jeff, Steve and Eddie. Memories!We first met your Dad and Mom in 1961 at the Jubilee Club. There were the meetings, dances, parties, camping, RVING,trips to Elk Meadows,playing golf with George every Monday,Georgetown Service Center and making sandwiches at our house for St. Martin de Porres men’s shelter. These are just a few of the times we spent together. I’ll always remember his laughter, wit and humor.I remember your Dad saying that when he came back in his next life he wanted to come back as a seagull and fly over Husky Stadium. Last Saturday when our son David he remembers us talking about thiswent to the Husky game I asked him to look for Harry flying over the stadium.We have missed your Dad for a long time, but we all will remember him forever.Thanks for the Memories Harry. Love and Prayers, Margaret
For more than two years, our family included Harry in our nighttime prayers: ”And please God, bring peace and comfort to Grandma and Mr. Harry.”
We are thankful that Harry is finally at peace and free at last of the horrible disease which robbed him of his memories. I know in my heart that all his memories have been returned to him and he is smiling down on all of us who loved him.
Harry had a wonderful sense of humor and was truly a kind person. I have such fond memories of Harry and Florine, especially camping at their property at Elk Meadows.
I hope my mother will join Harry and Flo soon and they can all sit around the campfire along with other Jubilee Club members who have gone…I can hear them now.
Rest in peace, Harry. You are well remembered.
Love,
Molly, Crispin, Bonnie, Lochlan & Fiona
I knew Mr. and Mrs. Miles when I was a little girl through my Uncle Richard and Aunt Irene Smith–what an amazing couple! Mr. Miles always had time to talk with the kids and told great stories–and made us laugh! I’ll never forget the time he was recovering from crashing on his motorbike he’d broken his cheekbone and he could still laugh about how it happened!! I will always remember Mr. Miles for his kindness, gentleness and infectious sense of humor.
We have so many memories of both Harry and Flo. Of course the sitting around the fire after playing golf all day!
We enjoyed so many New Years Eves playing poker with you both and the
Jerry Mcmahons and Dick and Cherry too!
Thanks to your kids for sharing you
with us all!
When we read of Harry’s passing we said to each other, now he can again ‘go with the Flo’. Harry and Flo were wonderful neighbors. We enjoyed them and their family so much, we have and will continue to miss them both. Our prayers are with you Greg, Jeff, Steve, Eddie and with your families.
Dear Greg, Jeff, Steve and Eddie,
I am so disappointed I didn’t make it to the service today. I really wanted to be there.
We have wonderful memories growing up with your family and Jubilee Club. And now the last two years we have shared our thoughts and feelings because of our parent’s journey with Alzheimer’s.
Your folks are missed but I’ll bet they are happy campers now, together again.
Take care,
Maureen
I am sorry to hear of Harrys passing. My father was David Pitblado. He and Harry were childhood friends. When I was young I remember my father speak fondly of Harry. My father passed away in 2001 and in his belongings I found a picture of Harry taken in uniform in Japan in 1945. I would like to return it to family. I know i would want it if it were my father. anitam1256@msn.com