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Nathaniel Penrose Obituary
Nathaniel S. Penrose, Jr., age 85, died August 18, 2017, at home in Shoreline, WA, where he had lived since 1981. Nat was born March 27, 1932, in Seattle, WA, to Nathaniel S. Penrose and Esther B. Penrose. A member of the Franklin High School class of 1950, Nat attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, graduating in 1955. He married the former Dorothy "Poo" Allen on September 3, 1960, locking in his claim to be the luckiest man alive. They had three children: William A. Penrose and Michael B. Penrose, both of Seattle, and Nancy Penrose of Snohomish, WA.
Nat worked for PeoplesBank of Washington from 1958 to 1983, managing branches in Kirkland and Tacoma before joining the main office in Seattle in 1979. With his lifelong best friend John Stirrat, Nat bought Business Telephone Systems in 1983, which they soon led to profitability and then sold in 1998, when he retired to play even more golf. His love of family and friends was evident to all he knew. He was an expert skier, enjoying trips with Poo and the kids to resorts around the Northwest, BC, the Rockies, and one epic adventure in the Alps. He was the only person known to have backed a boat trailer onto a nearly loaded ferry bound for Lopez Island from Orcas, which earned him a warm ovation from spectators on deck. May his enormous belly laugh ring in our memories forever.
Nat served for many years on the boards of the University of Puget Sound, St. Joseph Hospital, Franciscan Health System, the Washington State Hospital Association, and the Seattle Children's Home. He was a past president of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club and a member of the Seattle Golf Club since 1981. He is survived by Poo, his wife of nearly 57 years; his sister, Phyllis P. Bignold of Seattle; three children, five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank long-term care providers Michael and Julie, and the hospice nurses, especially Christina Carr, RN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paul Pigott and William M. Allen Professorship in Ethics at Whitman College, the Seattle Children's Home, or the University of Puget Sound.
A celebration of his life
will be held at the
Seattle Golf Club on Thursday, September 28, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Please sign Nat's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nathaniel Penrose
Sponsored by The Family.
Hez Wilson
August 21, 2024
My daughter brought up skiing a couple weeks ago, Looking back at you teaching me how to ski. Truly appreciate all the life skills that you taught me.
Robert DeLong
January 12, 2018
Sometimes news takes a long time to get to New Zealand. i amsaddened to hear of Nat's passing. He will be remembered as a friend and mentor.
Karen Anderson
September 28, 2017
Nat and Poo always made me feel welcome in their home.Nat always gave me great hugs.My sincere condolences.
Gena Palm
September 26, 2017
Nat was most welcoming when I joined the staff at Seattle Children's Home. Together Nat and Poo supported our important work and were chief cheerleaders for children with significant mental health issues. Thank you...you made a difference in the lives of many young people over many years. I will miss you.
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Jeffrey Lewis
September 25, 2017
It was my honor to get to know Nat about 18 years ago. His wisdom, expertise and his humor helped steer many of us through good times and bad. Peace and best wishes to the entire Penrose family.
Jeffrey P. Lewis
September 13, 2017
We have all fond memories of Nat... always,
Russ and Margie Sleight
Shelton, Washington
Peggy Newsom
September 7, 2017
Nat was always so supportive of all of us "Moms", friendly and fun to be around at our parties. Hal often commented about what a great guy he was. He and Poo were a wonderful couple and a model for many other marriages. My sincere sympathies to Poo and all the family. He will be missed.
September 6, 2017
Poo and family.
I have so many wonderful memories of working with Nat at BTS. He made work fun and went out of his way to acknowledge the people who worked there. Poo, I especially remember the BTSer Christmas party at your home. You playing the piano while Gary and I tried our best to carry a tune!
I now work for Continuant and when we were located in Tukwila, several former BTSer's interviewed with our CEO Doug. After interviewing 3 or 4, he came to me and said that everyone who applied was very professional and likable. That is how Nat made us feel too.
I will be in California the week of the 25th but my heart will be with you and your family.
Jennifer Mudie
Jerry Sorensen
September 3, 2017
Nat befriended me early in my career at Peoples Bank. He supported my work and provided personal advice and wise council. He was a great guy and always offered a great smile and attitude.
Lindsey LeRoy
September 3, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May Nat Rest In Peace.
Ken & Ritchie Saunders
September 2, 2017
Dear Poo,
Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Nat's passing. So glad we had our gathering in Palm Desert to hear him tell Montana stories and to remember all the past history of our families. He had us all laughing so hard we cried.
Love & Hugs, Ken & Ritchie
August 31, 2017
Dear Poo,
I'm so sorry to hear about Nat. He was such a large part of my life while in Tacoma. His knowledge, leadership, and support were invaluable in building St. Joes and the system to where they are today. It is impossible to adequately express my appreciation for all he did for me and the hospital.
You both will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers
Sincerely
Dan Russell
August 30, 2017
No Nat, we won't tell about the four of us getting caught in the Highlands pool after midnight, rather I'm sharing a tender moment when you took the time to show our 5 year old son how to bait a hook down at the cabin. Tyler had a lot of questions about the worm. You were very patient. Thank you.
With love to your wonderful family, Mary & Jim
Chez Wilson
August 28, 2017
I can't think of a man that I looked up to more and his values have stuck with me to this day. Mr. Penrose is what most men can only dream to be, what ever he touched turned to gold.
Lindsay Butler
August 28, 2017
To Bill and family, very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time. I remember you talking about your cool dad when we were at UVM.
Smoke & Thelma Elser
August 27, 2017
Dear Poo & family,
We were saddened to hear about Nat's death. We have so many great memories of time spent with your family, both in the hills and visiting since that time. We remember his infectious grin, his playing the spoons (the only guest in all our years that ever did that) and just the general "joy" that he got out of life. We will miss him, but feel so privileged to have known him. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dinny Polson
August 27, 2017
What a loss of a wonderful, upbeat, positive friend and equal half of a wonderful, fun couple who set an example to all of a fantastic marriage. He made the world a happier place. We will all miss him and treasure him as a dear friend. I feel lucky to have him in my life. Deepest sympathy to you Poo and Nancy and your two brothers. Dinny
Joy Townsend (Chaussee)
August 27, 2017
Nat was one of the "good ones." A very lovely man, funny and easy to be around. I learned how to laugh from Nat. Poo, I remember so fondly our ski trips and dinners and parties. My heart goes out to you and your family. Nat blessed us all with his presence.
Joan Colgate
August 27, 2017
Poo and Family...We all share your grief for he was in an important part of our lives one time or another. God Bless Joan
K Kennell
August 27, 2017
Nat was always a classy guy, super smart but always kind and treated everyone as if they were special to him. His grace is something all too rare. He shall be missed.
August 27, 2017
Truly the best person I ever worked for at Peoples Bank in Tacoma. You will be missed...what good times we had and I learned so much from you.
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