Warren "Avie" Avenson

1921 - 2017

Warren "Avie" Avenson

December 15, 1921 ~ April 1, 2017

Avie knew early that flying planes was his passion. Growing up in Hibbing Minnesota he worked in iron ore mines to make money for flight schools and college. He started flying as a teenager, gained hours as a flight instructor, was hired as a pilot by Northwest Airlines in 1943, and flew as a US Navy pilot during WW2 then as a reservist. Shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart Dorothy Sinamark in 1946, Avie and Dotty, ready for an adventure, moved to Tokyo Japan for 2 years... and stayed for 10 years! The family which then included their 4 Tokyo- born children returned to Minnesota where he flew domestic out of MSP the next 10 years. Their last move was to Mercer Island WA so he could fly Asia routes out of SEA, reaching Northwest 747 captain with #1 seniority.

As a child, helping his father care for his invalid mother, his younger sister Doris, and their home was the foundation of Avie's life as a giver of time, talents, and resources. He developed his interest in how things work and how to fix them from his father. Contributing to Avie's full life of 95 years were his instincts for healthy living. He gave up smoking long before the Surgeon General's report, was jogging before it was trendy, gave up salt and fats long before that was popular, and kept a close eye on his waistline.

Meeting Avie for the first time was often a memorable event. He expressed his appreciation whether you were selling him a shirt, giving him his meds, or showing him the marvels of a new machine. Learning something new and passing on his knowledge equally excited him. He was a punster, could see the humorous side of any situation, and loved sharing the amusing tales of life in the airlines.

Family includes Dorothy of Redmond WA; children Julie Sigler (Robert) of Troy MI, Sally (Dan Dierks, deceased) of Seattle WA, Paul (Carol) of Bloomington IN, David (deceased as infant), Billy (deceased at age 12); grandchildren Dan, Mark, Bill (Gretchen Williams) Sigler; Amelia, Evan and Quinn Dierks; Erik Avenson (deceased as infant); 12 nieces and nephews.

Memorial service Saturday

April 8, 2017, 10:00 am at

Emerald Heights, Redmond WA.