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Henry Towne Obituary
Henry passed away at the age of 97 on Feb. 9 at home in Kent, WA surrounded by his family. Henry was preceded in death by his sisters Mary and Florence, and two infant brothers. He was born Feb. 23, 1915 in Foley, MN to Cyrus and Mary Towne. Early in his life, Henry, with his parents and sisters, moved from MN to Kent, WA. In 1939, Henry began a 43 year career with the Boeing Airplane Co. Hank loved to garden and had a vegetable garden every year from boyhood until age 96. His specialty was growing the tallest sunflowers, dahlia, hollyhocks and sweet corn, and the largest tomatoes. Hank was a great storyteller and could often be seen riding his bike around Kent. He was an avid downhill skier and as a member of the " 70+ club", he continued to ski well into his 80's. Henry is survived by Irene, his loving wife of 56 years; daughters, Ramona Nelson (John), Amy Waller (John), Sara Stracke (Gary) and son, Leo Towne; as well as 6 grandchildren, Alex, Joshua, Taylor, Ryan, Nicole and Tate. Henry was a long time member of Corpus Christi Chapel (204 6th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA) where funeral mass will be held on Sat., Feb. 16 at 10 am. The Rosary will precede the mass at 9:00 am. Burial to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, (S. 204th and Orillia Rd., Kent, WA).
Sign Henry's on-line Guest Book a www.Legacy.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Towne
Jenean Hoban
April 18, 2022
I understand it has been many years since the loss.
I didn't know him personally, though I did meet him several times during the early 1990's.
I knew him to be described as a great father/ grandfather.
His son was proud of him as well as being proud to be his son.
His pride also could be seen on the walls of their home in the photos of his beautiful grandchildren.
I am sure he is continuing to watch over his entire family each day with the same pride.
I send condolences to each of his loved ones.
I'm sorry it took so long.
February 19, 2013
Oh Hank! Such a great fellow. He gave my kids the 'grow stick' when they were babies so we could measure their growing progess. He handles the books at church. Lots of jokes he would tell. And write! He would give my little handwritten notes and smile broad. Super fond memories of him and his family (Leo and Amy & wife Irene). God rest and Mary love you Hank! You and yours are always in my thoughts & prayers! Angela (Hagemeyer) Barnes
Paul Herrick
February 16, 2013
My deepest condolences to you all. Hank was a really neat guy, one of the most unique characters I have ever known. I always enjoyed his great stories. He was a wonderful man. I am sure they are listening to many Hank Towne stories up there in heaven today. My deepest sympathy.
Paul Herrick
Mary Anne (Howard) Hevly
February 15, 2013
I want to express my sympathy to the family of Henry Towne who has given me some memorable times. He was an asset to his family, his church and his community.
My most memorable memory is going skiing with Henry at either Sunrise or Paradise at Mt. Rainier. One of them had a tow lift. Henry, using the long,heavy wooden skiis of the day, and laceup boots, would ski backwards, forwards and in circles. Would be nice to see the skiing acrobats of today on the same equipment. He was fun. God rest his soul.
February 13, 2013
Family and friends of Henry (Hank),
I was a little girl when I first met Henry. I believe I was around 6 years old. I was living with my mother and grandmother, my father was killed in WW2. Hank was so kind to us all the time. He would bring these huge pumpkins to me at Halloween. During the years he would bring some of the fruits from his garden. Huge tomato's and other good things. Some time's flowers for my mother. Lot's of other good times with Hank. This was in the 1940's and some of 1950's.
It is hard to lose some one you love. I lost my mother when she was only 65. Her birthday was a week before she passed away. You feel like you never have them long enough. God bless them...
Time is a wonderful healer. You will never forget Hank, but after some time has passed you will get over the sadness and remember funny times and good times. Aren't you lucky to have had him so long??
I am also thinking of you and praying for you. You will get thru this sad time.
Peace be with you,
Celeste Owen Murray, Daughter of Borgny Owen, also known as Bonnie. Mom thought the world of Hank/Henry. He was good to me and as far as I heard and saw, he was good to everyone. Heaven is a better place because of Henry Charles Towne
Louise Yost
February 13, 2013
Dear Irene and family, especially Leo who I knew in school.,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father respectively. He was a good man. We will keep him in our prayers and have a Holy Mass offered for the repose of his soul.
God bless you!
Louise (Hagemeyer) Yost, Nick Yost, and baby Agnes
Cynthia Barron
February 13, 2013
To the family~I don't think there was anybody who didn't know this family~growing up~ Henry's name would come up~and always followed by what a really good guy he was~
Our mom knew your husband and dad well~and was also great friend's with Mary~
My brother worked with Henry at Boeing~always with a smile at how smart and dedicated he was ~~
We are thinking of you ~
From the family of Jeanne Costello Masters~~~
Cynthia Masters Barron
George Masters
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