DAVID ALAN EAMES

1942 - 2009

BORN

1942

DIED

2009

DAVID EAMES Obituary

David Alan Eames passed away peacefully from cancer at the age of 67 on Nov. 13, 2009. He resided in both Seattle and Mount Vernon, WA.
He was born in La Grande, OR on Feb. 18, 1942 to parents Nancy Ann Stewart and Alan Frank Eames.

He served in U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego in the early 1960's He married his soul mate, Rebecca (Becky) on the Queen Mary on Aug. 18, 1976. They spent their 34 years of marriage traveling, gardening, cooking, working and spending time with their family.

He started working as a box boy at Fred Meyers at the age of 16 and continued to work in the grocery business until he retired in 2009. The majority of those years were spent working for Haggen/Top Foods. From 1989-1995 he took that experience to start his own grocery chain, Food Connection in Oregon and California. Upon returning to the Northwest he rejoined his Haggen/Top Food family and continued to work until he retired this past May.

He is preceded in death by his wife Becky one year earlier of cancer and Babs his cat, 19 years of age.

He is survived by his children, Kathyrn (Paul) Fitzgerald, Michael Eames, Jennifer Leuenroth, Sarah (Dave) Sharpe and Chalnessa (Ash Modha) Eames, his grandchildren Matthew, Aislinn, Bryan, Jacy, Jenna, Jonathan, Ryan and Tommy, and one great grandchild Lucy. He also has a sister Jan and brother Donald (Jean) Eames who reside in Portland, OR.

"Thank you to all the people that have been there for our dad, especially the last 9 months. He was so loved."

We will be celebrating David's life on Dec 6, 2009 at the Majestic in Bellingham, Wa. 1027 N. Forest St. Bellingham, WA 98225 from 3-5pm.

Memorial donations in David's name may be made to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Nov. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID EAMES

9 Entries

Stephanie Fisher-Hunt

December 6, 2009

December 6, 2009

Dear Eames Family,

I am saddened by the death of your father. To lose one parent brings such grief. But, to lose two in such a short time must seem unbearable. They have been taken away much too soon.

David and I were close from the fall of 1959, when we both landed as senior transfer students at Woodrow Wilson High School, until somewhere during our sophomore year at college. The military called David to active duty. So many college students were losing their deferments that year. Vietnam was becoming a dark cloud over our heads. David went to San Diego for Navy recruit training, and then to life on a mine sweeper off the southern California coast.

We wrote often and occasionally spoke on the phone. His letters were filled with interesting experiences and humorous renditions of the antics he and his buddies engaged in during off duty hours. He would quip “Well, we have to have some fun while stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by water.” I missed our long walks with lively discussions about all kinds of topics. He will always hold a tender place in my heart. My brothers still remember him. I continued my studies at Portland State, and later married Terry, my husband of over forty years.

David used to send Christmas cards now and then, Twice he sent pictures of Kathy and Michael. He congratulated us when our children were born. I last heard from him after his divorce.

Our God is kind. His wife, Becky, became his life’s partner, and, as you have stated, his “soul mate.” He had all of you to love. He was very blessed. I only wish that there had been many more years for all of you.

We pray that your grief will be comforted by the sweet memories of a dad who loved you and life, and who was kind, compassionate and possessed of a great sense of humor.

December 4, 2009

My sincere condolences to all of Dave's family and friends...to think of him and Becky together again and without illness is a comfort for you all I pray. I first met Dave and Becky when we were working on setup of the Tualatin Haggen store. I was very proud to be a part of the team and to learn more about exceptional customer service from Dave. Imagine a small item left behind at the checkout being delivered with an apology and a huge bouquet of flowers as a thank-you for your patronage and a demonstration that your trust was not taken lightly-I had the privilege of learning that great lesson from Dave and delivering the above service on behalf of "our" store. From Dave we learned by example as he'd roll up his sleeves and work along side, customers loved him. He could make his point more directly if needed but it was rare to see. We also knew how very treasured Dave's family was-from his ballerina picture among others to the many momentoes he displayed in his office. Through the years we grew to know Becky and there was a joyful, infectious quality that surrounded them both. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you say your momentary goodbyes...may your treasured times and memories ease your loss. Grace & Peace-Stacy Mauer

Vicki (Goetze) Kelly

November 24, 2009

I was saddened to read about Jan's brother Dave's death in the Sunday Oregonian. From what I read, he lived a long and satisfying life. I know what it is like to lose a brother, since one of mine has been dead for nearly 17 years. I still miss my brother terribly.

The Eames family and my family lived several houses apart on the same street in the 1960s. I first met Jan when our families got together at the Eames' house. Jan and I were friends with Kris, who lived across the street from Jan.

I remembered Dave working at Freddy's. I remembered his then-wife and Kathy and Mike. The family was a frequent visitor to Jan and Mrs. Eames' house. They were nice people. Both Kathy and Mike were young kids at that time. Hard to believe that they are now grown ups and have kids of their own!

The family had a dog named Honey, named for her honey-colored coat. Honey also had a pale red nose and appeared to be a beagle mix. She was a very regal dog and hardly ever barked, to my knowledge. She also used to play with Jan's dog Penelope (a pug/boxer mix) when Dave's family would visit at Mrs. Eames' house. The two dogs were also together when Jan lived with Dave and his family after their mother died in the very late 1960s or very early 1970s.

Dave and his family moved to Edmonds and took Jan in shortly after their mother died. The family lived in Edmonds for a few years before they moved to California and I lost touch with Jan, Dave, and his family. I lost touch with Jan for a few years before she moved back to Portland in about the latter part of the 1970s. I again lost touch with her in about the early 1990s.

It was nice to read that he was very successful in the grocery business and he added to his family and was also a grandfather and great-grandfather.

My prayers go to Jan, Don, Dave's kids, grandkids, and great-granddaughter.

Greg Garrity

November 24, 2009

Dave and Becky were like a second set of parents to me when I worked for Haggen, both in Bellingham and in Portland. Dave taught me a lot and shaped me into the man that I am today. He showed trust in me and he made sure that I learned from my mistakes. I am grateful to have had both Dave and Becky in my lives. They will be missed and my thoughts and prayers to out to your family.

James Estes

November 23, 2009

I worked with Dave many years ago at Haggen. I actually met him first when he had his own store in Oregon. Simply a fine and decent man who loved talking about his wife and his kids. He laughed easily and kept pictures of the ballerina always close at hand.
My prayers go out to the family and friends that will miss Dave.

Beatriz Solís

November 23, 2009

My soul is with his family right now, specially Sarah and Chalnessa, I wish I could be with them too.
I miss you both, Dave and Becky.
Your "amiga" forever from Spain

John Riseland

November 22, 2009

I first knew Dave when he lived in Lynnwood and his sister Jan was living with him. I was her school counselor at Meadowdale High School. I next knew him in Bellingham when he was working for Haggen. The man I knew was a good man and I had not seen him for many years. I would be interested in contacting Jan if someone could give me an e-mail or snail mail address. I am very sorry for the families loss.

L Sharpe

November 22, 2009

To all Dave and Becky's family:
No mere words can express our heartfelt sympathy. We can only say we are sorry for the passing of Becky and now Dave. We hope that in time sweet memories will overcome your extreme sadness; that someday soon you will be able to have joyful feelings when you think of Dave and Becky together again in a world without pain and sickness. You have not lost the association of them forever ... just for a little time until you all meet again someday. This is the hope and faith we all count upon. ~The Sharpe Family

sarah Eames-Sharpe

November 22, 2009

my dad is with my mom but both are missed so much by Dave,Ryan, Tommy and myself. I love you dad and miss you so much. I hope mom even t hough this is not the way any of us wanted it but you are now spending your golden years together. My heart is being torn apart with how much I miss mom and you. xoxoxoxoxox bear

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