Jay W. Speakman

01/02/1921 - 12/26/2010

SPEAKMAN, Jay Wells
January 2, 1921
December 26, 2010

Jay died peacefully with family at his bedside the morning of Sunday, December 26, 2010, in the Spokane Valley. He was 89 years old.

Jay was born January 2, 1921 in Fillmore, Utah; the son of Wells and Ellen Speakman.

Jay attended Millard High School in Fillmore, then joined the "United States Army Air Force." He continued his studies in pre-flight and primary flying schools, becoming proficient in mathematics, physics, aeronautics and cryptography. He also specialized in Radio Mechanics: the repair maintenance, theory and mechanics of radios.

Jay's military qualifications include:
AAF Tech Badge with Radio Spec Bar, Marksman.
Army Decorations: American Theater Of Operations Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal AR 600-68, Victory Medal. Jay served his country from 1942 to 1946.

Jay met Marianne Rudolph in 1946 while working at Lockheed. Theirs was a classic romance that culminated in marriage on January 10, 1948. They lived happily in Glendale, California, where in 1950, they welcomed a daughter, Annette, and later, in 1952, a son, Kenneth. In 1954, the Speakman's relocated to Spokane, Washington, where they purchased their first home and continued to add to their family. In 1957, Marianne gave birth to Celeste, and their youngest daughter Yvonne was born in 1964.

Jay was a loving husband, father and an excellent provider for his family, working at Kaiser Aluminum in the Engineering Department and also as an Artist and Sculptor. In 1978 Jay received recognition for his artwork from K. Stout, Chairman, Engineering Division, Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology for a woodcarving entitled (Prospector with Burro). Jay's ever-present focus and commitment to his endeavors instilled a strong work ethic in his children.

Jay enjoyed tending his and Marianne's home, yard, garden and small grape arbor. His hobbies included lawn bowling and golf. He could often be found at the community pool or surrounding lakes overseeing his children and their friends playing and swimming in the water.

Jay W. Speakman of Spokane, Washington is survived by his four children along with his seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a brother, Alton Speakman.

Daughter:
Annette V. Steffenson Seattle, Washington

Son:
Kenneth W. Speakman Cibola, Arizona

Daughter:
Celeste J. Christenson Eagle River, Alaska

Daughter:
Yvonne M. Speakman Ottumwa, Iowa.

Grandchildren:
Heather, Ty, Anah, Nicholas, Mercury, Adrian, Avril.

Great-Grandchildren:
Josh and Ben

At Jay's request there will be a private funeral with family.