Earl Eugene Dutton

Earl Eugene Dutton

Earl Eugene Dutton, 82, passed away June 26, 2011, after living a life filled with love for his family, friends and community.
Earl was born on January 16, 1929 on a dairy farm in Arlington, WA to Gladys and Arthur Dutton. From a young age he was a responsible person. When he was two years old, his mother pinned a note to his suspenders and told him to run into the fields to find his father to tell him she was in labor, and he did. After his father broke both of his legs in an accident, 12-year-old Earl slept at a chicken hatchery so he could turn the eggs in order to support his family.
In 1935 Earl's family moved to Everett. He graduated from Everett High School in 1946. He then attended Everett Junior College, but was not able to finish due to finances, the one thing in life he said he regretted.
Earl worked in the electrical industry for over 50 years. Beginning as an electrician, moving on to become Vice President of Lord Electric, and ultimately purchasing the Seattle office of Lord in 1987 and renaming it Dutton Electric. Earl sold the business in 2001.
In his early career it was necessary for him to travel. On March 17, 1954, during one of his travels to Portsmouth, Ohio, Earl met the love of his life, June Paxton. They were married less than a month later on April 10, 1954 and were married for 53 years until her passing in 2007. June and Earl raised seven children and were blessed with 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Even with seven children, and thanks to the support of June, Earl was able to devote a tremendous amount of time and energy to his community. Volunteerism and giving back to your community was something that Earl felt very passionate about and for which he set an amazing example for his children and grandchildren.
Earl served on the Everett School Board for 18 years, was a founding member of the Providence General Foundation, served on the Governor's Electrical Board, Everett Planning Commission, Snohomish County Charter Review Board, Snohomish County and Everett Salary Review Commissions, and the Everett Community College Foundation. He was a member of Everett Rotary, Everett Golf and Country Club, and the Elks Club.
He was heavily involved in working to bring the Navy to Everett and was honored with the Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year Award in 1986.
Most recently Earl was instrumental in the planning, design and construction of the Everett Events Center and served as the President of the Public Facilities District which has overseen the Center since 2001. The Center is something Earl felt was vital to the continued success of our city, and he was honored to be a part of it. He attended every event his health would allow, from the Circus to Guns and Roses. Not every event was particularly his "cup of tea," but he loved watching people enjoy the Center.
Family was the most important thing to Earl. He was the center and rock of a very large family. His death will leave a void that can't be filled, but the example he set, and the love that he shared will live on for generations.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, June; and their oldest son, Steve.
He is survived by his children, Mike and Kristie Dutton and their daughters, Leslie, Katie and Nikki; Patty and Greg Pote and their children, Lauren and Connor; Jim and Bing Dutton and Jim's children, Tia and Tyler, and Bing's son Zhouhan; Jo'Ann and Mike Work and their children, Jason (and Sharon Work, Jamisen and Erik), Michael (and Mackenzie Work and Avery), Ian and Anna; Kippy and Scott Murphy and their children, Claire, Olivia and Kevin; Robert and his children, Justin and Vanessa; his grandson Earle Dutton II, son of Steve; and his sister, Dolores Engebregson.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses and staff at Providence Everett Medical Center's Colby Campus for their professional and compassionate care of Earl these past few weeks. They are truly an incredible team.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made to either the Everett Public Schools Foundation/Earl and June Dutton Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3112, Everett, WA 98213 or the Providence General Foundation/Campaign for Providence, PO Box 1067, Everett, WA 98206.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 215 W. Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98203.
A great man has left us, but a great legacy is left behind.