Edward Becker, 84, of Port Angeles, passed away December 30, 2020 of heart failure in his home. He was preceded in death, by his parents, Frank and Victoria, wife of 47 years Peggy, and daughter, Penny. Survivors include sons, Christopher Becker of Clermont, Florida, Patrick Becker of Port Angeles, grandsons: Ryan and Matthew, granddaughter: Rocheal Becker, all of Port Angeles, and his Sister, Lola Becker-LittleMcCubbin of Sequim.

Edward grew up on a farm in Colton, Washington with his family, the youngest of seven siblings. His upbringing had served him well, as he continued this tradition on a much smaller scale throughout his life. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1953-1954 in Berlin, Germany. He was honorably discharged.

He returned home and enrolled at the University of Idaho. With family support, his G.I. Bill and part time jobs, he earned his bachelor's degree in Education. Later in life, through continuing education, he received his masters degree. In 1963, Edward moved his family to Port Angeles to begin a teaching career for 28 years. He primarily taught Industrial arts, woodworking and basic mathematics classes. He also worked part time for the U.S. government, as a Park Ranger and fire crew, trail maintenance member for the Olympic National Park Service. He was also employed part time as a U.S.Customs officer at the M.V. Coho and Fairchild Airport, a combined 40 years of government service.

He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He was a member of the loyal order of the Moose Lodge # 996. Edward enjoyed living on the Olympic Peninsula. His hobbies included the art of smoking sausage and ö sh which he perfected throughout life. He raised most of his meat and caught fish from the straits to master his craft. Fishing, crabbing and clam digging were also activities he enjoyed.

After retiring, Edward continued to dabble in woodworking. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, family and grandchildren, in and around the Olympic peninsula.

He was a kind, generous man, hardworking and honest. Most students called him strict, but fair. Family and friends claim he was the life of the party. Rest In Peace Old Thunder! You will be greatly missed! Your loving family!

Arrangements are with Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Chapel. A private service will be held by the family. Due to his request and the current pandemic, a celebration of life has been postponed. Family and friends will be contacted in the upcoming future.

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

Published by Peninsula Daily News on Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Becker

2 Entries

Stephanie Andrus

August 1, 2025

I would like to thank Mr. Edward Becker wife and entire family fir becoming

I would like to thank edward Becker and family for being my God Parents. My heart and soul goes out for the family. I have sent my prayers up and send prayer a to you all!! Stephanie Andrus

Timothy J Merkel

February 8, 2021

Yes – tough, but fair. Half a century after walking out of Mr. Becker’s 9th grade shop class, the lessons and memories remain. Wear your goggles! Gas, spark and compression! Store the wood plane on its side! Use a push stick for the table saw!

And the wood project team that built a bookcase with two left sides. The metal working task during which one student accidentally branded the end of his nose with a soldering iron. (I kept that ugly funnel for years; it worked great). The pair of goggles with a piece of wire from the polishing wheel embedded squarely in the middle of the lens - instead of the student’s right eye. And all in the shadow of “Old Thunder.”

In an environment where a bunch of catastrophically inept 15-year-olds seemed destined for disaster, Mr. Becker maintained safety, order and a sense of humor – and taught us skills for a lifetime. From that group of kids came some professional mechanics, contractors, and at least one skilled finish cabinet maker.

How many of the thousands of students Mr. Becker taught over the years and decades were able to take the seeds of knowledge he planted and grow them into rewarding careers with which they supported families and built communities? Among those who didn’t become professional craftsmen, how many saved themselves tens of thousands of dollars by being able to do their own mechanical maintenance and carpentry? I doubt if anyone can ever know – but I hope he knows now. I hope he’s in a place where every tool is sharp, every cut is true, and every right angle is exactly 90 degrees.

Thanks, Mr. Becker.

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