Albert Alma Bair

1923 - 2017

Albert A. Bair, of Gig Harbor Wash., passed away on Feb. 1, 2017. He was 93 years old. He was born on December 11, 1923, in St. Anthony, Idaho.
He grew up on his family's farm. After graduation from high school he enrolled at the University of Idaho. At the outbreak of World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Europe in the 529th Engineers Light Pontoon Company, which was part of in General George S. Patton's Third Army. He held the rank of Sergeant. His outfit built bridges ahead of the U.S. troops as they advanced through France into Germany. He received a Purple Heart and the French Legion d'Honneur award. After his retirement he was active in locating members and helping to organize reunions of the 529th Engineers.
He married Mary Jane Pinney, also from St. Anthony, Idaho. They were happily married for 73 years. They lived in St. Anthony, Idaho, where their two children were born, and moved to Spokane, Wash., in 1959 and to Gig Harbor, Wash., in 2011. Mary Jane and Albert enjoyed square dancing in the early days of their marriage and later traveling with their friends.
Albert started work in St. Anthony at Boise Payette Lumber Co., which became part of Boise Cascade. In 1959 he was transferred to Boise Cascade's retail store, Bestway Building Center in Spokane, Wash., as the manager. After Boise Cascade closed their retail stores he worked for Plywood Distributors in Spokane and then became a partner in Valley Bestway, a large lumberyard and hardware store in Opportunity, Wash.. He loved his work and his customers, and they loved him. He retired in 1992.
Albert is survived by his spouse, Mary Jane Bair; sister Eva Phillips of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter Kathie Wheeler (Arthur) of Gig Harbor, Wash.; and son Richard Bair (Colleen) of Austin, Texas. He also has three grandchildren: Michael Wheeler (Francy), Heather Bair (Laura) and Wendy Gisclair (Gary) and four great-grandchildren: Ashlei and Mason Wheeler and Emma and Virginia Gisclair.
Services, including military honors, will be held for family and friends at the Haven of Rest Chapel, Gig Harbor, Wash., on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11 a.m.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and nurses at Harbor Place and Cottesmore Life Care of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Dr. Frank Senical, of Tacoma, Wash.; and Jill Anderson, of Lakebay, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Attn: Donations, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023. https://secure.seattlecca.org.