Abie Label

Abie LABEL Born June 7, 1920 in Montreal, Canada, passed away July 7, 2007 in Seattle, WA. He came from very humble beginnings, starting work at age twelve and joining the Canadian Army at the age of twenty. While in the army he met the love of his life for the past 61 years, Suzanne, who was in the British army. They married in 1944 and moved back to Canada. Abie's ambition and desire to live a better life led him to moved west with his growing family to Harrison Hot Springs, Canada. There he began to learn the hotel business, generating ideas and contacts which eventually led him to relocate with his family to the United States, where they settled in Seattle, WA. He was fearless and innovative and quickly began acquiring properties, older hotels and apartments to manage in the Seattle & Tacoma areas, as well as in Santa Barbara, CA. In the 70's Abie became a pioneer in the development of subsidized housing by renovating old hotel properties in the much neglected International and Pioneer Square Districts. The Frye Apartments was his outstanding accomplishment in this program, providing housing for 234 elderly and disabled people. Together with his business partner of 42 years, Robert Roblee, Abie owned and managed many properties. If you knew Abie then you knew that his word was his bond and his handshake was a guarantee of performance. Abie was interested in people and looked for opportunities to help develop and maximize their potential. Abie had been retired for more than 25 years and enjoyed a wonderful life. He and Sue divided their time between winters at their Palm Springs home and summers with their children and grandchildren in their Seattle home, as well as their cabin in Baring, Washington. Abie's greatest joy in life was his wife - a love and devotion like theirs is a joy to have seen. He treasured family above all else. He kept himself busy and active by reading and engaging in his many hobbies and art projects. Abie will be remembered for many things. He invested in countless lives with his time, talents and generosity. Abie is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his sons, Scott (Sharon), David (Peggy), Dean (Jana) and his daughter, Monie (Craig), five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Rueben and two sisters, Nettie and Gila. Remembrances may be sent to your favorite charity.