Arthur "Bud" House

1938 - 2022

Arthur "Bud" House passed away peacefully in Colville, WA on February 16, 2022, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Brisbane, CA on July 2, 1938 to Daniel and Velma (Thompson) House. He was the third of seven children.

Bud and his family moved to the Seattle area just after he was born and spent his childhood there. As he grew older, one of the things he liked to do was take the bus downtown to the movie theatre, buy a ticket, popcorn and a drink to watch the feature film, and then take the bus back home all for twenty-five cents! Bud's father, Dan, owned a company that manufactured wood products. He learned how to operate the machines and set them up when different parts were made. Bud and his family would move to the Colville area in the late 1950's where a chance encounter at the A&W restaurant where he met Shirley Sowards who was working behind the counter. Their friendship blossomed into romance and on St. Patrick's Day of March 17, 1961, they wed at the Congregational Church in Colville. They welcomed two boys, first Ken then Bill both were born while living in Colville. The family then moved back to the Seattle area once again and welcomed a daughter, Julie. They would remain over there for only a few years before permanently returning to the east side in 1968.

Bud was offered a job by Leonard Taylor, the man that bought his father's company, Wood Engineering. The name would be later changed to Northwest Wood Products. It was a natural fit, knowing the ins and outs of the business that his father once owned. Bud and Shirley would welcome one more daughter, Elizabeth in 1970, and their family would make one final move to Kettle Falls in 1971 to the home they still live in to this day. Shortly after that he was reunited with his son, John and daughter, Judy. In 1977, the business moved to Kettle Falls and in 1989, Bud bought the business outright. Bud and Shirley worked together for many years growing their business into the successful company it became.

Bud was a well known and respected businessman in Kettle Falls for many, many years. He had a deep love for his family even if it meant being a firm disciplinarian when needed, and he made sure all the children knew to respect their mother. Bud was the proud owner of the title "Kettle Falls Grouch" from 1992-1993. Family was paramount with Bud and Shirley, and countless family dinners were had at the House home. In 2014, they made the tough decision to close the business that they put decades of blood, sweat and tears into.

This newfound time allowed Bud and Shirley to travel and to support their grandchildren with all of their sporting and extracurricular activities whether it be a local game or driving down to Oregon to support them at regionals. Bud was a huge Gonzaga Basketball Fan and a season ticketholder for the Seattle Seahawks. Bud always had lots of good quotes and nicknames for the family members. He had a quick wit and kind words even if they were in jest. He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends.

Bud is preceded in death by his father and mother, Dan and Velma House. His three brothers, Dan, Loren and Willie. He is survived by his brother, Pat and two sisters, Diane and Peggy. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; and his children, John and his wife Sheree, Judy and husband Mark, Ken and his wife Deb, Bill and his wife Chris; Julie and her husband Tim; Liz and her husband Pat.; 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Memorial services for Mr. Arthur "Bud" House were held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at the AG Trade Center in Colville, WA, Pastor Shane Moffitt as officiant. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in care.