Edward Montgomery Worthen Ed Worthen, 62, of Gig Harbor, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on December 4th, 2016 while playing tennis. He lived an adventurous life full of generosity. He was happiest when he could do anything to make those around him happy, and his face lit up to share the joy of a funny story. Our Eddard was born to Janet Briggs Robbins Worthen and Fredrick Richard Worthen on December 25th, 1953 in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Lakes High School and then attended Washington State University for 3 years, before he was accepted early to the Doctor of Optometry program at Pacific University in Oregon. He married the love of his life, Connie, on October 22nd, 1977. Dr. Worthen joined the Gig Harbor Vision Center practice in 1981 and took special care of his many patients. He became a dedicated and infinitely-patient daddy to Diana in 1984 and David in 1987. He loved every minute of passing on his joy of living to his children. Throughout, he devoted his life to service; with Rotary Club, Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity, Girl Scouts, and Peninsula Schools Education Foundation, but he was never too busy to enjoy and help out his family, friends, and optometry practice. There was nothing too big or small that he did not collect! His life was full of treasures and people that he treasured. He had the biggest, most giving heart, and he gave it all away to everyone he loved. He is survived by his wife Connie; daughter Diana (Cody Berne) of Portland; son David (Ali Gillespie) of Seattle; and sisters Helen (Jack) Jones of Des Moines, Washington and Kathy (Bill) Heinecke of Bangkok, Thailand. He was Uncle Ed to Tanya (Brian) Fulton of Oakville, Ontario; Brian (Lynn) Kling of San Jose, California; John "Bangk" (Sherry) Heinecke of Bangkok, Thailand; David (Joy) Heinecke of Portland, Oregon; and ten grand-nieces and -nephews. Services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood on Saturday, December 17th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gig Harbor Rotary Exchange Program, Mount Rainier National Park Associates, or your favorite local charity.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Dec. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD WORTHEN

Sponsored by Mountain View Funeral Home - Tacoma.

9 Entries

Mark Schmalz

May 20, 2017

My sympathies to Connie and family! Ed was a treasured classmate and a great bridge player. He loved and lived life to the fullest!

Pete Lusk

December 22, 2016

My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Ed and his Family. He was such a sweet, caring guy, I will miss him. Our Tennis Community is grieving for our comrad.

wilma Conan

December 17, 2016

I didn't hear about Dr. Worthen's death until this eve. I am so sad to see him go. I loved him as a person and doctor. What a sweet man. I would have gone to his service had I known. Prayers to his family that they will find peace and comfort soon. Wilma Conan

Indra Finch

December 15, 2016

I had the distinct pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Worthen's for over twenty years, having been referred to him by my father. I deeply appreciated the gentle care, precision, thoroughness and warmth generated from his service and our opportunities to share our experiences in traveling around the world, engaged in a variety of adventures. I cherished hearing him speak so lovingly about his children and their own world travels and achievements. My heart goes out to his family and staff at Gig Harbor Vision Source, as he will be truly missed as a father, husband, colleague and friend. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Worthen, You will be sorely missed. May your journey continue and may the sorrows of those left behind be eased by the memories of a life lived to the fullest with a twinkle in his eye, a playful sense of humor and a warm and giving heart.

Julie Pisto

December 15, 2016

Dr. Worthen was my optometrist. He was always professional, thorough, reassuring and kind, with a gentle sense of humor. I am sure my experience was similar to that of many other patients. RIP.

Susan Gorny

December 13, 2016

Ed was one of the nicest people I knew. He always had a smile and a gentle joke, and could put anyone at ease. He was a genuinely good soul. My thoughts are with Connie and his family at this difficult time. He has left a living legacy with his humanitarian work, and will be sorely missed.

Naomi

December 12, 2016

Sincere condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.

Michael Driscoll

December 11, 2016

Ed's good and giving heart wouldn't want us sad too long, but I and so many, many others will miss him. My thoughts and prayers for Connie and all the family, and I'll miss you my good and great friend. The good times we had in optometry school will always be with me. Yours, Michael Driscoll

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