Harold "Hal" Caywood, age 91, tragically passed away October 4, 2012. Hal was born in Spencer, Nebraska, January 5, 1921, the youngest of ten children.
He is survived by his children Frank Bliss, Dick (Vera) Rooney, Nancy Manning, Michael Caywood, Don (Marti) Caywood, and Susan (Russ) Fenner. He is also survived by many grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, in 2002 and his son, Steve, in 2003.
His family moved west to Buffalo, Wyoming where he joined the Wyoming National Guard, and was part of the Cavalry Unit. He served in the Army in WWII, and was part of the Occupation forces in Japan. He was discharged from the service at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he met his wife, Dorothy. The family moved to Montesano, WA in 1947, followed by moves to New Jersey, then Everett, WA before settling in Santa Maria, CA in 1961. Hal worked in Communications at Vandenberg AFB; he had jobs tracking the Apollo spacecraft. He retired from ITT Federal Electric, and returned to Everett in 1985. Hal wasn't ready for retirement, so worked as a sub-contractor for the local telephone company. He was in the office working before dawn at the age of 80; his story was highlighted in the Herald in 2001.
Hal had many hobbies, and was known for making silver rings out of coins, an art he learned on a troop ship crossing the Pacific (he made them for everyone in the family, and just about any stranger who asked). He also took up beading as a hobby, and made several belts, ornaments for his great-grandsons' Native dancing regalia and beautiful beaded pictures. He was proud to have won ribbons at the Evergreen State Fair for this fine handiwork.
We will miss his stories of his youthful adventures and his recitations of the epic verses of poet Robert Service.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 11th from 12:00 PM – 5 PM and Friday October 12th from 9:00 AM – service. Services will be held Friday, October 12, 2012, at 11:00 AM at Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in memory of Harold Caywood, to the Family and Friends of Violent Crime Victims, PO Box 1949, Everett, WA 98206.