Ed Ketel

Edwin Owen Ketel passed away December 7, 2006 in Ilwaco, Washington. Born January 31, 1920, Ed was the son of Edwin William Ketel and Madeline Thomas Ketel and was raised in St. Helens, Oregon. He graduated from St. Helens high school in 1938. Eddy "Cotton" Ketel was well known in the student body and excelled in all sports offered; football, basketball and track. His mother made certain his musical education wasn't neglected, and he became an important part of the school musical program, playing the trumpet both in the school band and importantly for his own enjoyment. Ed inherited his imagination and appreciation of music from his Welsh mother and his industrious nature and persistence from his German father. Both parents were generous and fair, and they taught their son well because Ed exemplified these traits to a high degree. He was a wonderful and protective big brother to his two younger sisters, Aileen (Pomeroy), and Patty (Cooper). His cousins, Hugh and Don Adams were "brothers" and their adventures and exploits were legendary. Their home was always open to everyone and was the center for all family events and celebrations. He started working with his father at a very early age and learned all phases of the building and contracting business. As a result, he was very knowledgeable about a vast number of things, and whatever he did he made certain he did it well. Ed volunteered for service in the armed forces at the beginning of World War II but was rejected because of health reasons. He joined the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters in 1943 and worked in the defense industry as a welder in the shipyards in Everett. There, in The Belgium Cafe, he met his wife, Beverly Faye Marie Pellerin, and married in 1945. Their-first child, Donna, was born-in Everett in November 1946. The Ketel family moved to Kennewick, W A and their son, Ed, was born in Pasco in June 1951. Ed senior worked in the Hanford area as a pipefitter supervisor for various contractors and was a member ofUA Local 598 for 63 years. Considered by his peers as ethical and fair, he was highly respected. Many apprentices and young journeymen benefited from his guidance and were very successful. Retiring in the early 80's, he and Bev moved to Ocean Park in 1982 where they joined their children and friends and enjoyed entertaining, cooking, fishing, hunting, gardening, golfing, mushrooming and berry picking! Ed dearly loved Bev and his entire family, the union, rare prime beef, "nicey-nicey" (white bread dipped in the meat juices), sharp knives, blackberry wine, a firm handshake with a strong look in the eye, respect, loyalty, bumming a cigarette, licorice, music, Copenhagen, riding around in the truck listening to the CB, calling his crows, his dogs Coalie, Bay, Reno, Gertie, and Dizzy, candy in his shirt pocket for the grandkids, "Roy" his Weatherby gun, pretty girls with ponytails, and good stories. His sister Patty Cooper, cousins Hugh and Don Adams, daughter Donna Forbes, son Ed Ketel, daughter-in-law Catherine Ketel, son-in-law Bill Forbes, grandchildren Leah Ogle, Annessa Ketel Anderson, and Tanner Ketel, and great grandchildren Chris and Brie Ogle, survives him. Private family services have been held. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to either Sea Resources or the Julie Brown Memorial Fund in care of Penttila' s Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, W A 98631.