Albert “Al” Bruce Ticknor Sr., 85, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018, in his Seattle home. Albert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is remembered for his trailblazing sense of adventure as a pilot, outdoorsman, farmer, tinkerer, maker and world traveler.
Albert was born Oct. 8, 1932, in Centralia, Wash., to Ada and Everett Ticknor. He grew up working with his family on a farm and dairy. Albert was the second of seven children. He played varsity baseball at Centralia High School, until graduating in 1950. Albert met Meady Bernice Ticknor (nee Arrowsmith) at their high school candy shop, became sweethearts and were married Aug. 31, 1952, in Centralia. They were married 65 years.
He served in the United States Naval Air Reserve from 1951 to 1959. In addition, he worked as a farmer to put himself through Centralia Community College. From 1957 to 1960, he worked for Boeing Company, on 707 production in Renton, Wash. In 1960, Albert became a Airline Transport Pilot for Pacific Northern Airlines in Anchorage, Alaska. Pacific Northern, later merged with Western Airlines and Albert flew with Western for 25 years, retiring as a captain in 1985.
Albert, Meady and their three children lived in Anchorage until 1968. He built their home in the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage and his family survived the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. His three children remember him as an adventurer, who took them hiking, camping, fishing, boating and on flying excursions in a Cessna 170 that he rebuilt himself.
In 1968, Albert and his family returned to Seattle, where he resided until his death. He was an original Seahawks season ticket holder. Albert was an avid sports enthusiast, playing baseball in high school, college and as a young adult. He loved golf and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. Albert was a loyal friend, inspiring lifelong relationships with neighbors and colleagues. For decades, he rarely missed the Monday lunch bunch meet up with his aviation associates at the Sizzler near Southcenter Mall.
He was a member of Quiet Birdmen (QBs) fraternal organization, Freemasons, Studebaker Club and Antique Studebaker Club. Albert restored two antique Studebaker cars in his retirement. He also developed a love for the arts, learning to play the organ in the late 1980s and later, dabbled in drawing and painting.
He always had a green thumb and tended a well-cared-for garden of flowers, strawberries and vegetables. Albert traveled the world with his wife, via cruise ships to Europe, the Panama Canal, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Russia and the Mediterranean. His grandchildren fondly remember fishing trips with him to Petersburg, Alaska and camping road trips around the United States and Canada.
Albert is survived by his wife, Meady; daughter, Cecily and husband, Dave; son, Albert Jr. (Butch) and wife, Debra; daughter, Carol and husband, Jim; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and another expected in May this year.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, William.
There will be a memorial and celebration of life at 1 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at Yarington’s/White Center Funeral Home, 10708 16th Ave. SW, Seattle, Wash., with a reception to follow at the same location.
