Bert was born March 3, 1929, in Kansas to Ray and Cora (Butterfield) Sutton. He passed away peacefully Oct. 13, 2018. Bert moved with his family to Porter, Wash., July 5, 1937. He attended both Porter Elementary and Elma High School.
After various jobs, he started his career with Simpson Timber Company. Bert took a short break from Simpson in 1951, to fulfill his duty in the United States Army. After returning home from France and Germany, where he finished his military commitment, he went back to work for Simpson in 1953. There, he would stay employed until his retirement March 17, 1994. 47 years in all he would spend there.
Bert married Rita Murray May 2, 1959, they were married 59 years. Bert and Rita lived along the banks of the Mox Chehalis for 16 years before building their home on the prairie in Cedarville in 1977. Throughout Bert's life, he enjoyed fishing for salmon on the Chehalis and Satsop Rivers. He also enjoyed serving his community as a member of the Oakville Fire Department. He was also a member of the Elma Eagles. Those of us who knew Bert will all agree that he loved to visit and swap stories, whether he was down at the gravel pit or making his rounds to visit with Bruce or Steve on weekend mornings. He would engage with anyone who would lend an ear. In summarizing Bert's life, this quote captures it quite well,
"Legacy is not leaving something for people, it's leaving something in people."
- John Strople
Bert will be missed by all, especially those of us who had the opportunity to learn from his wisdom.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Filvie, Mary and Bonnie; and brother, Cecil.
Bert is survived by his wife, Rita at their home in Cedarville; sons, Greg and Steve; and grandchildren, Nate and Coley; brother, Dale and wife, Nancy of Montesano; sister, Sivel Strong of Everson; sister-in-law, Lois Sutton of Yoncalla, Ore.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank Riverside Nursing Home and Rehab for their kindness and care for Bert. A celebration of life was held Oct. 28, 2018.
"Don't do as I do, do as I say."
- Bert Sutton
