Longtime Centralia resident, Harry M. Petrie, 102, passed away July 24, 2019. He was born in 1917, in Ritzville, Wash., the third of seven children to Dr. R.B. and Minnie Petrie. The family moved to Evaline in 1925, which began Harry’s 92 years as a Lewis County resident.
Evaline School was new when he started third grade there. Harry was proud of being their oldest alumnus. In 1935, he graduated from Winlock High School. Harry met the love of his life, Elvie Kaija on the school bus. They married in 1938, a marriage that lasted 60 years until Elvie passed. Harry and Elvie settled in Centralia, where they raised four children, Marilyn, Melvin, Ronald and Beverly. Their Oak Street home became a gathering place for family and friends for 73 years.
Harry enjoyed his 43 years as a bakery sales driver. He loved woodworking, gardening and sports. He began golfing in retirement and played until he was 100 years old. Harry loved people, especially his family and was compassionate and eager to help others. He served as master of the Masonic Lodge, Rainbow dad, PTA president, Teamsters board member and baseball coach. He enjoyed playing pinochle with friends at the Senior Center and was a driver for Meals on Wheels into his late nineties. Although he was a Scotsman, Harry joined the Winlock Finn Lodge with Elvie where he held several offices.
Harry always kept a smile and a positive attitude. At bedtime, he would remember something that made him happy and got a good nights sleep. He always had a twinkle in his eye. He was quick-witted and never missed a chance to tell a joke or story.
Harry is survived by his sister, Barbara; brother, Lester; step-sister, Betty; his four children; daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Sandy; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Allison, Brady, Jacob and Megan; and great-grandchildren, Brooke, Grant, Collin, Carys, Elliott and Emilia.
Special thanks to Brookdale’s Memory Care Unit staff in Poulsbo for their love, support and respect for Harry and family this past year. A family memorial honoring Harry will be at a later date. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.
