Hugh Arbuckle

Hugh Arbuckle Memorial: Hugh Arbuckle passed away peacefully at McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation on July 7, 2019. Hugh was born on March 6, 1922 in Coulee City, WA. He was the second of seven children born to Scottish immigrant parents, John and Margaret (Hay) Arbuckle. Hugh graduated from high school in Wilson Creek, WA in 1939. In 1940, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and graduated from Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute, a professional trade school for aircraft maintenance training. Hugh served in the Pacific Ocean Theater during World War II and attained the rank of TSgt. After five years, four months and seven days, he received an honorable discharge. Hugh met Alberta Bohnet and they were married on September 7, 1947 at the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church. They moved to Ephrata, WA in 1951 when Hugh was hired by the Washington State Highway Department (WSDOT). He held several positions at the WSDOT North Central Regional Office in Ephrata, retiring after 39 years as an Equipment Mechanic II and shop supervisor. Hugh was a dedicated husband and exceptional father, often working several part-time jobs to support his family. Those jobs included the Grant County Sheriff's Office, Greenlee Furniture Store in Ephrata, and local service stations. Some vacations were spent operating combines during wheat harvest. He was a member of Our Redeemer Presbyterian Church. In addition to his church, Hugh volunteered at the Ephrata Food Bank for many years. Hugh was also a past member of the Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and enjoyed many hours golfing with family and friends. Hugh is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alberta; children John (Jeannie) Arbuckle of Kennewick, WA; Rod (Judy) Arbuckle of Ephrata, WA; Cheryl (Lou) Arbuckle of Spokane Valley, WA; Scott (Debbie) Arbuckle of Spokane, WA; and Shelley (Steve) Slininger of Ephrata, WA; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother Robert "Bob" (Lorene) Arbuckle of Ephrata, WA; sister (Helen) Isabel Jewell of Gilroy, CA; and several nieces and nephews. Hugh was preceded in death by his father and mother, sisters Margaret (Allen) (Rand) Arbuckle and Mary (Alsup) Arbuckle, and brothers John (Jack) Arbuckle and David Arbuckle. A celebration of life will be held at Our Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 172 Ivy Street S.E., Ephrata, WA on July 18, 2019 at 11am. Hugh's family would like to thank the staff from Assured Hospice, McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation for their kindness, support and care. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family while visiting the online guestbook at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Washington

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Hugh Arbuckle

March 6, 1922 - July 7, 2019