Allen E. Waters passed away at home in Aberdeen, Washington at the age of 78, on Aug 9, 2020.

Al was born in Reno, Nevada, but grew up in Ellensburg, Washington. He enjoyed playing football through high school and college. He worked in his parents’ restaurant in high school and later became a police officer on the Ellensburg police force.

In 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Herron, and they moved to Redmond, Washington and then later to Kirkland, Washington where they lived for 23 years. Al taught history at Tillicum JHS and then at Bellevue High. He also coached football, basketball and track. Al had a passion for learning and the desire to pass knowledge on to students and others in his life. Al and Joan raised their two sons, Brian and Shawn, in Kirkland, where Al was involved with many of their Little League activities.

In 1992, Al retired from teaching after 25 years and started the next chapter of his life. He and Joan bought the Aberdeen Mansion and moved to Aberdeen in 1997. They ran a very popular bed and breakfast for 12 years. Al was the breakfast chef, and he loved giving tours of their 1905 historic home. They made lifelong friends of many of their guests and the visiting doctors who stayed at the B&B for weeks while working at Grays Harbor Community Hospital. Al threw himself into the life of the community and did all he could to help others. Al was Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Grays Harbor and twice President of the Aberdeen Lions Club where he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. His favorite Lions Club project was Bicycles from Heaven, where prisoners restore donated bikes that are then given to needy children.

Al was his happiest when he was helping someone else or telling one of his favorite stories. He loved people, and he never met a stranger.

Al loved the theater and continued to attend Village Theater in Issaquah, even after moving to Aberdeen. He and Joan also loved to travel, by car all over the U.S., and on cruises with friends.

We will all miss his outgoing, friendly nature and love of life.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan, his sons Brian and Shawn, granddaughter Keelie Waters Hart, brother-in-law John Herron (AhLi), their families, and several nieces and nephews.

Remembrances may be sent to Aberdeen Lions Club, P.O. Box 111, Aberdeen WA 98520

A memorial will be held at a later date.