It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of Harold L. Worthley on Nov. 30, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the incredible age of 102 years, 9 months and 26 days.

He was born Feb. 4, 1922 in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. His family moved to the United States when he was five years old and they settled in Hoquiam, Washington. Harold graduated in 1941 from Hoquiam High School and promptly joined the Navy. He became a ship fitter, where he was stationed in Pearl Harbor to help rebuild the fleet after the bombing. He was also trained for a Power Velocity Program, which today is known as the Navy Seals.

Harold met Betty Jean Randall, who was born and raised in Humptulips, Washington and they were married in 1948. They were married 71 years when Betty passed away in 2019.

Harold worked at Grays Harbor Paper Mill for 42 years, retiring in 1984. He was also a part time gillnet fisherman for 40 years. Harold loved to golf, he enjoyed boating, he loved flying, and playing the French horn in the National Elks Band. He also played in the American Legion Drum & Bugle Corp, and the Grays Harbor Symphony Orchestra. He was on the Board of Directors for the Hoquiam YMCA in 1998 and helped secure funding for the new pool.

In 1946 he purchased a Cessna 120 and took flying lessons at Bowerman Field under the GI Bill. He joined the West Coast Flying Club and was a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol.

Harold had many great characteristics, he was always the voice of reason, with a very calm demeanor, who talked with his children, not at them, he had integrity, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart of pure gold. He was very handy, loved working in his home shop and was always helping others.

Harold is survived by his two children, Judy Gay of Tulalip, Brad Worthley (Melanie Worthley) of Kirkland and his grandson Tate Worthley who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Harold had eight siblings and is survived by his sister, Pat Clark of Everett and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He will be missed beyond words.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 S.E. 240th Street, Kent, WA