On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Hessie Lloyd Lorton Jr. passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Hess was born on June 3, 1955, in South Bend, Washington, to Hessie Lloyd Lorton and Catherine Hawks Lorton. Hess was the youngest of nine boys and three girls. In his younger days, he was referred as the “Master.” His three caring sisters were with him physically, emotionally and spiritually to the very end.
Hessie always maintained a great sense of humor, kept his spirits high, and had a smile for everyone he met. Hess never complained. He was a true warrior. He will be forever missed. Hess made peace with the Father above and came to realize he would be going home to be with his mom, dad, and other family members.
Hess was raised in Bay Center, and graduated from South Bend High School. Hess worked at many different jobs in his life time, most notably was in the fishing industry. He was a crab fisherman and dug razor clams alongside his eldest son Christopher. Hess Lorton was a proud member of the Quinault Indian Nation.
Hess is preceded in death by his parents Hessie and Catherine Lorton; brothers: Ralph Lorton, Leroy “Butch” Lorton and Philip Hawks; and brothers in-law: Mike Payne, Dick Hill and Gilbert Haataia. He is survived by his wife, of 32 years Juanita Sansom Lorton; sons Christopher (girlfriend Misty Kelm) and Jacob Lorton; daughters Amy Lorton Stigall (husband John and grandchildren John Jr, Kelly Ann, Katlyn and Summer) and Amber Lorton; stepson Chris Frank (wife Amber and grandchildren Gage and Jonah); stepdaughter Samantha Ellers (husband Michael and grandchildren Roselyn and Calvin); and siblings Margaret Payne, Dorothy Hill, Sarah Haataia, John Lorton (wife Brenda), Carl Lorton (wife Georgia), Vernon Lorton (wife Sylvia), Raymond Lorton (wife Kathy), and Howard Lorton, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Bay Center Cemetery. Immediately following there will be a potluck at the Lorton home in Bay Center (9 East Park Street). Family and friends will be celebrating the lives of both Hess and Ralph Lorton.
Special acknowledgements goes out to Amy, Hessie’s oldest daughter, for her relentless care-taking and to brother Doc for being there around the clock. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the South Bend Girls’ Softball Association or the Willapa Harbor Girls’ Softball Association.
Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond, Washington. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.
