Lyle Everett Van Blaricom, born to Everett (Jim) Van Blaricom and Ila (Gladys) Henke Van Blaricom passed peacefully in his home in Montesano, Washington, Jan. 24, 2025.
Lyle was born April 15, 1931, in Scotia, Washington. His childhood was spent in Newport and Spokane and as a youth in Aberdeen, Washington. Lyle married the love of his life Betty Brooks in Montesano in October 1950. Their son Michael Roy Van Blaricom was born in Aberdeen. In 1952, then following a move to Southern California, their daughter Deberah Mae Middleton was born in 1953. Eventually the family moved back to the Grays Harbor area.
Lyle worked various trades throughout the course of his lifetime. From airplane manufacturing and shipyards in California to Aberdeen plywood and eventually retiring from Grays Harbor Paper after 31 dedicated years, even serving several years as their Union Vice President.
Outside of work, Lyle had a variety of hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved classic cars! He loved buying and selling them, attending car shows, restoring them, or just talking about the over 100 cars they had owned throughout the years. This man knew his cars. He was also an avid elk and deer hunter, enjoyed going to swap meets and garage sales, and collecting diecast cars and automotive antiques. Lyle was a skilled carpenter, building several homes around the Harbor, each time selling to build the next. They owned several motor homes that were used to travel the country with family and friends for summertime adventures. He was often found with a guitar in his hands and would love to sing all his favorite country western songs or songs from his band Tailgate Ramblers. We can’t forget playing slot machines, solitaire or card games, and an ever-present sweet tooth, especially for anything Betty would bake.
Lyle lived a wonderful, long life filled with family, friends, and making lifelong memories. Surviving family include his wife, Betty Van Blaricom, son Michael Van Blaricom (Shari Van Blaricom), daughter Debbie Middleton (Jesse Middleton), grandkids Breanna Gentry (Bruce Englund), Tracy Dawson (Trent Dawson), Dustin Van Blaricom (Rose Van Blaricom), and Toni MacMillan (BJ MacMillan), and great-grandkids Taylor Gentry, Evan Gentry, Dusti Van Blaricom, Haylie MacMillan, Lola Van Blaricom, Reegan Dawson, Ryker MacMillan, Michael Englund, Kyle Englund, and Bryce Englund.
At the family’s request, no service will be held.
Please record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net
