Lyle James Morehouse of Langley, Washington, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at the age of 79 as a result of congestive heart failure complications. He will forever be remembered by his four children who were proud to call him dad and his wife who was honored to call him husband.
He was born on May 9, 1937, in Cut Bank, Montana, the son of Les and Carol Morehouse and eventually a big brother to six sisters. Although the family settled in Cheney, Washington, Lyle’s earliest memory took him back to Big Sky Country--riding horseback with his grandma searching for sage-grouse to put on the dinner table--and shaped his belief in hard work, love of the outdoors, and devotion to family.
Lyle met his wife-to-be, Verna Ditton, in Cheney the summer before he was drafted and shipped to Germany where he accomplished two things: he captured Verna’s heart through letters and became a certified marksman and sniper in the Army. He was proud of both, but not necessarily in that order. Upon his return the two married and moved to Renton to start their life together.
Lyle was a man always in motion. He spent 24 years working at Pacific Car & Foundry manufacturing railroad boxcars. The railcar business went bust in the 1980s and in midlife he became a supervisor at Hytek Finishes specializing in metal finishing. When Lyle wasn’t at work, he was inventing, building, repairing, sanding, painting, and welding. During the winter months he often reminded his kids to shut the door because he “couldn’t afford to heat the whole neighborhood.” After he built a woodstove, though, it turned out he could heat the neighborhood, probably several. His rough hands fit perfectly with his green thumbs and, later in life, Lyle cultivated a colorful garden and delighted in sharing his fruits and vegetables with the neighbors.
Though he had many talents, Lyle was modest and humble. He was also hilarious and honest, gracious and giving. He held firm convictions in politics and an abiding faith in God and the Catholic Church. He didn’t preach; he simply lived well and believed people could disagree without being disagreeable.
Lyle loved his children and wife beyond measure. He treasured hunting with his sons, playing Coyote Trap with his daughters, fishing with his wife, and camping with his whole family. He was a tooth puller and splinter remover. He and Verna cheered their kids on in football, softball, baseball, and wrestling. On their final wedding anniversary, Lyle told Verna 53 years together was not long enough. It wasn’t, but they were thankful for each and every one.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Verna Morehouse; his children Tim (Shari) Morehouse, Denise (Jerry) Mariner, Dan (Diane) Morehouse, and Paula Morehouse; grandchildren Sidney, Craig, Emily, TJ, Justin, and Aaron; sisters Jean, Marilyn, Rosemary, and Georgine. He was preceded in death by his parents Les and Carol Morehouse; sisters Joan and Maria. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
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