Arnie Vick Pomerinke

Arnie brought pure light into the world. And he shared it freely with everyone he touched; infusing every life with the intensity of his compassion, his boundless generosity, his easy smile, hearty laugh, and his truly indomitable spirit. Our world briefly became a little darker with his passing. But his brilliant light shines on still, magnified a thousandfold, radiating out from every soul blessed enough to have known this wonderful man.

With his giant heart, unbridled enthusiasm and bottomless confidence, Arnie approached life with passion and brought that to everything he did. Growing up in Toppenish, WA, he learned how to work hard at a young age, and learned the value of drive and determination. He graduated from Toppenish High and after spending a year at Yakima Valley College, he moved to Ellensburg to attend CWU. It was in Eastern Washington that he started a family and where he first got involved in the restaurant business – an industry that would become his successful career of almost 50 years.

In 1980 he moved to the Seattle area, continuing his restaurant career as a partner in Dante’s and owner of the Lockspot Café, two iconic Seattle area landmarks. In 1971, he met his soulmate, Ann Marie and in 1983 they married. The two were inseparable, and spent much of their free time boating, a passion they both shared and that brought them great joy and introduced them to so many wonderful people. Arnie was also an avid fan of all sports, a big contributor to the University of Washington and spent his early years coaching youth athletics.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Eileen and two brothers, Eldon (Lee) and Richie. He is survived by his wife Ann Marie, his brother Ray, two sons, Keith Pomerinke and Andrew Walker, two sisters in-law, Kathleen Pomerinke and Gwen Pomerinke, three brothers in-law, Bill Victor (Michelle), Jim Victor (Karyn), and John Victor, two daughters in-law, Julie Pomerinke and Jennifer Ely Walker, four grandsons, nine nieces and nephews, three grand nieces and nephews, and one Goddaughter

Arnie’s Celebration of Life will be held on November 15th at 2:00 pm at Club Husky (University of Washington, Husky Stadium, 3800 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98105). Casual dress. Flowers may be delivered between 11am and 1:30pm. The family has also created an email account to collect “Arnie Stories.” Please send your favorite memories (and/or pictures) to: [email protected].