Harry "Gus" Wall

Harry Augustus Wall, Gus to friends and family, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend died peacefully at his Seattle home on January 3rd with his loving wife, Marilyn by his side, after a long illness.

Born in Wilbur, WA to Casper and Helen Wall, Gus spent a good bit of his youth working with his father on the family wheat farm. During his childhood, he also developed a lifelong love of music fostered by playing the string bass in his family’s band entertaining at local events throughout the region.

Gus married his high school sweetheart and they moved to Seattle, where they had 2 children, Jody and Kim. He enrolled in at the University of Washington to study mechanical engineering. He went to work for the City of Seattle in 1959, first in the water department, and later in City Light. After graduating in 1972, Gus took a position as a professional mechanical engineer with Seattle City Light, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. His marriage ended after 18 years, and a few years later, he married Marilyn, who became his partner and soulmate for the rest of his life.

As an engineer in the energy field, Gus was one of the first engineers at City Light to work in a new energy conservation division. Gus’ work focused on reducing energy and lowering our impact on the environment. He also worked to reduce tap water scalding. He was instrumental in getting legislation approved to require the temperature on new water heaters be set to 120 degrees. He also worked to reduce the city’s dependence on nuclear power. He integrated his faith, his love of children and family and his love and reverence for the earth. He was passionate about the environment and human justice.

Gus was a committed and active member of Keystone UCC for over 50 years and wore many hats. Throughout the years, he participated in all aspects of church life, and was involved in numerous projects, which included taking down the original 1900 church sanctuary in order to construct the new education building.

After Gus retired, he continued to promote solar energy and energy conservation. Gus continued to use his faith to guide his life. He did much advocacy work for the disadvantaged, and he worked for 5 years as a transit driver (a job he loved) for the disabled, always being a beacon of good cheer to those he helped. His love of music continued throughout his life, playing his bass with various groups including the Seattle Banjo club for 3o years, and singing in his church choir and the Magnolia chorale. He loved traveling and enjoyed many ski trips and sailing excursions, as well as trips abroad. Playing bridge was an important part of his social life, and he was always up for a good game of bridge. But nothing made him happier than being with his grandchildren. He never turned down an opportunity to play games or go the beach with his family.

His passion for helping people and saving the environment continued with him throughout his life. Gus will always be remembered with a smile on his face saying, “how can I help?” He lifted the spirits of those around him and his spirit will live forever.

Gus is now at peace with family who have passed before him and he is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn, daughter Kim Larsen (husband Lou), daughter-in-law Sheila Wall, stepsons Michael and Mark Nelson, sister Janis Rozier, 9 grandchildren; Rebecca Wall, Jennifer Fancher (Patrick), Kyle Larsen (Kelli), Barrett Nelson, Carter Nelson, Rachel Larsen, Max Nelson, Nola McElroy, Liam McElroy, 6 great grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews. Gus was preceded in death by his son Jody Wall, grandson Bryan Wall and sister Sylvia Jarvi.

Gus touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.

A service will be held at Keystone UCC at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 4th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwest Harvest, Keystone UCC, or Union of Concerned Scientists.