Anniversary with his wife, Judy Darrah, his children, grandchildren, and
many friends. It was a time to gather and rejoice in this wonderful
milestone with music, laughter, stories, and food. All the things that Bert
held dear in his heart.
Born February 1,1946 Bert grew up in Spokane, Washington where his
father, Elmer Darrah Sr., was Battalion Chief and his mother, Aggie
Darrah, worked for Collier Motors. They all lived in the house that Elmer
built for the family on North Ash. In 1964 the family completed the
house at the farm in Deer Park. Bert was the youngest of three siblings.
His older brother, Michael, passed shortly after birth. His older sister, Connie (78), currently
resides in Boston.
Bert’s life was spent making other people happy. He would help anyone that asked and was
quick with a smile, a hug, and a very distinctive laugh that filled a room. Bert drove for Meals on
Wheels delivering food and companionship to many homebound far and wide. He would drive
the elderly to doctor appointments and run short errands as needed. Bert was a member of the
Moose Lodge and the Eagle’s Club. He volunteered as a Moose Merry-Maker and would dress
up as a clown to entertain children. He graduated from North Central High School in 1964 and
began working for Kaiser in 1970.
For thirty-one years, Bert worked for Kaiser Aluminum at the Mead facility and shared many
stories from pranks he and his coworkers would play on each other to the time he spent driving
his forklift. Family members would get tours of the plant with Bert as he proudly showed the
products the factory made. Everyone got an aluminum ingot stamped by him after the tour.
These ingots are cherished.
Bert raised his son, Ed (44, Colville), as a single parent for four years and then he married Judy in 1978. This blended family grew with Judy’s two children Jeff Leavitt (56 spouse Susan, Wenatchee) and Joan Moore (58,Olympia). Bert was loving and caring and supportive of his family. Bert was a wonderful father and step-father, but he truly shined at being Grandpa Bert. He was very involved in their lives and achievements attending baseball games, concerts, soccer games, and proudly sharing his grandchildren’s
accomplishments with everyone he met. Every grandchild would often hear the words “I Luv-a,
Luv-a , Luv-a You”. Even when they were teenagers and rolled their eyes at this common
phrase, it is one that will always remain in their hearts.
Bert and Judy have eight grandchildren, Melinda Richardson (27 Spouse Zak, Spokane), Daniel Leavitt (25, Wenatchee), Ryan Leavitt (24, Wenatchee), Cameron Moore (24 spouse Philomena, Lacey), Austin Mattozzi (24, Colville),Heather Moore (20, Ellensburg), Alisa Mattozzi (17, Colville), and Addison Mattozzi (10,Colville). Bert always included his pets as “kids” so they must be included here: Princess
(horse), Tippy (cat), Brandy (dog), Katie (dog), Mittens (cat), Bailey (dog) and Scooter (dog).
Bert has been a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection over 34 years. His faith
was always strong and unwavering. When he was diagnosed with a terminal melanoma, Bert
was at peace with the knowledge that he would be going home to the Lord and to see many
friends and family members that had passed before him. His last few days were spent at
Hospice House on the South Hill where he was kept comfortable and surrounded by friends and
family. Bert lived a principled life where he practiced loving God, loving people and loving the
gift of nature. He was generous and mindful toward those in need, and looked for ways to
quietly support. By his wife, children and grandchildren, and friends he will be forever loved,
and forever in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be given to Hospice House of Spokane or a charity of your
choice. Their love and support are invaluable to families. The service is being held Friday,
August 3, 2018 at 10:00 and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in the Spokane Valley.
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