Hugh Irvin Kridler

January 12, 1936 – June 7, 2023

In the early morning light Hugh passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023.The day before he was surrounded by many of his loved ones who were fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with him.

He was born January 12, 1936 to Merle and Katherine Kridler in Portland, Oregon.

Hugh grew up in Portland, graduating from Jefferson High School and attending the University of Portland, majoring in Science & Electronics.

He enlisted in the United States Army for 2 years in 1954, going through Radio Repair School at Fort Benning, GA. and later reporting for duty in Korea spending 16 months there.

After his service in the Army he worked several jobs and also went to Portland Electronics College at nights. While attending one of his mother's bowling league games a beautiful young woman caught his eye, Gay Ann McDermott. They were married September 12, 1959 and later moved to the Alki Beach area in Seattle. Hugh worked for Boeing Airplane Company and enjoyed his work with the electronics involved with the Bomarc Missiles in particular. They also welcomed their first child Martin.

Soon he was offered a partnership with his father to go in together with Tri-State Metal Fabrications, Inc. located in Spokane. Here they welcomed their other children, Richard, Lynn, Janeen and Jill. In 1975 Hugh and Gay acquired full ownership of the company maintaining the quality standards they had built through the years.

Hugh enjoyed many hobbies, amateur Ham radio, hand loading for guns, camping, volunteering with the Boy Scouts to name a few. He loved traveling the country with Gay in their travel trailer and later their fifth wheel, especially with the Lilac Drifters RV club. He also gave his time and talents to the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce board of Directors, float Building Committee, and served on the water board for the Hutchinson Water District and the Elks.

Hugh will always be remembered for his quick wit, good heart and the wonderful legacy he leaves behind; husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Katherine Kridler, daughter Janeen Wells and sister Diane Joy. He is survived by his wife Gay, children; Martin (Linda), Richard (Daun), Lynn (Gary), Jill (John), son-in-law Jeff. Fifteen grandchildren; Courtney, Jayde, Cameron, Cody, Lindsey, Jared, Hailey, Travis, Megan, Hope, Noah, Hannah, Tiffany, Tawny and Angel. Nine great grandchildren; Cayson, Georgia, Madilynn, Keiler, Elsie, Madison, Max, Kole, Konner and nieces & nephew.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Kridler family.