Gerald "Pete" Peter Stougard

Gerald Peter “Pete” Stougard, age 91, passed away suddenly Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at the Highland Care Center in Bellingham in the accompaniment of his special companion, Ruie Dunnigan. Pete was born in Seattle December 23, 1921 to Peter and Ellen Stougard. He moved with his family to Kittitas County in 1927 and lived there until health issues forced his move to Bellingham to be closer to family.

Pete graduated from Ellensburg High School with the class of 1940. Soon after Pearl Harbor he joined the United States Coast Guard where he served honorably until WWII’s end. After the war he returned to Ellensburg and worked with his father and later formed Stougard Brothers Excavating with his brother until their retirement in the 80’s.

Pete and Joyce (Larson) were married November 30, 1957, and they made their home in Ellensburg until her death in 2008. Pete was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandpa, and friend and will be missed and remembered by family forever in memory.

Pete kept active in his retirement, enjoying many outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, golfing, getting firewood, and travel to the southwest each winter. He was an avid sports fan and loved all the Seattle pro teams, as well as the Washington State College teams and he was an especially strong supporter of Central Washington State College athletics as well as Ellensburg High School teams. Pete was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post #8 in Ellensburg.

Pete is survived by his son, Jerry Stougard (Beth) of Bellingham and CleElum, daughter, Barbara McAferty of Olympia and son, R. A. Larson (Darla) of Mount Vernon; three grandchildren, Kristofer Larson (Shawna), Josh McAferty (Amanda) and Kendra McAferty; and four great grandchildren, Phineas Larson, Riley Larson, Zane McAferty and Jake McAferty.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his mother and father, brother, Jim and sisters, Mable and Mildred.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Highland Care Center for the care and compassion.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Monday, August 12th at 1:00 pm at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg. Remembrances in Pete’s name may be made in lieu of flowers to a charity your choice.