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Edward Gray Vasse

January 12, 1919 - December 22, 2009

Edward Gray Vasse Obituary (Age 90) Edward Gray Vasse of Spokane passed away on December 22, 2009 at the age of 90 after a long illness. He left us as he lived life, gently, quietly and with the same dignity and grace. He was born January 12, 1919 in Phoenix, Arizona to Robert and Edna Vasse and was raised during the Great Depression. He lived in Clarkdale, Arizona and Moberly, Missouri where he graduated from high school and entered the Army Air Corps in 1939. Ed was a crew member in one of the B-17 bombers squadrons that were ferried to England's Royal Air Force in 1940. On December 7, 1941 he was on a troopship between Pearl Harbor and Clark Field, Philippines when both were destroyed at the beginning of World War II. He fought with the 19th Bombardment Group from Australia, New Guinea and Java as a radio mechanic, radio operator and gunner, surviving the war as a Master Sergeant at the age of 26. While flying missions from Edmonton, Alberta over the Arctic in 1948, he met Daisy Pauline Rogers of Edmonton. Ed and Daisy were married in December, 1948. They raised two sons, Gray and Bob while crisscrossing the world with assignments in New York, Texas, Alaska, Japan and Utah. In 1967, Ed, now a Chief Warrant Officer Four, retired to Spokane, Washington. He is survived by Daisy, his wife of 61 years, currently residing in Spokane and his second son, Bob, of Huntsville, Alabama. His first son, Gray, predeceased him in 1987 as did his brothers, Bob, John and Dick Vasse. Ed loved to work with his hands and will always be remembered for his craftsmanship and superb skill with tools; his many pieces of furniture are treasured by his family and friends. At his and Daisy's home at Rockwood Lane, he designed and built the residents' workshop and was considered the unofficial 'honey-do' man for over 12 years. He assisted countless residents with projects ranging from furniture repair to hanging mirrors and pictures, installing shelves, sharpening knives and repairing table lamps. Ed was always at his happiest when helping others. We all love and miss the son, the brother, the warrior, the husband and father who was Edward Gray Vasse. A Memorial Service will be held January 23, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Heritage Funeral Chapel. A reception will follow at 3:00 PM at Rockwood Lane, East 221 Rockwood Boulevard, Spokane. Donations in Edward G. Vasse's name can be made to the Spokane Veterans' Home, the Hospice of Spokane or a charity of choice.

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