Harry Ford Teagle

April 29, 1915 - July 08, 2010

Harry Ford Teagle Obituary (Age 95) Harry passed away on July 8, 2010 in Spokane. He was born April 29, 1915 in McCleary, WA to Earl and Constance "Connie" Teagle. After spending most of his childhood in McCleary, times became very difficult after the Great Depression hit and Harry moved to and resided in Ketchikan, Alaska during his high school years so that he could earn money for his parents and siblings who remained in McCleary. Before WWII, Harry enlisted in the United States Army where he remained for four years. Very soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Harry along with several other McCleary men voluntarily enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent the majority of WWII in the Pacific Theatre serving aboard the USS Regulus, a supply and troop transport ship. Moving back to western Washington after WWII, he was driving cab in Hoquiam, WA when he met his future wife-to-be Irene Odum. She was teaching in Hoquiam at that time and was a regular fare of Harry's and several other cabbies - all of who were quite interested in her due to her wonderful personality and physical beauty. Harry was the lucky fellow who won her hand and they were married in Hoquiam on August 8, 1948. The newly married couple moved to Spokane that same year. Irene continued teaching and Harry undertook various enterprises including owning and operating a "convenience store" and a couple of gas stations. Sometime later he was hired as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service - a job that he kept until he retired in 1976. In 1966, Harry and Irene adopted Paul Carpenter; he was actually their nephew, being the son of Irene's sister Mary Carpenter who had passed away soon after Paul's birth. And so began Harry's life as a father. After retiring in 1976, Harry and his family moved just outside of Spokane where he was able to fully indulge in several activities that he loved including gardening, woodworking and occasional hunting and fishing. Harry also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and although he sometimes presented a gruff exterior, he was known by many for his very generous nature. Being very sensitive to those who were less fortunate, he helped many such people over the years by being very charitable with both his time and money. He was an outstanding father and husband, always putting family first. Harry will be much missed by those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Irene of 57 years who passed away in 2006, his brothers; Les Teagle, Guy Teagle, and Paul "Mike" Teagle, and sisters; Naomi Weatherbie and Earlene Hammond. He is survived by his son Paul and grandson Kurtis, both of Spokane. Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, July 13 at Heritage Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be Wednesday, July 14 at 1:00 PM at Greenwood Memorial Terrace with Reverend Don Meekhof officiating. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the National Alzheimer's Association .