Lyle James Morehouse

Lyle James Morehouse, 79, of Langley, Wash, died Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, as a result of congestive heart failure complications.

He was born on May 9, 1937, in Cut Bank, Mont., the son of Les and Carol Morehouse and eventually a big brother to six sisters. Although the family settled in Cheney, Lyle's earliest memory took him back to Big Sky Country - riding horseback with his grandma searching for sage grouse to put on the dinner table - and shaped his belief in hard work, love of the outdoors and devotion to family.

Lyle met his wife-to-be, Verna Ditton, in Cheney the summer before he was drafted and shipped to Germany where he accomplished two things: he captured Verna's heart through letters and became a certified marksman and sniper in the U.S. Army. Upon his return the two married and moved to Renton, Wash. to start their life together.

Lyle was a man always in motion. He spent 24 years working at Pacific Car and Foundry manufacturing railroad boxcars. The railcar business went bust in the 1980s and in midlife he became a supervisor at Hytek Finishes specializing in metal finishing.

When Lyle wasn't at work, he was inventing, building, repairing, sanding, painting and welding. His rough hands fit perfectly with his green thumbs and, later in life, Lyle cultivated a colorful garden and delighted in sharing with the neighbors.

Though he had many talents, Lyle was modest and humble. He was also hilarious and honest, gracious and giving. He held firm convictions in politics and an abiding faith in God and the Catholic Church.

Lyle and Verna cheered their kids on in football, softball, baseball and wrestling. On their final wedding anniversary, Lyle told Verna 53 years together was not long enough.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Verna Morehouse; his children Tim (Shari) Morehouse, Denise (Jerry) Mariner, Dan (Diane) Morehouse and Paula Morehouse; grandchildren Sidney, Craig, Emily, TJ, Justin, and Aaron; sisters Jean, Marilyn, Rosemary and Georgine. He was preceded in death by his parents Les and Carol Morehouse; sisters Joan and Maria. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.