Howard Lee Fritchman (Baba), born on May 4, 1927 in Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2013. Howard grew up in Springfield and, at the age of 18 joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lawton in Seattle. It was during this time of serving his country that he met and married Evelyn (Mimi), the love of his life in 1947. Howard and Evelyn bought a home in Kirkland where they raised a loving family.
Howard was a natural born salesman and formed many lifelong friendships with the many business associates he met along the way. He worked for Bar-S for many years, and Olympic Meats. Howard continued to be involved in business, functioning as a part-time office manager in his son’s landscaping company until last week; demonstrating the drive, intelligence, wit and perseverance that helped define him throughout his life.
He could sing like a bird and loved to imitate Bill Kinney of the Ink Spots. He danced on roller skates and was also a competitive dancer. You should have seen him doing the Jitterbug.
Howard had a wonderful sense of humor that helped form the basis of many friendships made from all walks of life. He had a very dynamic personality and the strength of character that touched so many people with whom he interacted. If Howard told you how he felt about something you knew that it was true because every time that he said something it came straight from the heart.
He loved to pack up Evelyn, Gary and Sue at any time to drive anywhere from the coast to the mountains. There were many cross country trips in the station wagon to see family in Illinois. The family cabin on the Teanaway River brought many years of pleasure with 3 wheeling or snowmobiling being some of his favorite activities. Howard was lovingly referred to as the family Godfather; the head of the “Farkle Family.”
He will be missed by all but will remain in our hearts forever. Howard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn, son Gary, daughter Sue Tuttle (Terry), brother Bob (Donna), grandchildren Tara Johnson (Travis), Lisa Kirk (Bill), Alison Bryant (Nelson), Joe Fritchman, Jeff Fritchman, niece Stacy, nephew Kent and great grandchildren Keely and Delaney Johnson, William and Reagan Kirk and Evelyn and (brother or sister to be) Bryant. An on-line guestbook has been set up at www.bartonfuneral.com for anyone who would like to share their thoughts, or experiences that they have had with this wonderful, loving man.
Donations can be made in Howard’s name to Everygreen Hospice, Kirkland.