Roy Arthur Reinertsen

Roy Arthur Reinertsen of Central Park passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2009. He was born in Portland, Maine in 1923, the proud son of Norwegian immigrants. Roy attended the Merchant Marine Maritime Academy and sailed the world throughout WWII, known by his mates as an effective leader and amiable card shark. In 1947, he met Betty Lou Thompson while on leave in Seattle. After a long evening of dancing, Roy struck his request for engagement in marriage- which Betty flatly refused. Despite this early hesitation, the two were married three weeks later and eventually settled in Fall City, WA where they raised four children, Richard, Karen, Stephen and David.Roy began his career at Weyerhauser shoveling wood chips in the boilerroom, but “got a lot of press” by earning A’s in night school at the University of Washington. After gaining his professional engineer’s license, Roy was transfered to the Weyerhauser saw mill in Aberdeen where he retired as superintendent in 1981. He spent the next 29 years becoming a master gardener and avid reader, working on his tree farm, building in the wood shop for his loved ones, and enjoying his time with friends and family. Roy and Betty were married for an incredible 57 years.He is survived by his sister Arlene Thayer of Camano Island, four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with a third on the way.Roy’s legacy of commitment to family and pride in hard work lives on in each generation. A gathering in celebration of Roy’s life was held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 1300 West 8th St. in Aberdeen.In Roy’s honor, donations can be given to the Washington Library for the Blind and the Timberline Library in Aberdeen. Please sign the online Tribute to Roy at www.whitesidefamilymortuaries.com. Arrangements are being handled through Whiteside Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.