FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Harold Van Tuyl
10/13/1927 — 07/18/2015
From Richland, WA | Born in Fortworth, TX
Harold Van Tuyl
Harold Van Tuyl, age 87, of Richland passed
from this life on Saturday, July 18th, 2015.
Harold, or “Van” as he was known to his
friends, was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 13, 1927 where he spent
his early childhood years before moving to Orange and Houston,
Texas. Harold graduated from Texas A&M College in 1948 with a
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry before moving to Richland, Washington
to work as a research chemist at the Hanford project. Van met
Dorothy Gunger at the Catholic youth group at Christ the King
parish, and they were married in 1952.
Harold was very involved at Christ the King Church,
through the years serving as president of the parish council, as a Eucharistic
Minister, a Knight of Columbus, and a bible study leader.
Harold was a devoted family man, taking great pride
in helping to raise his four sons. He was a Boy Scout
leader, very active in all sorts of outdoor activities including fishing,
hiking and camping. He passed on his love for the outdoors to
his four boys. Harold particularly enjoyed his many summer fishing
trips to Alaska, visiting the beauty of Hawaii, and trips back to his
native Texas.
Harold also had a very successful 46 year career
working as a research chemist and manager at Hanford, including serving as the
manager of the critical mass laboratory. Harold retired from full-time
employment in 1994.
Harold is survived by Dorothy, his
wife of 63 years, and sons Peter (Captain Cook, Hawaii), Mark (Boise,
Idaho), and David (Anchorage, Alaska). Harold also has seven
grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by
his son James of Leavenworth, Washington.
A visitation will take place at Events at Sunset in
Richland (915 Bypass Highway) on Friday, July 31st,
6-8:00pm, with a rosary at 7:30pm.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic
Church, Richland on Saturday, August 1st at
11am with Pastor Father Thomas Champoux as
celebrant. The Mass will be followed by Harold’s interment at Sunset
Gardens (915 Bypass Highway). A reception will take place at Christ the
King Church following the committal.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Richland, or you might consider doing something special for someone in honor of Van, just as he would have wanted it.
It was a pleasure to work with Harold, a true gentleman and good person. My sincere condolences.
Dear Dorothy & Harold Van Tuyl’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy on Harold’s death, but he”s now safely home with his son James in Heaven with God in perfect joy and everlasting life. He’ll be greatly missed, but all his happy memories and joyful spirit will always be with those who loved him. May your deep faith and trust in God give you all the strength to cope in your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers and God’s blessing be with you all.
Love,
Bel & Tom Bander
July 31,2015
Van and Dot raised the nicest boys! I so enjoyed them at Hanford High School and also through Christ the King. Van was a kind man who always had a good word for everyone. I know you will miss him so much. My sympathy to Dot and boys and family.
I worked for Van for eleven years in the 325 Building. He was a wonderful boss and friend in all the time we worked together. Our group had some wonderful parties at their house with Dot and Van hosting. Those good times at work and during our group gatherings will always be treasured. My sympathy to Dot, his sons, grand and great-grandchildren.
Guestbook for
Harold Van Tuyl