Lorne Dale Bangert Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Richland, WA on March 11, 2016. He was born November 25, 1925 in Centralia, WA to Marie Masters Bangert and Henry Frederick Bangert.

He attended schools in Centralia and ultimately graduated from South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, WA. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy in World War II. Injured during the war, he spent some time hospitalized and then returned to civilian life.

He studied to be a surveyor and worked that occupation for several years. He also became a small ferry boat Captain navigating between Port Orchard and Bremerton carrying passengers to their jobs and lives during that time era. 

He partnered with a friend and opened South Kitsap Fuel and Transfer delivering heating oil to his customer’s homes. He then had the opportunity to become a logger and hauled logs to sawmills locally in Western Washington for a period of time.

His lifetime close grade school friend Len Smilie asked him if he would like to try selling cars at Eddin’s Auto Company back in Centralia. He was then sure he had found his calling in life and went on to Pope Ford in Renton, WA and then to Westside Ford as general manager in West Seattle. 

In 1964 he purchased Romeri Ford in downtown Richland at 701 Stevens Drive beginning his final career famously as LORNE BANGERT FORD. After four successful years in downtown Richland, he purchased his property near the Richland Y and slowly began to develop it as the future home of his business.

In 1976 his building was completed and work began to move his employees and inventory to the new site. Once that was completed, he enjoyed many years of meeting countless new friends and customers that repeatedly bought vehicles from him over the years as their children and then their children came of driving age.

In total, he was Tri-Cities premier Ford, Dodge and Isuzu big truck dealer for 38 years, retiring in the mid 1990’s selling his business to Lithia Ford.

During his long career as a car dealer, he mentored and influenced countless people’s lives that admired and adored him. He would quietly help employees and friends that needed help in life at some point and was selflessly determined to be an inspiration for a number of people who wanted to be successful like him.

He was dubbed the “Sharpest pencil in town” whittling down car deals to affordability for his customers and always declared “No one beats a Lorne Bangert Deal.” All through his life and careers, he was a very dedicated family man doting always on his children, grandchildren, and even as a great and great-great grandfather. 

He’ll be tremendously missed by his family and countless friends he made during his long lifetime.

He’s survived by his wife Joyce, sons: Lorne Bangert Jr., George Gorsline; daughter Sherri Cooper; grandchildren: Jeanie (Kent) Beavers, Darrin Frazier, Dale Schwab, Jason Schwab, Rachelle Cooper, Terri Jo (Bill) Keough, Kenneth Gorsline, Jere Gorsline, Sarah Liesse, Ed (Cynthia) Tampos; great grandchildren: McKayla Beavers, Arrin Beavers, Brooklyn Keough, Brianna Keough, Emma Gorsline, Noah Gorsline, Sofia Liesse, Dalton Liesse, ISIS Tampos, Agnes Tampos, Korin Tampos, Kiraha Tampos; great great-grandchildren: Paisley Jo Bender, Kenai Tampos; nephews: Allan (Nancy) Bangert, Robert (Becky) Rider; nieces: Sandra (Bob) Fisher, Frances Bangert.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara Higginbotham; daughters: Gloria Bangert, Anne Sharp; sisters: Thelma Balch, Betty Cardwell; brother, Bud Bangert; mother, Marie Clark; father, Henry Bangert; grandchildren: Nicole Cooper, Seth Tampos, and Jacob Tampos. Longtime friends: Len Smilie and Pat and Dick Giovi and many other friends before him.

There will be a graveside service on March 26^th, 2016 at 2:00pm at Sunset Gardens (915 Bypass Highway in Richland, WA) for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to: St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Hospice at the Chaplaincy.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at the Hospice at the Chaplaincy and also the wonderful care he was given by the exceptional employees of Home Instead Senior Care.