Obituary: King, Regis C.
Age 81
KING,
Regis C.
(Age 81)
Regis Cyril King passed away peacefully on June 20, 2012, after battling Parkinsonism over the past several years.
Regis is the son of Frances and Cyril J.
King, who preceded him in death.
He was born March 17, 1931 and was the youngest of three children.
Regis was born and raised in Spokane, attending St. Aloysius Grade School, Gonzaga Preparatory School and then on to Gonzaga University, graduating with a BS in accounting.
He had four generations of the King/Glockling families that attended Gonzaga Prep, being very proud of this and was also able to attend his 60th high school reunion in 2008.
In 1953 Regis married Rose Marie Spies and together they had seven children, being the pride of his life.
His children: Elaine (Grubbs), Spokane; Rexanne (Michael) Glockling, Spokane; Daniel (Karen), Marysville; Christopher (Diane), Spokane; Patricia, Spokane; Anthony (Kathie), Spokane; Susan (Tim), Spokane.
Along with the seven children, Regis has 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with one due in September.
Always proud to be born on St. Patrick’s Day, and even though his older brother was named Patrick (living in Fresno), he still celebrated being “true Irish” throughout his life.
He is also survived by his only sister Marita, living in Spokane, who helped raise him as his mom had passed away when he was five years old.
Regis initially worked for the Federal Land Bank, and then worked as an IRS agent for over 20 years.
He then sold real estate here in town.
Always physically and socially active, Regis played handball and racquetball faithfully, winning many singles and doubles tournaments at the Elks Club and the Eagles.
Other activities he enjoyed were bowling, golf, dancing, and waterskiing.
He taught all of his children and some of the grandchildren how to waterski at an early age since his brother Pat had a ski boat.
He liked to show off by skiing with a child on his shoulders, thru the thoroughfare to upper Priest while smoking a cigar.
Many summers were spent at the lakes around the Inland Northwest, first at Diamond Lake and then at Indian Creek Campground on Priest Lake having multiple families and relatives camp at the same time.
Regis joined the Naval Reserves as a young adult and later joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving over 20 years and then retiring as an officer.
Another pastime was playing cards which have included pinochle, bridge, poker, and hand-and-foot.
Many grandchildren have fond memories of playing long hours with their grandfather since they were very young, even beating him a time or two (much to his dismay).
The family wishes to send their deep appreciation to North Central Care Center for their care and compassion for Regis over the last six months of his life that was spent there.
Regis will be greatly missed by many family members, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Regis’ seven children and grandchildren would never be able to express their undying gratitude and love for their mother Rose Marie Hillyard since their marriage 59 years ago.
Her daily “saintly acts” of sacrifice (monetarily, prayerfully, physically, and mentally), care, compassion, and never ending LOVE will never be forgotten.
A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 25, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
Memorial Contributions in Regis’ name may be sent to Gonzaga Preparatory School, or Cancer Care Northwest.
Please visit Regis’ online memorial and leave a condolence message at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.