Obituary: Becker, Frank W.
Age 85
After attending Tigard Union High School, Frank joined the U.S. Navy.
He proudly served on the USS Lake Champlain and was involved in the Korean War.
He was discharged with the rank of EM2 and from there he continued to develop his passion for electronics.
He returned to Portland and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Nott) Becker.
Frank’s dad was heard to remark, “I’ll give it a year”.
Well, after 61 years of marriage and four kids later, it was with smiles that we all decided he should have taken the bet.
Frank’s hands, humor and quick mind were the stepstones of his life.
His humor was well-known and his practical jokes were legendary.
Lively debates took place nightly at the dinner table over what had been learned that day and having to prove your point.
It was done with love and laughter.
We all remember one particular subject that actually took two years to prove.
Frank enjoyed mentally solving math problems and particularly enjoyed it when someone would challenge him to solve the quicker.
He loved to learn and teach as well.
Getting outdoors and being in the woods was important to him.
He attained Master Hunter privileges but enjoyed even more the teaching of gun safety to young hunting enthusiasts.
He volunteered for several years to aid in teaching the classes held with the WA State Hunters Education program.
Going out to fish with family or friends was also a great hobby for him.
Frank was a fine artistic wood carver, earning many awards along the way.
He loved to share his skills.
He taught at the community college and at home as well.
Through his humor, he instilled in many students (as well as his children) the inspiration to ask questions and gain expertise in those things that bring pride, joy and love of life.
He was a member of the Alaska Wood Carvers and after retirement, he became a member of the Spokane Woodcarvers Assoc.
where he met many kindred souls and fine friends.
Frank was the youngest of Fred and Geneva Becker’s three children.
His brother, Fredrick, preceded him in death as did his parents and his nephew.
His wife, Barbara, survives him along with his sister, Irene Bellon (A.L.
Bellon); his four children, Debra Hartl (James Hartl), Risa Arquette, Mark Becker (Theresa Wiederhold-Becker) and David Becker (Keri Becker).
They gave us nine wonderful grandchildren and just as special, 14 great-grandchildren.
There are many nieces and nephews who were all kept close in his heart.
Frank had difficulty talking during those last few days at home.
With great effort and clarity, sweeping his hand and arm around the room encompassing his whole family and special friends, both present and those not able to be there, he clearly let us know the love and pride he felt for ALL of us and was so grateful to have had so many of these people be a part of his life.
He will be greatly missed and will always have our love.
Frank’s family will be honoring his request for no funeral.
A Military Honors presentation for him will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 30, 2015 at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery at 21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA.
Suggested donations in memory of Frank may be made to Good Samaritan Society - Spokane Valley or to Hospice of Spokane.