Obituary: Penniman, Harry Irving
Age 97
Harry was born on August 6, 1918 in Pasadena Park, WA to Walter and Winnifred Penniman.
He married Dorothy Rambow on April 24, 1946.
He spent his childhood years in the Spokane Valley, graduating from West Valley High School.
His family were produce farmers who farmed various plots of land throughout the valley.
Harry was a WWII Veteran.
He joined the U.S. Army in January 1942, serving in the South Pacific Theater until the end of the war in August 1945.
Upon his return, Harry started working at the U.S. Navy Supply Depot in Spokane Valley.
He later worked for a short time at the Central U.S. Post Office in Spokane and ultimately completed his Civil Service career at the Fairchild Air Force Base, with a combined 33 years of service.
Throughout the years of Harry’s Civil Service “day job”, he continued the Penniman family produce farm business.
In partner- ship with his wife, he operated a roadside produce stand, “Velox Gardens”, in the Spokane Valley, selling produce they grew themselves.
It took a lot of work to accomplish both careers at the same time for a number of years, but farming was an activity he really enjoyed and did well.
Dorothy’s passion for flowers would spark Harry’s third career.
That would be as an engineer and builder of interesting flower displays.
While Dorothy was the creative partner in this venture, Harry had the challenge to “make it happen”.
He was more than capable of succeeding in this role, as he was very resourceful and handy with all sorts of materials and equipment.
He was a great example of the “Greatest Generation”- folks who were able to succeed in repairing/ building items with very little to work with.
Harry and Dorothy provided enjoyment for friends and strangers alike for many summers with beautiful flower gardens and displays surrounding their pink house.
People would stop to admire their creations, often taking the time to chat with Dorothy and Harry.
We are comforted knowing that they are now back together once again, tending to the Lord’s flower gardens.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy; sisters Dorothy Eller, Lillian Eller and Betty Penniman and brothers, George and Kenny Penniman.
Harry is survived by three children, Penny Williamson, Bonnie Bofto and Steven Penniman; two grand- children, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand daughter.
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Good Samaritan Society at 17121 E. 8th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99016.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am.
on Friday, September 25, in the Chapel at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 17825 E. Trent, Spokane Valley.