Derwyn "Der" HOWELLS, Sr. A resident of Auburn, WA. since 1969, passed away from sudden and unexpected heart failure on March 8, 2002. Der was born in Scranton, PA. on May 21, 1937. His loving wife Louise was at his side at the time of his passing. He and his four brothers grew up in Hershey, PA. as orphans, having lost his mother at the age of 9. Der graduated, with his wife of 46 years, from Darby Senior High School in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Louise Arthur in 1956. Together, Der and Louise raised six wonderful children, five sons and a daughter. Together, they also raised his niece and several foster children. Der was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1959. He attended several colleges and trade schools, obtaining a number of degrees while working to support his family. He tirelessly worked at multiple jobs to make ends meet. In 1958, he took a position with the Boeing Company at their VERTOL plant in Morton, PA. Boeing transferred him and his family to the Seattle area in 1969. Der remained employed with the Boeing Company until his retirement in the early 1980s. With Boeing, he served in many capacities. Retiring as a General Supervisor over the facilities shop, he also taught classes at Lake Washington Votech and Renton Vocational Tech. in his off time. After completing a full career at Boeing, Der took a management position with Cell Therapeutic Institute in Seattle, where he headed the Facilities Department. He continued in this capacity until his passing. (It is noteworthy that he celebrated the discovery and cure for the form of cancer from which his mother died.) Der was also active in the community, where he served, until his passing, as the Junior Olympic Commissioner of the ASA Softball Association for the greater Seattle area. He was also active with the Special Olympics and Junior Achievement program. His care for underprivileged and troubled youth was the major focus of his non-working life. His loving wife, Louise, shared and supported his interests and outreach. Der possessed a warm and gentle nature, tempered with a sense of humor. His personal integrity and strong work ethic have always been a shining example to all those around him. To his family, he was simply known as "Daddy Der". "To the umpires and softball teams, he was known as "Softball Der". Der has been called home to Heaven, where he has welcomed by his son, Derwyn "Winky" Jr., who passed away in 1978, at the age of 19. There can be little doubt that Jesus called him home to use his expertise in forming and organizing softball tournaments. Der had a passion for perfection. He is survived by his wife, Louise Howells, four sons, Steven, Brian Sr., Howard Sr., Scott Jr., and a daughter Debralee and 21 grandchildren. Extending his caring for others beyond this world, he was an organ donor. Memorials may be sent in his name to Junior Olympic ASA Softball Association. Viewing will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, Funeral Service is 2 p.m. Friday, March 15 all at Yahn & Son Funeral Home, 55 West Valley Hwy., Auburn, WA. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, with a memorial reception following at the Federal Way Senior Center. Mar 13, 2002 Seattle Times