ARLIE F. HAMES

Arlie F. Hames, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed into the arms of the Lord on February 26,2004, after a short illness. Arlie was born in Danville, Arkansas, on November 22, 1911. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Esther Hames. Arlie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nina Hames, his son William and his wife, Pam of Kennewick, Washington and grandson Bob Hames and his wife, Laura; grandson Mike Hames and his wife Judi; and great grandchildren Makayla, Tianna, Erich, Rachel and A vianna; his son Frank Hames and his wife Karen of Dallas, Texas and grandson John and grand-daughter Kasey; and his daughter Gina Hames of Tacoma, Washington. Arlie was especially proud of his children and promptly told everyone he met about Bill the attorney, Frank the musician and composer and Gina. the university professor.

As a child, Arlie roamed the woods of Northwestern Arkansas where he acquired the skills of an expert woodsman, skills he retained throughout his life. Arlie could always start a campfire in a driving rain storm and cook a great camp dinner out of seemingly nothing. He freely shared and taught those skills to his son's fellow Boy and Explorer Scouts. He loved the outdoors-fishing and bird hunting with his beloved Browning Sweet 16, were his favorite pastimes. When Rusty, his prize English Pointer, flushed pheasants, Arlie would wait for his sons to shoot and then still get a double or triple.

He was also a renowned motorcycle and small engine mechanic. He rode BMW touring bikes with his Harley Davidson friends allover the Northwest. He rode motor cycles well into his mid-80's. At age 87, he rode one to the Cathedral of Joy which became part of the Sunday service. To the children in his neighborhood, he was the man who would fix their bicycles and teach them how to fix them for themselves.

Arlie was very proud of his service in the United States Army during WWII where he cooked meals for 1200 men three times a day.

Arlie and Nina married March 8, 1942 and moved to the Tri-Cities after WWII where they started their family. Upon retiring from N Reactor, UNC replaced him with a whole department. He retired from Hanford with 26 years of perfect attendance. He simply never got sick.

Arlie reveled in the company of his great grandchildren. He lived the last few months of his life with his son Bill and daughter-in-law, Pam, whose house is always full of Arlie's great grandchildren and their friends. He enjoyed watching the squirrels, feeding the ducks, walking the mall, lunching at the Kennewick senior center and having a good piece of pie with his friend Dale Elliott. Arlie was also a former member of the Odd Fellows Hall in Richland. Arlie's passing will leave an empty spot in all of their lives.

Arlie was an avid dancer. He and Nina, the love of his life, attended dances at various senior centers two or three times a week. He attended a dance less than two weeks before his death. Arlie will be missed by us all as he rides and waltzes through heaven.

His family invites you to join them for a celebration of Arlie's life on Monday, March 1st at 2:00 p.m at the Cathedral of Joy, 1153 Gage Blvd, Richland. Viewing is from 1 :00 to 5 :00 at Einan’s Funeral Home, Hwy 240 & Swift, Richland.