Edward Arruda's Obituary
Edward Arruda
(1920 -" 2012)
Edward Arruda passed away quietly on May 22nd at Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma Washington with family by his side.
Ed was born in Papaikou, Hawaii (near Hilo) on March 16, 1920, to Manuel and Rose Arruda. He was one of nine children.
On a blind date Ed met Margaret Blanche Gomes, a beautiful lady from Kauai. They were married in 1948 and celebrated 64 loving years together last October.
Ed spent thirty years in the US Army, where he achieved the rank of Captain, with service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In his career, he served in Guadalcanal, Korea, Philippines, Puerto Rico and Vietnam, interspersed with domestic tours of duty in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Alaska. Following his retirement in 1976, he and Margaret made Lakewood, Washington their home for many years.
Throughout his life, Ed balanced his devotion to God, family and his military career. These forces helped to shape a leader whose passion, sensitivity and humility were respected by those who knew him. Ed was deeply involved in the Roman Catholic Liturgical Ministries and regularly provided readings and inspiration to many, including in recent years at Patriot's Landing where he resided before moving to Franke Toby Jones.
Ed's energy radiated, and it attracted people of all ages to him. He had the ability to be able to reach out to strangers and make new friends from all walks of life. He had an interest in all age groups and an acceptance of their differences that transcended his own age. Many ask the routine question, -Å"how are you-, but Ed truly wanted to know. His appreciation and compassion for others, be they family or strangers, was a pleasure to witness.
Ed always had some kind of hobby. Early in his retirement, he enjoyed RVing and often snowbirded in Arizona, and later in life began creating dioramas in coconut shells, which allowed him to find a way of reconnecting with his Hawaiian upbringing. But his greatest passion was for gardening and the beauty of flowers, which led him to become a Master Gardener after retirement and to take up the art of bonsai. His bonsai trees reflected the same attention and tenderness that he applied to the friendships he made in life.
Ed is survived by his wife, Margaret Gomes Arruda (at Franke Tobey Jones), his three children, Michael (spouse Susan Kreidler), Patrick (spouse Janis) and Rosemary (spouse Kevin Cooke). He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Rachel (spouse, Arlen Adcock), Jonathan and Sarah, as well as two sisters, Rose Perry and Jessie Oliviera, and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life luau will be held on Tuesday, May 29, at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood at 3 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 30, at St. John Bosco in Lakewood -" Visitation at 11:00 a.m., Rosary at 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 12:00 pm followed by reception and interment at Mountain View Memorial Park. More information can be found at www.mountainviewtacoma.com (go to -Å"Online Tributes-, View -Å"Current Services-).
In lieu of flowers or donations, Ed would ask that you look for the best in everyone, welcome new friends with open arms, and that when you have the chance for a new opportunity in your life, -Å"go for it-.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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