Evan Laurence Cornforth's Obituary
EVAN LAURENCE CORNFORTH
Retired Auto Dealer
OCTOBER 5, 1925 – SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
Evan passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the age of 88. He recently said “I have had a great life, for which I am very thankful. All of my family have been loving and loyal, especially Diane, my wonderful wife.”
He was born and raised in Tacoma and spent most of his life there. He was the eldest of two boys, born to Laurence and Pearl Cornforth. He graduated from Stadium High School, followed by three years of service during World War II with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater.
After discharge from military service in 1946, Evan sought employment in the automotive industry. He was employed by Mueller-Harkins, the Tacoma-based Buick distributorship at that time. For six years he traveled Western Washington as Buick’s outside parts representative. This led to his eventual employment by the well-known Puyallup Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealer Harold Wilen. Evan held positions in every department of the dealership and became Mr. Wilen’s business partner in 1961. They remained business partners and close friends until Mr. Wilen’s death in 1989. During that time, Evan proposed the formation of the “Puyallup New Car Dealers Association,” which still exists today, binding together the competing businesses to promote the “Cars Cost Less In Puyallup” message in their joint advertising and promotions. Evan retired as the dealer and owner of Cornforth-Campbell Motors in 1992.
During Evan’s business career, he served his fellow dealers on the Regional and Zone Dealer Councils for ten years. He also served his community as a 25 year Rotarian, a two year leader of the United Way Drive, a leader of the Heart Drive, President of the Off Street Parking Association, and a 9 year member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Board. Evan also enjoyed the friendship of many in the Puyallup business community.
Evan and his wife of 64 years, Diane, traveled the world, enjoying cruises particularly. They also enjoyed skiing, dancing, and entertaining family and friends at their beach home on Henderson Bay. After retirement, they enjoyed many years wintering in their Arizona home in Tucson, and later in Phoenix. They cherished their lifelong friends who wintered there also, as well as the new friends and neighbors they found in Arizona. Likewise, there are still lifelong friends here who have been a big part of Evan’s retirement. Those friends who were a part of his life need to know how important their friendships were to him.
Evan was a close and loving husband, father, son, and friend. He always taught his children his values and impressed upon them the qualities of integrity and respect.
Evan was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Wendell. He is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Barbara (Dave) Requa, son David, granddaughters Kylene Requa and Danae Requa, as well as many nieces and nephews. All are saddened by their loss, but also strengthened by his legacy and wisdom.
Public visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 3:00PM - 8:00PM at Mountain View Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 1:00PM Thursday, September 25, 2014 at The Aspen Chapel, Mountain View Celebration of Life Center.
Remembrances may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, 3875 S. 66th St., Suite 101, Tacoma, WA 98409-2471.
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