July 25, 1925- April 2, 2024
Eldon “Bud” Duane Klein passed away April 2, 2024, in the Forks Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Bud was born in Anacortes, Washington to William and Bertha Klein on July 25, 1925. He is survived by his daughters Eldonna Tiemeyer (Wally), Tammi Zavadlov (Mike), Debbie Panagiotu (Tony) and his sister Janett Kiesser of Sequim. He was loved by his grandchildren, Chris, Derek, Brandi, Holly, Shilo, Jared and Sara. He was great grandpa to 15 beautiful children he loved and adored.
Bud finished the 8th grade, and like many of his generation, then went to work with his first job at a gas station. Dad then joined the Navy on March 15, 1943. He may have fibbed to get in, because he wasn’t 18 yet. He traveled the world and had many stories to tell about the food and taking showers on the deck of the ship. Upon discharge, he moved to Forks, Washington. He had relatives there and he got a job as a logger cutting trees. Not long after, he met the love of his life, Geraldine Hamilton. He said it was love at first sight. They soon got married, built a house and started a family.
In his spare time his passions were hunting and fishing. He hunted pheasant, duck, grouse, elk, deer and moose. Grandpa Hamilton was Dad’s main fishing partner, but later Mom became his fishing companion. They always had a good time catching fish, and his smoked salmon was very tasty. He was constantly tweaking his recipe because to him it was never good enough. Dad fished with many of his friends and enjoyed telling countless fishing stories; often multiple times. Dad was very proud of his beautiful vegetable garden which each year produced a bountiful harvest.
After many years in the woods as a logger Bud went to work for the City of Forks. For 12 years he enjoyed many jobs keeping the city beautiful.
Dad was a man of God and had a deep relationship with his savior. When he prayed before a meal it was a mini sermon as he named each family member and friends. Mom would tell him “The food is getting cold Bud”. We all loved sitting around the table with them.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Forks Assembly of God Church on May 10th at 11:00 am. Please join us to honor our father and friend. There will be a potluck following the service.
Our family would especially like to thank the nurses and doctors at Forks Community Hospital for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Forks Assembly of God Church, 81 Huckleberry Lane, Forks, WA 98331, and earmark them for missions. Dad would rejoice knowing he helped spread the gospel.
