July 16, 1935-October 8, 2021
Beaver, WA — Frank J. La Gambina, 81, passed away on Oct. 11, 2021, after a year-long battle with cancer. He passed with dignity and in comfort with his family nearby.
He was born in Staten Island, N.Y., to Francis and Veronica (Vera) La Gambina. His parents divorced and, after Vera remarried, they moved to Hammond, in upstate New York. Frank attended S. Hammond Elementary where he was the lone student, in his class, for years. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1958. Shortly after, he attended NYS Ranger School which led him to getting hired on with the U.S. Forest Service. In 1960 he hitchhiked and bussed himself across the country, to start a new beginning, in Forks.
Frank and Judy Huggins married in 1962 and started a family, having five children. They were divorced in 1974. Frank continued his career and retired in 1994, after 34 years of service. He was, especially, proud of the fact that the Sol Duc district had 80 miles of forest roads built, when he arrived at the Forest Service, and over 400 miles of roads, when he retired. Frank, also, worked as a part-time steelhead guide, throughout the ’70s, and then 15 years as a bartender at the Smokehouse.
Besides his family, Frank’s passions were hunting elk, steelhead fishing, betting on the ponies and playing cards, or Yahtzee, with whoever was willing. He was, also, a sports fanatic and enjoyed his time traveling to watch his grandchildren play high school sports. Frank was a member of the Forks Elks Lodge.
Frank is survived by his four children, Alan, Arnold, Allison, and Sabrina, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, sisters Carol and Linda, daughter Raini Dae, and granddaughter Amanda.
Frank will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, his competitive spirit, and always making it to family gatherings. We’ll miss you, Dad!
There will be a potluck memorial service at the Forks Elks Lodge on Sunday, Nov 21st at 2 pm. Please bring your favorite dishes and celebrate the life of Frank La Gambina.
