Beal Gaither Rockey

Beal Gaither Rockey, age 72 of Auburn, Washington passed away early December 26, 2014 surrounded by his family.

Beal was born August 28, 1942 in Kelso, Washington. He grew up in Kalama, Washington, until moving to Alaska at the age of nine in 1951. Beal moved back to Washington in 1953 and resided in Auburn for the remainder of his life. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1961 then attended Western and Lower Columbia Community College earning his AA degree. While attending college, Beal also worked with his dad in the family business known as “Glenn Rockey Construction” in Auburn, taking over the business after his father retired and for the next 30 years, worked in the greater Auburn area as a private contractor and operating engineer.

Beal married his high school sweetheart in 1969, and subsequently had a full house with 6 children and many assorted dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and even a horse. He loved his family and cherished his friends, spending the rest of his life nurturing them all. Beal was active with coaching youth programs and supporting Auburn athletics, even after his own children had grown. His philosophy was not about the wins and losses but about mentoring and supporting each child as if they were his own, even giving shelter when needed. Beal had an amazing heart and ability to relate to people, to put himself in others shoes. He made you feel important and significant, that you mattered, and for this he was loved.

He loved all sporting events and was a long time Husky and Seahawks season ticket holder. He enjoyed camping, as long as it included the Marriott. In retirement he could be found driving his grandchildren to Starbucks and school every morning, taking them to dentist appointments, taking and picking up his son Chad from work at Auburn Subaru, often bringing his dogs Casey or Cody along for the ride.

Beal is survived by his wife Jan, sisters Elmira Ann and Glennel, sons Chad Rockey and Tom Rockey, daughters Shelly Griffin, Shannan Bartlett (Chuck), Carey Rockey and Sarah Rockey, plus 8 grandchildren, 11 nieces and nephews and two beloved Labrador retrievers.

A memorial service in celebration of Beal’s life will be held at noon on January 10, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H Street Northeast, Auburn, WA 98002.