Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Dad




Warren Douglas Overland, age 55, of Puyallup died of a heart attack on August 14th while hiking near Mt. Rainier. He was a devoted husband and father who loved the outdoors, especially the Cascade Mountains, and saw them as a reflection of the Creator, whom he served. He was born on March 25, 1953 in Pullman, WA and married his wife, Becky, on July 12, 1975. He grew up the middle of five children. After graduating high school, he earned a degree in Forestry. One of his greatest achievements was earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in his late thirties. He worked 13 years for the Edman Company as a log buyer and chipping mill foreman. He found true joy in it. There he melded his love for the woods with his skills in technology and business—he also loved the heavy equipment. In fact, he was a lover of all things manly. Warren was a big kid who loved, water fights, potato guns and fireworks. He was always telling stories. Most importantly, his lived in such a way that he created stories and he will live on through the tales we all tell of him. The loss of his presence will truly be felt at Evangelical Reformed Church, where he served as deacon. Warren loved and served his Lord Jesus Christ. He had an unwavering, childlike faith which he lived out not by words, but by helping others. His family is assured that he was not afraid of death.
Warren is survived by his wife, Becky; two daughters Jessica (Ryan) and Kristen (Daniel); his grandson Levi; his parents, Alvin and Bernice; his brother Tim and his sisters, Eunice, Lynette and Alice. A celebration of his life and faith will be held at 3:30pm on Friday at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 11018 249th St., Graham. Memorial gifts may be given in his honor to Evangelical Reformed Church, 7435 So. Madison, Tacoma, WA 98409.


6 comments:

Cutzi said...

Dear Ryan and Jessica,

I was sincerely saddened to read this post tonight. My heart goes out to you and I will lift prayers for peace and comfort on your behalf. What sweet pictures - especially to see the joy your father took in dear Levi.

May the Lord keep you tonight and in the time to come, friends.

All my love,
Cutzi

Katie said...

Jess,
Your words are so appropriate. My prayers are with you.
With love,
Katie

Michael and Eryn said...

Michael and I are both so sad to hear this news. We are praying for you.

Love,
us

Colleen said...

(((Jess and Ry))) ~ you've been on my heart so often these past days. Love you guys.

Buhler family said...

Dear Ryan, Jessie and Levi,
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. We pray for you, that God will continue to comfort your family. We love you.

Nicole said...

Jess and Ryan,

I heard about your father's death this weekend from Rachel Anderson. I am so sad for and with you, Jess. My father died just six weeks ago suddenly as well, so I feel the shock and grief that you are feeling right now. I am so pleased to read that your father was a Godly man and hope that your faith has brought you comfort like it has brought me. I will be praying for you and your family in the weeks, months and years to come as you adjust to living your lives without your Dad.

Affectionately,
Nicole (Packer) Demetrescu