Grover Cleveland Pell, Jr.

Grover Cleveland Pell, Jr. passed away on March 31, 2016. He was born June 17, 1922 in Yakima, Wash. Grover was preceded in death by his wife Aura Claire Pell and his eldest son Larry Grover Pell.

Grover married Aura on Feb. 12, 1966, expanding his family of four to a family of eight.

Grover is survived by his children Linda Butterworth (Freddie) of Clinton, JoAnn Flowers (John) of Florida, Melvin Helley (Sue) of Freeland, Bob Pell of Enumclaw, and Kurt Helley of Clinton; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was in the U.S. Navy during World War II, between 1942 and 1946. Over his lifetime he was a truck driver, worked at Bayless Bindery, oversaw several water districts, and had his own lawn and yard business. In his later years he had a house built for his wife on five acres and enjoyed raising goats, sheep and chickens.

Grover and his wife traveled the world by land, air and sea. He delighted in making his wife happy as long as she allowed him to continue to work up until he was in his late 80’s. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

A memorial service in celebration of his life is at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7 at Christian Life Center in Freeland, Wash.