Victor S. Piha
Dad passed away on the morning of July 22, 2015 just shy of his 92nd birthday.
Victor was born on August 1, 1923 in Portland Oregon. He was the son of Samuel and Vida Piha, and older brother to Esther Kligerman and Morris Piha. Morris preceded Victor in death, which was a great loss for Victor. Victor recently resided at the Summit at First Hill, which is where Esther presently resides. This is where their youthful sibling relationship was rekindled.
At the age of 18, Victor enlisted into the US Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a medical corpsman; he served aboard the USS Doyan. In the latter part of his life he was very proud of his service to his country and his fellow sailors. Just a year ago, he traveled to Washington DC with his daughter on an Honor Flight Mission, where his service was acknowledged with many other WW II veterans.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, dad met the love of his life, our mom, Zelma Caston Piha. Mom passed away in November 1996, and Dad was left with a void in his life that was never fully filled. Mom and Dad were married for 49 years. Even though his memory lingered in his later life his ability to recall moments shared with mom were vivid and beautiful. Her soul was blended with his after her passing, which provided him with stamina to live a long blessed life.
Victor worked in the seafood industry for over 50 years. He was a Vice President of Pacific Fish Company. He was a dedicated employee to the Alhadeff family, but especially enjoyed and appreciated his working relationship with Jerry Alhadeff. After retiring from Pacific Fish Company, Victor followed Jerry Alhadeff to Evergreen Floral for a few years of additional employment. Victor's family thanked Jerry for this transition since his clothing stopped smelling like fish and more like flowers. Victor finished his working career by helping with invoicing tasks at Morris Piha Real Estate Services. He stayed with his early morning routine by being the first to the office and the first to leave followed by a brisk morning walk along the shores of Lake Washington.
Victor is survived by his daughter Marilyn Pallister (Garry) and son Stanley Piha (Valerie). He is also survived by grandchildren Ryan Danz, Jessica Piha, Vincent and Leisha Piha and Blaire Piha.
Funeral services and burial will be held on Friday, July 24th at the Seattle Sephardic Brotherhood Cemetery located at 1230 North 167th Street, Shoreline, WA at 11:00 AM.
Suggested donations in Victor's Memory may be made to the Kline Galland Home; the Stanley and Valerie Piha Young Leadership Award fund at Temple De Hirsh Sinai or the Puget Sound Honor Flight.
Published in The Seattle Times from July 22 to July 24, 2015
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