Bernard L. "Bernie" Huisingh

Bernard L. "Bernie" Huisingh, age 85, beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at his home in the care of his family.

Bernie was born in Emmons County, ND to Shirley and Hazel Huisingh. The Huisingh family made their way to Shelton, where Bernie attended school until his desire to join the U.S. Navy couldn't be denied. Bernie often enjoyed sharing his many adventures about his tour of duty on the USS Haverfield as a Machinists Mate. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran and remained close to many of his Navy buddies. During his Navy years, he met the love of his life, Sharon, and within a few years, they started their family.

When Bernie returned to Shelton he began his career at, and ultimately retired from, Simpson Timber Company. Bernie was an exceptionally talented machinist and there wasn't a problem he couldn't solve. After leaving Simpson, he started the Shelton Central Shop and continued applying his machining skills. Many local inventors engaged him to assist with their prototypes. Solving unique machining challenges was when his expertise would shine.

Bernie and Sharon also owned the Shelton Recreation Bowling Alley where he was called upon many a time to use his talents to keep the lanes up and running.

Bernie led a colorful life and had many an adventure along his journey in life. Early in his adult life, after a long day at work, he spent evenings 'tuning up' his 'Yellowjacket' themed motorcycle to race at the local dirt flat tracks during the weekend. As his family grew larger, he was encouraged to find another hobby and changed his focus back to the sea, where he could be found on the waters of the Pacific Northwest, boating, fishing, and shrimping with family and friends. He could talk about his adventures on the water for hours, entertaining you with tales of good times and a few misadventures.

Although he suffered in his later years from serious impairments of both his sight and hearing he led a full and active life until the very end. He often enjoyed travels to visit his son Mike and his family in Alaska to fish, and trips to Las Vegas and Sonoma for NASCAR races, as well as his favorite hot spot in Reno to best the casinos with his Keno and Craps game strategies.

A man of wit, warmth, and humor Bernie was a source of joy to all who knew him. The world will be a little less warm and less happy now.

Bernie is preceded in death by his father Shirley Huisingh, mother Hazel Morrow, stepmother Edith Huisingh, brother, Arthur Paul, and stepsister Pauline Depoe.

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Sharon Huisingh, his children Danette (Ron) Craig, Jeri Borneman, Mike (Diane) Huisingh, Lisa (Mark) Neely, and Janet Huisingh. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, his brothers Robert, Norman, and Raymond Huisingh and his stepbrother Vernon Honstain.

A celebration of life for family and close friends will be held at a date yet to be determined.