January 08, 1943 - April 23, 2011

The gentle giant loved life!

Louis passed peacefully into the arms of his higher power surrounded by his wife and family. Known as Louis to his parents, Louie to his sister, and Lou to his wife and best friend. Known as the gentle giant and Lou C to many friends. Louis was born and grew up in Seattle, Washington. When he was 15, his parents moved to Robinswood in Bellevue. Lou was the first graduating class of Sammamish High School in 1961. After high school he attended Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon. Later graduating from Western Washington University.

After high school Lou went to Alaska fishing and worked at Boeing. Graduating with a degree in History, Lou’s desire was to teach, with no jobs available he went to work for RJ Reynolds. Leaving that job after 17 years, Lou moved to Camano Island, WA. Spending a year finishing a house that was built from the ground up. He drove school bus for the Stanwood School District. Lou had the opportunity to return to Boeing where he retired after 17 years of total service time to Boeing. Had fond memories returning to the Stanwood School District driving special needs children. His love was always children. He went to work for Secret Harbor on Cypress Island working with troubled at risk boys, later he would work in the foster care system for Secret Harbor. He would say this work was the most rewarding. Lou retired in 2009 working in the chemical dependency field.

Lou is survived by Trisha, soul mate of 25 years. and bride of almost 19 years. Children, Kelli (Rochester, WA); Paul (Puyallup, WA); Tami husband Ken, (Newport, OR), Will, (Bull City, AZ), Mitzie, (Bellingham, WA), Joe and fiancé Lori, (North Pekin, IL). Sister Ann husband Clay (Spokane). Laurie niece and (Spokane) Nephew Dan his wife Kristy (Spokane). Special mention nieces and nephews: Angela Mas, Brandi Prince, Renee Cadreau, Michele Jones, Jerry Jones and Matthew Prince. Goddaughter Jamie Smith(Tacoma) Cousins Jack, Sandra, Marta and Mike. Rozanna and Jerry Gniadek (Pekin, IL) Special sister-in-law Judy Jones (CA) His best female friend Patti Cole (Camano Island). Sponsor Mike McMurtie (Spokane) and his very special four legged friend Maddie

His grandchildren will miss their grandpa. He was a great grandfather, enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Watching them grow up he thought they were the salt of the earth. Juli (Utah), Tamara (Germany), Michael (Tacoma), Taylor (Puyallup), Steven (USMC ~ California), Korrisa (Puyallup), Chelsie (Puyallup), Alex, Michaela, Kaleb, and Rilynn (Spokane).

What can be said about Lou C the gentle giant? He was clean and clear with everything in his life, making his passing peaceful and serene. Adored his bride of almost 19 years. Awesome father to six children from a blended family. A ridiculously funny grandpa, Worked hard to have the best relationship with his sister as possible. He is preceded in death by his brother Steve, father and mother John and Norma Custard.

The gentle giant loved life! Had a sense of humor bigger than life itself! On September 22, 1982 Lou C. entered yet another journey that would last for 28 years. He was blessed to get sober and had an incredible journey in sobriety. Working with many who suffered from the disease of addiction. He felt sobriety was a gift not to be taken lightly and that not everyone would be able to grasp and get sober. The journey of the last five in half months brought many friends to Lou C’s side. They enjoyed sharing the memories of recovery and being able to go anywhere without taking a drink. He would often say LIFE IS GOOD!

His was an avid hunter. Enjoyed going with his sons and grandsons. Loved sports. Often he would try to tell Trisha many useless stories about baseball and football. Than would laugh when she rolled her eyes. Loved Mash and watched reruns over and over again! He would often say woodworking help soothe the soul.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, prays and support with the journey into a new normal that lasted for 164 days. A very special thank you goes to St.Joseph Inpatient Rehab South Campus (Bellingham). The dedication of this group of people was such comfort and blessing, Lou was also at Jospehine Sunset Home in (Stanwood) from Dec. 2010 until March 2011. Everyone at both facilities became our family. The family was always in awe of the nurturing and going out of their way to make sure Lou was comfortable. They grew to love the gentle giant! The family wants to acknowledge both facilities and let you efforts and gentle touch know did not go unnoticed. Thank You ever so much!

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Life Celebration will be at Camano Lutheran Church on Camano Island on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 4pm. This will be a potluck. PLEASE NO BLACK. Lou’s favorite color was blue.

DONATIONS

Memorial contributions can be made to Josephine Sunset Home for electrical beds in memory of Lou Custard.

9901 272nd Place NW, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Memorial

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave meleaveme.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Author Unknown