AMBURGEY, WILFRED G.

Wilfred Garrett Amburgey, 92, passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2014, at the Hospice Care Center.

He was born May 13, 1922, in Weiser, Idaho, to George and Bertha Amburgey. In 1929, he, his parents and his siblings Margaret, Gilbert and Opal moved to Longview. He continued to reside here for the remainder of his life.

Wilfred attended Kessler Elementary School and briefly attended R.A. Long High School before dropping out in the eighth grade to take on family responsibilities. He began his 41-year career at Long-Bell/International Paper Co. in 1940. He retired at the age of 59 as head machinist, leaving a job that was meant for him, as he had the ability to fix anything.

Wilfred was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the Marine Corps with one of his best childhood friends, Wayne Kletsch, on Dec. 27, 1941. He was chosen to be a member of an elite combat squad, Carlson’s Raiders. He fought and served his country in the Battle of Midway, the Raid on Makin Island, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Iwo Jima (where he was shot and received the Purple Heart) and the Occupation of Japan. Upon returning home from the war he resumed his job at Long-Bell.

He married his first wife, Cecilia, and they had three children. She passed away in 1974. Wilfred then married his second wife, Mary. She passed away in 1999.

Wilfred was a devoted family man. As his children were growing up, family Sunday drives were mandatory. He enjoyed the many day trips they took together, often bringing his mother with them. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and working on anything mechanical. Throughout the years, family, friends and neighbors were constantly bringing him things to fix.

He is survived by three children, Helen Schaa (Mark), Gary Amburgey (Donna) and Rita Heitz; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Katie and Shawn.

No service will be held.

Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Service.