VIRGIL CARMICHAEL Obituary

VIRGIL T. CARMICHAEL JR.
October 22, 1921 ~ October 16, 2012

Virgil passed away at Guardian Angel Care Center in Vancouver, WA, on Oct. 16, 2012. He was born in Big Timber, MT to Virgil and Beulah Carmichael.
Following graduation, he began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher in Montana.
Virgil joined the Navy and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters in World War II. On the USS William P. Biddle and later the USS Antietam he participated in five invasions and received numerous commendations including the Purple Heart when wounded piloting LSTs. Virgil returned to Portland, OR during the war to marry Evelyn "Maxine" Cole.
After the war, he went to work for Texaco and later Richmond Tank Car in Linnton, OR. His work in the tank car repair and lining industry eventually took him to Texas, Louisiana, California and Missouri. Following a return to Portland and a move to Vancouver, he began a career as a HVAC maintenance technician for Tektronix in Beaverton, OR from where he retired in 1989.
Retirement allowed Virgil time to enjoy tinkering with and cruising in his Opel, sailing, playing pinochle, making trips to the beach, following Nascar, the Trailblazers and Mariners.
Nothing was more important to Virgil than supporting
his family; the neighbors and many friends he made
during his 90 year journey; all of whom will miss him greatly.
He especially enjoyed the companionship provided by the family dogs, Timmy and Chewy.
Special thanks to Debi and Doru Jula of Guardian Angel for the exceptional care and friendship provided during the past year and a half.
Virgil is survived by his wife of 68 years, "Max"; daughters, Connie (Tim) Halseth and Sue (Dale) Prill; grandchildren, Heidi (Bart Miller) and Tim (Millisa) Halseth (Milton Freewater, OR); great-grandchildren, TJ (Emily) and Tyler Halseth; brother-in-law, Norbert Van Dessel (Chester, MT); and nephews, Barry (Ann) and Larry (Susan) Van Dessel (Joplin, MT).
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Angeline (Curt) Nelson (Wyoming) and Virginia Van Dessel (Montana).
A graveside service will be held on Thurs., Oct. 25, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Skyline Memorial Gardens, Portland, OR with Chaplain Landis Epp officiating. A gathering for family and friends will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Round Table Pizza, 616 NE 81st, Hazel Dell/Vancouver, WA.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.