Alfred John Spry

Alfred (Al) Spry passed away on June 8, 2021 at the age of 92.

Al was born on November 7, 1928 in Omaha, NE to Lee and Ethel Spry. One of 6 children growing up during the Great Depression, he worked in the Omaha stock yards and on his Uncle’s farm to help his family through the lean times. A few weeks after turning 18, Al entered the US Navy, serving on the Destroyer, USS Ingraham, during the 1946-1947 WWII demobilization.  In July of 1946, he witnessed the test detonation of two nuclear devices at Bikini atoll in the Marshall Islands when his ship participated in Operation Crossroads. During a port call at Bremerton, WA, he was enchanted by the beautiful Pacific Northwest and decided he wanted to make it his home after leaving the Navy.

After his Navy service, Al returned to Omaha where he met his future wife, Bette, while dancing in one of Omaha’s ballrooms. On July 16, 1955 they were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, NE. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Seattle, residing in West Seattle for the remainder of their lives where they raised four children.  He was the primary care giver to his wife of 65 years during the last years of her life, working hard to allow her to stay in her home until her passing in 2020.

He entered the printing business as a young man in Seattle, starting as a pressman at Bemis Bag and eventually advancing to Production Manager at St Regis Paper Company.  While at St Regis, Al helped develop flexographic printing technology, used to create realistic images on plastic packaging. Toward the end of his career he became a flexographic printing consultant, traveling to domestic and foreign printing plants to assist others. He was a leader in the Flexographic Technical Association where he received recognition for his contributions to the printing industry.

Al was an accomplished golfer, spending many hours on the links with friends and colleagues.  In his younger days, he won multiple tournaments for members of the printing industry in the Pacific Northwest. He was also an avid angler, and brought home many salmon from Western Washington waters over the years.  In addition, he enjoyed gardening, maintaining his immaculate landscaping, and growing vegetables in his backyard plot.

Al was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. He had a sharp mind, kind heart and was a loyal friend throughout his lifetime.  He could always be counted on by family, friends and neighbors to provide help when needed.

Al is preceded in death by his wife, Bette, of 65 years, and is survived by his children Paula Buty (Kim), Sandra Scatena (Brian), Stephen Spry (Brandy), Michael Spry (Mary Kay) and grandchildren (Mitchel Spry, David Spry, Rocco Buty and Katherine Spry).

Donations in Al’s memory can be made to Bloodworks Northwest.

A private interment ceremony will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery.

Share memories of Al on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle.

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