Alvin Eldridge

Alvin G. Eldridge, age 98, passed away January 20, 2018 at Highgate Senior Living. He was born in Woodrow, MT to Albert and May (Thomson) Eldridge on August 15, 1919. In 1933 at 14 years of age, Alvin and his family moved to Yakima. He attended Washington Junior High School until his father passed away in 1938. Alvin then quit school and went to work for Yeaman Construction Company as a “gopher” and laborer. He began an apprentice program for carpentry while working. On July 25, 1940 Alvin joined the local Carpenter’s Union and remained a member until his death making him a 78-year member. He helped build many buildings around Yakima, mostly commercial type. He became a foreman and a supervisor and worked for several contractors until his retirement. His work took him to the Lower Valley, Portland/Vancouver shipyards, Kodiak Island, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, AK plus many more we’ve probably forgotten. Around 1939/1940 Alvin and his uncle built a house for his mother and younger siblings. He became the family breadwinner, helping raise the 4 younger siblings. A responsibility he held for many, many years. On November 12, 1957 he married Bonnie (Baker) King and became a stepfather to her son Jack King. Alvin was a charter member of the Ridge Runners Jeep Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Alvin also enjoyed panning for gold. As a young boy he panned in Idaho with his father and neighbor and then had a gold mine in Washington with a friend for a short time. When visiting relatives in Fairbanks, AK he would help on the big dredge of his niece and nephew’s gold mine North of Fairbanks. Alvin was preceded in death by his wife and stepson; his parents and stepfather William Steinman; his brother George and sister- in-law Edna; brother Donny; sister Bertha (Byrde) Coty; sister Marjorie Coty; sister Helen and brother-in-law Leonard Johnson; sister Hazel and brother-in-law Edmond (Ed) Howard; brother-in-law James (Jim) Trout; and number of nieces and nephews. Alvin is survived by his sister, Shirley Trout; 26 nieces and nephews and their spouses and numerous great nieces and nephews. At his request there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family plans to have a gathering in his memory in late Spring or early Summer. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alvin Eldridge, please visit our flower store.