Arthur Tokin

Arthur Charles Tokin was born June 3, 1918 to in Tacoma, Washington. The first-born son of Louis and Bertha Tokin, both of whom emigrated from Europe, Art grew up in Enumclaw with is brothers Albert and Lewis. He graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1936 with several classmates who would soon become in-laws. Art married his best friend Pete Capponi’s sister Esther in 1941. The couple bought their first home in Seattle where Esther lived with her sister-in-law Rose Tokin while both of their husbands served in WWII. During that time, Art, Jr. and Al, Jr. were born. After his honorable discharge from the US Marine Corp in April 1946, Art returned home and began the process of rebuilding his life. He remodeled the family home, digging a basement by hand for his future workshop and literally raising the roof of the home to add two bedrooms and a bathroom for his growing family. Art and Esther’s second child, Susan, was born in June 1953 while Art was working for the Navy at Pier 91 in Seattle. Art and Esther acquired various properties over the next decade, the proceeds of which helped fund the college educations of their two children. Tragically, in 1963, Esther passed away after a two-year battle with cancer.

During the difficult years that followed, Art, Jr. graduated from college and served in Vietnam. Art, Sr. and Susan spent weekends in Enumclaw with family. Art enjoyed fishing in the creek and in Deep Lake with his Dad and his brother Lewis, and working on projects around the family farm. In the late 1960’s, Art’s work with the Navy was transferred to the Bremerton Shipyard. He commuted by ferry until he met Kay Bricks who also worked at the shipyard. The two were married in 1971, and Art moved to Manchester to live with Kay. He worked hard making improvements to the property, and enjoyed gardening and woodworking in his garage shop. Sadly, Kay passed away a few years later after a short battle with cancer.

Art reconnected with long-time family friend Dolores Kump and the two married in December 1977, remaining in Manchester. Art retired from the Navy in the spring of 1978, while Dolores continued to work as an elementary school teacher in Bellevue. After Dolores retired from teaching, the two were very active in their community. They organized highly successful garage sales for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Their work resulted in the opening of the St. Vincent de Paul store in Port Orchard. Art was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. In their spare time, Art and Dolores raised money for charity by making hundreds of wooden and craft items that they would take to an annual bazaar in Portland organized by the Sisters of St. Mary’s of Oregon. Among their many charitable social service projects, they made and filled ditty bags for the Mission for Seafarers to give to foreign sailors who arrived in Seattle.

Art and Dolores hosted many gatherings for family and friends. Art built and maintained a swimming pool on the family property that was enjoyed by all during the summer months, especially on the annual 4th of July party. Art’s barbeque chicken wings were legendary. The couple would make regular treks to Des Moines and Honolulu as grandchildren began to arrive. Art enjoyed cooking fish freshly caught from his boat and serving freshly dug clams from the beach.

Art had a severe stroke in September 2001 and was cared for by Dolores for several years in their home in Manchester before the two moved to Park Vista in Port Orchard. Art received superior care from Dolores and long-time caregiver Cindy Cook. Art is survived by Dolores, his children, Art, Jr. and Susan, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.