Patricia J. Horton (Pat) died September 22, 2024 in Port Townsend. She was
preceded in death by her two husbands (Clifford Olin Sr., and Charles Horton), and
her two brothers (Chester Cook and Robert Cook). She is survived by her two sons
Clifford Olin (Val) and Marc Horton (Vicki), three Grandchildren - Lindsey Jungbluth
(Aaron), Ben Horton (Kiersten), and Ryanne Karnes (Jeff), and 6 Great Grandchildren
- Hunter Jungbluth, Skylar Horton, Amia Horton, Aria Karnes, Evelyn Karnes, and Levi
Karnes.
She was born in 1921 in Seattle where her family lived in Ballard - her father had a
construction company. They had a comfortable life. She attended Ballard High
School and was a skilled ice skater – performing with the 1937 Seattle Shrine Ice
Carnival. Because of the depression in the late1930’s the family lost nearly
everything. Her family broke up, and Pat, with her two brothers and mother retreated
to their last asset – property on Lake McMurray near Mt. Vernon – no electricity – no
running water. She finished High School at Sedro Wooly. She was later employed at
Northern State Hospital where she was trained as a psychiatric nurse.
Pat met her first husband, Clifford Olin Sr., at Lake McMurray. They were married just
before the outbreak of WWII. Clifford enlisted in the Navy, and was sent to the South
Pacific where he died in battle leaving Pat with a son (Clifford).
She met Charles (Chuck) Horton at a dance in Anacortes. He was also in the Navy
and stationed on Whidbey Island. After their marriage in 1944, they moved to Port
Townsend where they worked and raised their family. Chuck and Pat loved Port
Townsend and the Olympia Peninsula. They had an active social life and spent all
seasons in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and teaching their two children to
ski at Deer Park near Port Angeles.
Pat was a dedicated mother, but often said “I love numbers.” She maintained the
“books” for their successful auto service business. After the kids left for college, she
kept track of money as a teller for a local bank.
Her 58-year loving relationship with Chuck continued until Chucks death in 2002.
While she missed him terribly, she moved on with her life as an active participant in
social activities, and following the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren
(and spouses), and, of course, the great grandchildren.
She loved to be around people and was always genuinely interested in others.
“Grandma Pat” always tried to be positive in her outlook, and did not dwell but learned
from the “bad” things that can happen in life. In her later years she would often say “I
had a wonderful life” and she meant it! She will be missed!
