Hugh Joseph McFadden died on September 22, 2011 at the age of 91 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA, with his wife Monica at his side. He was born in a soddy on a homestead in Divide County, North Dakota on February 29, 1920, to Andrew Stephen McFadden and Ellen Barrett McFadden. He lived on the farm attending school and doing farm work. He was an amateur boxer, a Golden Gloves contender. Hugh graduated from Crosby High School. In 1937, drought and the Great Depression brought the family to Yakima, WA in a Model-A Ford via Glacier National Park. He worked hard to help his family as a fruit picker, dishwasher, and cannery worker. He enrolled in the opening class of JM Perry Trade School now Perry Technical Institute and studied welding. Welding became his vocation. During World War II Hugh worked in the Portland Shipyards, building landing craft used in the Pacific Theater. He then served as sergeant in the Army 332nd Engineers, attached to the Air Force, in Germany. After the war, Hugh returned to Washington State and attended technical classes for welding in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and at CBC in Pasco. Work included Hanford Nuclear projects, a Nike missile base, oil platforms and pipelines in Alaska, an underground aqua duct, and an atomic bomb test site. He joined the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, Local 598, in 1951 and was a member for 60 years. In 1954, Hugh McFadden met the love of his life, Monica Berchtold, at a church social and they married the next year at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. They made their home in Kennewick, WA and had six children. His family fondly recalls Hugh's stories of adventures living on the North Dakota farm and situations encountered as a welder following construction in eight states from California to Alaska. Stories of work on the Alaskan pipeline and oil platforms were a favorite. Hugh was a long-time member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kennewick. His Faith, family, work, education, and the outdoors were important. Family trips to the mountains and ocean were treasured. He encouraged the education of his children through school attendance and extra-curricular activities. Hugh was proud that his children completed college. Papa loved his family and provided through sacrifice, example and words of wisdom: importance of daily prayer, faith, forgiveness, patience, consideration, a positive attitude, health, education, and the value of listening to each person's story. Even in his final days, he was encouraging us through prayer. Hugh expressed thanks to be surrounded by those who lovingly cared for him and helped so he could remain in his home including niece, Marilyn Rosenberg. Caregivers from Visiting Angels and Senior Life Resources NW were helpful in giving loving support. Hugh's family is also grateful to Kadlec Regional Medical Center Staff, which provided care during his last days. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Ellen McFadden, and six siblings: Rosemary Tompkins, Anthony Andy McFadden, Elizabeth MacMillan, Agnes Desserault, Helen O'Hearn, Eddie Honey Mollins, and his two children: infant daughter Ann and son Jerome Joseph McFadden. Hugh leaves his wife of 56 years, Monica, daughters, Mary and Elizabeth McFaddenn; sons Stephen and Leon McFadden; daughter-in-law Linda McFadden; sisters-in-law Mabel McFadden, Marie Knoke, sister DeMontfort Gertrude Berchtold SSND; brothers-in-law Leo Berchtold, Albert Berchtold and James Knoke; numerous nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, Kristina, Danielle, Hollie, and Stephanie; six great-grandchildren, longtime friend Charlie Sample; and family friend Hal Jones. The Memorial Mass for Hugh McFadden will be at the new St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 506B Garfield Street, Kennewick, WA on Saturday October 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow, at the PAC gym building, west end of the church campus at 901 West 4th Avenue, Kennewick. Cards are welcome at the church or may be sent to the Hugh McFadden Family c/o PO Box 6288, Kennewick, WA 99336.