Arnold John Ewoniuk

Longtime Walla Walla resident and business owner Arnold “Arnie” John Ewoniuk passed away on May 12, 2016, at his home due to complications from “ALS,” also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Arnold was born May 7, 1943, in Dickinson, N.D., to James and Elsie Evoniuk.
When Arnold was a toddler his family moved to the small town of Milton-Freewater. His father took a job at a local cannery as a field machinist/operator, but in 1957 an accident occurred that later left him permanently disabled and hospital bound. It was a hard life for Arnie and his siblings with their mother working long hours to support her family. Arnie and his four brothers and sister grew up in the rural countryside where BB guns were a form of entertainment
and cars were a fascination. Arnie often shared many stories of mischief he and his brothers would find themselves in as youngsters. BB guns were often involved much to his mother’s dismay!
Arnie attended Pleasant View Elementary and graduated from McLoughlin High School in 1961. He joined the National Guard while still in High School and served 3½ years after graduating. He attended Fort Ord in Monterey, Calif., and then moved to Hillsboro, Ore. While living in Hillsboro he attended Portland State College and worked for Carnation Can Company for two years. While working at Carnation Can a representative from Continental Can had heard about Arnie and made him a better offer. It was a bigger company with bigger pay. He stayed
on for a couple of years. He met Karen at the time while working for Continental Can. They dated for three years before they got married. Arnie was determined to have a good job and stable income before he would marry Karen. He wanted to make sure they would have a secure future. He took a job at Beechnut baby food and was then offered a job with Revlon as a salesman. They doubled his wages and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Arnie and Karen then started their wedding
plans. Feb. 15, 1969, in Beaverton, Ore., they were married. They soon were off to Santa Rosa, Calif., where Arnie began his job working for Revlon. He first began his journey in the local drug stores and soon was on his way to selling to department stores. He often said he sold hope, love and romance. While in California life
was good. Arnie and Karen found themselves enjoying time in the sun and on the water, where Arnie became an avid water skier!
They also started a family while in California. Arnie and Karen had their first daughter, Nikita Renee, in September of 1971; two years later Tasha Kristine was born in July of 1973. After a few years Arnie decided to head back to college and enroll in some business classes. Shortly after that, Carl Grassi, a longtime family
friend, contacted Arnie. Carl was selling his local business Grassi Refrigeration and Heating Company in Walla Walla, near Arnie’s hometown. Arnie found himself back in school at San Jose State taking refrigeration courses for three months.
In December, Arnie gave his decision and deposit and in February 1976, Arnie and Karen were moving to Walla Walla! Arnie and Karen had two more children, Alexus Jeneen who was born in July of 1976, and Alexander Carson in October of 1978.
After living in Walla Walla for a few years they soon took up residence on Tuma-lum Road out in Milton-Freewater where their property and house still reside.
Grassi Refrigeration continued to grow and expand and soon a new shop was built on the Rose Street property in (1981 or 1982). For 39 years Grassi Refrigeration has continued to prosper and provide excellent service to Walla Walla and the surrounding areas. Arnie was committed to his business and his employees. He will forever be remembered for his generosity and fairness to those around him. He was a very lovable guy, who loved to harass and give you hugs that hurt.
Arnie retired in 2011, and the business has since been taken over by his son, Alex Ewoniuk. Arnie’s love for golf was a weekly affair. Karen introduced him to the game of golf and after that there was no twisting his arm to play. Together they enjoyed their time on the golf course; here in Walla Walla and spending the last five years in Palm Springs for the winter. His passions and hobbies throughout
his life consisted of Ford Mustangs and golf. Anything that would go fast and had the word Ford on it was number one in his book, and Pepsi only!
Arnie faithfully attended College Place Presbyterian Church with his family. He was a member of the Walla Walla Country Club, Elks Lodge #287, The Odd Fellows, Rotary Club, Lillie Rice Center and Mustang Car Club.
Arnie and Karen were married for 47 years. Arnold is survived by his wife, Karen Ewoniuk; brothers, Ted Evoniuk of Milton-Freewater and Pat (Orletta) Evoniuk of College Place; sister, Katherine (Marion) Bowers of Bainbridge Island; son, Joseph (Mary) Doohan and children of Spokane; daughter, Nikki (Kelly) Peterson of Walla Walla, and grandsons, Max and Jack Peterson; daughter, Tasha (Chad)
Hayes, grandchildren Koby, Mckenna and Kase Humbert of Walla Walla; daughter, Alexus Ewoniuk of Milton-Freewater; son, Alex (Amanda) Ewoniuk of Walla Walla, and grandchildren, Lilli, Lauren and Lola Ewoniuk; and many nieces and nephews. Arnold was preceded in death by parents, James and Elsie Evoniuk; his older brothers, Leo Evoniuk and LeRoy Ewoniuk.
Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the College Place Presbyterian Church with Pastors Doug Hays and Skip Pritchard officiating. A private family Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the ALS Foundation For Life through the funeral home, in lieu of flowers. The Ewoniuk family would like to thank Walla Walla Community Hospice, especially Peter Gogl. Also to the doctors who cared for him.