F.L. Harold Manley

F.L. “Harold” Manley Harold was born November 9, 1925 in Wenatchee, Washington to Anna Margaret Stumpf. As a growing boy during the Depression years he learned to work very hard to help with the needs of the family. When he was 17 years old and World War II needed good, strong, young men he answered the call and joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in the South Pacific and China with duty classifications of expert rifleman, machine gun crewman, and light aircraft crewman. Harold received the Good Conduct Medal along with other “Theatre of War” medals. He was honorably discharged in February 1946 as a Corporal. After his military service Harold searched the west coast for work for many months and worked for a time disarming and disposing of weapons from the war. Upon completion of this work his heart was calling him back to Wenatchee. He came home, purchased his first home in Sunnyslope, worked for Alcoa for a short time, then for Lovitt Mining Co. His job underground was as a long hole driller searching for gold. True love came into his life when he met the woman of his dreams, Charlotte Berglund. They had a lot in common, not only from their simple lives growing up, working hard to be independent, but their desires for a future together and family plans. They were married November 10, 1951 to develop the lives they had dreamed of together. First came their beautiful baby girl, Jennifer in August 1952, which was a joyous event. The desire for another child came three years later and brought about the birth of son Bob on July 4, 1955. How wonderful, this was now their perfect family. Harold was dedicated to reaching to improve his simple roots and became an accomplished home carpenter in his spare time and weekends. He built a new home in East Wenatchee where the family lived for several years. In 1960 Harold got the opportunity to buy his first orchard. It was small but had some frontage on Lake Chelan. He started right away building another great home for his family on the lake shore. The four of them moved into this home during the summer. Jennifer and Bob learned to swim in the lake during the four summers they lived there. It was a wonderful experience for the family living by the lake, boating, fishing, swimming, exploring, like paradise. Returning to Wenatchee Harold found other orchards to buy and time to build a third home on Castlerock Avenue where they called home for 45 years. Harold continued his profession as orchardist, many of those years spent working along with his son Bob, for a total of 48 years. His granddaughter Michelle was born to daughter Jennifer and husband Mike Reese in June 1988. She has brought the family great love and happiness over the years. The family suffered the loss of beloved son Bob Manley in November 2004 when he lost his battle with cancer. A time of sorrow and heartbreak. We all love and remember Bob every day. Harold so enjoyed his family for 62 years, the fun times spent together and somehow finding time to build three great homes. While building the family would all pitch in to sweep, clean up, and paint. Each of them loving the whole idea of building a home together. Harold did find time to play also. Skiing at Mission Ridge was great fun that all four enjoyed together. Harold even participated in some Nastar competitions at the Ridge. He took up golfing with his buddies after retirement which was frustrating, challenging, but fun as well. He and his family often talked about the travels they had taken to Hawaii, Mexico, Spain, and Panama Canal. This all represents a life well lived and full of love. It brings us now to when we have lost our main man, the man who stood by each of us all through his life. He kept us together as a family with his love, generosity, and quiet spirit. We will love and remember this dear man, our husband, father, and grandpa with all his gentle kindness and the memories he has lovingly given us all these years. Harold passed away peacefully in his own quiet, proud way on Saturday April 19, 2014 at the age of 88. He will be remembered in our hearts forever. Harold was preceded in death by his mother Anna Spanjer, son Robert Manley, and son in law Michael Reese. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Charlotte Manley of Wenatchee, daughter Jennifer Reese of Wenatchee, granddaughter Michelle Reese of Tacoma, and numerous extended family members. Harold requested that there be no service. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones and Jones-Betts funeral home.

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F.L. Harold Manley

November 9, 1925 - April 19, 2014