Gus F. Suryan, age 97, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley, Washington passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023 at PeaceHealth United General Hospital. He was born September 22, 1926 in Anacortes, WA to Peter and Dominia Katheryn (Zorotovich) Suryan.
In December of 1945, with enough credits to graduate early, Gus and 20 of his classmates at Sedro-Woolley High School answered the call to serve their country. He was sent to Japan. His name is on the Honor Roll at SWHS. He did exactly what the plaque says “Answered the call to colors in WWII.” He was honorably discharged from the Army June 1, 1947.
Gus married Peggy Hoyt in Bellingham on June 28, 1957. He was the best dad to his three kids, Bren, Mark and Beth. Family was his priority and his greatest love.
He worked at Boeing and retired from Puget Power after 33 years. He was a member of the Lions Club for 58 years and received their highest honor of the Melvin Jones Award. He never saw the Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo 4th of July parade, because he worked on the parade line-up on Jamison and Fidalgo Streets for over 50 years. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade in 2012. Gus worked on building the Community Center, Senior Center and Heritage Square. He taught CCD at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, was a Boy Scout leader and coached Little League. He was involved in Senior Projects at SWHS and was a speaker for the History class on WWII as a Veteran. He was a member of the Job Corps Community Relations Board and was honored with the2022 SWSD Community Recognition Award. These are only a few of his community service accomplishments. He was privileged to have been longtime friends with a group of six couples who met monthly for over 60 years, enjoying dinner parties, playing cards together and annual camping trips to Penticton, BC and Lake Chelan. He loved camping and spending time at Skagit River Woods.
Gus is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy; daughter Bren and Mark Sem; son, Mark and Rebecca Suryan; daughter, Beth Ann and Peter Piotto; grandchildren, Andrew Adkins, Rachael Needham, Alexander and Edlin Suryan, Lora Suryan and Kyle Billmeyer, Lou and Krista Piotto; great grandchildren, Kendall Needham and Luka Suryan arriving in January; sister in law, Joy Suryan; nieces and nephews and many others that were special to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; granddaughter, Jaclyn Piotto and grandson in law, John Steven Needham.
Special thanks to the care he received at PeaceHealth United General Hospital, Dr. Goo, Josh, Martha, Jan, Erin and Shawna; longtime favorite Dr. Edwin Stickle and Olivia.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 719 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley, Father Jim Dalton presiding, followed by a Committal Service at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley.
Memorials are suggested to the Sedro-Woolley Lions Club to continue a scholarship in his name to PO Box 631, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Share your memories of Gus and sign the online guest register.
Dear Peggy and family
We were so sorry to hear of Gus’s passing.
He will always be remembered as a kind and caring person. He made Sedro-Woolley better!
Sending prayers 🙏
Attending Gus’s Mass today and have to say it was done in the typical Suryan fashion, wouldn’t have missed it for the world! The world is a lessor place with out him. Bless the family for carrying on his legacy!
Very sorry to hear about Gus’s passing. He was a great man that embodied community service. Gus and people like him are why I take great pride in my job. I hadn’t seen him for several years, but I always appreciated visiting with him. Condolences to his family.
What an amazing man and loved by so many. During his time here Gus has touched so many lives and leaves with each person a special memory to hold close to their heart. what a blessing to have known him.
There was nothing this Man wouldn’t do for anyone. A True Giver from his heart. The memories we have, will always have from Gus, The Happy Camper. You will be missed Dear Friend, you already are. Until we meet again.
Much Love to the Suryan Family
Lonnie and Debbie Honcoop & Family
Peggy, Brenda, Mark, Beth and family. I am so sorry to hear about Gus. He was a wonderful man and i will always have such fond memories of him at Skagit River Woods. Thinking of all of you.
What a fine fellow to work with at Puget Power always happy and very friendly. Our world needs more men like Gus. Happy Trails to you Gus. A friend always Brent Weidemann
Gus was a wealthy of knowledge. I would hear a fact about S-W and he could tell me all about it.
He was one of the good ones and will be missed. I will miss his quick wit and his laugh.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gus, Peggy and their family have been dear friends for Lynn and me over the years and in particular the last 4 years. I am so heartfelt to have known Gus and to have been neighbors. I will miss sitting with him in the afternoon in the sunshine when he closed his eyes but never missed the conversation, or in his living room and talking about Lions or just nothing at all. His humor always made me laugh or at least chuckle. I will miss him a lot, but I will continue to spend time with Peggy to talk and share books. They have always included us as family in their celebrations. As Lions he will be missed by all of us as he kept the group in line.
Carol and Lynn