Lyle Franklin (Trace) Tracy

May 7, 1931 – May 28, 2015

On May 28, 2015 Heaven’s bright light appeared and an amazing man followed it home.

Trace was the kind of man that put time, energy and personal safety on the line for the sake of community. In the 1950’s he was the youngest man in the state to be elected as a town councilman (Yelm, WA). He volunteered in service as a Justice of the Peace, sheriff’s deputy, a medic, and a firefighter. He was the kind of guy who would come to anyone’s rescue, day or night, and yep, he was that guy that would run into a burning building to save a stranger.

Trace got an early start in business, taking a full-time job at J.C. Penney at age 13 to help support his family following the death of his father. At 14 he was promoted to manager of his department. His career spanned decades as a successful business manager and owner. He retired in 1987 from his role as an owner ­­of Yelm Hardware.

In his spare time he was a builder, woodworking craftsman, and the best ever twinkly-eyed-story-teller.

All of those traits, though, took a back seat in his book to being the kind of man that set a strong example as a faithful Christian, devoted husband and unconditionally loving family man to his wife, Claire, their 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grands. He and Claire taught kids and grandkids the importance of doing the right thing, and he also made time to take them fishing, play hide-and-seek and to run races in the backyard.

Trace and Claire shared a love for travel, whether taking Sunday drives, trips to Hawaii or living his dream of trekking cross-country in their motorhome. Kids and grandkids were always invited, and grandkids still laugh when they remember his exclamation at the start of those trips, “and we’re off, like a dirty shirt!”

A man that never forgot to be grateful for all of his blessings, and always remembered to help those less fortunate, he and Claire were regular supporters of a variety of Christian ministries and groups serving wounded veterans.

His family misses his smile, humor and wisdom, yet is overjoyed that Trace is now reunited with Claire, his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, gone to Heaven before him. What a gift that his body can now rest, and his soul can soar. The angels don’t know what a treat they have in store when December comes, to get to hear him sing his rendition of “I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas!”

Lyle was born May 7, 1931 to Loyal and Frances (Chicovich) Tracy. He is survived by five children, Linda Heckman (Bruce), Mike Tracy, Pat Tracy (Lisa), Elaine Shaffer (Tim), Erin Cawley (Bill); 18 grandchildren, Darby, Tracy, KayDee, Brian, Chris, Brett, Todd, Maggie, Will, Colleen, Kent, Mary Claire, Jack, Emmy, Sean, Nick, Kim and Jen; 7 great grandchildren, Darby, Morgan, Shayleigh, Conor, Kate, Kate’s Baby Brother (due 9/15), and Emmett; a sister Marian Lange, and brothers Dale Tracy (Gail), Rod Tracy (Carol), and Richard Harbert (Gail). He was preceded in death by Claire; his parents, Loyal Tracy and Frances and Ken Harbert; and brother, Don Tracy.

A memorial celebration will be held Wednesday, June 24th, 1:00 pm at Eagles Landing Community Center, 2257 E Eagle Lane SW, Tumwater.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army.