Around 100 family members, friends, coworkers and fellow veterans gathered Saturday afternoon at Larrabee State Park to share memories about Army veteran Buddy Fritz Partridge Jr., who died in August 2021 at the age of 74.
Richard Sundance of the Disabled American Veterans organization helped the Partridge family put together a ceremony honoring the late veteran and lineman. On the park’s main stage, family and friends told stories about Partridge and his adventurous, lively personality.
A member of the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club holds up a portion Buddy Fritz Partridge Jr’s ashes to be taken to Greenacres Memorial Park after the ceremony on July 2 at Larrabee State Park. The group rode their motorcycles with the urn as speakers shared memories of Partridge’s life. (Cassidy Hettesheimer/Cascadia Daily News)
“He was always just so caring and always made sure to tell everybody how much he appreciated them, how much he loved them,” said his granddaughter, Heather Partridge.
Partridge’s children, Amber Soria and Christopher Partridge, and his grandchildren, Riley and Heather, all shared memories of Partridge’s life, as did his daughter-in-law Shelly Partridge, son-in-law Daniel Soria and nephew Jesse Mack. They told stories of his travels, faith, fishing adventures and his final few years during his fight against brain cancer.
Riley and Heather Partridge, granddaughters of Buddy Fritz Partridge Jr., speak about memories of growing up with their grandfather during his celebration of life at Larrabee State Park on July 2. Family members spoke about Partridge’s adventurous and lively personality. (Cassidy Hettesheimer/Cascadia Daily News)
In addition to speakers, the ceremony included a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps,” as Partridge served four years in the Army, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Other groups were also present, including the American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders and more. The Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club drove a portion of Partridge’s ashes to Greenacres Memorial Park after the ceremony.
Amber Soria said the timing, mood and location of the celebration of life were intentional, as Partridge loved the outdoors like those near Larrabee, and he loved the Fourth of July. Tables were decorated with red, white and blue flowers and balloons.
“Here’s the thing — he was the funnest guy to have at your party … and he was an ocean guy, and loved the mountains, so this was definitely the most appropriate spot for it,” said Soria.
Attendees salute during the ceremonial processions honoring the life and service of Army veteran Buddy Fritz Partridge Jr. on July 2 at Larrabee State Park. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” to honor the Vietnam War veteran. (Cassidy Hettesheimer/Cascadia Daily News)
After the ceremony, attendees gathered for food, drinks and live music in the green space in front of the stage in order to honor Partridge’s affinity for celebrations. Attendees could also pick up buttons or rolls of electrical tape with Partridge’s smiling face, in honor of his time as a lineman.
“He taught me how to wake up happy, every day,” Soria said.
Partridge is also survived by his second wife, Carrie Mack (Niemi), his third wife, Kathryn Partridge, and extended family members that Amber Soria called his “out-laws,” since he remained close to many of them until his death.
