Carl A. Person Sr., 91, died on May 25, 2009, at home. He was born on Oct. 16, 1917, in Gloversville, N.Y. He was the first son of seven to graduate from high school, and in 1937, graduated from Ryan School of Aeronautics in San Diego, Calif. After a long career in aviation at Republic Aviation, New York, and Boeing Company in Seattle, he retired in 1970. Mr. Person then opened the Mercer Island Service Center, Inc. auto repair service, which is still owned and operated by family members on Mercer Island.

Mr. Person, a devoted husband, was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Wilma M. Person, in 2005, and two grandchildren, Jolli Person and Joshua Dierks.

Mr. Person is survived by two remaining older brothers, Ernest Person, of Tennessee, and Arthur Person (Emma Lee), of Pennsylvania. He is also survived by sons, Carl Person Jr. (Sue), of Bellevue, Richard Person, of Bellevue, Robert Person (Mary Beth), of La Center, and daughter, Linda Dierks (David), of Mercer Island. Surviving grandchildren include Meri Person, Andrew Person (Leslie Danz), Scott Person, Michael Person, Aaron Dierks, Becky Dierks (fiance, Cameron Plymale), Hanna Person, and Joshua’s wife, Shannon Dierks. Many relatives, including three sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews and their families throughout the United States, are mourning his passing.

Mr. Person was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved flying, fishing, gardening and family gatherings. He worked every day of his life and rejoiced in doing a job well done.

Services have been held. Remembrances are suggested to the American Heart Association of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.