Howard Edward Somers
Published January 15, 2005
One of the early pioneers in the now flourishing Washington state wine industry, Howard Edward Somers died Jan. 15 at his home in Poulsbo. He was 86.
Born Nov. 23, 1918, at the former Seattle General Hospital, he attended Latona Grade School and the former Lincoln High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Washington and a master’s degree at Cornell University.
Following service as an officer in the United States Navy in World War II, he became a partner and winemaker in his father’s St. Charles Winery at Grapeview. It was the first bonded winery in the state.
He retired as a commander in the U. S. Navy Reserves.
After his father’s death and subsequent sale of St. Charles Winery, he became oenologist for Seattle’s one-time National Wine Growers and later Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. During this time, he was instrumental in the development of the prize-winning “Johannesburg Riesling.”
Retiring from wine-making he tried his hand at real estate, joining the John L. Scott agency on Mercer Island. He was president of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and later, after a move to Bainbridge Island, worked as an agent with Johansson and Clark Realtors.
He was a charter member and former secretary of the Washington Wine Grower’s Association, a charter member of the American Society of Oenologists, and founding member of the “Knights of the Vine.”
He enjoyed study, sailing and being with his family.
He is survived by his wife Murial, two children; son Laurie Somers and wife Carol of Port Townsend; daughter Kristi Somers of Portland, Ore., and son-in-law Ron Orr of Bainbridge; a brother, Bill Somers of Gig Harbor; and grandchildren Matt Orr, Kjirste Orr and April Cross.
He was preceded in death by his children Elizabeth Orr of Bainbridge Island and Donald Somers of Seattle.
A service and reception will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge. Remembrances may be made to Grace Church Memorial Fund or the American Cancer Society.