Frank Marty February 7, 1922 - March 8, 2017

Frank Marty, 95, also known as “The Barrel Man of Tualco Valley,” passed away on March 8, 2017, at home due to complications of C.O.P.D. Frank was born February 7, 1922 in Auburn, Washington, where he spent his childhood years on the family farm. In the early 1940’s Frank worked his own farm in Tualco Valley in Monroe. Frank was a member of the Monroe Eagles for many years, and was an active member of the Monroe Swiss Colony since 1938. He met his wife, Phyllis, at a Swiss dance at the Tacoma Swiss Colony and they married three weeks later. 

In 1970, they built their home in Tualco Valley in Monroe. At this time, Frank retired from farming. Frank loved the farming life, milking cows and goats by hand. Frank lover to garden. He’d plant a huge garden every year, growing sweet corn and other vegetables to give his friends and everyone in Tualco Valley. He also loved to fish, and he had a great love for cats. 

Frank was very outgoing, he met the boys for coffee at Jeno’s every Saturday morning. 
In 1980, Frank went into the barrel business. He would obtain 55 gallon metal drums, cut the lids off by hand with a hammer and chisel, and sell them as burn barrels. Everyone referred to him as “The Barrel Man.” 

Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis, in February 2015, after 67 years of marriage. Frank is survived by his five children: Regina Johnson, Anton Marty, Joe Marty, Annie Funk, and Nancy McKenzie. He is also survived by his brother Anton (Pink) Marty; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life and potluck will be held at the Monroe Swiss Hall on Saturday, April 22 from 1-5pm. A special Thank You goes out to his caregivers Nancy McKenzie, Regina Johnson and Providence Hospice. Donations may be made to Providence Hospice of Everett.