December 5, 2008

Harvey Pittelko, a founder of KPFF, is dead at age 76

Harvey Pittelko played an important role in setting the tone at KPFF Consulting Engineers. Pittelko, one of four firm founders, had an original take on business, said John Tawresey, a KPFF vice president and former CEO, because he trusted people and never gave up on anyone.

Pittelko

“He always saw the good in people,” said Tawresey, who was hired by Pittelko in 1973. “He was able to find a place for most people to participate. He was able to rearrange things and find them a good place.”

Pittelko died of cancer on Nov. 21 at his home in Seahurst, west of Burien. He was 76.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 134 S. 206th St. in Des Moines. A reception will follow.

Pittelko, a structural engineer, was born in Chicago and moved to Seattle in 1958 with his wife, June. He worked at KPFF from the early 1960s until he retired as president in 1988. His legacy of strong faith, kindness and belief in people can still be seen at the firm, Tawresey said.

Pittelko's ethics set a high bar for the firm, Tawresey said. In the late 1970s, during a time when there wasn't much work locally, Pittelko managed to secure a large project for KPFF, an airport in Venezuela. But the client wanted KPFF to accept its payment under the table.

“Even though we didn't have any work, he turned it down and he came back to Seattle,” Tawresey said. “That was the kind of ethical person he was.”

Pittelko's early work included rebar detailing for the foundation of the Space Needle and reconstruction projects in Alaska after the 1964 Anchorage earthquake. He later worked on the Washington Mutual Tower and focused on developing standards for client interactions at KPFF.

Pittelko was involved with Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship. He dedicated time to his church, working early on as youth counselor and in evangelism outreach, and later helping to lead Bible study and prayer.

He loved to hike and hunt, often in the mountains near his home, and was also active with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

After retiring, Pittelko spent time travelling with his wife. They were married for 52 years.

Pittelko is also survived by his son David Pittelko of Seattle, his daughter Sharon Pittelko Lambuth and son-in-law John Lambuth of Des Moines, and his son Douglas Pittelko and daughter-in-law, Ozlem Pittelko of Kamas, Utah. Other survivors include grandchildren Melina and Jeremy Lambuth; sister Lynette Slavicek and brother-in-law Jim Slavicek of Spokane; and nephew Jim.

Remembrances may be sent to Seattle's Union Gospel Mission at Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111-0202. An online registry can be viewed and signed at http://www.bonneywatson.com.