Harry H. Batty

Harry H. Batty passed away Wednesday, March 14th at Holy Family Hospital, surrounded by three generations of his family. Harry was born July 17th,1917 in Mott, North Dakota to Jesse Huber Batty and Leona Bushart Batty. His mother died in the Flu epidemic of 1919, and he was raised by grandparents, aunts and uncles on the family homestead until his father remarried Flora May Batty, his beloved stepmother. Harry graduated from Williston High School and attended the University of Washington in Seattle and Kinman Business College in Spokane. Mr. Batty founded a successful Public Accounting firm in Spokane in 1946, Batty and Forsgren, which continues today as Batty Erlandsen and Associates, PS. He became a CPA in 1948 and served many years as a much sought after tax and financial advisor. He retired in 1982. Mr. Batty served as president of Spokane’s Junior Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Kiwanis club, a member of Tuesday Toastmaster’s and president of The Spokane Club. He taught accounting courses for the American Institute of Banking for many years, and was active in civic and public affairs. Harry was a devoted family man, married 71 years, raising three children and nurturing his 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren with consistent love. He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, hunting, RV travel, cruises, and overseas travel. He also delighted in grilling outdoors, appreciating many types of cuisine and enjoying his family’s many dinners and gatherings. Another great passion of his was gardening. He had beautiful vegetable and flower gardens year after year, supplying family, friends, and Second Harvest Food Bank with delectable fresh produce during growing seasons. Mr. Batty is survived by his wife, Josephine M. Batty; his children Dr. Carolyn M. Barrett, Reston, VA, Harry E. Batty, Bangor, ME and Robert W. Batty and wife Sharon, Cheney, WA; his sister Betty Anderson of Phoenix, AZ and sister-in-law Shirley Walker of Spokane Valley, WA; grandchildren Tracey Haider of Centreville, VA, Kellen Barrett of Willow Springs, NC, Lynn Frost of Chandler, AZ, Lisa Morey of Tulsa, OK, Erin Pardee of Front Royal, VA, Megan Batty of Sarasota, FL, Sean Batty of Portland, OR, Jeanie McNulty of Austin, TX and Chad Batty of Seattle, WA; great grandchildren Mariam, Mehreen, Faraz, Laura, Lily, Emily Jo, Christopher, Hannah, Tyler, Abby, Lily, Kadian, Finneas and Amelia. His nephews and nieces include Jerry, Jim, Julie, Karen, Gayle, Susan, Scott, Kyle, Lynn, Craig, Kristen, Karen, Marit, Linda, David, Alan, Mary Elizabeth, Barbara Jo, John, and Cheryl. Mr. Batty was preceded in death by sisters Helen Rasmussen, Anabel Sanford, brothers Huber Wayne Batty and Robert L. Batty and his wife Frances, and nephews Robert Henry Sanford and Robert Wayne Anderson Visitation will be held from 1 to 4pm at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 North Division on Monday, March 19th. Services are Tuesday, March 20th, also at Riplinger’s at 1:00 pm with Rev. Ron Baird officiating. The family suggests memorials to Harry’s favorite charities including The Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Crosswalk.