Bengt "Ben" Erik Gullberg, a Magnolia resident since 1966, passed away on March 24.
He was 78.
Mr. Gullberg was born Feb. 14, 1929, in Malmo, Sweden, to Axel Erik and Ester Matilda Gullberg. He was the second of four brothers. He was educated in Sweden, graduating from Malmo Handelsgymnasium, where his father was the principal.
Mr. Gullberg came to Seattle first as an exchange trainee student to study the paint industry. He worked for two years at Cowman Campbell Paint Company in Ballard, as well as taking courses at the University of Washington before returning to Sweden to apply for a resident visa. He returned in 1954 and worked as the chemist in the paint-formulating lab at Reichold Chemicals Inc. on West Marginal Way. There he met his wife, Kay, and they were married in 1960. Shortly afterward, he became the general manager at Matson Paint Company; after a few years he joined Rudd Paint Company.
In 1971, Mr. Gullberg and his longtime co-worker Nelson Wilkins formed Cardinal Company, first working as painting contractors, then as general contractors and, finally, floor refinishers. Mr. Gullberg and his family also owned a few Denny's franchises in Washington.
A stroke in 2001 left Mr. Gullberg unable to continue to work. He loved his job and was a total perfectionist. He enjoyed puttering in the garden in Magnolia and at his other home at Lake Quinault. He loved to walk, hike, beachcomb, kayak, play tennis and cross-country ski. He loved to travel, especially to visit family in Sweden, England and Scotland, but was always happiest surrounded by his extended family.
Mr. Gullberg is survived by his wife, Kathleen "Kay"; his son Peter Erik (Stephanie); his daughter Anna Erika Aziz (Osama); and his grandchildren, Zachary Erik Aziz and Nina Kay Aziz; his brother Hans (Ann Marie) and cousin Bengt-Goran Palm (Gerd) in Sweden; and many nieces and nephews, both here and in Sweden.
A memorial service was held March 30 at Magnolia's Church of the Ascension.
[[In-content Ad]]
