Karl Pasten

Karl Vincent (Pestinikas) Pasten Karl was born in Scranton, PA. on September 27, 1942 to Peter and Anna Pestinikas, Lithuanian immigrants. He passed away on March 20, 2018 with Kristie by his side. Karl was raised along with his two older brothers, Walter and Peter, and a younger sister, Anne, above his father’s coal miner’s bar in downtown Scranton. During the summer Karl and his family stayed at the family’s 100 acre farm outside the city. In 1960, Karl graduated from North Scranton/Central High, lettering in swimming and track. He continued his education at a Jesuit school, the University of Scranton, graduating in 1964 with a Business degree. After two memorable years in the Army, he ventured out into the business world. He excelled at sales – working for national companies including Johnson & Johnson and Baxter International. In the early 70’s he changed his name to Pasten and married his first wife, Laura. They divorced several years later and Karl made his way to Honolulu. He opened a “cutting edge” biochemistry business that thrived over ten fun-filled years. He continued to run and completed the Honolulu Marathon in 1982. In the early 90’s he returned to California and eventually travelled north in his 1970 Renault R16 to make Yakima his home where he operated his agricultural business, AgSolutions, Inc. In 1999 he met his future wife, Kristie, at Bob’s Keg & Cork. Karl and Kristie were married on October 28, 2000. They loved the Historic Front Street District and opened The Depot Restaurant and Bar in the train depot in 2002. Many good times were had providing a great venue for live music, special events and reunions. Karl and Kristie met many people who remained friends after The Depot closed in 2010. Karl was very proud to be an American, a full-blooded Lithuanian, a Republican, an Eagle Scout, and proud to make a difference in Yakima. With Karl’s interest in “the rails,” he turned his energy to the Yakima Valley Trolleys, becoming Executive Director in 2012. He increased ridership, rallied for city support and secured grant money that resulted in the trolley parking lot being repaved. His commitment to supporting the trolleys, the city and the revitalization efforts were commendable. He was also a member of the Historic Preservation Committee. Karl loved Kristie more than anything, but a close second was his Renault. He enjoyed driving and working on the car with a smile on his face from ear to ear! Karl and Kristie enjoyed each other spending time with their dogs, friends and family. In 2015, they celebrated their 15th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Maui and Oahu – visiting many of Karl’s friends and memorable sites. Karl is survived by Kristie, his wife and soul mate, Dewey Chandler, father-in-law, Doug and Laurie Huber, brother and sister-in-law, Marcie Chandler, sister-in-law. Also survived by niece, Anike Alao and her daughter, Kimani and nephew, Casey and Danielle Huber and their children: Dylan, Alexander, and Cade. He also leaves behind longtime best friends, Barry Seymour and Jim Brockmeyer. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister and his four-legged “kids”: Murphy and Mopsy. There will be a celebration of Karl’s life on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. at Yakima Craft Taproom. To share a memory please visit www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karl Pasten, please visit our flower store.