HOMETOWN HERO: For the Feltons, business is family

Published 5:00 pm Saturday, March 30, 2002

Want to live a life of no regrets?

Then treat others fairly, honestly, and with respect. And love generously so those around you feel valuable and worthy.

These words, according to many people on South Whidbey, aptly describe this month’s Hometown Heroes, Gene and Tamar Felton.

“Some people are bright spots in the world, and Gene and Tamar Felton are two of the brightest lights around,” said Art Pratt. “They live without guile, their actions always humble and honest. I walk into the Star Store as just the refrigeration man, but I walk out feeling what I do is so appreciated and valuable, I feel 10 feet tall.”

Pratt has been maintaining the Star Store units for over 14 years.

“They treat me like a friend,” he said. “Not only does Gene hire me, but he rolls up his sleeves and digs in to help me too.” Pratt says he likes shopping at the Star Store also, because the employees demonstrate the same welcoming traits.

One of those employees is Kathy Patterson.

“I have worked at the Star Store for 13 years,” she said. “At least 10 of us have worked there that long. It’s an atmosphere of family, where you’re always appreciated, cared for, and treated fairly.”

Patterson says honest mistakes are dealt with in a straightforward manner plus a healthy dose of good-natured ribbing. Everyone works hard, she says, because the Feltons are working just as hard right along with them.

“We receive a very fair wage, and health benefits for our whole family,” she said.

Gene Felton says he has tried to emulate his boss of 30 years ago, store manager Ken Boyle in Seattle.

“Ken was my role model of how to treat people,” Felton said. “He developed a relationship with each of us. When any of us did something wrong, he’d let us know individually, and in a manner so we learned from the incident.”

For Tamar Felton, childhood meant dreams of holiday celebrations and happy family memories, something she did not have.

“My mother was wonderful,” Tamar said. But before her parents divorced, life included living with a physically and verbally abusive father who drank heavily.

She recalls an incident when she was 5 and had gone out into their Tennessee backwoods, where she cut down a tiny tree with a butter knife. She made decorations for it, and displayed it in a can of water on the living room table, in the hope of celebrating Christmas like other families. Then the front door was flung open, with her dad staggering, yelling, screaming, shoving her and punching her mother. There was her little tree sprawled across the floor, her makeshift decorations and water spilled everywhere.

“It was ickie. I never wanted to pass on the ickie,” Tamar said.

She rarely drinks herself, now, and makes grand celebrations of all holidays for family and friends.

“A happy family is everything,” she said.

The Felton family does just about everything together.

“We’re buds,” Tamar says.” I know the experts tell us not to be a friend to your children, but for our family it’s right.”

Gene remembers the time he and Tamar came home from a one-night business trip to find a huge sign from their daughter, Gena, spanning their garage door. “Welcome Home Friends” it said.

Gene says the experts also say not to make friends of your employees.

“But we love everyone who works for us. The word ’employee’ just isn’t warm enough. They are our family, and some of our best friends.”

Gene and Tamar met in high school in Seattle, where they were part of a larger group that did things together.

“We were good buds,” Tamar said. “I’d call Gene to cry over some boyfriend.”

It was not until they were 21 that they went on an actual date. Two years later they were married.

They moved to Bercot Road in Freeland in 1979, and eventually both began working at the Star Store.

Gene recalls the early ’80s being tough times of high interest rates and few jobs. By 1983 the Star Store was up for sale.

Many townspeople encouraged the Feltons to buy it themselves. They did so, with a lot of creative financing. Tamar remembers all the love from the locals.

“Cynthia Tilkin gave us a huge party, and everyone was so wonderful,” she said. “They took up a collection and gave us a grocery bag full of money, plus hardware store certificates.”

The enthusiasm, support and encouragement from friends and customers kept the Feltons motivated. Paul Fournier, a devoted Star Store shopper, said the Feltons’ huge gamble saved downtown Langley.

“Otherwise we might be nothing but a post office and a few antique shops,” he said. Fournier, who lives across from the Brookhaven senior housing development, said he watches the elderly make their way to shop at the Star Store.

“The store is so important to them, to all of us.”

Not only did the Feltons purchase a store that year, their lives changed in another way: Their only child, Gena, was born.

“Gene and Tamar are the most awesome parents and couple I know,” said Carol Hurless, Gene’s sister and co-owner of the Star Bistro restaurant above the Star Store.

“Family means everything to Gene, Tamar and Gena. And they do almost everything all together.” Each Christmas Eve for example, Hurless says, the three Feltons sleep together on the floor next to the tree, waiting for Christmas morning together.

“Although they are my juniors in age, they have been my mentors and advisors,” Hurless said. “After 27 years of marriage, they are still in love. They honor one another, with respect, support and affection. They are so generous to everyone, they truly have made the biggest impact on my life, as examples of how to live and treat others.”

The family also spreads their light to their neighborhood. Since 1988 Bercot Road neighbors have gathered during the holidays to sing door to door.

“Each year the highlight has been going to the Felton home,” Jody Labissoniere said. “They invite our large group in for a beautiful buffet of all types of foods and drinks. Then they come join us to continue our caroling.”

Gena Felton, now a South Whidbey High School senior, writes that her parents “give, give, give,” always with an open heart.

“I have learned from them not to be afraid of hard work, that family means everything, and to show love and respect to others. How fortunate I am to have them as parents.”

A line from a poem Gena wrote about her mother reads: “All your actions are performed with such tenderness. You handle your life as though everything you encounter is a precious gem.”

Janet O’Sullivan has worked at the Star Store for 13 years.

“Each year I feel fortunate to be there,” she said. “One of the reasons is the freedom they’ve given me in taking time off for my family, something I believe very few employers would offer.” O’Sullivan says raising children means dentist appointments, school outings, volunteering, and kids with colds. The Feltons have always encouraged her to take time off for these important events.

Jeanette Cooper, another longtime Star Store worker, describes how the Feltons go out of their way to hire young people, helping them learn responsibility and pride in a job well done.

“All businesses have slow months, and the Star Store is no exception, yet they won’t lay anyone off, because they don’t want to put anyone in a financial spot,” Cooper said.

Mildred Anderson (affectionately called Grandma by many) a 76-year Langley resident, called to say how much she admires the Feltons.

“Well, I tell you, if ever anyone else were to move to this Island, I wish it would be people like the Feltons. They are some of the kindest, most loving generous people I know. I have many fond memories working for them at the Star Store; they are always so appreciative and thankful for the smallest thing. They moved here and made the lights shine for all of us.”