Glenn C. Waterman

beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2008.Glenn was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He loved his work, loved to joke, enjoyed his friends, loved playing the piano, and treasured his family.Born April 8, 1912 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Ralph E. and Cecil Waterman, Glenn discovered his life-long passion for geology as a student at Stanford University obtaining his AB and MA Degrees. He memorably said in his booming voice, "Rocks are the only living thing that speaks to your soul". He spent 40 years of his life traversing multiple continents and countless cities and towns as he explored the rarefied world of rocks. He retired from the Anaconda Company in 1974.Glenn married Agnus June (Judy) Renfro on June 1, 1938 and together they raised two sons. Judy was always at Glenn's side, whether that meant surviving an austere life in a canvas tent in the jungles of British Guiana, living in a small home in the high-altitude deserts of Chile or settling into a comfortable suburban life in California, Utah, Arizona, Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. After surviving 22 moves they settled on Bainbridge Island in 1985. They were married for almost 54 years before Judy passed away in 1992. Glenn missed her deeply and never stopped talking about the love of his life and best friend.A man of enormous intellect and strong opinion, Glenn learned to use a computer late in life and blessed his family with 12 books filled with family history - all published after age 75. These books provide a clear and lasting insight into the passions, ideas and dreams of our departed friend.Until only a few years ago, Glenn entertained guests with his incredible ability to play the piano by ear. Taught by his Uncle Glenn in his teens, he could here a song and instantly play it on the piano. In his nineties he began building complicated model boats and shared the finished ships with friends and family. Glenn loved life. He once told a grandson, "Few things in life retain their thrill as one gets older. Speed, however, never gets old." As a fitting and final gift to himself, he purchased a two-seat sports car at the age of 95 so he could feel the rush of the cool Northwestern wind across his face. He loved this car, loved to drive the country roads of Bainbridge Island and was eager to share his passenger seat with anyone willing and courageous enough to come along for the ride.Glenn leaves behind two sons, Glenn (Miriam) and Gary (Karla) Waterman, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.His life and legacy will be honored and celebrated at a memorial service at 10:00 AM Friday July 18, 2008 at St. Barnabus Episcopal Church, 1187 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Island.Driving Directions....Read hereIn lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in Glenn's name to Seattle's United Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111-0202.Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.