Glenn O. Gustavson

91, passed away May 11, 2008. Born to Oscar and Carolina (Tvedt) Gustavson July 20, 1916 in Seattle, Washington, he attended Whitworth Elementary and graduated from Franklin High School in 1934. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU) in 1938 and University of Washington in 1953 with a Masters Degree in Education. In 1938 he began teaching grades 5-8 in two room Campbell Hill School in Renton and later taught grades 7 and 8 at Emerson Elementary in Seattle. He taught and was later school counselor at West Woodland Elementary 1947-1953. He then became principal at Lowell Elementary. He was assigned to Cooper Elementary in 1956 and Greenwood Elementary in 1959, retiring in 1975. In 1972 he successfully undertook the project of vastly improving the teacher retirement system in the State of Washington coordinating a statewide lobbying effort that resulted in a bill signing ceremony in the Governor's office.From 1934 until 1940, Glenn worked his way through college with Alaska Steamship Company, making over 50 trips to all parts of the Alaska coast and the Yukon River. He worked one trip to the Orient with American President lines in 1935, visiting Japan, China and the Philippines.During World War II, Glenn taught school during the day and worked swing shift at Todd Shipyard. He was particularly proud of his teaching air navigation to aspiring aviators prior to entering active duty. The men often didn't have time to complete the course before active duty called, but the women finished and entered the service as Women Air Service Pilots (WASP), ferrying aircraft to the various fronts. He often referred to them as "his gals". Glenn always enjoyed being around youth. He was an Eagle Scout and remained active in Scouting throughout his life. He led many Boy Scout hikes in the Olympic Mountains and was Camping Chairman for Evergreen Council in Everett for many years. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for exceptional leadership in Scouting. He attended several National Jamborees.Glenn married his wife Beverly (Stevens) in 1940. During their 67 years of marriage, they traveled the world, beginning with numerous camping trips and later cruising, touring and driving in Europe, Russia, China, Indonesia, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Everywhere he went, he made friends.He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beverly, daughter Karla Waterman (Gary) of Bainbridge Island, son Michael (Joan) of Southworth, grandsons Andrew Waterman of Mexico, Charles Waterman (Robin) of Seattle, J.B. Waterman of Los Angeles, granddaughter Kaaren Caraway (T.J.) of Pasco, great-granddaughter Alexis, brother Martin Gustavson (Joyce) of Ballard, and numerous nieces and nephews.Leaving Seattle in 1944, Glenn and Beverly moved to the woods north of Edmonds, WA, where they built three homes. After watching the area grow from wilderness to suburbia, and after retiring, they again yearned for the wilderness and built two homes in Quilcene, WA. They lived a glorious life on Hood Canal from 1979 until 2007, when health forced their move to an assisted living facility near their daughter Karla on Bainbridge Island.Glenn had a lifelong love of gardening and was a Master Gardener.Glenn was active in Lions International over 50 years, both in Seattle and Quilcene. He was a member of the Meadowdale Community Club for many years and the Edmonds City Planning Commission for six years.The public is invited to Glenn's burial service at the Quilcene Cemetery 11:00 A.M, Thursday, May 22. A public memorial service and celebration of his life at Bethany Lutheran Church will be held at 2:00, May 24.In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in Dad's name to the Boy Scouts of America, 3120 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144, Lions International Foundation (for the sight and hearing impaired), 901 Boren Avenue, Suite 810, Seattle, WA 98104, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way, Port Hadlock, WA 98339, or Bethany Lutheran Church, 7968 Finch Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.