Local
10 — Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Journal of the San Juan Islands | SanJuanJournal.com
Obituaries
Gregory Albert Ewert: 1949 — 2012 Gregory Albert Ewert, beloved husband, father, friend, teacher extraordinaire, mentor, uncle, brother, photographer, juggler, outdoor adventurer, pilot, sailor, mountain climber, table tennis player and devoted community member died peacefully in his home on Lopez Island, Wash., minutes before midnight on Aug. 10, 2012. He was surrounded by the four people he loved most in the world: his wife, Nancy, and daughters, Emma, Lilly and Clara. Greg’s life began Feb. 11, 1949 in Lansing, Mich., where he grew up in a lively family of seven and learned early to explore the world that always so delighted him. In 1967, he left home to attend school at the University of Washington, beginning a never-ending love affair with the Pacific Northwest. Greg majored in architecture at the UW and was able to work with photographers he admired. Eventually, he ended up with a teaching degree that navigated him to a passion that became his life’s work, always incorporating his skills in photography. Greg’s long teaching career began in 1977 in Seattle, at The Little School, continued in Ambler, Alaska, and back to Seattle at Lakeside School. He was a founder of Coyote Central, a successful community-based learning program connecting middle school students with creative professionals, and he continued to be a passionate supporter of its work and values. While in college, Greg took a kayak trip to the San Juan islands and, ten years later, fulfilled his dream to purchase land on Lopez Island. He met Nancy in 1987 and, a year later, they married and moved full time to Lopez. Greg designed the home he and Nancy built together and raised their three children while Greg worked full time teaching, first on neighboring Shaw Island in a one-room schoolhouse. After two years there, he started teaching at the Lopez School. Over his years there, Greg taught fifth grade, developed and taught in the Alternative K-5 program
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in the Lopez Elementary School, and finally, Lopez Middle School. While he taught all subjects, he was especially appreciated for his ability to help all students succeed in math. In 2002, Greg and family went on a Fulbright teaching exchange to Exeter, England, where he taught at Stoke Canon school for a year, one full of delightful memories and lifelong friendships. As a teacher, Greg believed most important learning takes place outside of the four walls of the classroom and encouraged his students to discover and explore their interests. He saw the uniqueness in each student and led them to believe in themselves and to know that they could do whatever they wanted. A mentor and friend to many students without healthy adult role models, he was a passionate supporter of experiential education and exemplified its success. A family man, Greg was fortunate to have been able to teach each of his daughters in the classroom. As a family, they had numerous adventures and Greg, with his “can do” attitude, was always ready for another. He led his daughters to delight in the outdoors through mountain hikes, boating and camping trips, remaining undaunted in his love for yet another fun family adventure. Greg was a dreamer and a visionary. He fulfilled many of his dreams but always had more. He had a passion for life that many would say was unequaled. His passion took him all over the U.S. and Canada in his youth and, in adulthood, from Alaska to Russia, Japan, England, and Europe, as well as on multiple school outdoor trips and school service/ learning trips to Nicaragua. He photographed and co-published an award winning book, Kindred Spirits, in 2001. He was most happy sleeping under the stars and only used a tent if he absolutely had to. He fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a pilot in 2006 and loved every minute in the air. Diagnosed in August 2010 with Glioblastoma brain tumor, Greg lived with his illness the same way he lived his
Contributed photo
Gregory Albert Ewert
life: with zest. He maintained his sense of humor, courage and optimism until the day he died. He deeply understood what real learning meant and continued to share this passion throughout his illness. He was noble and graceful as his body failed him. The world is a better place with Greg’s mark on it. Greg is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Emma, Lilly and Clara; brother, David Ewert; sisters, Jane Ewert, Mary VanWylen and Cathy Benson; and nieces and nephews, Jessica, Sarah, Erika, Nick, Lauren, Jack and Christopher. It was Greg’s wish that memorial contributions be made to the Lopez School Nicaragua Service Trip, 86 School Road, Lopez, WA 98261. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Anacortes, Wash. and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Greg, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com. — Family of Greg Ewert
David Haskin Champlin: 1910 — 2012 David Haskin Champlin died in Friday Harbor, Wash. on June 11, 2012 at the age of 101. His three children were at his bedside. A memorial service will be held at Saint David’s Episcopal Church on Sept. 10, 2012, at noon. A reception at the San Juan Island Yacht Club will follow the service. Dave was born Sept. 12, 1910 to Harry and Lesley Champlin in Glencoe, Ill., on the north shore of Lake Michigan. He graduated from New Trier High School and attended Northwestern University. Due to asthma, Dave couldn’t join the Navy, his first choice, and the Army wouldn’t let him in. On Nov.
David Haskin Champlin
9, 1940, he married Mary Gavin, the love of his life. They moved to Los Angeles where they raised their family and Dave worked for Douglas Aircraft during the war. After the war, he had a long career as a salesman in
the hobby/model industry. For Dave, family always came first. He was involved with church activities (at St. Albans in Westwood Village and St. David’s in Friday Harbor); Boy Scouts with his sons, Mariner Scouts with his daughter, family vacations, and many canoe, sailing, hiking and other outdoor adventures. Dave and Mary moved to San Juan Island in 1980, after a 1972 sailing trip convinced them that this was the place to retire. Their love of traditional jazz music had them involved with the local Jazz Festival every year, with Dave serving on the board of that organization. He also is a past commodore of the San Juan Island Yacht Club.
Dave was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary. He is survived by his children David Champlin (Bev) of Friday Harbor, Jan Champlin of Friday Harbor, and Richard Champlin of Anacortes, Wash. He leaves behind two grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dave’s name be made to Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, or the San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services (our EMT unit). — Family of David Champlin
A celebration of the extraordinary life of Barbara C. Fry Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 11:00 – 2:00
At Skagit Valley College, San Juan Center 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Lunch will follow an informal service of joy and thanksgiving in acknowledgement of all Barbara Fry meant to each of us. Her family would love anyone who would like to share stories, humorous or touching, of how you met her, what impact she had in your life, or what you will miss most about her. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in her name to the San Juan Historical Society, Friends of the San Juan Library, or the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. We hope you can join us in this tribute to her life!