Clyde Allen Stromberg Jr.

Clyde Allen Stromberg Jr. passed away May 11, 2006. He was 89.

Clyde was born in Seattle on Jan. 30, 1917, the eldest of three brothers. After graduating from Garfield High School, he joined the Merchant Marine and traveled to Asia.

He attended University of Washington, majoring in forestry. He was one of the first pioneers hiking and skiing Mount Rainier in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This was where he met his wife, Virginia.

Clyde joined the Coast Guard during World War II and was later stationed in Friday Harbor. After the war ended, he worked on the ferries as a purser. He and Virginia moved to Bellevue to raise their three children.

Clyde had many talents in his job career, including professional photography. He worked for Boeing for many years and finally retired as maintenance engineer for Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland.

He and Virginia were active in many pursuits, including hiking, camping, skiing, rock hounding, cooking, traveling, raising rhododendrons, gardening, metal sculpture and music.

They moved back to Friday Harbor in 1975 and built their home. They enjoyed boating and spending time with their friends. He also worked for the Town of Friday Harbor.

Virginia died of cancer in 1985.

Clyde enjoyed the latter part of his life studying lighthouses, writing letters, working on his computer, going to garage sales, and gardening.

He is survived by his brother, Bill, of Port Orchard, Wash.; sons, Tom, of Redmond, and Bill of Kona, Hawaii; daughter, Claudia, of Friday Harbor; grandsons, Ryan and Justin; granddaughter, Russina, of Vancouver, Wash.; and great-grandson, Curtis.

Family and friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of his life. Memorial service is May 20, 1 p.m., at Valley Church, with a reception at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Club.

— Family of Clyde Allen Stromberg Jr.