Carlyle Carpenter Lovewell, 95, best known as Lyle Lovewell, passed away June 1, 2003 after losing a battle with pneumonia. He was born March 18, 1908, in South Lyon, Mich., to Scott Lovewell and Asenath Carpenter. Both his parents’ families were old settlers in the area so he grew up in the company of many loving relatives.

Lyle attended Michigan State University where he earned his way as a lay minister with a deputation team from the People’s Church. The ministers circulated among small farm churches that did not have a regular minister. He was also active on the debate team and the swim team. Lyle met and married Grace Margaret Cardwell at Michigan State in 1931 and graduated in 1932.

Mr. Lovewell received a master’s degree in education from Ohio State University and taught school in Akron, Ohio, until the end of World War II. He spent the war years in Florida as an American Red Cross field director and then returned to Akron as an administrator in audio-visual programs. His career in public school work took his many places and he was always adding to his education with his desire to reach all students. He retired in 1973 as dean of guidance at Ventura Junior College in Ventura, Calif.

In 1981, Lyle and Grace moved to Quilcene where they established a home in the woods. Lyle taught bridge, enjoyed fishing, crabbing and shrimping, hiking and photography plus taking care of a huge garden that included many fruit trees and blueberries. He was an avid outdoorsman. He cared for his wife, Grace, until she died in his arms in 1993. He continued with his photography, bought a solo canoe, took many trips and wrote extensively. In 2001, he moved to Oak Harbor Retirement Community, where he resided until shortly before his death.

Lyle had two children, Karen Jane Olinger and Michael Douglas Lovewell. Michael preceded him in death in 2001. He leaves his daughter, Karen, four grandchildren, Laura Jane Olinger, David Michael Olinger, Leda Kay Olinger, Sonia Grace Lovewell and three grandchildren, Jane, Sky and Clare Hatter, all of California.

Mr. Lovewell will be buried in the family plot at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville with a small family service. Many thanks to all the gentle caregivers who looked after him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, Washington. This obituary is on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.