Ted Knutsen, 83, passed away May 19, 2008, at Providence Hospital in Everett after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 3, 1925, in Bellingham to Herman and Tilda Knutsen. He graduated from Meridian High School in Bellingham in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy during World War II where he proudly served his country as a gunner’s mate in many areas of the world. He entered Eastern Washington University where he graduated with his Master’s degree in Education. His first teaching position was in Quincy, Wash., in 1947, where he also coached winning seasons in football, basketball and baseball.

Ted married Lucille in the fall of 1949 and they were married for 59 years. Ted then accepted a teaching and coaching position at Oak Harbor High School in the fall of ‘49. He coached football, basketball and track. He helped lay the track for Oak Harbor High School and the baseball stadium at Memorial Stadium. He was later promoted to Principal and then became Assistant Superintendent, where he retired in 1981. Ted treasured his 31 years of enriching the lives of many students. He was awarded Washington State “Educator of the Year” in 1977.

Ted served as president of the following organizations: Washington State Association for the Supervision of Curriculum Development, Lions Club and Oak Harbor Rotary Club. Ted was not only the president of Whidbey Golf and Country Club, but was a founding and charter member. Ted loved serving in many capacities to help support the community of Oak Harbor.

Ted had such a zest for life. He was an avid golfer, baseball player, bowler, hunter and fisherman. He spent thousands of hours in his greenhouse growing fuchsia plants, which he loved to deliver to friends along with his prized smoked salmon.

But the highlight of Ted’s life was his love for his family. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, his daughters Kay Anderson of Oak Harbor and Kristin Crane of Snohomish, his sister, Eleanor Bruland of Bellingham, sister-in-law Hertha Knutsen of Bellingham, four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ted was preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters, Alice Bogen, Laverne Larsen, and Doris Knutsen of Bellingham as well as his brothers, Stanley Knutsen and Irvin Knutsen, also of Bellingham.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 30, at 3 p.m. at Burley’s Funeral Chapel.

Ted’s love, faith, and patriotism are second only to his positive outlook on life. His family and all those who knew him will always cherish these qualities.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley’s Funeral Chapel.