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Lynn Degerstedt Obituary


LYNN M. DEGERSTEDT
May 7, 1923 ~ October 27, 2013

Lynn M. Degerstedt, 90, of Vancouver, WA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the Ray Hickey Hospice House.
Born and raised in the greater Portland area, Lynn enlisted in the Army Air Corps after high school. He earned his wings and was stationed as a pilot in England, France, Puerto Rico and Miami, FL during World War II. The passing of years never diminished his strong patriotism nor discounted the deep relationships with his fellow pilots, who remained lifelong friends.
Education, a strong work ethic,
and civic pursuits were hallmarks of Lynn's life.
He used the GI Bill to pursue his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Portland, and later in life, a Doctorate from Brigham Young University. Even his many Elderhostel trips reflected his love of learning.
Lynn began his professional career with ALCOA, but after 15 years he returned to academia to work at Clark College and later Washington State University until retirement. Whether serving as a board director, holding leadership positions, fundraising, or simply rolling up his sleeves with other volunteers, Lynn remained active with the Ft. Vancouver Kiwanis Club, The Columbian Advisory Board, Salvation Army, PRIDE (ARC) Program, Clark College's Mature Learning Program and EMT Program, Accreditation of Colleges - Northwest, Junior Achievement, Clark College Foundation, and 1958 Vancouver Junior Citizen.
Lynn was also an avid outdoorsman, celebrating the beauty of the Northwest with his family and friends while hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Lynn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia; his son, Mark Lee (wife Carina), and grandchildren, Mats and Emma of Huntington Beach, CA; and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, and grandchildren, Nathan and Spencer of Salem, OR.
His youngest son, Bruce Robert, predeceased him in death in March of this year.
A service of celebration for the life of Lynn Degerstedt will be held Sat., Nov. 9, 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1220 NE 68th St., Vancouver, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, OR, or a charity of choice.
Please sign his guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 3, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Degerstedt

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Everyone seems to say, "Lynn was one of the first people I met when I came to Vancouver." That also applies to my long association with this giant of a gentle man, and reflects his outgoing nature, love of people, and his dedication to family and community. I'll so miss seeing him at special occasions and knowing he's in our midst. God will surely welcome him home and bless his family.

Kathy Rohrer

November 8, 2013

Lynn was our good neighbor for 20 years and we admired his generous and warm- hearted spirit. It was always a pleasure to sit and chat about the events in our neighborhood and share ideas. We admired him immensely.

Don Boyd laurel whitehurst

November 5, 2013

Mark and family - Sincere condolences on Lynn's death. He made an important contribution to higher education in SW Washington and his legacy continues. Carol Van Natta

November 5, 2013

I will forever remember the times I spent with Lynn,Hap & Al. My sincere sympathies to all of the family

Dave Davis

November 4, 2013

Lynn was one of the first people I met when I first started working at Clark College in 1976. He was gracious, kind, welcoming and professional, and I enjoyed working with him in many capacities at Clark. Your grief is shared by many. Please accept my sympathy on your sad loss.

Gail Liberman

November 3, 2013

Lynn was one of the first people I met when I first arrived in Vancouver 50 years ago, and began as a cub reporter for The Columbian and he was with Alcoa. Through the years, he was always helpful, friendly and a true professional. More than that, he was a genuinely nice person and he will be missed. Condolences to the family.

Don Chandler

November 3, 2013

It was enjoyable to visit with Lynn when he served on The Columbian's Readers' Advisory Council a few years ago. He remembered my dad's family (the Eks) since the 1930s in Portland, and liked to reminisce about the old days. He was a lovely man and I know you'll miss him greatly.

Pauline Sipponen

November 3, 2013

Lynn was my supervisor at the evening sxhoil program at Clark when I was a young student in 1966. He was a gentleman to all and lots of fun...also patient, what a blessing to all he was. I am sorry for your loss.

Kathy Huber

November 3, 2013

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Evergreen Staples Funeral Home

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