Robert Haugen

Robert (Bob, RT) Haugen went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Bob was born September 24, 1918, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Theodore and Bernice Haugen. At a young age he moved with his family to Blaine where his father worked for the Border Patrol and the Immigration Service. After graduating from Blaine High School in 1936, he attended the University of Washington and worked at Boeing as a riveter on bombers. In 1942, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. While at Camp Hood in basic training Bob developed his interest in photography. During a week leave after basic training, he married Serena B. Elenbaas. During World War II, Bob served in Europe and the Pacific. Following his service, Bob continued his education at Western Washington University. He received a B.A. in 1947 and taught school in Ferndale. He continued his education at Oregon State University where he received his Masters of Science degree in 1954. He returned to work for the Bellingham School District as a science and math grade school teacher and assistant track coach. In the summers he worked as a seasonal Ranger at the Olympic National Park for five years. From 1959-1979, Bob worked for the National Park Service in the following parks: Hawaii National Park; the Great Sand Dunes National Monument near Alamosa, Colorado; the National Capital Parks in Washington, D.C.; the Everglades National Park in Florida; the headquarters for the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon National Monument and Colorado National Monument in Montrose, Colorado; and the Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. In 1979, Bob retired and returned to Lynden where he continued to enjoy photography, bird watching, woodcarving and drinking a hot cup of coffee with friends and family. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, feeding the birds on his back porch, helping his family in farming, and enjoying all nature has to offer. He was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church and the Friends of the Lynden Library. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Serena, his sons, Theo of Folsom, CA, and Rolf (Linda); four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be Tuesday, April 5, 2 pm at Greenwood Cemetery on E. Wiser Lake Road followed by a 3 pm funeral service at Hope Lutheran Church, 900 E. Grover St. in Lynden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Lynden Library, 214 4th St, Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden