Harry Lindbeck

Harry Lindbeck
Musical legend
87 Years

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; a man of passion, creativity and musical talent, Harry passed away at home June 9, 2007.
Harry grew up in Stanwood, Washington. His father Alf Lindbeck (Norwegian) came home from the war with TB and had only a short time to know his son prior to passing away when Harry was eight. Harry's mother, Anna Knutson and stepfather, Nels, raised him.
Harry loved sports and was an outstanding athlete at Stanwood High School, lettering in football and basketball. His real passion however was his accordion, bought for him by his stepfather, which he started playing while in high school. He was a member of the Hugo Helmer Accordion Band and began his professional career playing at the Stillaguamish Grange with the Mark Kimball Band. He couldn't read music but once he heard a tune it became part of his repertoire.
A severe knee injury kept him out of the armed service so during World War II he worked in the Navy Shipyard.
Harry met his soul mate, Elinor Robinson at Juniper Beach on Camano Island. He fell head-over-heels for her and they were married in September 1940. In 1944 he and Elinor opened the Seven Cedars Dance Pavilion in Mount Vernon, Washington. This wonderful venue was known throughout the Pacific Northwest. His ten-piece band packed the place on Saturday evenings with adults dancing the night away. His first guest band was Lawrence Welk, followed by Louis Armstrong, the Les Brown Orchestra and many other featured bands, including Bob Wills and Roy Acuff. Friday nights gave teenagers a place to dance and featured the talents of performers such as Connie Francis, the Everly Brothers. He also played at The Normana Hall in Everett and many retirement homes around the area.
The Seven Cedars burned down in 1963, a devastating blow to his family and the dancing community. Harry never got over this loss however he picked up the pieces and continued to delight music lovers, forming various traveling bands. He continued to play up until three weeks ago - his dancing family and friends were an inspiration to him.
Aside from the accordion he became a businessman at a very young age helping his father-in-law, Bert Robinson, rebuild his store after a fire. Harry managed Bert Robinson's Hardware Store and hosted his own radio program, The Farmer's Exchange, on local KBRC. His love of food and cooking led him to open an A&W Drive-in and Restaurant next to his dance hall. The first pizza in Skagit Valley was served there. He also added a furniture store and gift department to Bert Robinson's Hardware. He enjoyed his customers and loved promoting special store events such as All-Night Marathons, Rocking Chair contests and musical events. Harry gave Sears Roebuck a run for their money.
After retiring to Camano Island he built Armstrong Homes and created beautiful furniture and other wood items, which were sold in Stanwood's Uff Da Shoppe.
In 2001 the Skagit County Pioneer Association honored Harry for his musical contributions. He was also an honorary member of the Hugo Helmer Band, a Life Member of the Elks Club and a Life Member of the Musicians Union.
Harry's laughter was contagious and nothing made him happier than being with family and friends - he was a friend to everyone he met. He and Elinor made music together for nearly 67 years. One proud Norwegian and a Swede!
He is survived by Elinor; daughters, Sharry Brown (Richard) and Sandi Lindbeck; grandson, Michael Brown (Amy); and granddaughter, Amy Brown; great-grandchildren, Keller and Hailey Brown; sister-in-law, Carol (Jordan); friend and cousin, Stan Boreson (Barbara); a loving extend family and a large circle of dancing friends.
Private family Graveside Services were held. A Memorial Celebration of Harry's Life, will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 24, at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, Stanwood, WA.
In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation at M/S /S-200-P.O. Box 50020 Seattle, WA 98145-5020, Kathy Peebler Caregivers Fund at Stanwood - Camano Area Foundation P.O. Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292 or to Skagit Hospice Foundation P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376.
Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.