Lynn Theodore Waller

December 19, 1922-November 27, 2016

Lynn Waller passed away peacefully on November 27, 2016 just short of his 94th birthday.

He was known and loved in the Pacific Northwest for his innovative work over 35 years as an educator, Principal at Shorecrest and Shoreline High Schools, Assoc Exec Director of the Association of Washington Principals, President of Lake City Rotary and Trustee of the College Board. He loved the outdoors, especially skiing and camping, and passionately planted Sequoia trees.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lynn attended Williams College, served in the Navy in WWII, graduated from The Ohio State University 1948, University of Zurich 1949, Masters in Education at UW 1955, and pursued a doctorate at Stanford University.

1949 Lynn and his future wife, Marlys Swenson, co-managed the Seattle Ski Club. Married in 1950, they raised their 4 children in Lake Forest Park. They owned land on Lopez Island for 50 years, retiring there in 1988. Lynn chaired the building of the Lopez Community Center.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 65 years, his four children (Kristina, Johanna, Erica and Peter), 10 grandchildren, his brother Michael of Cincinnati and predeceased by his brother Edward of Columbus.

Memorial service on the Winter Solstice, Wed., December 21 at 1:30 pm, University Congregational Church. Interment at Lopez Island Community Cemetery, Spring 2017. To honor Lynn, the family suggests donations to The Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, The Waller Biological Sciences Greenhouse Fund at The Ohio State University, or plant a tree. Please visit: www.bartonfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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William Vickery

January 5, 2017

Lynn was best remembered by many as the Moving force behind the Shorecrest Highlander's. He sought and received permission from the Gordon Clan (Scotland) to use their Tartan. The Shorecrest Highland pipe band was also originally an inovation of his.The many times our band, orchestra, and singing groups were invited to perform in Victoria BC were led by Lynn wearing his tam and proudly leading the way.Shorecrest High Schooll, your have a proud heritage.Thank you Lynn,

Sharon Moody (Nelson)

December 23, 2016

I remember Mr Walker as a friendly, kind and enthusiastic principal; my principal. I count it a privilege to call him "my" principal, not just "the" principal. He made us all feel welcome and comfortable, greeting us in the hallway or leading a cheer with his trademark tartan plaid tie proudly displayed. Comfort and greetings to his family. Shorecrest class 1966

Paul Cosway

December 20, 2016

Mr Waller is one of the major reasons I work part time as a ski instructor. I remember wondering why a high school principal, who so clearly enjoyed his own skiing, would give up many of his ski days to teach. And slowly I realized that skiing would not have meant as much to him if he DID NOT share the sport with others by including and teaching them. That really inspired me.

Having known him first as the father of my best friend, I think that, outside of my parents (and perhaps Mrs Waller), he had a bigger shaping impact on me than any other adult. It wasn't because of anything special that he did with me or for me. It was simply that he did things ... and did them simply and honestly, always welcoming and accepting others who might join in.

The world was a much, much better place for so many thanks to Lynn T!

December 20, 2016

Dear Marlys, Kristi, Johanna, Erica and Peter,

What a special journey through life with Lynn. He treated everyone with warmth and enthusiasm. He cared deeply in all of his actions and pursuits. His generosity to community and love of family will be celebrated in our hearts always.

Christoph & Mary-Clayton Enderlein

Victor Scapellim Jr.

December 20, 2016

Dear Waller Family,
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to the Waller Family. Vic Sr. worked with Lynn at Shorecrest and Lynn was the principal at Shoreline when our brother Robert attended. A great educator and leader. Rest in Peace Mr. Waller. The Scarpelli Family; Vic Sr., Victor Jr., Mike and the Memory of Robert and Margie

December 12, 2016

My Dad worked with Lynn for many years in the Shoreline School District. I remember him well. He was very competent and personable. A great loss!

Chuck Freeman

Kim Marquette

Sent Flowers

December 9, 2016

Mr. Waller made my high school experience the best of memories of my life. My prayers are with the family. Karla Stuhley Huston

Roberta Engelhart

December 7, 2016

I came to Shorecrest my Senior year. Mr Waller made me feel welcome. He was a terrific person to know

Roberta Rutledge Engelhart - Lynnwood Wa Class of 1969

anne-marie hastings

December 6, 2016

To the Waller Family...thankyou for sharing Mr Waller with us First Class at Shorecrest 1964. Mr Waller was a major part of me graduating along with Mr C.P. Johnson. I quit in my Jr year because of money issues. As I went to get my final papers, Mr Waller told me "When you come back, I will help you catch up and graduate with your class". Well, yes, I did go back and yes both Mr Waller and Mr Johnson were true to their word and helped me big time!! Thank you for taking a scared 16 year old and helping her so much!!! That was the kind of man Mr Waller was. Kind, gentle, determined, hardworking and dedicated. God rest your soul Mr Waller. May God have a very special place in Heaven for you. Hoot Mon Hoot!!!! Anne-Marie (Stewart) Hastings Class of 1964 Shorecrest High School.

chris tomlinson

December 6, 2016

A great man and educator

December 6, 2016

Hail to our favorite drum major - Mr. Waller. Known for his penchant of plaid ties and his trademark smile, Lynn T. (as we used to call him) was an ever-present dynamo in the halls at Shoreline High School. I admired him so much and speak of him often. Blessings and love to Marlys and the family. The Shoreline High School Class of 1983 waves goodbye to a friend.
Sarah Martin Olsen - SHS 1983

Diane Fullerton

December 6, 2016

Such a great principal, so very nice. Shorecrest High School, 1965

Karen Hornbeck -Patrick

December 5, 2016

So sorry to hear of Mr.Waller's passing! Whenever he would see you in the halls at Shorecrest, he called you by name and asked how things were going! Such a wonderful man and the best ptincipal! RIP Nr. Waller!

December 5, 2016

What a loss for this world! Mr. Waller was a great Principal, but more importantly an awesome human being. RIP Lynn T. Waller!

David Lukov

December 5, 2016

What an amazing educator and principal! Mr. Waller brought enthusiasm and a positive spirit to all his work.
During my years at Shorecrest (class of 1972), he was always upbeat and had constructive ideas to help promote a good academic environment. We were delighted to have the The Wallers as our neigbhors in Briarcrest until their move to Sheridan Beach in the mid 1960s. My father (also an educator) met Mr. Waller when they were completing their education degrees at the University of Washington in the late 1940s. When I returned to the Seattle area in 2001 and joined University Congregational Church, I was touched to see the Wallers as members. Lynn Waller touched a lot of lives and will be truly missed.

David Lukov

December 5, 2016

What an amazing educator! Mr Waller brought a very positive and enthusiastic spirit to our school (and probably all the schools he served), and truly shaped Shorecrest into an outstanding high school. Before moving to his home in Sheridan Beach in the mid-1960s, he was our neighbor in Briarcrest. My father (also an educator) had education classes at the University of Washington with Mr. Waller. When I returned to the Seattle area in 2001 and joined University Congregational Church, I was delighted to see Mr Waller as a fellow member. He truly touched my life along with thousands of other students, teachers, administrators and parents.

December 5, 2016

Could not have wished for a better high school principal than Mr. Waller.
May he rest in peace.
~Diane Wilson

Shorecrest High School
Class of '70

Mark McMahan

December 5, 2016

My wife and I graduated from Shorecrest in 1970 and 1971. Sometime around the year 2000 we were having dinner at a restaurant on Lopez Island when an older gentleman came over and
said he recognized us from Shorecrest. We were amazed that after 30 years he could remember a couple of his many students! He was a great principal and person.

Paul Cosway Educating the Educator most likely

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

Lynn T

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

Father & Son

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

Classic Mug Shot

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

Lynn T quote: "The difference between you men and me? I can still wear my pants from 1978!"

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

The Head Pied Piper

Bryce James

December 5, 2016

Steve Crutchfield

December 5, 2016

Mr. Waller lived next door to us in Sheridan Beach when I grew up. I attended Shorecrest High when he was principal. He was a fine man and a something of a mentor to me. In the 1960's he planted fir tree with seeds from his Alma Mater (Standford). I recently moved back to my family's old home, and that tree is still standing and it's about 100 feet tall. I think fondly of Lynn and his his great family every time I see the tree.

Kaori Shindo

December 5, 2016

I was very lucky to have attended Shoreline High School when Mr. Waller was Principal. My thoughts are with his famly.

-Shoreline H.S. Class of 1980
(Currently residing in Japan)

Denise (Griffin) Mayfield

December 4, 2016

LOVED Mr. Waller! A wonderful human being and my Principal!! I needed to graduate early so I could come back to California and get a job before the summer...I only needed one credit to graduate. Mr. Waller worked with me and I earned that one credit...he let me graduate early. Without him working it out for me, I would not have graduated early!!

I loved in pep rallies when Mr. Waller would lead the whole student body in "The Famous" Cheer..."Let's do a little bit of it!!"

Thanks so much Mr. Waller for all the good memories of my high school years!!
Class of "72

December 4, 2016

The Waller's are a great family, and I was lucky to know you as neighbors as well as my High School Principal. Once, when he was at a meeting at Stanford when Eric and I were undergraduates, he took us to dinner and met Eric for the first time.
I too loved those assemblies.
And many conversations.
Thank you, Dr. Waller.

Kathy Clayton Nysether

December 4, 2016

I am also sorry to hear Of Mr Waller's passing. Or as many from my class called him, Lynn T! He was a wonderful Principal and person! He will be missed. Waller family you are in my thoughts and prayers.

December 4, 2016

I am so sorry to read of his passing. I have very fond memories of him as my principal in the early 70's. Great children as well.

Kathy Helser Buford

Tammy and Marty Gunderson

December 4, 2016

Mrs. Waller, Kristi, Jenni, Erica, and Peter,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Your father (husband, Mrs. Waller,) was loved and appreciated by many of us at Shorecrest. In my minds eye, I will always see Mr. Waller in his dress Campbell plaid pants, clapping to "Scotland the Brave" at an assembly, as I saw him so many times. Loved by many. He lead a huge lot of us kids through a wonderful high school experience. I am sorry he has passed. Our condolences,
Tammy (1976) and Marty Gunderson (1977)

Terry Onustack

December 4, 2016

My condolences to the Waller Family. While he is mostly remembered for his years leading Shorecrest, we have such wonderful memories of his years as a Shoreline Spartan. He was such a kind man and will be missed.

Christy Erdman

December 4, 2016

RIP. ... condolences to his family.