Alan Joseph Bluechel

Alan Bluechel Obituary

Alan Joseph Bluechel

Born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1924. Passed away at home in Bellevue, WA August 20, 2013 surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph Harold and Edith Bluechel as well as his sister June Savikko. Alan loved to travel and spend time in the mountains. He was an avid hiker and skier starting from a very young age and continuing into his 80's. Alan graduated from the University of British Columbia with degrees in Electrical Engineering and General Studies. After graduation his love of travel sent him hitchhiking across Canada and then on to a tramp steamer to spend a year traveling in Europe. Upon his return he came home and started working for his father's wood products company, Loctwall, which had moved to Seattle by then.

In the early 1960's Alan combined his love of the mountains and the construction business as an original partner of CM Development and Silver Skis Inc. which built a number of buildings at Crystal Mountain ski area. Later that decade he decided to enter politics by running for the state House of Representatives. This started a career that spanned 28 years in both the House and state Senate. Over the years Alan focused on education, trade, the environment and parks. He led the acquisition of St. Edwards state park from the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, and was the lead negotiator for the Republicans on issues such as the Puget Sound Water Quality Act and the annual Capital Budget. His proudest achievement was the creation of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region and he was its first president from 1991 to 1997. As a progressive, pro-choice, pro-environment, pro-business Republican he always strove to find middle ground and avoid partisanship.

Alan is survived by the love of his life for the past 32 years, Jeanne Ehrlichman Bluechel, two sons from his first marriage, Gordon and his wife Rebecca of Redmond and Turner and his wife Elizabeth of Seattle, grandchildren Talbot, Geoffrey, Laurel and Callaghan. He is also survived by Jeanne's children Peter and Debbie Ehrlichman, Jan Ehrlichman and Mark Mayer, Jody and Paul Pineda, Sheryl Ehrlichman, Tom Ehrlichman, and Robert Ehrlichman and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday Sept 6th at noon at the Overlake Golf Club 8000 NE 16th Street Medina, WA 98039. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

http://mtsgreenway.org/donate

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 26 to Aug. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Bluechel

Sponsored by Turner Bluechel.

9 Entries

Carol Albers

January 2, 2014

I was Alan's legislative Assistant from 1984 to 1991. I so loved his sense of humor and remember all of the evenings in the office when we joked and laughed together. Alan was a good man and a moderate "old school" Republican. He will be sorely missed.
Much love to Jeanne and to his sons, Gordon and Turner.

Michael Love

September 25, 2013

I met Alan almost 30 years ago when I was a college student working on his campaign for the US House of Representatives in 1984. Alan was a person of great integrity. It is too bad in this day and age of politics and public service that we don't have more people like him. God Speed.

Matt

September 4, 2013

I met Senator Bluechel almost 30 years ago when I was a student working in Olympia. Another intern worked for him and we both admired his grace and wisdom. He helped negotiate a significant piece of legislation that allowed our beautiful state to do a property swap with the federal government that help preserve some of our precious wilderness. He was always a politician who looked for solutions, that is my opinion and I think the opinion of others. He was a true public servant.

Kathie Murray

September 3, 2013

I, too, remember Alan as a lovely man and dedicated public servant. He cared so deeply about being open to hearing all points of view and working through the issues before the important decisions that would affect his consistuents in the 45th and the region as a whole. I feel privileged to have helped to support Alan during campaign seasons and to have known him and Jeanne as friends. Rest well, Alan. My condolences to all the family.

Inga Holmquist

August 29, 2013

I am so sad to learn today of the passing of one of my favorite people. My affection and sympathy are with all his family and friends.

You never felt like you worked FOR Alan, you were on the team and worked WITH him. What a lovely gift that was. His gentle warmth and genuine enthusiasm inspired his team to give their very best, every time – it was such a joy to bask in Alan's kind approval. He remains my gold-standard as a “boss,” and I am honored that he was also my friend.

I am sorry to think of a world without you in it, Alan. I will forever remember your commitment to service, your wonderful intellect and your dear smile.

Candy Horchover

August 28, 2013

It will be a lesser world without Alan. I doorbelled for him when he ran for the
state House of Representatives. I worked a session in Olympia for him when he bacame a state senator. Alan welcomed everyone into his office. He listened. He made things work for people and caused them to feel that they did it. To me Alan was a gentle professor, a kind friend. He was my introduction into how government can bring people together. Thank you, Alan, and to your family for sharing you.

Bill Finkbeiner

August 28, 2013

Alan was such a generous and upbeat person. His work made Washington State a better place.

Dawn Correll

August 27, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many memories of your dad. He was a great man and had an impact on so many lives. Hugs to you all.

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