Menu

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

/

/

CARLETON OPGAARD Obituary

Carleton M. Opgaard Age 85, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014. Born in Fort Ransom, North Dakota to John and Anna Opgaard, he lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. He was the youngest of five children. Carleton was a lifelong educator. He began his career teaching in a one room school house in North Dakota at the age of 17. He was a teacher, high school counselor, and principal in Washington State before he became the founding president of Malaspina College (Vancouver Island University) in Nanaimo, British Columbia in 1969. Six months later, under his guidance, the college opened with 700 students. From 1978 Carl served as president of Dakota State College in Madison, South Dakota. In 1983, Carl became the president of Tacoma Community College until his retirement in 1990. Carl is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis, their four children, 10 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18th at Mount Cross Lutheran Church (8902 40th Ave. West, University Place, WA 98466) at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Phyllis and Carleton Opgaard First Generation Endowment at Tacoma Community College or Mt. Cross Lutheran Church.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jul. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for CARLETON OPGAARD

5 Entries

Cand C Larson

July 18, 2014

Dearest Phyllis and Family, It was such a privilege to know Carl, and how we appreciated all the Opgaard kindnesses to our family through the years. Will always remember the thoughtful visit to Melissa when she was so young and sick in the hospital up in Seattle. God bless you, Charlotte , Chuck Melissa, Blake and Leslie and Family

Kelli Johnston

July 14, 2014

The legacy of Carl lives on in thousand of students touched by his kind spirit and belief in their abilities. I was blessed to benefit from his leadership as a TCC student and spend a "campaign season" around the kitchen table. He has left this world a better place than he found it. Love and prayers to the Opgaard family.

Sylvia Summers, TCC instructor

July 14, 2014

Through his leadership, dedication, and passion, Dr. Oppgard's legacy continues to live on in the students, faculty, and staff at Tacoma Community College. He was great man with a huge heart.

Marsha Tolon

July 13, 2014

I have many fond memories of time spent with the Opgaard family and listening to the wit of Mr. Carl Opgaard. It such memories that bring cheer during this time of loss. My condolences to his family.

susan opgaard

July 13, 2014

My uncle Carlie was wonderful! I will miss the birthday phone call that he never missed.You are loved by many.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in CARLETON OPGAARD's name

Memorial Events
for CARLETON OPGAARD

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support CARLETON's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.