GALEN R. HOGENSON

December 27, 1922 -
January 8, 2019

A man of unshakable conviction, values and a love for family, Galen R. Hogenson, passed away peacefully at home in Burlington, WA on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 after reaching the age of 96 years old.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee Hogenson after 65+ years together.

Galen and Shirlee are survived by their four children; daughter Gretchen & her husband Jud Hartmann residing in Blue Hill, Maine; son Peter & his wife Theresa, son Samuel & his wife Julie, and son Andrew & his wife Stephanie, who all reside with their children in the Seattle/Bellevue area.

Galen earned the respect and love of many throughout the world both in his personal and professional life.

Galen was born in Centralia, WA on December 27, 1922. He interrupted his studies at University of Washington to enlist in the USAAF in October of 1942, serving as an armorer gunner in the 832nd Bomb Squadron flying missions from England over Germany. After being honorably discharged in October, 1945, Galen returned to Seattle where he completed his studies at the University of Washington.

Upon graduation, Galen joined the JC Penney company in their Seattle store, eventually working his way up as an executive in their New York headquarters. In 1975, Galen and Shirlee moved to Brussels, Belgium where Galen led European Operations for the Penney Company. During their time in Brussels, they traveled extensively throughout Europe taking full advantage of their time overseas.

In 1980, Galen and Shirlee retired to their dream home in Utsalady Bay on Camano Island, WA where he pursued his passions of gardening, fishing, crabbing and entertaining friends and family. Only briefly retired, Galen took an advisory role for the Italian retailer La Rinascente in Milan, Italy which not only gave him the opportunity to stay involved in the retail world, but allowed he and Shirlee to continue to indulge in their passion for global travel combining business trips with pleasure.

In 1990, Galen and Shirlee moved to Skagit Valley, fully retired and settling down in Shelter Bay, La Conner. They enjoyed playing golf as members of the Skagit Valley Country Club, boating and spending time with many great friends in the area. They made their final move together to the Creekside Community in Burlington, WA in 2007.

While Galen's family misses him deeply, they are comforted in the beauty, richness and depth of life that Galen experienced and the love that he shared with Shirlee and together with their family.

Galen will be laid to rest with Shirlee at Anderson Cemetery in Stanwood, WA.

Galen has requested that in lieu of flowers, people wishing to pay their respects send donations to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Dr., Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.