Glen Underwood Obituary
Glen Edwin Underwood
February 28, 1935 - June 24, 2024
Elk Grove, California - Glen Edwin Underwood was born February 28, 1935, and passed away on June 24, 2024. He was born in Tolleson, Arizona, the son of Ernest C. Underwood and Lottie Mae Fluitt. The family eventually moved to California and made their home in Sacramento. Glen graduated from CK McClatchy in 1952, and continued his education at Sacramento State University where he would earn his degree in engineering. While attending college he was a member of the Hornet Football Team as a linebacker and guard. In 1957 he married Mary Taylor. Glen and Mary had three children: Susie (Tim), Brian (Jerine), Betsy (Tim). Grandchildren: Brooke, Whitney, Chase, Katie, Grayson, Nicholas, Melissa, Taylor, Lauren, Rachel, Desiree, Timmy, and many darling great grandchildren.
After graduating from college, Glen worked for the state as a civil engineer and not long after was recruited by Joe Spink to join one of Sacramento's top private engineering firms. Glen would eventually become a partner in the firm, and years later he would tell the story of Paul Taylor, Mary's father, asking Mr. Spink what he thought of Glen Underwood; Joe gave a good review, and Paul agreed to the marriage.
Glen was a very successful engineer. He worked with all the big names in the small town of Sacramento - Buzz Oates, Angelo Tsakopoulos, Roy Brophy, Bob Powell, and Mike and Jim Guttridge, to name a few. In the 1980's Glen would start his project that he was most proud of, the development of Camden Passage in Elk Grove. Together with his son Brian, they built many beautiful custom homes and developed a neighborhood unique for the time. Glen loved to walk the bike trails and greenbelts that line the lake of Camden Passage. In 1993, the city of Elk Grove dedicated a park in his name. He was surrounded by his entire family at the park dedication. Today the park is used for soccer games and tournaments.
During his life Glen enjoyed many outdoor activities. Duck hunting with his friend Ed Towne at "The Bull Sprig Outing" was his favorite pastime. He also was a lifelong golfer and loved the courses at Valley Hi, Northridge and Cameron Park Country Clubs. Glen enjoyed cutting horses and won many awards as he was an avid rider. He loved taking his Sea Ray on the Delta, fishing, and snow skiing with his adventurous group of ski buddies. All of these activities seemed to keep him young at heart. But most of all, Glen loved his Labrador Retrievers. Over the years he had many well- trained hunting dogs and in his later years, his yellow lab, Max, was the best companion any outdoorsman could ask for.
Glen was lucky to be loved by so many people. He enjoyed many years with his special friend Jann Grenz, traveling to Tahoe, and spending time with the Grenz family. Glen is survived by his children, grand and great grandchildren. He is predeceased in death by his brother Clyde, sister Jean, his first wife, Mary, and his grandson Blake. A private inurnment will be held on a later date. We are all grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes we have received.
Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jul. 27, 2024.