Lenore Dolphin

Lenore S. Dolphin passed away March 11, 2020 at 90 in Yakima, WA. She was born in Hillsboro, OR to Reverend Paul Schaus and Elsa Schaus. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert E. Dolphin, son Jeffrey A. Stensland (Laurissa Stensland), daughters Jan D. Stensland (Simon Patton), Judi K. Hancock (Robert Hancock), numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and marathon runners.

She will be buried in Yakima, WA on March 24, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 virus a celebration of Lenore's life will be postponed until March 26, 2021 to coincide with the 20th Yakima River Canyon Marathon.

Lenore attended Snohomish High School (Salutatorian, 1947) and Central Washington State University (1951) majoring in science. A teacher most of her life she also worked at Boeing prior to retirement.

A loving mother and grandmother (to all), Lenore was talented at quilting and crocheting giving many thoughtful gifts. She beat the odds after many heart procedures, amazing her doctors by reaching 90.

She made history in marathon racing without running a single race, accompanying her husband, Bob, to over 400 of his 500+ marathons, as the only non-running member of the Marathon Maniacs, co-founding the North American 100 Marathon Club, co-directing the Yakima River Canyon Marathon and with Bob as the oldest marathon race directors in the world. Beloved by hundreds of marathon runners, they would line up after the finish line to get their finishers' medal and hug from Lenore.

A master organizer, her attention to detail, amazing memory for names, and especially her warm and genuine interest in people in the marathon world will be sorely missed by all.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kathrine Switzer's "261 Fearless" organization that promotes running for women (https://www.261fearless.org/donate) and Yakima Greenway Foundation (https://www.yakimagreenway.org)

Shaw and Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Mar. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Lenore Dolphin

Sponsored by The Family.

19 Entries

Jack Brooks

March 7, 2023

I have very fond memories of Lenore. She is greatly missed.

Jack Brooks

March 7, 2021

A wonderful and supportive friend. Greatly missed.

Cheri Pompeo

March 31, 2020

Love you Lenore, you are one of a kind. I'm amazed by all of the people you pulled into your circle of love.

Jack Brooks

March 29, 2020

I have so many lovely memories of Lenore, but an abiding one is when she persuaded a hotel manager to give 4 of us free accommodation on the condition that one friend (Big Dave) got a tattoo of the Yakima River Canyon Marathon logo. He did and the manager honoured the deal.

Jack Brooks

March 29, 2020

Eddie Hahn

March 28, 2020

Although not a runner herself, one would be challenged to find a stronger friend to the running community of which she and Bob, ("Team Dolphin"), were staples. During my 5 years assigned to Fort Lewis Washington, I became good friends of the Dolphins. They came to our then rental house in Lakewood WA for my 40th birthday in 2006. Lenore was at every race Bob ran, so I saw her every time I ran marathons. She had a very happy and robust personality and it was always a pleasure speaking to her as I maintained contact with (them) annually after leaving the Army and the move to California. I also had the opportunity to run the Yakima River Canyon Marathon in 2002, 2004 and 2006. A fond memory was when she awarded a "nuts to you" coffee mug to my uncle (Bob Hildebrandt from Alaska and I) and I for being out of area family members that participated in their race.

Jose Nebrida

March 14, 2020

Lenore Dolphin, May you Rest In Peace in the Arms of our Lord God Almighty forever. I love you. God bless you. Jose.

Herb Allen

March 14, 2020

What a wonderful person and she will be missed by many. many marathon runners. Her encouragement to me made it possible for me to complete over 100 marathones. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and all who knew Lenore.

Jen Savage

March 14, 2020

Thank you, Lenore, for inspiring me to become more than I ever inagined..

Deborah Ingram

March 14, 2020

Lenore was such a warm & encouraging person. I feel honored to have known her.

Lynda Petri

March 13, 2020

Oh Lenore, I know where you are! Heaven has another angel. God bless you. I knew you before running your beautiful marathon as I was completing my 50 states & came upon your race online & the pictures sold me to come. I also told others & they too loved your marathon. I will never forget how much devotion you had for it. I look forward to seeing you again where we can run some miles together...healthy forever!

Lien James

March 13, 2020

I had a great pleasure to have Lenore and Bob at our home for dinner a few years ago when Bob was running his last Marine Corps Marathon. It happened to be their wedding anniversary and we had a wonderful time celebrating. I also ran the Yakima Marathon twice and got to spend time with them both. I love her dearly. She is always in my ❤. The world lost a very special angel!

Maine-iac Goodrich

March 13, 2020

Sorry to hear this news. Such an amazing woman. Praying for Bob and family.

Clay Shaw

March 13, 2020

Very sad to hear of death of Lenore Dolphin. Bob was one of the original 50&DC guys and we would all meet at various races, including a good dinner after Harrisburg Marathon. Went to their Yakima Canyon Marathon in 2011, and it was one of the best directed races ever, she knew how to take care of the runners. A truly great lady, with utmost respect.

Tresa Casaletto

March 13, 2020

Lenore was a delight to meet. She gave me a "finisher's hug at the Yakima River Canyon marathon.

My thoughts are with her close friends and family.

Fran Libasci

March 13, 2020

Lenore's passing is such sad news. I am so grateful to have met her twice and during those meetings she could see how much her caring and kindness meant to me. I know I made her smile when I tearfully thanked her for assigning me a special bib number and I will take that smile and hold it in my heart.

Carol Goslin

March 13, 2020

I am very sorry to hear of Lenores passing

Lois Berkowitz

March 13, 2020

I am very, very sorry to hear of Lenore's passing. She was much loved by all of us runners. We wish her peace in a better world.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results