Dr. Gregory James Gelderman

Jan. 25, 1953 – Sept. 1, 2015 Greg was born in Seattle, Washington, to George and Leone Gelderman and graduated from Shorecrest High School in 1971. Summers were his favorite time of year because beginning in 6th grade, he spent most every summer fine-tuning his water-skiing and motorcycle riding skills when he wasn't milking cows, fixing fences, feeding calves, and doing other assorted chores working on his Uncle Jim's farm on the Snoqualmie River in Duvall, Washington. His favorite high school memory was riding his Yamaha two-stroke motorcycle down the hall at Shorecrest as part of his Senior English project. While Greg noted that he passed the class and incurred no discipline for smoking up the hall with gas or "stretching" carpet, he was quick to remark that such behavior would have resulted in suspension and loss of all end-of-year and graduation activities if he had been principal! After six months on the farm following high school graduation, Greg returned to school, graduating from the University of Washington, cum laude, with his teaching certificate in 1977. By far the highlight of his undergraduate experience was student teaching with his master teacher, Beverly Crane. Despite her initial September greeting of, "I just want you to know this will be nothing more than a plutonic relationship," Bev and Greg were engaged in February and married the day after school was out, June 11, 1977. Greg was a continual learner, earning his MA in 1982 and his administrative certification in 1983 from the University of Washington and his doctorate in 2004 from Seattle Pacific University. Greg was committed to public education, serving seven years as teacher and 23 years as a building principal at the elementary and middle school levels. He felt fortunate to be principal of two schools that earned "School of Distinction" in Washington State for high levels of student achievement. While work was important and the principalship required 60+ hour work weeks, Greg's highest priorities were his faith in Jesus Christ and his family. He made it a point to arrange his work schedule so he could attend Suzanne and Stacey's many school and church activities, even when this meant going back to work after the girls were in bed or working before they were awake. Although summers often involved graduate studies as well as work, Greg made sure there was always time for long weekends of camping and water-skiing. He loved nothing more than being out in the boat with his three ladies. Following a long weekend of retirement from public education, June 30, 2007, Greg continued his commitment to education, working at Seattle Pacific University as a certification officer. Although a "full time" position, he would joke that after being a principal his SPU position required about half the time, which allowed Greg extra time to spend with family which now included grandkids! Greg and Bev happily spent the last few years splitting time between water-skiing on the Columbia River in Desert Aire, Wash., and spending time with their children and grandchildren in Eastern Wash. and Denver, Colo. He is survived by his loving family: his wife, Beverly (Crane) Gelderman in Everett, Wash.; his daughters,, and their families – Suzanne and Ray Rivera in Denver, and their son, Matthew James (Mateo) (20 months); Stacey and Matthew Babcock in Walla Walla and their children, Rhett (11), Austin James (9), and Reese (6); his mother, Leone (Roetcisoender) Gelderman of Duvall; his sister, Gayl Dorcas, his brother, Reg Gelderman and their families; and his aunts and uncles and cousins. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Westgate Chapel, 22901 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020. Flowers can be sent for the service or donations can be made on Greg's behalf to New Joy Foursquare Church, 3 South Colville St, Walla Walla, WA 99362.