Orin Fjeran

1926 - 2022

On the evening of February 21, 2022, Orin Bernard Fjeran passed away peacefully into the arms of our loving Father. Born February 18, 1926 in North Dakota, with a farmer's heart, he was voted "least likely to succeed" by his graduating class in Powers Lake.

Born of the "Greatest Generation", he served his country dutifully during World War II in the Pacific. He witnessed the formal surrender of Japan in Tokyo Harbor from the deck of his ship, the USS Token. With the G.I. bill in hand he attended Western Washington State College (only to satisfy his father) with the intent to flunk out and return to North Dakota to become a farmer. He was succeeding in failure until challenged by one of his professors, who thought him as either "lazy or stupid". With those words echoing in his ears he went on to earn two Bachelor degrees in four years. He later earned a Masters at the University of Washington and a PhD at the University of Oregon, both in education.

Dad spent most of his professional career in public education as a teacher, principal, business manager, assistant superintendent and superintendent. After his retirement from public education, he worked in the city of Everett's planning department, specifically as liaison between the city of Everett and the Navy during the early years of the Navy's location to the Port of Everett. When he retired from that position he created his own company and provided contract services to various school districts. After he retired from contract services he provided tax preparation services through H & R Block and later in life he provided services for SHIBA. Dad did not know how to retire nor did he know how to stop serving. Not bad for a kid voted "least likely to succeed".

Two of his favorite pastimes were riding his motorcycle, that segued into driving his Mustang convertible when he turned 80, and skiing. He began skiing in his 50's and continued to do so until his 91st birthday. He claimed to have done his best skiing in his 80's.

Dad had many accomplishments, but he always thought his greatest accomplishment was his family. During his time attending WWSC, he met a woman he would be in love with for over 75 years. He and Shirley met on a dance floor in Bellingham and would be together until his recent passing. Dad adored her and up until his final moments he stated that she was "the love of his life".

Dad and mom raised 4 children, Carol (Howard Grondahl), Nancy (Dan Purcell), Allison (Tim Mead) and Greg (Kathie Fjeran). As a father he knew how to be both stern when needed plus tender in moments of comfort and joy. We always knew there was love behind both emotions. Dad was proud of us when we were young and as adults. Dad had many grandchildren (9) and great grandchildren (10) who looked up to him as well and he was equally proud of them. Try as they may, they could never escape his occasional lectures on life's lessons….and he had many lessons. His love of family brought us together every summer for the Fjeran Family Reunion on the beaches of Oregon with over 30 members happily in attendance. A tradition of over 16 years with him at the helm.

Dad had numerous friends and acquaintances that he cherished. Those who knew him well knew him to be honest and loyal. He was never afraid to express his opinion nor was he afraid to admit when he was wrong. He loved to discuss many topics (none were off limits) and have a free exchange of dialogue without judgment. In so doing he became a student of life for his entire life, never quenching his thirst for knowledge.

Dad taught us to love one another, the value of honesty and how to live a life of purpose. There are few people like him that pass this way. May he have the rest he truly deserves.

A memorial service will follow sometime this spring.

February 18, 1926 - February 21, 2022