John Utendale

UTENDALE, John F. January 15, 1937 - August 24, 2006 Dr. John F. Utendale, professor emeritus, passed away August 24, 2006, in Bellingham Washington, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Edmonton Alberta in 1937, John is survived by his devoted and loving wife Maryan "Mickey", sons Richard and Robert (Lewis), daughter-in-law Pattie-Anne, grandchildren Joshua and Jordan, sister Sue and brother Paul (Diane) and sister Beth. He is predeceased by his father Alfred mother Grayce and brother Alfie. John is also survived by many relatives and special friends. John's career was a story of diversity from professional hockey player to professor. He began playing hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings during high school and continued for 2 years before signing a contract with the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL, the first ever signed by a "black" player. He played for four years for teams such as the Quebec Aces and Edmonton Flyers, and against the Soviets and Czechs prior to the Canada Cup series. John married Maryan "Mickey" Maddison Leonard on September 4th, 1959 in Edmonton Alberta. In 1960 he enrolled at the University of British Columbia where he received his teaching certificate one year later. He taught junior high school math, science, physical education, and coached all intramurals. At the University of Alberta, John earned his Bachelor's degree in two years while playing semi-pro hockey to help pay the bills. He became the first Director of Physical Education at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He earned his Master's degree at Eastern Washington State College while playing hockey full time for the Spokane Jets of the Western Hockey League. Following the need for higher education to have a role model for minority students, Washington State University in Pullman, Washington recruited John to become Assistant Dean of Students. During his three years at WSU he was academic coordinator for the athletic department, was a member of the Washington State Human Rights commission, taught a course in the black studies department and coached little league baseball, all while earning his Doctorate degree in Education. Dr. Utendale then accepted a position at Western Washington State College (now University) in Bellingham Washington becoming the first black faculty member of the (Woodring) College of Education. At Western John led the Student Personnel Administration (SPA) graduate program for over 25 years. John's program was one of the first that intensely recruited and dramatically increased the number of minority students at Woodring College of Education. He was elected president of the State Higher Education Personnel Board and was Western's Faculty Representative to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for eleven years. John was nationally recognized for his academic work by his peers and moved into full professorship, making him one of the few minority faculty members with tenure. His distinguished career with Western Washington University included many posts including head of Higher Education Administration, chair of the Department of Education Administration and Foundations, director of the Seattle Urban Centre, program chair of Human Resources Development and President of the North West Association of Student Affairs Professionals. His profession recognized him with many awards. During his time as an educator, John never forgot hockey, helping to found the Bellingham Area Minor Hockey Association, coaching the WWU Vikings hockey club, and acting as Western Regional Director of the Amateur Hockey Association of the U.S. (AHAUS). John was also an assistant training coach to the United States Olympic Hockey team that went on to win gold at the Lake Placid Olympics. John retired from WWU in 2001 and he and Mickey spent the next years traveling, spending winters in Casa Grande, Arizona and summers back "home" in Canada. John's spirit, optimism, and hope never waned even when dealing with the challenges of cancer. John was the consummate mentor in education, hockey and life, a loving, devoted and caring husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all fortunate enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the John F. Utendale Memorial Scholarship care of Whatcom Educational Credit Union, 600 E. Holly Street, Bellingham Washington, 98225. Cards may be sent to Box 355, 1050 Larrabee Avenue #104, Bellingham Washington, 98225. A memorial celebration is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24th at the Bellwether Hotel, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham Washington. Photos of John's hockey career would be greatly appreciated by mail or at Canada.com.