Les Newvine

Les C. Newvine, 77, passed away on October 26, 2024, in Kirkland, Washington. Born on July 26, 1947, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Les lived a life dedicated to education, family, and the pursuit of knowledge. Les moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1988.

Les earned a degree from Saginaw Valley State College and went on to obtain a Master's degree in History and Educational Administration. His passion for learning translated into a lifelong career in education. Over the years, Les served as a teacher at St. Charles High School, a principal in Oakley, Idaho, and Owyhee, Nevada, and a superintendent in La Push, Washington. He also held principal positions at St. Edward's Grade School in Seattle and Lake Quinault School in Amanda Park, Washington. Later in his career, Les returned to teaching at Skyview Junior High in the Northshore School District from 2001 until his retirement in 2014. Even after retiring, he continued to substitute teach until the pandemic. Les had an extraordinary ability to connect with students-so much so that many visited him before his passing to express gratitude for the impact he had on their lives.

Beyond his professional life, Les was an avid outdoors enthusiast who found joy in fishing and gold panning. He loved crafting and solving jigsaw puzzles but was most passionate about traveling and visiting national parks. The beauty of these landscapes brought him immense happiness. A proud Michigander at heart, Les was a devoted fan of Michigan sports. He could often be seen wearing University of Michigan apparel or sporting ball caps featuring Michigan and Detroit logos. College sports were his favorite, and he eagerly anticipated college football season and March Madness each year.

Les was also a talented writer who published three children's books and a young adult novel titled Riding The Rails, a story set during the great depression. Caesar Saves Christmas was his first children's book. His love for storytelling reflected his deep appreciation for history and education. Les also was a grant writer for educational improvement in the schools he worked at. His largest grant was from the Department of Education in DC for $750,000 for Lake Quinault School District. A spiritual person at heart, Les embraced the Native American philosophy of the gods of nature.

Les is survived by his beloved wife Gloria; children Catherine Manuszak (Joe) and Charles Newvine (Rosie Chavez); stepchildren Jody Rauch (Matt Michalik) and Jamie Rauch (Sage Goewey); granddaughters Hope Chambers (Brandon) and Casey Thornton (Justin); great-grandchildren Mia and Liam Thornton; brothers Tom (Valerie) Newvine and Larry (Dee) Newvine, his sister-in-law, Janet Branham; as well as special grandchildren Nick Johnson and Emma and Austin Shew. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Newvine.

Les proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971-a testament to his dedication not only to education but also to service.

Les' kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to shaping young minds will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those whose lives he touched so profoundly. His presence in our family's lives is so missed. Many thanks to the team at Virginia Mason and Evergreen Hospice.