Alden J. "Buster" Blethen

SEATTLE TIMES HEIR DIES AFTER LONG BATTLE WITH HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE Alden J. "Buster" Blethen January 14, 1951 - February 2, 2006 Wherever Buster Blethen went, fun was sure to follow. His friends said he was "bigger than life," and he was. His tall stature, Hollywood good looks and sense of humor would fill a room and liven up any gathering. Almost everyone who knew him has a "Buster story" to share. Alden J. Blethen, "Buster," died February 2, 2006 of Huntington's Disease. He was a 1969 graduate of Lakeside School and he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. Most importantly, he was the husband of his high school sweetheart, Debbie Barnes, and the loving father of Kerry and Courtney. More than anything else, Buster cared about his family. He was a loyal friend with an engaging personality and a generous spirit. Buster was a fourth generation descendent of Colonel Alden J. Blethen, founder of The Seattle Times. He worked at the paper for sixteen years beginning as a copy boy, a position he held in the summers during high school. Over the years he worked in various production, circulation and advertising jobs. The management of The Seattle Times believed in his potential as a leader at the paper; by the late 1970's he was in training for an eventual position in executive management. In 1978, Buster was honored by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Time Magazine as a "Newsmaker of Tomorrow." Along with a handful of other young people who were recognized as having an impact upon the civic life of Seattle, Buster showed promise in advancing the city's development into the future. Then, his illness cut his aspirations short. Buster was an avid duck hunter and a steadfast Husky fan. He loved boats, planes, helicopters and cars and one of his last thrilling rides was in 1988 when he was on a fundraising trip to benefit children's charities. Buster, along with astronaut Neil Armstrong and a few others, rode aboard Friendship One, a United Airlines 747, as it made a world speed record. The plane circumnavigated the earth in 36 hours, 54 minutes and 15 seconds. Buster was a gifted photographer. His favorite job at The Seattle Times was working with world-renowned photographer and Northwest icon Josef Scaylea. As much as Buster admired Joe's work, Joe had such high regard for Buster's photographic skill that he once wrote: "Best wishes to Buster, whose eye for beauty and composition surpasses my own." Buster took his camera everywhere he went and his family is blessed to have the magical images he was able to bring back on film. Some of his favorite photographs include hikers on the peaks of the Alps taken from a Swiss Army rescue helicopter and images taken during a press ride in a Blue Angel jet. He took many photographs throughout the flight, regardless of the maneuver or G-forces. Buster lived for this type of excitement. The images are spectacular. In 1988, Buster was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, a genetic disorder which slowly and progressively destroys the mind and body. For several years, early into his illness, Buster was a volunteer in Huntington's research at U.C.L.A. Medical Center. He submitted himself to any test or procedure, desperately hoping to assist in finding the cure, not only for himself, but for his children and future generations at risk. He and his wife Debbie became board members of the Hereditary Disease Foundation in 1989 and helped raise recognition of this disease as well as research funds to combat it. Huntington's disease has been called one of the cruelest conditions known to man and Buster faced a 25-year decline that eroded his ability to think, to act and to live as the person he was meant to be. He faced the decimation of his own mind and body with incredible courage and dignity. Buster fought this disease for as long as he could. During the early stages of the disease, he maintained a strict exercise regime. With faltering steps and unbelievable determination, he successfully completed an Outward Bound rocky Pacific Coast beach hike. His persistence and sense of humor, despite the progressive decline, left his family and friends encouraged and in awe. Buster became a teacher of what it means to live life to the fullest. His family is forever thankful to Sandra and Preston Norwood and to their family for their loving and committed care for the past thirteen years. They allowed him a quality of life that otherwise would not have been possible. Buster leaves behind his wife, Debbie, and their two daughters, Kerry Blethen Quinn and Courtney Blethen; son-in law, Rafe Quinn; his mother, Barbara Blethen, and his brother, John Blethen. A private celebration of his life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hereditary Disease Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Hereditary Disease Foundation 3960 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, New York 10032