Marilyn J. Sandall

1942 - 2015

BORN

1942

DIED

2015

About

University of Oregon University of Washington

Marilyn Sandall Obituary

Marilyn J. Sandall

Marilyn J. Sandall, psychologist,

award winning environmentalist, accomplished nature photographer,

and published poet, passed away at home in Seattle on September 12, 2015 at the age of 73. Marilyn was born on July 9, 1942, in Eugene, Oregon. She earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Washington in 1982. She served as a counselor and teacher at Seattle Central and North Seattle Community Colleges from 1969 to 2000 and maintained a private therapy practice as well.

Following her retirement, Marilyn extended her longtime activity in Seattle Audubon Society, serving as a member of the Seattle Audubon Board and of the Conservation and Urban Habitat Committees. In addition to her dedicated work in the field, she spent countless hours preparing for hearings on urban habitat and state forest issues. She was passionate in her advocacy for environmental sustainability and wildlife protection, often expressed in artwork.

She was a talented photographer, combining her interest in bird life with graphic art to produce spectacular images of birds in the wild and other subjects in the natural world.

Marilyn was also a gifted poet and a master of the haiku form. She was an avid member of Haiku Northwest. Her poems appeared in several publications and were selected to be displayed on King County Metro buses, as well as presented aloud at Seattle Center. In 2013, Marilyn received the Seattle Audubon Conservation Award, the highest honor given to an individual in the greater Seattle community who has made a unique and significant contribution to the protection of birds and wildlife habitat, using creative means for engaging and inspiring the public.

She is survived by her loving sister Julie Barlas and brother-in-law Arthur Barlas of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and by numerous longtime friends and colleagues. All will miss her great wit, luminous presence, and brilliant smile for many years to come.

Donations in memory of Marilyn Sandall may be made to Seattle Audubon: Martin Miller Fund, 8050 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115.

Sign Marilyn's on-line

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Oct. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Sandall

Sponsored by The Family.

12 Entries

Lydia Minatoya

December 2, 2015

My condolences to Marilyn's family and friends. I worked with her in the counseling center of NSCC. Marilyn was enthusiastic about nature and the arts, caring about people and the environment, and a distinctive blend of precise and playful.

October 16, 2015

I met Marilyn forty years ago when she came to work at North Seattle Community College. I knew her well. I knew that she was a wonderful person in so many wayshumble, smart, analytical, creative, and much more.

What I will remember most about Marilyn was her easy smile and her unconditional acceptance of every human being. I knew that if a conversation or a discussion were to single out someone for criticism, Marilyn would come to that person's defense.

Marilyn and I both had a love for cats. I will miss not having her to send cat pictures toand for so many more reasons.

Barbara

October 12, 2015

I knew Marilyn through our exercise class at Ravenna Community Center. We often paired up and always had something to talk about. However, it was never about herself. After reading her obituary in the Seattle Times, I realize a key character trait that she had was humility. I had no idea of her education and profession nor of her awards for environmental work and photography. Nevertheless, I appreciated her warmth and positive outlook. We have lost a very special citizen and I will miss her.

at Seabeck 2013

Sheila Sondik

October 9, 2015

I encountered Marilyn at a few haiku meetings, but got to know her better at the Seabeck haiku retreat in October 2013. We took pictures of each other taking pictures of the birds on the Canal. I was looking forward to renewing our acquaintance the next year, but she was unable to come.

I'm so glad that I got to know her. She made a difference to our world and will continue to inspire me.

Carolyn

October 8, 2015

Marilyn had the best smile ever.

I knew Marilyn through a photo class. Each month she would submit great pictures, often with haiku space. Her thoughtful comments on our pictures always hit the mark

Marilyn had wonderful pictures of playful cats, Magnasun Park, UW, Occupy Seattle, Eugene train trips... Our annual field trip was enriched by her presence. Always looking for the just right picture. With a smile.

Marilyn will truly be missed.

We will treasure her strength and dignity of this past year.

Ruth Yarrow

October 6, 2015

Marilyn was a wonderful member of our Haiku Northwest group. I especially remember her beautifully handcrafted small books that opened and folded in creative ways, her haiku, and of course her bird photography. I'll think of her when I'm back in the northwest and hear the bird calls she knew.
wisps of fog
through old growth firs --
a lone varied thrush

Dianne Garcia

October 5, 2015

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Marilyn -- both as poet and as a birding enthusiast. I loved hearing about the owl family that Marilyn was protecting. We'll miss her!!

up in the blue sky
the blue jay --
autumn colors

October 5, 2015

Marilyn was a talented photographer, fun to talk with and always kind.
Pat

Michael Dylan Welch

October 5, 2015

Saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing. She was for many years an active and enthusiastic member of the Haiku Northwest group, where she shared her poems and contributed her perspectives (and valuable birding knowledge) to the group. We will miss Marilyn and her poetry.

Jan Bragg

October 4, 2015

I love this cute picture of Marilyn! It captures her well. She was a good birding friend, always enthusiastic and willing to help me out with a "project." She and I spent hours together at Magnuson Park and along the Burke-Gilman trail in early spring, hunting for hummingbird nests. She would take the most wonderful photos of these incredible creatures, incubating and feeding their young. I showed her how to fill out nest cards for the Burke Museum and she used to visit the nests we found together, and add data to our cards. She also took a great picture of a Savannah Sparrow at Magnuson Park which she used to make signs we put up, asking people to keep dogs out of the grassy fields during nesting season. She and I used to keep quite busy in the spring!

My heart and appreciation go out to Marilyn's sister, Julie. Thank you for everything you did for her. Marilyn was lucky to have you for her sister. I was lucky to have her for a friend.

October 4, 2015

I met Marilyn at North Seattle (Community) College while I was Grounds Supervisor, many years ago. She hired me to prune in her yard a couple of times a year. At every visit I would "stop the clock" so we could catch up on her newest bird photos, compare notes on PBS favorite shows, and share book and movie reviews! Not to mention considering new directions to grow her lovely garden! I consider Marilyn a good friend who shared a lot of the best of life and nature with me. I will miss her, yet she will remain alive in my memory. Condolences to her sister, the rest of her family, and to her friends.
Michael Brokaw

Carol Ravenna and Meadowbrook Class

October 4, 2015

It was wonderful having Marilyn in my exercise classes the last few years. She was our professional photographer for our Halloween class when we all dressed up. Julie and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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