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Menford Witham Obituary
Ray was born on September 30th, 1932 in Seattle to Betty and Harry Witham. He passed away on November 20th, 2013. Ray graduated from Seattle's Lincoln High School in 1950. After graduating, he served three years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Upon returning, he attended Seattle University and graduated with a degree in Vertebrate Zoology and Education. He received his master's degree from the University of Colorado, and then continued his graduate studies at the University of Washington, Portland State University and the University of Nevada at Reno.
He went on to teach Biology and Botany in the Shoreline School District for 33 years. He was a passionate, positive and enthusiastic teacher who touched the lives of many young people.
After retiring, he spent 12 years as a snowbird in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Karen. They enjoyed the sunshine, leisure and occasional visits from their children and grandchildren.
Grandpa loved working in his various gardens, creating beautiful landscapes. He also enjoyed telling fabulous tall tales to all of his grandkids. He was always available to help out with daycare and even after retiring from teaching, he held "Grandpa's School" for the grandkids.
He is survived by his twin sister, Marilyn Platt; his beloved wife of 52 years, Karen, who was his constant love and companion; his four children- Jane Olsen (Kristian), Carol Peckinpaugh (Matthew), Jonathan Witham (Lynne), Anne Frederick (Dean Frederick, Jon Ackerman) and 14 grandchildren (seven boys and seven girls).
We miss you, Grandpa, and
we will continue to miss you every day and at every
family gathering.
Remembrances can be made to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Menford Witham
Sponsored by The Family.
Don Winant
November 25, 2023
Professor Ray Witham was my mentor at Shorecrest High School (Seattle, WA) before I transferred to Juanita High School (Kirkland, WA). I enjoyed his botany field trips and hanging out in the greenhouse potting geraniums and listening to classic rock.
Ray was academically trained to be a college biology professor, but he chose secondary education.
Rest in Peace, Professor Witham.
Don Winant
School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences
Curtin University
Perth, Australia
Don Winant
September 4, 2021
September 4, 2021
Mr. Witham was a brilliant biologist and botanist. I did my homework in the Shorecrest greenhouse listening to classic rock. I went on to pursue an advanced degree in the physiological sciences thanks to the mentorship of my Shorecrest HS biology/botany teacher.
Condolences to Mr. Witham's family.
Don Winant
Spokane, WA
Jeff Tomczak (Shorecrest Class of 72)
November 25, 2019
My name is Jeff Tomczak. Mr. Witham was my biology teacher at Shorecrest H. S. in the early 70's. Ray had a great sense of humor. (He had to, to put up with me.) Every morning as I entered class I would call out Mr. Science! Mr.Science! It's me Jimmy! I always got a warm smile. He made biology interesting and fun. Rest in peace, Mr. Science!
Robin Smith
March 9, 2014
Just came across this news of Mr. Witham's passing. He was a blessing to so many young people during his many years of teaching. He will be sadly missed. I pray for for peace and beautiful memories for his family.
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Connie May Barnes
January 7, 2014
I was lucky enough to one of Mr. Witham's students way back in 1960 when he taught 6th grade at Echo Lake Elementary School. I still have many good memories of the enthusiasm and energy he brought to our classroom. He was the best. My sincere condolences to the Witham family on their loss.
December 3, 2013
Godspeed, Mr. Science. The world has lost a really great teacher and man. I'll always remember your smile and easy manner. "Mr. Science! Mr. Science! It's meeeee, Jimmieeeeeeee!"
- Jeff Tomczak, Shorecrest '72
Susan and Dennis Mydlar
December 2, 2013
Ray was a wonderfu friend and will be truly missed.
December 2, 2013
One of my favorite teachers!!! He was my biology teacher at Shoreline HS....i loved that class! My husband remembers him as his all time favorite teacher. We speak of Mr Witham fondly often. Condolences to his family.... He made high school better for me.
Kim Hessen- Nichols
December 2, 2013
Thank you for being one of the best teachers I ever had, you will always be remembered fondly. May you rest in peace, and I thank the lord for the time you spent here with us. Kim class of '89
Barbara Kelso-Brannman
December 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Witham. He was my biology teacher my senior year at Shorecrest High School in 1973. He was a great teacher and one I will always remember. God's speed, Mr. Witham....
Steve Langer
December 1, 2013
I was a student of his in the early 1970's at Shorecrest High School. He saw potential in me and I very much appreciated his caring for his students the way he did. I always intended to look him up just to let him know how I remember his exacting expectations of me that helped me to become the person I am today. I am sorry I do not get to tell him that, but I thought you might want to know.
I am sorry for your loss.
M
Terry Onustack
December 1, 2013
To the Witham Family:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Witham's passing. I first met him as a student at Cordell Hull Middle School in 1981 and then had him again a few years later at Shoreline High School.
As I'm sure you've been told many times, he was an amazing teacher, friend and mentor to his students. While many of us were circumspect of some of the tasks required in his biology classes (we remember all too well dissecting frogs and fetal pigs), he always made everyone feel comfortable, confident and able to succeed. He had a way about him that provoked respect and brought out the best in his students. I have no memories of him ever losing his cool, nor do I recall anyone ever saying they wanted to "ditch" his class.
Remember his wonderful spirit and rest assured that he touched so many lives in a very positive way. May he rest in peace.
Tim Ogard
December 1, 2013
My biology teacher, Junior year at Shorecrest High School....1973-74. Honestly his subject wasn't my passion at all, but because of who he was and what he was about, I really enjoyed his class. He was a thoughtful and patient educator. It was important to him that you got it. High school was better because of him. Rest in peace Mr Witham.
Debbie (Slessman) Nelson
December 1, 2013
RIP Mr Witham, you were one of my favorite teachers & I will always remember your smile & kindness! My thoughts & prayers are with your loved ones during this time. You indeed were one of the good ones!!
Steven Fairchild
December 1, 2013
A Great teacher! Had him for Biology in Summer school as my first teacher in Seattle as well as at Cordell Hull Jr. High. Thank you for great times and joy for science!! Condolences for the family related and otherwise.
Steven Fairchild
Russell Bennett
December 1, 2013
So Sorry for the great loss of Ray. He was a outstanding over the top teacher as well as father. He will be greatly missed by everyone who ever has the privilege to know him have him as a teacher or just as the friend he was to everyone. Ray you are the best I will miss you. God Speed R.I.P. my good ole friend
Willemina Kardong
December 1, 2013
Dear Karen,
Ken and I have been searching for you and Ray for a number of years but just could not find you. Just this week as we were driving to the Seattle area for Thanksgiving, we again wondered where the two of you might be living so that we could re-connect. A former student, who knew that I had been looking for Ray, just sent me the link to his obituary. We are so dreadfully sorry for you and the kids that Ray has passed away, and we are so sad that we were not able to see him before he died. I think so often of the good times we had as fellow biology teachers at Shorecrest H.S. He was such a great mentor and a good friend.
We send you our deepest condolences and hope that the great memories of Ray's humor and kindness will help you get through this sad time.
All our love,
Willi and Ken Kardong
[email protected]
Karl Waterbury
December 1, 2013
R.I.P Mr. Witham.You were a great teacher and always seemed to bring out the best in those you taught.
December 1, 2013
Ray Witham was my Biology teacher at Shorecrest HS, in N. Seattle. Very well liked during my stay of 1967-69 and remembered [by me] for his hands on approach to the Natural Sciences. My condolences to his wife Karen and the family. Mr. Witham did his part of making this world a better place. Ted Burris
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