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Harry Harlow "Mike" COBAIN

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Lewis and Clark High School

Harry COBAIN Obituary

COBAIN, Harry Harlow "Mike"
(Age 75)

Harry Harlow Cobain, an educator in Spokane schools for decades, died February 5th, at his home in Mesa, Arizona, after a long battle with heart disease. He was 75.
Mr. Cobain was born in Longview, Washington and grew up in Pendleton, Oregon, and Walla Walla. He was a 1958 graduate Walla Walla High School, where he met his future wife and soul mate, Stephanie Bruce Cobain.
The couple married in 1963 and moved to Spokane, where both found work as teachers. Mr. Cobain taught math at Salk Junior High, and, starting in 1981, math at Lewis and Clark High School, where he served as department chair. He received the Distinguished Teacher Award from the Spokane School District in 1985. Mr. Cobain had reputation for high academic expectations, while never giving up on a student struggling to learn. He retired for health reasons in 1993 and moved to Arizona in 2000.
He was a devout family man, who enjoyed traveling, folk rock music, craft beers, politics, and a good discussion. He was also a talented woodworker, and he could play by ear any tune on the piano.
He is survived by his wife, of Mesa; his daughter, Lorrie Cobain-Danelski and her husband, David, of Riverside, California; his son, John Cobain of Tacoma; his sisters, Patricia Guyll and her husband, Gary, of Pasco; Gwen Fausti and her husband Steve, of Tigard, Oregon; and two granddaughters, Rosemary Danelski of New York City, and Kathryn Cobain of Tacoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spokane, Washington in July.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review on Feb. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry COBAIN

17 Entries

March 15, 2016

Mike,I feel so very blessed that we were able to visit with you and Stephanie in January. It was such an incredible time spent together! Their were lots of stories, lots of laughter and many childhood memories shared. I was so impressed with your possitive attitude. I will miss you so very much dear brother...to never see you again my heart aches. God is watching over you. Until we meet again. Your loving sister, Pat

Stephen Fausti

March 10, 2016

Mike: You were the brother I never had! I will miss the conversations, the great times, the humor, the companionship and the challenge of discussing our differing perspectives on various topics. Thank you for being you and for the privilege of you being an important part of my life. Brother, I love you. God bless you!

March 10, 2016

To Mike, my brother
You let me tag along with you when we were growing up. I looked up to you. You were protective. You taught me so many things. You were patient. I will miss you so very much. It is so hard for me to believe I will never see you again I can hardly stand it, but I have so many memories that will keep you alive in my heart. I know God is watching over you. I love you. Your sister, Gwen

Tom Cline

February 18, 2016

I taught for many years with Mike at Lewis and Clark and know what a super teacher he was. He was dedicated to his students and always gave all he had to his teaching. He was kind and considerate and a great friend. I really was lucky to have taught with him and have shared his passion.

Joni Schramm-Marler

February 18, 2016

I am sorry to read about Mr Cobain's passing. I had him for chemistry at Salk Jr High in the late 60s. He was excellent! I can still remember the first several chemical elements in order by Atomic number. I will always remember his funny saying of "just like taking candy from a baby". He was one of the best!! I am thankful for his teachings.

Karen (Bull) Anderson

February 18, 2016

Mr. Cobain inspired me to have a love of math! I went on to have a career that uses math everyday. I was lucky to be his student at Salk 40+ years ago. You will be greatly missed.

Angela Johnson (Pogue)

February 17, 2016

He showed me the beauty of math and science, and I am eternally grateful.

Aunt Mary Danelski Menis

February 17, 2016

Dearest Stephine Lorrie Dave Rosie and John
Love is eternal -may you know no more sorrow

Derrick Harding

February 15, 2016

Forever missed Mr Cobain has inspiried music The only instructer i can remember who had music playing in class. I can still hear you kicking the bottom of my school desk and threating to spoon feed me veg all for vegitating. For ever missed

Greg Felton

February 15, 2016

As a teacher for 30+ years, I was inspired by your example. I had many great teachers over the years, but when I look for a model for my teaching, it will often come back to your example. Thank you.

Matthew Ganz

February 15, 2016

Highest grade I ever received in math was from Mr. Cobain!
It is true, he didn't give up on students. He never gave up on me, even though I had given up on myself. Though I struggled with math, I NEVER felt disrespected, or belittled by Mike. I am glad he had some real time to enjoy retirement. Looks like he was a craft beer fan. I'll raise many a pint in his honor in the years to come.

Marlena Sessions

February 15, 2016

Mr. Cobain was an amazing and inspiring teacher with a great blend of high standards and compassion. His energy and love of teaching inspired so many- even for we "non-math" types. Vivid memories of 7th grade at Salk 40+ years ago and his verbal, fast and fun math problems to get his students energized and engaged. My sympathies.

Mike & Deanne Boutz

February 14, 2016

Mike was very special friend in high school. He also had a special sense of humor that made my sister and me laugh as we used to drive over to Pendleton where his dad had a Hudson dealership Many fun times Then when Mike and Steph moved to Spokane we had great times playing cards with them Mike will be missed as we were all classmates together

Anita King

February 14, 2016

I was a student of Mr Cobain at Salk Jr High from 1967 -1970. I learned a lot from him. He was my overall favorite math teacher.

Marla Teagle (Peterson)

February 14, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a dynamic Teacher and one of my favorites back in the day at Salk.

Norma Samis

February 14, 2016

I met Mike through his help with my cousin. I will always remember his ability to laugh, to be "tough" when being tough was required and always, always finding compassion when that was what was needed. I enjoyed visiting and getting to know he and Stephanie so very much. I pray that the good memories will help ease the pain of his loss. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.

Rodney Aho

February 14, 2016

Very sorry to hear this news. I knew Mike from Huppin's in the 60s, and bought half of my stereo equipment from him! And then he was my master teacher at Salk Jr Hi in 1972 when I was student teaching. Super individual. Learned a lot from Harry Cobain.

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