Lars Holman Hydle

1940 - 2024

11/16/1940 - 11/19/2023
Lars Holman Hydle passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. He was 83 years old.

Lars was born in Muncie, IN to Lars L. Hydle, of Ulvik, Norway, a professor of psychology at Ball State University, and Louise Evangeline Hydle, of Rochester, IN, a kindergarten teacher and homemaker. His family moved to Glendale, CA in 1953. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1957, at 16 years old, and from Occidental College in 1960, at 19 years old, with a BA in Diplomacy in World Affairs. He earned his PhD from Columbia University's Department of Public Law and Government. His doctoral dissertation, "The Press and Politics in Nigeria" was published in 1972. His first job with the federal government was with the Voice of America in Washington, DC, producing broadcasts for Africa.

In 1965, Lars was sworn into the U.S. Foreign Service. His career spanned nearly thirty years, and he was involved in some of the most significant foreign policy issues and conflicts of the day. His overseas assignments included several tours in Vietnam; Northern Ireland; Djibouti; Ghana; Trinidad & Tobago; Bahrain; and as an Inspector of missions throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He also served a series of assignments in Washington, DC, including, speechwriting, policy planning, intelligence and research, and as Chairman of the Secretary's Open Forum. From 1977-1979, he served as President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the Department's recognized employee organization for Foreign Service personnel. He retired in 1993 after 30 years of service in the federal government.

In his retirement, Lars turned his attention towards local activism, as well as working with former AFSA Presidents and others to advance the selection of qualified candidates in foreign policy appointments. He served as a Lead Census Field Manager for the 2000 Census and served one term as ANC-3C Neighborhood Commissioner. Especially important to him was the movement to gain representation in Congress for the citizens of Washington, DC.

Lars was a man of honor, loyalty, intellect, and high principles, and he had a terrific sense of humor. He was a devoted husband and father and a huge DC sports fan. He is so deeply missed.

Lars is survived by his wife of 50 years, Irene Sandvold, his son Lars S. Hydle, his daughter Ingeborg L. R. Hydle, and his grandson Victor Elizaldi Sifuentes, all of DC; his sister Katrina Mansinon of VA, and his brother Hugh Hydle of CA, and a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and grand nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will take place on April 6, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Please visit www.quakersdc.org and www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com for more information.