Lynn Emil Divelbess, 75, of Bainbridge Island, WA, died November 22, 2019. Lynn was born February 9, 1944 in National City, CA to Louis and Rose Divelbess. A year later, at the end of WWII, the family returned to their Arizona roots. Lynn graduated from Gilbert High School in 1962 where he lettered in football and band. He earned a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona in 1966, an MA from Arizona State University in 1969, as well as certification in school administration.
Lynn married Claudia (Bennett) August 19, 1967, and they began life together in Chandler, AZ. In 1972, Lynn and Claudia moved to Casa Grande, AZ, where Lynn served as an elementary school principal until 1981. While in Casa Grande, Lynn and Claudia had two sons, Robert and Kenneth. During their time in Casa Grande, Lynn and his family visited relatives in Alaska on several occasions. Finally, the mystique and bountiful possibilities of the Last Frontier beckoned them, and in 1981, they made a bold decision to move to Juneau, Alaska where they raised Rob and Ken, built their careers, and established many life-long friendships.
Lynn served as a middle school principal between 1981 and 1999. When he was not working, he loved to ski, fish and travel. In 1989, Lynn and Claudia hosted an Italian exchange student, Alfredo Venturi, the last son to join the Divelbess family and the genesis of their many adventures in Italy.
In 1999, Lynn and Claudia retired and moved to Bainbridge Island. Lynn traded his fishing rods and skis for golf clubs and resumed the sport he enjoyed during his Arizona years. An avid Seahawks, Huskies and Arizona Wildcat fan, Lynn rarely missed a game.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Daniel and John. He is survived by his wife Claudia; sons Robert and Kenneth (Gelila Goba); grandchildren Xander, Zane, Yordanos, and Robbie; sister Dee Malcolm; sisters-in-law Suzie Cary, Carolyn Greer (Mark), Joanne Moudy (Ray); brother-in-law Ken Bennett (Susan Andersson), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lynn will forever be remembered for his optimism, laughter, generosity and deep love of family. He made his corner of the world a better place!
A memorial service is planned for 3:00 pm, Sunday, February 9th at Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Open Hearts Big Dreams to support literacy in Ethiopia.
