Kelvin R. Joergenson

1934-2016

Long-time Arlington resident Kelvin R. Joergenson passed away Sunday evening, May 22, 2016, after a brief illness. Kelvin was born Sept. 11, 1934, in Arlington to Axel and Agnes Joergenson. He was a four year letterman in football, basketball and track for Arlington High School, and won the hurdles event at the Snohomish County Championships his sophomore and junior years.

Most of his summers were spent working on his uncles’ dairy farms. After graduating from high school in 1952, Kelvin enrolled in Western Washington College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge.

Kelvin was an avid reader, particularly of biographies and military history, and could easily cite dates, battles and personalities. He had an amazing memory and could recall such diverse facts as high school game scores, population figures and weather conditions related to a long ago family events. Family was very important to Kelvin, and his excellent memory enabled him to never miss a birthday or graduation; his cards were always on time.

Kelvin loved Arlington. He lived most of his life here and frequently spoke of how lucky he was. Everyone was familiar and treated him respectfully. He would frequently remark that he could live and walk from one end of town to the other and never meet a stranger.

He is survived by his sisters Gloria (Schuh) of Seattle and Anita (Olson) of Everett; six nephews and one niece; six grand-nephews and two grand-nieces.

In honoring Kelvin’s wishes, following cremation his ashes will be scattered o’er the waves in a private gathering.