Albert R. Luhn of Clinton passed away on February 6, 2022, the day after his 89th birthday, from covid. He was known as Albert, Al, and Abe. He was born February 5, 1933 in the big yellow house across from the Methodist church in Langley, WA to Richard and Elva Luhn. His father was a prominent realtor in downtown Langley. His grandfather, Albert Melsen, was mayor of Langley in the early 1900s and was known as the “barefoot mayor.”
Albert graduated from Langley High School in 1951. He served for two years in the United States Army at boot camp in Texas and was stationed in Spokane. He attended the University of Washington for electrical engineering. He met his future bride, Pamela DeWitt, after being setup on a blind date to go dancing at the Bayview Hall by his best friend Lloyd Furman. They were married June 13, 1955. They then welcomed two children, Kimberly Ann and Geoffrey Peter.
Albert worked at both Edison Technical and United Control. He then taught at Seattle Central Community College, while North Seattle Community College was being built. (He carried a hard hat in his car and had to wear it while he was on the job as a department head and professor.) He created the electronics department at NSCC, and one of his major accomplishments was developing an electrical apprenticeship program that the IBEW implented into their journeyman training. He truly treasured his time at NSCC, keeping in touch with coworkers long after he retired.
He and Pamela bought their dream property, a 55-acre farm in the Maxwelton Valley, in 1968, from Cora and Dan Cook. (The Cook’s daughter Coralyn would later marry Albert’s brother Bob!). They named it “Hillside Polled Herefords”, and visited from the mainland on weekends until moving to the island permanently in the 80s. From there, Albert turned into a true island cattle farmer. His beloved cows were his pride and joy. He also loved fishing, pheasant hunting with his springer spaniels, and spending time at their Mutiny Bay beach cabin.
Albert is preceded in death by his wife Pamela DeWitt Luhn (who he referred to as his “bride” until the day she passed in 2016), son Geoffrey Peter Luhn, and brother Robert R. Luhn. He is survived by his daughter Kim Berto, son-in-law Jim Berto, estranged grandson Jimmy Berto (Priscilla “Maggie” Hopkins), granddaughter Amy (Culley) Lehman, and great-granddaughter Kinley Jo Lehman. He is also survived by his sisters Eloise “Tudy” (Al) Anunson, Leann Hoover, Marge Francisco, sister-in-law Coralyn Luhn, and a whole slew of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Special thanks to his favorite caretaker Donna (Raven), and the amazing WhidbeyHealth hospice team. At Abe’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made in his (and son Geoff’s) memory to the Yakima Valley School.
