Philip R. Syrdal, 90, of Snohomish and formerly of Whidbey Island, died March 31, 2003, after a long illness.

He was born Sept. 28, 1912, in Hatton, N.D., to the Rev. Richard Rolfson and Clara Hegge Syrdal.

He earned a bachelor of arts degree at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., in 1935 and a master of arts at the University of Washington in 1953. He married Hildamay Hobart on March 26, 1942, and lost her to cancer in 1976.

He was in the Navy 1942-46, during World War II, and was a lieutenant commander. He also served at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard 1951-53, during the Korean War.

Mr. Syrdal was a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and assistant superintendent of finance for 33 years, retiring in 1974. He lived in Minnesota and several Washington locations including Bellingham, Wapato, Marysville and Whidbey Island. Throughout his career he was active in education associations. He was president of the Washington Association of School Administrators 1962-63, and was president of the Marysville Lions Club in 1971-72.

Mr. Syrdal married Dora Bronson Campbell in 1977. He loved gardening, bridge, fishing and golf.

In addition to his wife, Dora, in Snohomish, he is survived by two sons, Philip Syrdal of Boise, Idaho, and Daniel Syrdal of Seattle; a stepdaughter, Pamela C. Bickford of Snohomish; a stepson, Douglas Campbell of Fitchburg, Mass.; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 12721 30th Ave. N.E., Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125, or to the Family Caregiver Network, c/o Senior Services of Snohomish County, 8221 44th Ave. W., Suite E, Mukilteo, WA 98275.