Harry Warren passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was born on Aug. 31, 1931, in Centralia, Washington, to Rena and Harry Warren. After graduating from Centralia High School, he joined the U.S. Army, where he was a radio repair instructor. After being honorably discharged, he began his college education at Centralia Junior College. During this time, he had a variety of jobs, including working as a golf caddy, cab driver and service station mechanic at LeDuc’s. In 1960, he married Elva Mae Harwood and they moved to Bellingham, where Harry earned a degree in education from Western Washington State College. After graduating, his first teaching job was as an industrial arts teacher at Renton High School. During this time, Harry and Elva had three kids, Lisa, Jeff and Gary. Harry then moved to teach at Hazen High School, where he eventually became vice principal.
The family moved to Burlington in 1977, where he became the principal at Burlington-Edison High School. He was proud of his time as a principal and rarely missed any school activity that involved his students. He retired in 1994 after 35 years in education and built a home at Lake Samish. Even after retiring, Harry continued to make a difference by mentoring student teachers from Western Washington University.
On Feb. 15, 1997, he married Theresa Gilmore at their home at Lake Samish. Harry and Terry treasured retirement together, especially traveling and family celebrations. Harry cherished the many friendships he made as a long-time member of the Burlington Kiwanis Club. He also liked tinkering in the garage with woodworking and motorcycle projects.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Max Gilmore, and is survived by his wife, Theresa Warren. He is also survived by his daughter, Lisa (Mark) Wolfe; sons, Jeff Warren and Gary (Rose) Warren; stepdaughter, Tammie Shannon; stepson, Sean Gilmore; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
His patience, sense of humor and capacity for unconditional love were gifts he shared with everyone he met. His family would like to thank Whatcom Hospice House for the extraordinary and compassionate care they provided for Harry during his last days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, M/S 818-F, PO Box 5371, Seattle, 98245-5005, or Burlington-Edison Alumni Foundation Scholarship Fund, PO Box 350, Burlington, WA, 98233.
