Leonard (Len) Savitch

Leonard (Len) Savitch was born on February 10, 1918 in rural Pennsylvania, the first child of Russian immigrants Theodore and Fae Savitch. After living a full, rich life as an inspiration to his family, friends, colleagues and students, Len succumbed to pancreatic cancer on September 12, 2008.Len volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army during WWII. For his efforts and acts of heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star medal for valor. He returned home after the war and began to pursue his passion – teaching. After receiving his Masters of Science in Education from Columbia University, he moved his family to the Pacific Northwest and ultimately earned his PhD from the University of Washington.Len’s early teaching years were spent in the Seattle Public Schools. He first worked in the Central Office, and then continued to positively impact students, families and teachers as Vice Principal at Alexander Hamilton Junior High, and as Principal at R.H. Thompson Junior High. In 1968, the family moved to Bellingham, Washington when Len accepted a pro-fessorship in the Department of Education at Western Wash-ington State College. While there, he continued to inspire many to pursue a career in Education.Len had a once-in-a-generation personality. His rare blend of humility and humor, charm and charisma, interpersonal intelligence and passion for life are well known. He believed the way to change the world for the better was to create thoughtful and productive citizens – and that is exactly what Len achieved as an educator and a patriarch. It has been said that we reach for success while standing on the shoulders of giants. Len was one of those giants. Those who knew and loved Len are so grateful for his “shoulders,” which held them up, through his love and support, so that they could reach for their dreams and continue his legacy.Len is survived by his wife of 32 years Dorothy MacPherson Savitch of Kenmore, Washington and by his four sons, Larry of Seattle, Les (Gabrielle) and Lane (Jill) of Richland, WA, and Lee Savitch of Bellingham. Len was a loving and much loved “Mr. Goofy” grandpa to Kate, Benjamin, Alexandra, Catherine, Marissa, Samantha and Skyla. On July 1, Len celebrated the birth of his first great grandchild, Charles. Len was greatly adored by his stepchildren Bruce, Shawn, Doug and Craig MacPherson and his step-grandchildren Casey MacPherson and Bryant, Kyle and Tyler Moore.Len was preceded in death by his grand-daughter, Madeleine. Len requested that there be no formal services. Memorial gifts may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are being managed by Barton Family Funeral Services of Kirkland, WA. 120177