Roger Mullen

7/28/1913 – 7/10/2010
Memorial Service: Friday, July 16, 2010 at 1:00 PM ~ Immanuel Bible Church ~ 2000 W. North St.
After 96 years and 347 days, Roger Mullen joined his Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven.   He left this life as he had lived it; quietly, graciously and surrounded by family members.
Roger was born in Lyman, Washington on July 28, 1913, son of Henry and Virginia Mullen.  One of six children, he graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in 1930.  After attaining a teaching certificate from Bellingham Normal School, he began his life-long career as an educator, starting in Tekoa Washington in 1935, where he taught for three years before being hired by Bellingham School District in 1938.
He received his Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Western Washington College of Education in 1938, followed by his Masters of Education in 1952.
In World War II Roger served in the Pacific theater from 1942 – 1946.  After his Honorable Discharge from Active Duty as Captain, he returned to teaching in Bellingham.  He continued to serve in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Major in 1966.
In 1948 Roger began a 30-year career as elementary school principal, starting at Lincoln and Franklin Schools before serving the majority of his principal tenure at Carl Cozier and Birchwood Elementary Schools.
He married Jean Moyer on June 12, 1949, the culmination of a courtship started when they met at the Western Washington State College Hiking Club.  They made their home in Bellingham first in a small rented house on Myrtle Street, then in their home of almost 60 years on Lake Louise Road.
While raising a family of five sons, Roger shared his passions for hiking and fishing through family camping trips, imparting an appreciation for nature in all his sons.  He involved his family in sports and sportsmanship through years of YMCA memberships and activities, including his participation in championship volleyball teams.  He played tennis, volleyball, handball and golf, maintaining an active life style well into his 90's.
He also imparted the value of hard work by including all his sons in the activities around the home; raising beef, gardening, cutting firewood and all the other daily chores.  While teaching us the value of work he was also imparting his knowledge to us.  We all learned from dad how to feed calves, plant gardens, fell trees, split wood, tie flies, make fires, set tents, change spark plugs and lay rock walls, as he shared both the mundane and special tasks with each of us.
Dad taught by example as well as involvement.  We watched and learned as he led and served in his work, his family and his community.  We were inspired by his determination as he overcame cancer and as he persisted into old age.  We saw his passion for knowledge in an unending stream of books and magazines voraciously read.  He was always there for us, willing to listen and shape our decisions not by sharing his own opinions but by asking the right questions.  We saw his patience as he aged and his trust as he waited for God to take him.  We always had the joy of his gentle humor and wit, the twinkle in his eyes.
As he aged, Dad gave up so much, but he retained a deep love for his sons and their wives, and excitement at our exploits.  He rejoiced in his grandchildren, tracking all of their accomplishments with pride.  He joyfully held his great granddaughter after carefully tracking her impending arrival.  To the end, he was blessed with a sound mind, a gentle spirit and his life long determination to do what was right and good.
Roger is survived by his five sons and their families, Dennis and Karen of West Richland, WA, Marc and Nan of Bellingham, Scott and Valerie of Bellevue, Jim and Carolyn of Alger, and Keith and Lisa of Auburn; ten grandchildren Lachlan and wife Kari, Samuel and wife Amy, Zach, Keena, Ian, Daniel, Micah, Erin, Audra and Duncan; and great-granddaughter Hazel .  He is predeceased by his wife, Jean, brothers Robert, Dennis, and Jack and his sister Francis Swapp.  He is survived by one sister, Doris Campbell.
The whole Mullen family would like to thank Paula Wehner for her constant care for Dad over the last three years.  Thanks to Paula’s help, Dad was able to stay in the home he loved so much.  Paula, your relationship with Dad grew from professional support to a close friendship appreciated by all of us. Thank you
Memorials can be made to Immanuel Bible Church or the Whatcom Family YMCA. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 16th at 1 PM at Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W. North St.