Students, parents mourn loss of Loren Fitting

Moses Lake principal died Tuesday

MOSES LAKE - North Elementary School Principal and part-time Big Bend Community College instructor Loren Fitting died Tuesday.

The Grant County Coroner's Office planned to conduct an autopsy Wednesday evening to determine the cause of death.

"He was a tremendous principal, and he will be greatly missed," said District Superintendent Steve Chestnut.

Chestnut said students were told of Fitting's death in class Wednesday morning.

Big Bend Community College Spokesperson Catherine Holestine said counseling was going to be available for students enrolled in Fitting's classes and the college counselor would visit the classes.

"I can tell you that he was a very valuable part of the Big Bend faculty," Holestine said.

Holestine reported Fitting excused himself Tuesday from an education course he was teaching in the ATEC building. An employee at Big Bend Community College reportedly saw Fitting under distress and made a call to emergency services. Fitting died shortly after, Holestine reported.

Fitting was a part-time teacher at Big Bend Community College since 2003. He started working for the Moses Lake School District in 1998, when he became principal of Larson Heights Elementary School. He became the principal of North Elementary School since 2004.

Staff at North Elementary School remembered Fitting as the best boss they had. They recalled his frog collection, Frog Prince outfit and the many different ties he wore.

Teacher Rita Carson said Fitting would come into her classroom while she taught, and he always left glowing notes afterward.

"I was never worried about what he was thinking," Carson said.

Science Coach Kate Lindholm said Fitting pushed her into a leadership role, leading to her current position in the district. She said Fitting always honored the need of staff to take care of their families.

She said he brought 150 children into the gym and taught them so teachers could have time to collaborate.

"He was a wonderful boss to work for," Para-educator Cheryl Kingrey said. "You could not have asked for a more gentle, kind person."

Kingrey described Fitting as committed.

Librarian Dorie Staiger said Fitting loved children. Those in his family came first, but she believes North Elementary School was like a second family.

"He loved people, and most of all he loved kids," Staiger said.

Para-educator Carolyn Los said Fitting was an outstanding individual who had a positive attitude with everyone. Los said she could not imagine North without Fitting.

Parent Jim Reed said the news of Fitting's death came as a shock. His daughter, a third-grade student, attended school at North Elementary School since kindergarten.

"He put the students in a position where they wanted to excel," Reed said. "He put enough fire into their spirit that they were starving for that."

Fitting knew all the students' names, Reed said. He made time for everyone.

"There was never anything less than a "Hi, how are you?'" he said.

Reed said he believes when his daughter is older, she is going to remember Fitting as the educator who had the most impact on her life.

Reed remembers that Fitting held awards ceremonies for the students several times each year. The ceremonies got students involved and made them feel good about themselves, he said.

"There isn't enough that can be said about how well he did with the children," Reed said.

Big Bend Community College Dean of Education, Health and Language Skills Kara Garrett described Fitting as an outstanding instructor.

"He had the education of children at his core, and he acted upon his value," Garrett said. "His work touched many people, children and those who worked with children. His belief and value of education will continue on in his absence."

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Michelle Price said she heard from staff that Fitting was an amazing person who cared for all the staff, parents and students, and that he was a tireless worker who did whatever it took to get something done.

"This is a huge tragedy, and he's going to be missed by all," Price said.

Warden School District Superintendent Sandra Sheldon said Fitting was a respected principal across the state. Fitting's wife, Wendy, is employed in the Warden School District.