Harlan F. Dunsire

Harlan F. Dunsire died Feb. 5, 2008, at the age of 93 in Othello, Wash.

Born July 6, 1914, in Seattle, son of Henry and Emma Dunsire, Harlan had a brother Kenneth Dunsire, and sister Effie Bogart. He grew up near Alki Point in West Seattle, attending schools in Seattle and Spokane, including Edison Technical in Seattle. Married to Gladys Toskey in Woodinville, Wash. in 1938. Harlan worked for Boeing during WWII, helping make B-17's. In 1946, he formed a partnership with Gladys' brother Clifford Toskey, and developed 67 acres into a beachfront resort, and built cabins and houses, all at Penn Cove, Whidbey Island. In 1949 he moved back to Seattle and worked at Boeing again.

Gladys inherited 40 acres of farmland on Royal Slope, where they moved in 1956, and later bought an additional 40 acres. In addition to starting a farm, Harlan went to work for Boeing and then the Air Force in Moses Lake until they closed their operation in 1963. After that, he farmed full time, growing alfalfa, beans, and some sugar beets. Farming was new to Harlan and Gladys, so they learned as they farmed. Both Harlan and Gladys also drove school bus for several years. Harlan was involved in the formation of the local volunteer fire district and served as a fireman for 27 years. Harlan and Gladys were the Royal City Grand Marshals in the 1998 Community Days Parade. Harlan loved big band music and dancing with Gladys.

In 1977, Harlan and Gladys retired and moved to the top of Frenchman Hills, overlooking their previous farmland on Royal Slope. Gladys died in 2000, and Harlan has led an active life since then, living in the same house and still driving to town as needed. He had dinner every night with his daughter and her husband, who live next door, and who were a close extended family.

Harlan is survived by a son Duane, daughter Marilyn, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations are suggested to Grant County Firefighters District 11, 7702 Road 17 SW, Royal City 99357.