Aubrey Verstegen
Aubrey Verstegen, 91, passed away on March 6, 2024, in his home in Sequim, Washington.
Aubrey spent his early days in Metaline, Washington, where he met his future wife of 70 years, Carol née Crampton, and many lifelong friends. He also began a basketball career there that led to his first contact with Sequim in 1951, when the two high schools faced off in a playoff game, with “Sonny Verstegen” emerging as the top scorer. His basketball career continued through his college days at Eastern Washington University, and on to a profession that included coaching positions before he entered high school administration.
He moved his young family to Sequim in 1965 to become the Principal of Sequim High School, where his 24 years included overseeing the design and construction of Sequim’s “pod-based” high school complex, kicking off the first girls’ sports team, and coaching Sequim students into record numbers of military academy appointments, including a first female appointee. He also initiated such innovative programs as the Sequim High School Operetta, “College English” overseen by a University of Washington professor, Team English, and Vocational coursework for all students.
Aubrey was professionally active at the state level, authoring the State’s Washington Scholars bill and working with state administrators’ organizations. He was past president of the Washington High School College Relations Board and regional representative to the Washington State Principals’ Association. He was a founder of the Knowledge Bowl program, which has since become a state-wide competition.
Aubrey was involved in Rotary International, traveling the globe, establishing enduring friendships, and hosting numerous exchange students. He was also President of and very committed to the Sequim chapter, even staking freezing salmon at the annual Salmon Bake to the point of developing lifelong frostbite in his fingers.
The husband and wife educator team walked together in four different graduation ceremonies, from high school through Master’s degrees. They raised five children in the Sequim school system, capped by their years in Sequim High. Sequim schools prepared them to move on to military academy and Washington universities, then on to careers in telecommunications, high tech, human performance, marketing, and education.
Aubrey worked as a miner and logger as a young man whenever school weekends or vacations allowed, to build a better life for his family. He continued to apply his fascination with chainsaws throughout his life, bringing home load after load of wood for the family’s wood stoves and fireplaces. He spent decades of Wednesday nights coaching “Men’s Rec Night” at Sequim High, where men from around the community gathered for basketball and camaraderie. He also applied his woodworking and construction skills to designing and building a beautiful home after retirement. He took great pleasure in his relationships with neighbors, his “Power Group” high school friends, his bridge group, and the “Sunday Swingers” golf group.
Aubrey is survived by his loving family, wife Carol; sons Mike (Micheleen) and Mark (Amy) Verstegen; daughters Lori (Frank) Ryan and Erica (John) Beyer; and numerous caring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by son Link Verstegen.
A family service will be held at a later date.
Kenneth Beebe
June 12, 1951 – March 4, 2024
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Beebe family / Kenneth Beebe
Kenneth Beebe of Sequim passed away at his home on March 4, 2024. He was 72. Ken leaves behind a legacy that profoundly touched both the human and animal kingdoms alike.
Ken was born on June 12, 1951. He graduated from Sequim High School.
Ken’s remarkable career as an animal trainer spanned his lifetime and many notable projects. These projects include Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures, the beloved Grizzly Adams television and movie series, and several hundred other movie and television commercial projects.
He had a lifelong commitment to animal welfare and to the preservation of this beautiful planet he so adored, Ken was someone who didn’t just work with animals; he communicated with them. Ken’s belief was evident in his day-to-day life and in the compassionate care he provided to his animal companions- be they stars on the screen or creatures in need of new homes.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ken will be remembered for his humor, his infectious enthusiasm for life, and his unparalleled love for the natural world. Ken was a mentor and a friend to many and was always ready to share his knowledge and experiences.
Ken is survived by Robert and James Beebe, along with their families. Ken will be especially missed by his closest friends.
A graveside service for Ken Beebe will be held at Dungeness Cemetery on March 21st, 2024, at 11AM. Family, friends, and those inspired by his life are invited to honor his memory.
Sequim Valley Chapel is honored to serve the family. Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave cherished memories for the family.
