Passing: Lynette King Guard

Lynette King Guard

Yesterday was the service for a grand lady of the island…here’s more about her life & the impact Lynette Guard had on so many of islanders through the years:

Lynette King Guard (Nammie), 89, passed away peacefully at her home on San Juan Valley Road, San Juan Island, WA, Saturday, April 21, 2012. With her were her two sons, Rex and Frankie Guard, daughter in law Lisa Guard and the thoughts and prayers of those who loved and cared for her.

Lynette King, a descendent of a founding family of San Juan Island, was born on December 28, 1922 to Lyle A and Jeanette (Borchers) King at Providence Hospital, Seattle, WA. She grew up in the San Juan Valley of San Juan Island, WA, where she learned about farming and business from her father Lyle King (founder of King’s Market). She graduated from Roosevelt High School, Seattle in 1940, and went on to study International Business and Marketing at the University of Washington, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944.

Lynette spent summers working in Seattle at Sears Roebuck Company and Boeing. Her education, background with the family business and a strong desire for travel and adventure led to her dreams of working overseas as a business woman in Eastern Asia. Unfortunately, during World War II, her best laid plans went astray, as they did for many of that era, particularly those seeking a career in international trade. She did spend time living and working for the Wesson Oil/Snow Drift Company in San Francisco. She and her future husband, Frank Guard, spent many a night enjoying the city where he was stationed. Following the war, she and Frank were married on January 2, 1946. They made their home in between their families, atop San Juan Valley. They owned and operated the first airstrip (King West) on San Juan Island, at their farm. Often, Dr. Heath would have to buzz the strip to clear away the sheep.

Close family and friends will always remember the annual Christmas Eve celebration at Lynette’s house. It was an event anticipated by many and cherished by all who were able to attend. Children were especially welcomed, given the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas dreams (making their best case for the “nice” list). One of her most treasured talents was her ability to play the piano, always on full display for Christmas. The music that filled the air was reminiscent of classics from her childhood such as, The Bunny Hop, Mexican Hat Dance, Ballin’ the Jack, Hokey Pokey, and the 12th Street Rag. The floor of her house was never still, as family and friends danced around the house to the sounds of Lynette’s jubilant piano, played for all as recently as last Christmas.

Many kids from the city experienced farming first hand at Lynette’s, helping at sheep castration and shearing. A real eye opener! Then the kids would be off to net rabbits. Lynette really knew how to entertain. She was a lifelong member of Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, teaching choir for 14 years. She also served as an elder and deacon with her daughter in law, Melissa Guard. She was also an avid Bridge player and member of the ACBL(American Contract Bridge League), playing in many tournaments. As a member of the American Legion Woman’s Auxiliary, she held the utmost respect for our military’s service men and women.

In retirement, Lynette enjoyed traveling and cruising around the world, including two favorite trips to the Panama Canal and China.

Few will forget the genuine warmth and affection they felt during any interaction with Lynette. Known for her cleverness and quick wit, which never fell short, she had a genuine and bright personality, fondly shared with family and friends.
She left behind a legacy of love of family and agriculture, something that she bestowed upon her entire family. Her friends will always remember the way she made them feel. Lynette will be dearly missed by all that were blessed with the opportunity to know and love her.

Lynette King Guard was preceded in death by her husband of 37 yrs. Frank W. Guard in 1983, her brothers, Blair A. King and Carlton W. King, and sister, Dottie King Miller. She is survived by six children, Callie (Ron) Eriksen of Bellingham WA, Rynnie (John) Wilson of Friday Harbor WA, Cindy (Jeff) Andrus of Lacrosse WA, Phyllis Guard Tappan of Anacortes WA, Rex (Lisa)Guard and Frank (Melissa) Guard both of Friday Harbor WA, 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, PO Box 946, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or San Juan Emergency Medical Services, PO Box 1243, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

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