Archie Conn passed away July 16 in his Mukilteo home, at the age of 68, after a relatively brief struggle with cancer. He was born to Archie Jr. and Jane Conn, in Trenton, New Jersey Dec. 27, 1940. After his graduation from high school with honors, he attended Princeton University for three years, and then completed his BA and MA in history at the University of California (Davis).

He went on to attend the University of Washington, where he pursued his Ph.D. in history, but eventually decided it was not a good time to be a history professor. Archie supported himself throughout his extensive schooling. After leaving graduate school, he worked as: a drug abuse education counselor at the Drug Abuse Council of Everett; Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Snohomish County; Executive Director of CAPRI (a cardiac rehabilitation agency); Development Director at Edmonds Community College; and lastly, an executive trainer and senior staff advisor with the Boeing Company.

Archie was president of the Mukilteo Library Board for a time; he was on the Board of the Center for Wooden Boats (Seattle); and he consulted to Planned Parenthood and the Red Cross after his retirement in 2007.

Archie is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his superbly caring sister, NaDean Wristbridge; his daughter Lysa, her husband Al Sherman and four grandchildren, Caleb, Quinn, Cameron and Sierra.

Arch is also survived by his son Tyler, and Tyler's new bride, Brooke. Archie was recently preceded in death by his sister Beth DaSilva. In addition to people, Arch loved history, boats and airplanes. He always studied history; he built, rigged and sailed boats; and he delighted in being part of the development of Boeing's newest airplane. He will be missed by family and friends.

Archie moved to Mukilteo in 1974. He and Joanne were married at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Aug. 28, 1976 and have made their home here ever since. A memorial gathering will be held at the Mukilteo Lighthouse, at Lighthouse Park, at 2 p.m. Friday, July 24, where guests will be invited to share their thoughts and feelings about Archie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way or Planned Parenthood.