Obituary

Beloved Father, Husband, Educator and all-around great guy, Elvis Dellinger, passed away quietly, surrounded by his family, on September 30th, 2023.  Elvis had a significant impact on the lives of so many people in his 40+ years as an educator and mentor. While he will certainly be missed by many, we are collectively grateful as a family to have known him and are grateful that his passing was peaceful and without worry or pain.

Elvis dedicated over four decades to the field of education, not just as an educator but as a mentor and guide to fellow teachers and administrators. He was renowned for his innate ability to nurture the talents of other educators, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. With wisdom and generosity, he shared his educational insights, enriching the quality of education and impacting the careers of many.

With a wry sense of humor, Elvis possessed the rare gift of infusing levity and warmth into every interaction. His laughter and wit were not just a source of joy but also a bridge that connected hearts and built enduring relationships.

Elvis was born on September 16, 1941, in Clayton, New Mexico. The family later relocated to Burlington-Edison Washington, shaping his adolescent years. He was a standout all-state wrestler in high school, a passion he carried to Washington State University and earned a Master’s in Education.

In the early years of his marriage to Cathy Schumacher, the family resided in Beaverton, Oregon where Elvis contributed as Aloha High School’s football coach and Assistant  Principal. The family, including their two sons, Chad and Trev, eventually moved to Kirkland, WA in 1973. Here, Elvis served as an Assistant Principal at Lake Washington High School before advancing to multiple administrative roles in the District Office.

On November 14, 1992, Elvis married Georgia Peterson. Both were dedicated educators in the Ferndale School District and members of the Ferndale community. While working in the Ferndale School District, Elvis served several roles: Principal of Ferndale High School, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Human Resources and Director of Transportation. Elvis was happy in his role as long as he was helping kids grow, his personal motto as an educator. They enjoyed the theater together, whether it was one of Ferndale High’s amazing performances or a Broadway production at the Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle. Their blended family includes four children and ten grandchildren, not forgetting Sparky, their spirited family dog.

Elvis had an enduring love for skiing and instructed many over the years. Despite a hectic schedule, he found occasional solace on the golf course and always had a penchant for water. He cherished sailing the San Juan Islands and residing in Sandy Point where he, Georgia and Sparky could take long walks on the beach. Above all, the company of loved ones, particularly his children and grandchildren, brought him immeasurable joy.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Barney and Mamie Dellinger; his first wife, Cathy; and several extended family members.

He leaves behind a large, loving family: sons Chad (Sarah) and Trev; stepchildren Amy (Scott) Wilson and Brian (Jeanie) Peterson; grandchildren Zoe, Oliver, Avery, Elliot, Zachary, Hannah, Benjamin, Madison, Caitlyn, and Jacob.

The legacy of Elvis’s kindness, wisdom, and love continues to illuminate the lives of all who knew him. The educational community stands as a testament to his contributions, enriched by his passion for fostering growth and excellence in others.

Elvis’s spirit, enlivened by laughter and marked by generosity, continues to live on, reminding us of a life profoundly lived and a man deeply loved.

‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’ – Thomas Campbell.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 14th at Horizon Middle School. Open house 1-3pm, service at 3pm.

Horizon Middle School

2671 Thornton Road

Ferndale, WA 98248