Richard Spencer Glidden died Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. He was born on Dec. 23, 1910 in Evanston, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Lola (Tabor) Glidden. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Joan Dexter Glidden, by his three sons Jonathan, Shelby and Peter, by daughter-in-law Julie, and by his granddaughter Sarah. He was a long-time resident first of Highland Park, Illinois, then of Los Altos Hills, California, and finally of Deer Harbor, Washington. He attended Shattuck Military Academy, Faribault, Minnesota. He worked in various business offices in Chicago, Illinois during the Depression years and married Joan, also of Highland Park, Illinois, on March 20, 1942. Shortly thereafter he entered the United States Army and was selected for Officer Candidate School. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in the European Theatre during the remainder of World War II. After the war, Richard and Joan moved to Los Altos, California where Richard became a General Contractor, designing and building many homes in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. He was one of the founders and the first Moderator of Foothills Congregational Church of Los Altos. He served on the Los Altos Library Board. His love of sailing took him in his retirement years to Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, Washington, where he also served on the Library Board and was the last President of the Board before the library became a part of the San Juan County system. He was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking and listening to opera. He was a gentleman in all respects and in every aspect of his life. In accordance with his wishes, his remains have been cremated and will be scattered at his beloved Orcas Island. A memorial service will be held later at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Eastsound, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Sacred Heart Medical Center of Eugene, Oregon, the Richard S. Glidden Family Library Fund of the Orcas Island Community Foundation, or the charity of one’s choice.

Submitted by Richard Glidden’s family.