Arthur Alvin ‘Art’ Hyde

Arthur Alvin “Art” Hyde died March 13, 2002, at age 85. He was born Sept. 27, 1916.

Before retiring to Whidbey Island 20 years ago, he worked most of his life at Sperry Gyroscope Co., a marine instrument company, and raised his family in San Leandro, Calif. He started work at Sperry two years before World War II as an electrical technician, later moved into sales, and was the West Coast manager for several years before his retirement.

He chose his career and his retirement because of a great love of the sea and all things maritime, and he deeply loved the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound.

He took part in many church affairs, but choir was always a large part of his church life. He had a beautiful tenor voice and perfect pitch. He was involved in many community activities, including the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels and The United Way, and he tutored students in reading at South Whidbey Primary School.

He particularly enjoyed fishing, camping with his family, and, after retirement, enjoyed traveling worldwide.

He will be remembered for his easygoing disposition. He would readily engage in friendly conversation with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Art is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his brother, Everet; his two sons, David of Oakland, Calif., and Jim of Santa Cruz, Calif.; two granddaughters, Laura in Miami and Amy in Washington, D.C.; and a great-granddaughter, Ximena.

In February Art and Sylvia celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a gathering of family and friends.

A memorial will be held March 17 at 3 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Freeland. Contributions can be made to St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church or the South Whidbey Kiwanis Club.