Harland Baxter Kinzley died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 at Providence Hospital in Everett.

Born Feb. 5, 1922 to Clara Baxter and Joseph Charles Kinzley, Harland was married to Ann Storms Oct. 18, 1946 until her passing in 1970. He married Myrna in 1983.

Harland graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. in 1942 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. Following graduation, he served several years in the Army Air Corps. Upon his retirement from a successful sales career, Harland and Myrna retired to Whidbey Island.

A long-time resident of Langley, Harland was very active in several community organizations throughout the Island. He was past treasurer of the Friends of the Freeland Library and was active in fundraising for the current building. His involvement in the Freeland Library goes back to building bookshelves when the library was located in the back of Betty B’s dress store.

Harland was also a member of the South Whidbey Kiwanis and could frequently be seen at Falcon football games serving hot chocolate and candy to the fans in the stands, tending to the barbecue at the Island County Fair, or selling fireworks at their booth at Ken’s Korner. His “breakfast with the boys” was a regular treat for him, and he served terms as the treasurer and president of the organization.

Harland was an avid sports fan and golfer. Upon moving to the Island, Harland and Myrna joined Useless Bay Golf Club and were members for many years. He was a regular out on the links and could be seen like clockwork on Wednesdays and Fridays with “his buds.” His sports thrill this year was to watch the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team achieve a 10-2 record. This was evidenced by his having a Rutgers banner hanging on the wall of his hospital room.

Other activities included participation in the South Whidbey Genealogy Club and the South Whidbey Yacht Club, sailing the Sound in his Catalina.

His most significant community activity, his personal pride, and one he spoke of to the hospice workers just hours before his passing, was serving as a longtime member, then president, of the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation. He could not stop talking about his term as president and his involvement in the fundraising and construction of the hospital’s Quiet Room.

While Harland was proud of his community activities, his pride in watching the successes of his family could not be overshadowed by anything.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna; children Joan (Jeff) Hatfield of Newcastle, Barbara Carlin of Oak Harbor, William Kinzley of Okinawa, Japan, Jane (Frank) Jacobson of Freeland, Jeff (Pam) Redding of Bourbannais, Ill. and Jill Shields of Florida. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Kathy (Frank) Mullens and their daughter Erin, James (Melissa) Day and their daughter Kaylee, Laura (Sean) Day-Judge, Deborah Kinzley, Stephanie (Holton) Widhalm, Jason Jacobson, Sara Shields and Erin Shields. And of course, not to be forgotten, is his loyal cat, Maurice, who rarely left his side when he was home and faithful dog, Charlie, who checked on him every few minutes.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association (800) 562-6718 or the Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation, PO Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114.