In the early ‘80’s I worked with Del in the KING TV Sales department. We scheduled commercials. One of the accounts I worked on always had last minute revisions which meant he had to make a change to the log by hand. The paper to process the change was a dark yellow color so it wouldn’t get mixed up with all the other paper forms. Del gave me the nickname of “Heather Golden-rod-e-oh”. It was a perfect nickname- just like his steady and organized personality. I’m proud to have worked with him and will remember him fondly. – Heather Thompson

Del was an advisor to Explorer Post 72 on Queen Anne. I was in the post from 1960-1964. The post’s specialty was mountaineering and I will always remember him leading the post on climbs in the North Cascades and Olympics. A great role leader and friend. I am saddened by his passing. – Jim Francis

I met Del when I was the first female district executive of the Aurora District of the Chief Seattle Council of Seattle in the 1990s. He was so nice to me and supportive of my role within the Boy Scouts. I have fond memories of Del and how he helped me with the beginning of my career. – Kara Roth

I met Del Loder in 1969, and became at 16 years of age a professional Boy Scout. I learned a lot from Del, about Scouting, about life, about myself. Lessons learned then that I still live by and teach to other willing to learn. I met some of my best life-long friends while in OA.

Del I wish you were still here! – Bill Hanlin

 I first met Del at my 1972 NOAC Planning Conference at Schiff Scout Reservation. In 1977 we received the DSA award together . – Dennis Kohl

 I did not know Del at all. He came to the same place my mother in law is at and I knew who he was. I always found him in the house to say Hi as I wanted him to feel known and loved at his new place. He always waved hi and had a smile. Always a smile!! – Paula Hopkins

I met Mr. Loder when I first started working at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He would make the trek from Seattle to Ashland, OR to spend a few days experiencing theatre. He was always kind and engaging and eager to talk about the plays he was enjoying and even those that he did not. We will miss seeing him here. – Doreen O’Skea

From Kay Johnstone

Del was always a big part of the Johnstone family. I got to know Del through them when I was dating and eventually married Lindsey Johnstone. Del was always a wealth of information and comedy. He brought to my life 2 people that I would never have know about otherwise. Gilbert and Sullivan. In the late 1800’s that wrote many a musical opera, most of what I experienced, were very humorous with a bit of satire. I will never forget the many plays he took the family too along with wonderful family dinners out with many presentations about the particular play we were about to see. He loved the arts, music and most of all everyone around him. He touched many in his life and will continue to touch many as his many accomplishments will inspire and live in many more.

Friends – it is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we let you know that Del is coming to the end of his life’s journey. As of Sunday, 11/10/19, he is receiving comfort care only at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup.

We hope to both share with you and learn from you on this site. We’ll be providing updates to you on his status, and any gatherings. You will find links and resources we’ve gathered, celebrating Del’s incredibly varied accomplishments and relationships. We’d love to hear from you what Del meant in your life and what you remember most fondly. If you have pictures, please upload them to our shared photo drive.

Del has been a tremendous mentor, a tireless leader, a patron of the arts, a stalwart of the Boy Scouts, a link to our shared history, and a beloved friend. He is a national treasure, and we were beyond fortunate to get to spend so much time with him.