Neal Newman Nunamaker, Jr.
February 6, 1923 – December 7, 2012
Neal Newman “Mike” Nunamaker, Jr. was born on February 6, 1923 in Hood River, OR, the first child of Neal Newman Nunamaker, Sr. and Margaret Berry.
His mother died of tuberculosis when he was four years of age. His father then married Rachel Ada Siegel, a wonderful woman, and moved the family first to Selah, WA and later Wenatchee, WA. Neal graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Marine Corps later that year. Neal saw service in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in November 1945. While stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Base in North Carolina, he married Marjorie Lucille “Midge” Struble, of Wenatchee, WA.
After completing his service Neal returned to Washington state and attended Seattle University and then the University of Washington receiving his teaching degree. His first job was with the Granite Falls School District. He would laugh recalling that not only did he teach mathematics and science he taught girls PE and drove a bus route. Before starting the bus route each morning the drivers stood for inspection by the Superintendent. In 1952 he moved his family, now including daughters Mary Joan, Ann Evans and son Neal Stanley, to Bainbridge Island.
Neal taught at the high school, coached tennis and during the summer worked a variety of jobs including fishing and construction. He served as vice-principal and then principal of Bainbridge High School. He received his Masters Degree in Education in 1958. In 1961, he was named Superintendent of Schools and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1982.
Neal was a member of the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club for many years, sat on the board of the Bainbridge Foundation and was an active community member. His greatest joy, however, was to be in his garden. Neal was less a classic gardener than he was a plant collector. His yard once boasted hundreds of rose bushes. When he discovered rhododendrons, the roses were replaced by plants from around the world. In later years he became enamored with Japanese maples and again transformed the yard to reflect his newest interest. During their retirement Neal and Marjorie traveled throughout the United States and Europe visiting gardens and enjoying their beauty.
In 2010 Neal and Marjorie moved to the Olympia area to be closer to family members. Marjorie passed away on April 5, 2012, just eleven days before their 67th anniversary. In addition to his children he leaves behind six grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ellen Cleek of Orland, CA.
Known for his warmth and humor Neal will be missed by all who knew him.
Please send any memorials to OCFA Raise The Bar (formerly Bainbridge Foundation), P.O. Box 10487, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or online at www.onecallforall.org.
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