Athol C. Libby

OCEAN PARK Athol Libby, 93, of Ocean Park, Wash., passed away in his home on Nov. 14, 2015, after a long battle with bladder cancer. Athol was born July 11, 1922, in Silverton, Oregon to Charles and Leona Hart. He graduated from Silverton High School in 1940. He briefly attended college at Mt. Angel, Oregon, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably in WWII as a medic stationed with the Marines in the Pacific. Upon returning from the war, Athol was stationed at the Corvallis Naval Hospital where he met his wife of 62 years, Doris Libby. They married and raised four daughters. Athol completed his college education at Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in pharmacy, which he practiced until his retirement from Fred Meyer in 1985. Upon retirement, Athol and Doris moved to Bay City, Oregon, where they lived for 20 years. During that time, Athol took up painting and woodcarving. Woodcarving became a lifelong pursuit. Over the years he taught classes in woodcarving, gave demonstrations at the local schools and became know for his carved Santas, gnomes, walking sticks and relief carvings on various subjects. After his wife Doris passed, Athol moved to the Long Beach Peninsula in 2005 to be near his daughters. Athol became an active member of the Peninsula Art Association and regularly showed his work at the Bay Avenue Gallery. If you purchased or received a woodcarving in recent years, turn it over and look on the back for "A. L." It is his legacy living on and a cherished gift. His wife, Doris and his sister, Jo Ann Gardner, preceded Athol in death. He is survived by his daughters, Vicki Libby, Dixie Cooper and Robin Libby all of Ocean Park, Wash., and Tamra Robins, Bellingham, Wash. Athol is also survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Athol Libby, or "just Dad," lived an active, full life which he celebrated everyday. He has a close family and many friends and followers. He is sorely missed and remembered by those who had the opportunity to know him, for his patience, kindness, humor, integrity and courage. At his request, there will be no local service. At a later time there will be a memorial service in Jefferson, Oregon with family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a remembrance or donation to Harbors Home Hospice or Wounded Warriors Project. His guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.