Lloyd Harry Furman

Lloyd Harry Furman, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home January 7, 2013. He was born in Langley, Washington on July 18, 1933 to Harry and Ruby Furman. Lloyd attended school in Langley, graduating in 1951. Lloyd became the man of the house and the primary provider for his mother, Ruby and his younger brother, Glen, when his father passed away when he was 16 years old. After graduating High School, Lloyd attended and completed the U.S. Navy Reserve program in 1951. In June 1955 he married Marilyn Gill, whom he met on a blind date. In 1961 he graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He was immediately hired by Biles Coleman Lumber Company in Omak, Washington. He worked at the mill in Omak for 20 years while residing in Okanogan with his wife and two boys. During that time he taught himself how to be a manufacturing engineer, receiving his professional engineer in manufacturing designation and stamp in 1979. By that time, Crown Zellarbach, a nation-wide plywood and sawmill company had purchased the Omak mill and he and Marilyn transferred to Bogalusa, Louisiana to help upgrade and build a mill. This started a 10 year journey where they moved, for the company, to Baxley, Georgia, McComb, Mississippi, Red Bluff, California and finally Warrenton, Oregon.

He retired in 1992 and moved back to his beloved Whidbey Island. Lloyd couldn’t sit still long and eventually got involved in local politics, where he was elected to the Langley City Council by one vote. The family affectionately kidded him, calling him ‘Landslide Lloyd’. Lloyd ran for Mayor of Langley and was elected in 1996. He served two terms as Mayor of Langley, a feat that has not been replicated since. While Mayor, he donated his salary to the Langley cemetery fund. He loved being Mayor and serving the residents of Langley. Lloyd loved people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed going to the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club and having Friday night dinner with the gang. He also enjoyed his weekly coffee with friends at Mike’s in Langley. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend and mentor to many. He will be missed immensely by all that knew him.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn in Langley, his son Terry and wife Susan in Seattle and his son Scott and wife Pat in Okanogan. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Derik, Alicia, William and Olivia as well as 3 great grandchildren, Dalton, Paige and Talan.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held Friday, January 18 @ 2:00 pm at the Langley United Methodist Church at 301 Anthes Avenue, Langley, Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Langley United Methodist Church, PO Box 374, Langley, 98260 or to the Senior Services of Island County, 14594 SR 525, Langley, 98260.