Editor,

In recent weeks, Oak Harbor lost Rich Linsenmayer, who was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, colleague and friend.

However, with the many accolades that were given, one even more impactful has been omitted unintentionally, and that is Rich’s key leadership on behalf of the many thousands upon thousands of youth of North Whidbey who have participated in youth soccer.

In spring 1976, after a couple of informal meetings with the late Pete Hulswit, Rich Linsenmayer and myself, a more formal meeting was called for interested citizens and parents behind what was then the Oak Harbor Junior High gym now Oak Harbor Middle School gym in the bus loop.

Pete Hulswit was the key speaker who knew soccer inside and out, Rich Linsenmayer was the leader and I was the publicist, researcher, note taker, etc.

The crowd was larger than expected. Rich backed up his truck; Pete jumped up in the back of the bed and explained about his love of soccer, the health benefits and the possibilities of increased activities for all kids.

Rich very thoughtfully and carefully explained the organizational needs to start a start up soccer program.

There were already signs of resistance from some football faithful who initially did not understand that soccer was not to compete with football but open for participation for boys and girls, large and small.

It was an alternative that the kids from the whole community needed fall and spring and most importantly it allowed kids ages 5 on up to experience and learn physical skills, teamwork and play.

It was on that day North Whidbey Youth Soccer was started.

So every time you pass a field and some years North Whidbey has floored up to 92 teams and you see the kids playing soccer, remember it was because of Rich Linsenmayer’s leadership North Whidbey Youth Soccer came to be in 1976 and it only takes a few to start something so good for so many, to last a long time and enrich our community for all.

Sue Karahalios

Oak Harbor