Iver Wick
Iver Wick Jr., 79, a longtime Harbor resident, passed away December 2, 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born October 22, 1928 to Iver and Astrid Wick in Hoquiam, WA. After graduating from Hoquiam High School in 1946, Iver enlisted in the Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic for 4 years aboard the aircraft carriers USS VALLEY FORGE and USS ESSEX during the Korean War. After his discharge he used his GI benefits to earn a Masters Degree in Education from Western Washington University. Iver began his long career in education as a teacher at Copalis Beach Elementary in 1957, the same year he married Margaret Harrell of Aberdeen. In 1961 Iver and Margaret built the home in Copalis that they would share for 42 years, until their move to St. Louis in 2003.
After beginning his career in education as a teacher, he became principal of Copalis Beach, Ocean City and Ocean Shores Elementaries at various times during his tenure, seeing the growth of the North Beach School District and construction of 2 new schools before retiring in 1988. Although he enjoyed spending his free time with his family, working outdoors and following Harbor sports teams he heeded the call of education once again, working with student teachers until 1999. He was responsible for starting the North Beach track club and swimming programs as well as coaching and donating time to all elementary school sports throughout his career. He also enjoyed watching college and professional sports but his undying support was for North Beach athletics and the students that he cared for so deeply.
Iver is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret, at the family home in High Ridge, Missouri. Also surviving are a sister Olga (Mike) Kukor of Forest Grove, OR, son David (Patricia) Wick of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Diane (Larry) Wilson of High Ridge, MO, son Raymond (Chong-Hee) Wick of Kent Island, MD and 4 grandchildren. Iver was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ted and Erling, sister Ella and infant son Robbie. No funeral service is being held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the North Beach area at a later date so all who knew him can share their remembrances. The family suggests that any memorial donations be sent to the Iver Wick Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o North Beach School District, PO Box 159, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. Friends and family are also encouraged to sign the on-line register at www.stlouiscremation.com.
Iver was a kind and decent man. I remember him as the Principale of the Copalis School. He cared alot for his students. David and I were best friends in hi school and when I visited the Wick home and Iver and Margaret was very gracious and freindly.He is going to be greatly missed
It was a privilege to have Iver as a principle at Ocean Shores. He was always kind and helpful to his students. David was also great to my little brother and I. The Wick family was a great asset to the North Beach area. My heart goes out to the Wick family in this time of sorrow.
David, Diane, and Ray: From one principal’s kid to another, we had great dad’s! Your dad did such a great job taking care of the south end of the district and my dad was at the north end. Ah, those were the days. Thanks for being such good friends to me in high school. I have great memories of seeing our two dads together, they were great friends. I’m sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like since I lost my precious dad 10 months ago. I cherish all the great memories and I know you will too. May God be with all of you and your mom too. Love and prayers, Karleen Fry (Roberts)
Words can’t express the sorrow you feel at a loss of a parent. He was a great man and I will miss him alot.Ray and I have known each other for over 30 year meeting at Rod’s resort,My heart goes out to all of you.hope to see you in the spring love mary
Mr. Wick was my principal at Copalis Beach Elementary, then at Ocean Shores Elementary. After my 4th grade year, the lines were redrawn and those living on one side of the grocery store in Copalis were to go to Pacific Beach Elementary and the other side to Ocean Shores. Not wanting to be separated from my best friend, Kelly Getty, I rode to her house on my bike and went to her bus stop so I could continue going to Ocean Shores. I was found out and Mr Wick came to the 5th grade classroom to have a talk with me and tell me the sad news I’d have to change schools. I became hysterical (I had a troubled home-life.) He acquiesced and I was able to stay at Ocean Shores Elementary the remainder of that year. The following year, everyone in Copalis had to go to Pacific Beach.
I teach 2nd grade now, but I’ll never forget his kindness at a time when I needed it most.