Gail Thulen ends 32 years on cemetery commission

Their lineup has been reshuffled, but the long-term game plan for local Cemetery District Commissioners has not been reshuffled.

The three-member panel remains committed to restoration of the historic Pleasant Ridge School building, which the District acquired in 2017, along with adjoining land, in anticipation of expansion needs going forward.

The vacant Victorian era structure, much admired for its striking stone foundation, is being eyed as an eventual public meeting and gathering space, ideally suited for memorial receptions following graveside services.

That vision has long been held by recently retired Commissioner Gail Thulen, an avid devotee to both the La Conner area’s history and future.

His 32-year tenure on the Commission was marked by several advances, including development of a digital website and addition of an on-site columbarium.

Thulen had previously considered stepping down from the Cemetery Commission but waited until the nearby school property was secured.

“Gail had hinted about retiring a couple times,” says Commission Secretary Lori Buher, “but the other Commissioners chose to ignore it because he has all this knowledge.

“He’s such a resource,” she adds. “He knows all the families, all the history. I’m sure the Commissioners will continue to call on him.”

Thulen’s unexpired term is being filled by architectural designer Tim Goodman, a Valentine Road resident whose career background should prove an asset as Pleasant Ridge School restoration plans evolve.

“He’s done work with public buildings before,” Buher says, “so that’s a nice fit for the school. It’s definitely exciting for us.”

Buher says the Commission is looking forward with renewed energy to tackling the project, with private fundraising being a key element.

Thulen’s impact can’t be over-emphasized, Buher and others say.

“He’s been very supportive of us,” Skagit County Historical Museum Director Jo Wolfe says of Thulen.

She noted that Thulen was instrumental in Pleasant Ridge having served as a site for the annual Historic Cemetery Tour series, during which actors bring to life some of Skagit County’s most fascinating pioneers.

Thulen’s time on the Cemetery Commission, during which he often hosted regular meetings in his home, dovetailed with four terms on the La Conner school board and service as a dike, drainage and irrigation district commissioner.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he says of his role as a local public servant.

“I told the mayor once,” he explains, “that even though I live two miles outside of town, I really feel part of the town. La Conner is my home town.”

Thulen couldn’t have asked for better mentors, succeeding Tage Elde on both the school board and cemetery commission and serving alongside Austin Swanson on the latter assignment.

“Austin,” says Thulen, “was a legend.”

Buher and Thulen recall that the resourceful Swanson, who died in 2013 at age 101, would flatten aluminum pop cans to mark the grid for plots at Pleasant Ridge.

“We still come across those now and then,” says Thulen.

Medal medallions, Buher says, are now used as markers at Pleasant Ridge, the oldest cemetery in Skagit County and scene of a widely attended Memorial Day program each spring.

Thulen feels fortunate to have been witness to its past and present while helping lay the groundwork for what lies ahead.

“If this cemetery could only talk,” he muses, “imagine the stories it could tell.”

In a related note:

• Skagit County Cemetery District #1 Commission meetings are now held at the residence of Curt and Lori Buher at 17604 Valentine Road on the second Thursday of each month, starting at 4:30 p.m. Curt Buher, Rick Anderson and Goodman are the current Commissioners.