School totem pole honoring war hero John K. Bob rededicated

La Conner High School students have gone on to make their marks all over the globe, attaining achievements not soon to be forgotten.

Perhaps none more so than John K. Bob, a U.S. Army medic killed in action near the end of World War II while trying to remove wounded American soldiers from a German battlefield.

Bob, a member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and a student leader, athlete and musician prior to enlisting for military service, has been memorialized locally in numerous ways, including as namesake for the spacious tribal ballfield and recreational site on the reservation near the intersection of Snee Oosh and Reservation roads.

For decades, Bob’s name has also been prominent at his alma mater in the form of a commemorative totem pole carved by his brother-in-law, Elmer Cline, mounted in 1977 in the breezeway between the elementary and high schools.

That pole was removed in 2013 as construction began on a new middle school building.

Restoration of the pole, which had weathered over time, was undertaken by Swinomish master carver Kevin Paul, a La Conner High School instructor who in his youth was mentored by Cline. His son-in-law, Camas Logue, has aided on the project.

On Wednesday, coinciding with preparations for Veteran’s Day, the refurbished pole was returned to campus as part of special hour-long re-dedication ceremonies. Among the many attendees was Bob’s sister, Helen Lewis, of Lummi.

Those who spoke stressed that the colorful pillar, topped by the image of an American eagle, will help preserve Bob’s legacy well into the future.

“I can’t thank the school enough to continue traditions like this,” said master of ceremonies Brian Cladoosby, a former Swinomish Tribal Senate chairman who graduated from La Conner the year Cline presented the pole to the district as a tribute to Bob’s memory.

“It will be here for generations to come,” Cladoosby said to the students gathered for the outdoor program.

Superintendent Will Nelson echoed Cladoosby.

“We’re happy to be here today for a very good reason,” said Nelson. “John K. Bob lived and died for his country and his people – the Swinomish people. This helps keep his memory alive.”

High school student Jahrel Cayou, one of four people chosen to serve as official witnesses for the event, said he was honored to fill that role.

“I want to thank the school board,” said Cayou, “for recognizing Native culture.”

Another of the witnesses was Dr. Wil James, who grew up in Swinomish Village across Pioneer Parkway from the Cline home.

Cladoosby recognized all service members and veterans in attendance. Their ranks included Ivan Willup, Sr., Cline’s son-in-law and Cory Baker, who recently completed U.S. Marine Corps boot camp.

The Swinomish Canoe Family was called upon for ceremonial singing and drumming.

“This song was to bring medicine and healing to our people,” Swinomish Cultural Events Director Aurelia Bailey said afterward. “Our aunt (Lewis) hasn’t been feeling well. We know how hard it was for our auntie to be here today.”

Tribal members were glad she was there to witness history in real time.

“This is very important work we’re doing here,” Cladoosby said. “This is something very heartwarming to the family.”

And that includes the extended La Conner schools family as well.