ERLING OAKLANDErling passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends on August 18, 2014. He joins the love of his life, Mae who left us in 2010.Erling was born on April 22, 1920 to Norwegian immigrants Syvert and Marie Evenson Oakland in Anacortes, WA. He was the youngest of five children, all preceding him in death.Sports were always an important part of Erling's life. He especially excelled in tennis and basketball, winning the NW doubles championship for 3 years and leading the Anacortes Seahawks basketball team to a 4th place state finish in 1938 while being named to the all state team. His athletic prowess won him a scholarship to the UW, but that career was shortened by a wrist injury and the death of his father.In 1942, Erling and Mae (Verrall) were married. Before joining the Army Air Corp., their first child Sandra Lee was born in Anacortes in 1943. He was then stationed in Pecos, Texas where Mae and Sandy joined him. Another daughter, Connie Rae was born in 1944. He served in the military until 1945.Upon his return to the northwest, he received his BA in education from Central Washington College of Education in 1948 and his Masters in 1952. Thus began his career in education, along with the addition of their third child, Gary John in 1952. He taught PE and coached in Richland, WA and at Central before he moved to the administration side of education. He was junior high principal in Bothell, WA for two years and then returned to Central as Director of Placement and Alumni for ten years. He joined Seattle Community College system in 1967 as Director of Personnel and retired from South Seattle Community College as Director of Financial Aid in 1982. In addition, for 24 years he was a football and basketball official, including 6 years at the university level. He also had a stint conducting basketball officiating classes for the Far East Military Command in Tokyo, Yokohama and Seoul.Upon his and Mae's retirement they traveled extensively and especially enjoyed cruising. However he had to make sure he was on land enough to enjoy golfing with his many friends, and he did have many friends. He was so very caring and outgoing with anybody he met he left a significant impact on many people.Erling was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mae and his daughter Connie Sorenson.He is survived by daughter Sandra Gierke, son Gary Oakland (Mary) five grandchildren, Tami Archer (Scott), Brett Sorenson (Stacy), Suzanne Mirante, Eric and Emily Oakland, and five great-grandchildren, Jordan, Megan, Jacob Archer, Jayd Sorenson and Amanda Mirante.At his request there will be a private service.