Allan Ralph SOMMARSTROM Obituary (2025)

Allan Ralph Sommarstrom, 83, died at MultiCare Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Allan was born on January 8th, 1942, in Oakland, California, the first child of Ralph Axmar Sommarstrom and Esther Victoria Grund. After living with his paternal grandmother in Orinda, CA, for four years, the family moved to Walnut Creek, CA, where Allan attended public schools. He earned a BA in Psychology at Chico State College in 1963, an MA in Georgraphy from the University of Washington in 1966, and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Washington in 1970. In 1969, Allan moved to Honolulu to become an Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1975and met his future wife, Virginia Sharp, while on sabbatical during the 1975-1976 school year. In June 1977 they moved back to Seattle, moving into their "forever" home in November 1977, where they resided until October 2023, when they moved to Yakima. Allan worked for the City of Seattle in various departments for over 25 years before retiring in February 2004. Allan loved the Pacific Northwest. He loved backpacking in the Cascades, either with his kids or friends, spending time at the cabin he and his wife built near Darrington, and exploring the greater Yakima area, especially the wineries. He was a railroad fanatic, enjoying both "real" trains and model railroads. After retirement, he spent many weeks each year volunteering at the Sumpter Valley Railway near Baker, Oregon. For many years, Allan enjoyed snowbirding to rural western Arizona, taking photos of birds, and going on long cruises. Allan was predeceased by both parents and his younger sister, Kathryn Handel. He is survived by his wife Ginny and his two children, Sara Sommarstrom, Minneapolis, MN, and Chris Sommarstrom (wife Megan), Moxee, WA, as well as two nephews, Jeffrey Handel, Truckee, CA, and Johathan Handel (Sara), Greenville, SC. He also leaves behind his much-adored granddaughter, Piper Jo Sommarstrom. The family would like to thank Dr. Hoi-Wing Yim and the staff of floor 2E at MultiCare Memorial Hospital, especially RN's Kailea, Ciera, and Addison, for the efficient and empathetic care given to Allan and his family this last week.