Lloyd Elwyn Eighme, age 94, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington passed away October 26, 2021 at home. He was born January 15, 1927 in Wenatchee, WA to Harry Eugene and Martha Adelle (Baker) Eighme. Lloyd’s father was a fruit grower, and his mother was a nurse. In the Fall of 1929, the family moved to a small farm near Granite Falls, WA. During the depression, they produced most of their own food. Lloyd remembered those early childhood years as happy, peaceful times even when money was scarce. Lloyd developed a keen interest in the plants and animals, observing their life habits and homes. A college student showed Lloyd how to make an insect collection which gave him an early start on a life-long hobby and career in the study of insects.
On June 3, 1951, he graduated from Pacific Union College (PUC), in Angwin, CA with a BA Degree in Biology. That same evening, he married Mary Margaret Putnam. In 1953, he completed a MA Degree in Biology. He taught in secondary education for 5 years before returning to PUC to teach in the biology department. In 1962, Lloyd received a PhD in Entomology from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. Mary Margaret received a MS degree in Home Economics. In 1965, they moved back to PUC where Lloyd taught in the Biology Department and Mary Margaret in the Home Economics Department. During the 30 years at PUC, Lloyd conducted several entomology research projects. He published results of these projects in the periodicals of the Entomological Society of America. Part of his research was the discovery of two new wasp species, one of which bears his name. The couple retired in 1984 and moved to the Skagit Valley area.
Lloyd spent his retirement years in Sedro Woolley growing a large garden and blueberry patch, developing an apple orchard, growing gorgeous orchids and creating beautiful wood turning projects. He also found a way to put his extensive knowledge of insects to good use by volunteering as an entomologist at the WSU Skagit County Extension Office. He was able to help identify insects brought into the Master Gardener Clinic. He also trained them to preserve the specimens in a reference collection for later use. During his 15 years as a volunteer, he wrote a book “Insects of Skagit County.” The book was produced by the Extension Office staff and printed by the WSU Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation in 2009 and is available at the WSU Extension Office in Burlington.
Lloyd was a life-long Seventh-day Adventist and an active member of the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burlington. He enjoyed studying the Bible and considered himself a Biblical Creationist.
Lloyd is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Margaret; brother, Reginold Arnold Eighme; five nieces and multiple great nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Ron Halvorsen presiding. Please share your memories of Lloyd and sign the online guest register.
Lloyd was a special friend and fellow Master Gardner. He shared his knowledge and expertise with me and all those who came in contact with him. I have a special wood piece created by him that rests in a place of honor in my home. I miss him dearly. You have my sympathy Mary Margret.
I have many happy memories of Lloyd Eighme. I was his biology student in the early 1980’s and studied insects under his tutelage. He made me curator of the insect collection for the biology dept. and I spent many hours collecting and mounting insects. As I have become a professional biologist we have been more like peers as time has gone on and I have enjoyed visiting his WA homestead and seeing his gardening feats. Mary Margaret and Lloyd are gracious hosts and my wife and I have enjoyed their hospitality.
I count it a privilege to have known Lloyd and will always cherish his Christian influence in my life.
Rob Zdor
I had the privilege of spending time with Lloyd at the office, we spend quite a bit of time discussing insects over a microscope. I learned so much from him, he was an amazing resource for our office. He also came to visit me and my family at our apple farm, we always loved the visits. I was amazed at his wood work and sold many pieces of his wood work in my farm store and bought quite a few pieces for myself as well. 🙂
An incredible person, he will missed and remembered fondly.
I had the privilege of getting to know Lloyd Eighme as he came into our Skagit County Extension office to volunteer as a Master Gardener. His knowledge of insects was vast and I enjoyed asking numerous questions of him regarding our local insects. I loved the days Lloyd was in the office as he always had a ready answer to my questions, thus improving my own meager knowledge. I gained more of an appreciation of the many “bugs” that I encountered while out in my garden. I also have one of Lloyd’s wooden creations sitting proudly on my desk. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
I had the privilege of meeting Lloyd and his wife through my work at the WSU Extension front office. Lloyd always impressed me as having such a gentle grace about him, and a smile on his face. The love between him and his wife was obvious, even within a few moments, if she would stop by the office with him. My prayers for her and other family, as he will be greatly missed.
Lloyd was an incredible teacher, inspirer, and friend when he volunteered his entomology expertise with the WSU Master Gardener program. I remember him fondly as a treasured gentle, kind, and helpful man. I still have the beautiful wood turnings he gifted me many years ago, and also the lovely book mark that Mary Margaret crocheted. He will be missed by so many who loved him. My heart reaches out to you, Mary Margaret.
Lloyd,
Certainly going to miss you at the WSU Skagit County Extension office. There is no replacement for experience. Rest In Peace.
I first met Lloyd Eighme through a friend (Jon Eilers) and got to view his entomology collection in his home. His work helped inspire me to go on to study entomology in college. His contributions to Skagit Valley are numerous and he will always be in my thoughts.
I would like to thank you Lloyd and Mary Margaret for allowing me to be part of your care when needed. I enjoyed getting to know you both. You are very kind people. Heaven gained a special angel. Mary Margaret, may God wrap his arms around you with comfort and strength. My deepest dearest sympathy for your loss. Rest in peace Llyod Eighme.