Glenn Redford Tegen's Obituary
Glenn Redford Tegen passed away peacefully, January 1, 2021 in La Quinta, CA. He was born May 25, 1933 and raised in Tacoma, Washington by Einer and Ruth Tegen (Tveten) and attended Lincoln High School in Tacoma. Much to his amazement, he was drafted into the army from the reserves and spent two years in Korea. He graduated from University of Puget Sound majoring in Business. He was not only a hard worker but an amazing entrepreneur who founded over 6 companies in the Tacoma area.
Glenn started working for Lilyblad Petroleum in the 50's and always said "I answered the telephone, took the orders, typed the invoice, put the product on the truck, delivered the order, sent the bill, and called collected payment." He purchased the company from Walt Lilyblad a few years later and built the company into the premier distributor of specialty chemicals in the Pacific North West servicing all western states, Canada and Alaska. He was a founder of Pacific Northern Oil, one of the top ten privately owned companies in Washington which sold bunker fuels throughout the Pacific basin with terminals in Japan, Hawaii and others. Other companies which he started included Clean Care Corporation, North West Processing, Sol Pro, and Solidus in the Tacoma area. His business associates held him in high regard due to his work ethic, sense of integrity and expertise.
Glenn was a wonderful man, a good friend and considered a "real gentleman" by all who knew him. Many have said he was "the kindest man I have ever known." We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be remembered for his gentle manner and wonderful smile.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 34 years, Joan Tegen, of Vashon Island, WA and La Quinta, CA and his son, Mark (Cheryl) and grandson, Anthony of Austin Texas. He is survived by his sister Karen ( Dave) Thomsen, Anacortes, WA and predeceased by parents, sister Gretchen Gotchy, Las Vegas and brother Lee (Joanie) of Bellevue. His numerous nieces and nephews remember his great smile and kindnesses.
Celebration of life will be held at Mt. View Cemetery, Lakewood, WA in May 2021 depending upon Covid restrictions. To be notified of the specific date please email [email protected] and you will be contacted. Should you want to make a donation please consider the Parkinson's Foundation 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, Florida. 33131, or www.Parkinson.org
What’s your fondest memory of Glenn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Glenn?
Share a story where Glenn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Glenn you’ll never forget.
How did Glenn make you smile?