Linden Schuyler's Obituary
Linden E. Schuyler, 83, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on April 3, 2022 in Lakewood,
WA while caring for his beloved wife of 59 years, Sookie. He was born on October 31,1938 in
Dickinson, North Dakota to Paul Frederick and Hertha (Erdmann) Schuyler.
Linden grew up predominately in Spokane, WA where he was affectionately referred to by
friends and family as “Spike.” Spike was a keen baseball player with wicked talent, pitching a no
hitter for Rogers High School in 1956 in what the Spokesman Review called “one of the finest
American Legion junior baseball games in recent years.” He also was recruited by the farm
teams of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago White Sox but did not pursue the career. His senior
year at Rogers, Spike’s charismatic charm helped him secure the title of senior class president.
As he grew up, the nickname Sky slowly replaced Spike. Sky was an avid fisherman, and spent
many days in the Olympic Peninsula at a cabin on his favorite river, the Sol Duc, catching
steelhead and salmon. It brought him immense joy and peace to be on the river, especially
when he caught all the fish and his son-in-law Joe caught none! It was also common to see him
with a golf club in hand, walking 18 holes multiple times a week. He was an excellent golfer and
enjoyed the technical discipline the sport required of him and he made many beautiful memories
out on the course with Sookie, daughter Vivian, and Joe. He introduced “the beautiful game” to
each one of his beloved grandchildren as well.
Sky absorbed knowledge each and every day and often advocated that one should capitalize on
any educational opportunity that came their way. He believed in hard work and challenges, even
when doing something as simple as solving the daily Wordle or his morning crossword puzzles.
He was a prolific reader of WW2 and espionage books as well as the consummate red wine
aficionado. He was the Vivino app’s top customer and cases of fantastic wine were delivered to
his front porch on a regular basis. He generously shared those bottles with family and friends for
occasions special and mundane. He also loved to cook and bake and excelled at both. Dad did
nothing half-baked. His hotcakes as well as steaks were family favorites and we will really miss
those culinary creations.
Sky possessed an unparalleled wit and his sarcastic sense of humor had everyone around him
splitting a gut and he always knew how to put a smile on your face, no matter your mood. He did
not tolerate moping or pouting and used humor as a way to disarm you of those inclinations
when necessary. He also loved a good bet and especially loved the NCAA tournament and the
fun of choosing brackets each March.
In 1960, Sky enlisted in the Army. During his enlisted service, Sky graduated from the army
photography school in Fort Monmouth, NJ and went on to record all important events and
activities of the army in the Seoul area while stationed in Korea. (He also carried on his love of
photography throughout his life, marveling in recent years at the high quality shots his iPhone
could produce.) During off-duty hours, he taught English to Korean students six evenings a
week. He served our great nation for over 27 years, ending his career as a Lieutenant Colonel,
serving in the Medical Service Corps as both an Inspector General and Personnel Manager.He
commanded troops six times and earned the Meritorious Service Medal (2d OLC), Army
Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (2).
Sky attended both Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University but ultimately
graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX where he obtained both a Bachelors
and a Masters in Economics.
While stationed in San Antonio, he met, fell in love with, and married Yong Sook Kim after
meeting her at a friend’s backyard barbeque. He often joked that he had to lie about his age (he
was six years junior to Sookie) in order for her to agree to a first date but he was bound and
determined to marry “the most beautiful girl in the world.” They married in 1962 and together
had one daughter, Vivian. He loved Sookie more than anything and they shared a beautiful life.
His devotion to and head-cheerleader status for his daughter and son-in-law and each of his
grandchildren was second-to-none. How fortunate were we all to experience his unconditional
love and support.
He spent the last four years caring for Sookie at home, refusing to let anyone else do what he
considered to be the greatest honor of his life. Up until his last moment on earth, he put her
needs first and his last living act was in service to her and ensuring her safety.
Sky was loved by everyone around him and he left his individual mark on every interaction he
had. He was selfless, honorable, compassionate, generous, and went out of his way to ensure
people felt seen and valued, no matter their lot in life. When engaging in conversation, he had
the uncanny ability to make one feel as if they were the only person in the room. He valued
honesty, hard work, and education and encouraged all around him to live up to those values.
We will never forget his iconic laugh, his corny jokes, or the way he loved each and every one of
us so well.
Sky is survived by his wife, Yong Sook (Sookie), his loving daughter, Vivian Schuyler Shannon,
son-in-law Joseph Shannon, his four grandchildren, Ryan, Schuyler, Lindsey, and Sydney
Shannon, and his soon-to-be great grandson, Declan. He is also survived by his brother Paul
(Butch), several brothers-in-law and sisters -in-law, many nieces and nephews, and dear
friends.
He was the best of the best and we will carry him forward with us forever and he will be missed
beyond measure
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s University, San Antonio,TX. https://alumni.stmarytx.edu/support/give-now/ or The Fulcrum Foundation, Seattle, WA. www.fulcrum foundation.org. Sky believed so strongly in the importance of education.
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