Homage - Harry Arnold Dingwall

We lost a very special person November, 30th 2020. He gave of himself selflessly. He was a leader, a great friend and an outstanding Kiwanian. He was always happy and when he did get his feathers ruffled you could tell him, “Harry, now relax we are doing our best.” He always sighed, chuckled and said, “Well it just gets my goat!” He pushed, prodded and advocated for the children of the world, for his club and the clubs in the district. He loved his family and spoke so highly of them every chance he could. He was the highest bidder at an auction and the one of the best salmon preppers we had for years at our World Famous Salmon BBQ and then would Cashier for hours while others complained they were tired. We will always remember you Harry and thank you for all the blessings you gave this club and so many.

-The Kiwanis Club of Issaquah

Words from Individual Members

I’m so sad to hear the news about Harry. He was a great Kiwanian and supported Kiwanis in many ways and at different leadership levels. Harry’s main focus was on YCPO (young children priority one) and Sponsored youth.
Best,
-Judy Rogers

Harry always encouraged me when I was Lt. Governor the first time and the second time this term.
-Ferrin Lauve

As a relative newcomer to the club (10 years) I didn’t know Harry nearly as well as the others but when I joined he greeted me warmly and he encouraged me to “jump right in”. What an inspiration and what a loss. He will be sorely missed by all who had the great pleasure to know him. A life truly well lived!
-Craig Jorgensen

So sad. He will be missed.
-Don Roberson

I was saddened to hear that Harry has completed his time with us here on earth and has moved on to the next phase of his journey. I will always treasure the time Harry and I spent together even though we were apart for the last 1 and 1/2 years. Harry and I were together as a couple doing numerous Kiwanis service projects and fundraisers together and traveling to several Kiwanis Conventions and Mid-Winter Conferences during that time. He was my best friend and my Kiwanis mentor for almost 8 years. I knew that Harry could leave us at any time, but it is still a shock when it actually happens. "I have really great memories that I will treasure of the almost eight years we were together, though we had to part ways 18 months ago, Harry is still the love of my life and I will miss him forever.
With love and gratitude,
-Carol Mahoney

Harry and I shared the same birthday. He reminded me of that every year. He was a great support to me when I was Lt. Governor. He was my mentor. I will never forget everything he did for me and Kiwanis. We used to call him Mr. Kiwanis because if we needed to know just about anything having to do with Kiwanis we could ask him and get an answer. He was a walking book.
He will be greatly missed. His family can be proud of what a great person he was!!!
-Jackie Roberts past Lt. Governor

I am really going to miss him. Definition of what Kiwanis is all about. Harry was one of the most dedicated Kiwanians I ever met. Just listening to him and the knowledge and history of Kiwanis he shared was inspiring. I got a kick out telling him he looked like the debonair man in the Dos Equis commercials. We all will miss him.
-Ruben Nieto

We will long revere Harry for his many decades of service in our entire eastside Kiwanis: He was unique in his wisdom, energy, and dedication to the goals and spirit of Kiwanis. Long live our gratitude for his many years with HIS service in Kiwanis.
-Dan Anderson

Oh, my heart is so heavy with this sad news. A soft gentle giant, he moved mountains and gave his heart to all in need. He was always at every event, volunteering, giving supporting and donating his time and money. He was a good man and friend to all. We will miss you dear Harry. He was a gem and one of the most passionate, strong, giving and loving souls I’ve known. He gave so much of himself to all. He will be truly missed but, forever remembered. RIP Dear Harry.
-Tori Gaines

I have to put a big "DITTO" on Tori’s message. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Harry Dingwall family during this time of loss. Harry was a long-time member of our Kiwanis Club of Issaquah, was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Mercer Island, was a Lifetime member of Kiwanis International, served 2 different terms as Lieutenant Governor in our Kiwanis Division 28, was a great mentor in so many ways in all phases of Kiwanis plus he was a retired veterinarian. His real passion in Kiwanis was working with and serving on the YCPOne (Young Children Priority One) committee. He will be greatly missed by many, many people, especially in the Kiwanis family. I send my thoughts and prayers to the Harry Dingwall family during this time of loss.
-Jeri Tolstedt 😢

He was very faithful not only to his Kiwanis Family but to the Seattle area sports teams. He always had a Happy Dollar for their successes. Also, I always thought his car was the first form of Facebook as he let his feelings be known through bumper stickers.
-Rick Gaines

So sad. He will be missed. Prayers to his family
-Doug Rector

I am so sorry to hear this. He was a remarkable man and I know he will be missed dearly.
-Liz Rector

What a gentle soul – sorry to hear this news. I really loved knowing him.
-Rachel Auffant

A life dedicated to serving others both as a Kiwanian and as a Veterinarian.
-Fred Butler

Known as Mr. Kiwanis
-Rowan Hinds

Harry was Dedicated! Memorable! We missed him at Kiwanis during COVID. I miss him now.
-Mary Scott

Harry was very special. RIP Harry😓
-Marilynn Boyden

Commitment is my one word.
-Lisa Callan

Warm hearted.
-Debbie Berto

Harry was Mr. Kiwanis for sure. I’m sorry we can’t gather for a big celebration of his life that he so deserves and would have loved. Passionate – about service!
-Connie Fletcher

Welcoming describes Harry. My favorite memories are of Harry with the Aktion Club members. He welcomed them and supported them. I think I can say that he loved them. People with disabilities have not always been included in our communities and sometimes people are a little uncomfortable not knowing how to relate, what to say or do. Harry, caring soul that he was, wanted to always do the right thing. One of our Aktion Clubbers loves to hug. Harry isn’t much of a hugger, he cares deeply, but expressing that by hugging wasn’t his dance. One day he got brave enough to tell me he was uncomfortable. Not everyone likes lots of hugging; disability has nothing to do with it. So, that evening at the Christmas party the Club member who loves to hug approached with arms outstretched. I said…did you know that Harry is one of the people who don’t like to hug, kind of like your co-worker. He likes you as friend and fellow Kiwanian. The Aktion Clubber patted Harry on the shoulder and said that’s all right Harry, you can tell me, and we are still here together, right? Harry’s smile the Aktion Clubber’s smile and their interactions that night were precious and are with me forever.
-Chris Brandt

Jeri Tolstedt let me know about Dr. Harry Dingwall's passing. Many of you who have attended district events will remember Harry. He served as Lt. Governor twice (1998/99 and 2010/11), as well as District Chair for Interclubs (2002/03 and 2003/04), Community and Youth Services (2004/05) and Administration (2005/06). His extraordinary dedication was recognized by the Past Governors Committee with the Jack P. Delf Distinguished Service Medal, and he was almost about to receive his 60 year Legion of Honor. I will miss him, as will many.
-Patrick Ewing past Governor

Since I never had the opportunity to meet him, I can confidently say my one word is "Loved".
I hear it in all your voices.
-Sherry Dietz

Last email we received from Harry when there was a call out for help, always “To All” and always in caps.
WISH I COULD HELP OUT!!!!
-H.D.

Obituary

Harry Dingwall, 89, died peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family on November 30, 2020. He was born March 16, 1931, in Vancouver, WA, the son of Elizabeth Arnold and later adopted by Dr. Stuart Dingwall DVM of La Jolla, CA.

Harry graduated from La Jolla High School, Class of 1949. He attended the University of Washington, where he studied zoology to become a veterinarian like his father, graduating in 1953. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 1957.

In the spring of 1955, he married Donna (Stroud) Dingwall. They moved to Mercer Island in 1960 to start his veterinary practice, which he had for over 35 years, and he proudly maintained his veterinary license until 2016 as an on-call veterinarian locally.

Harry and Donna lived in the same home on the island and raised their three children. Harry loved soccer and was a youth coach and referee during the 1970s and 1980s. He was an avid Sounders fan. Harry also enjoyed gardening even until his final days as best as he could. History and geography were also a passion. In his younger years, he was an avid hiker.

Harry was an original member of the Mercer Island Kiwanis club that he helped creates in 1961. Harry's involvement in Kiwanis extended to other clubs in the Pacific Northwest. He was Division 28 Lt Governor 1998-1999 and again 2010-2011. Harry's devotion to Kiwanis allowed him to advocate for programs such as AtWork, Kindering Center, Eastside Baby Corner, and Mathew House. His community involvement and volunteerism were admirable, and he held it very close to his heart.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Donna, Brother Bruce Dingwall of San Francisco, and son Brian Dingwall.

Harry is survived by his sisters Nan McGraw of San Diego, Joyce Dingwall of El Cajon, CA, son, Douglas Dingwall and his wife Doki of Issaquah, daughter Ann Elizabeth Dingwall of Lake Forest Park, granddaughters; Laila Dingwall (Richie Ader) of Everett, Hanna Dingwall (Austin Roberts) of Kirkland, grandsons; Peter and Jakob Grimm. In addition to many nieces, nephews, and several first, second, and third cousins whom he admired.

Services are private due to the current social situation. Live stream provided, Wednesday, December 16, 1:30 pm PST https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160718767688903 The family suggests memorials go to the following organizations: PNW Kiwanis District Foundation, Mathew House, Eastside Baby Corner.

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