Obituary of Caleb Douglass Baldwin

Caleb "Doug" Baldwin was born October 3rd 1926. He was the son of Harold and Madeline Baldwin. Doug was lucky to have 2 sisters Arlene and Lorraine. He grew up in Tacoma, Washington in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. After attending Jason Lee Jr. High and graduating from Stadium High School, he joined the Navy during WWII. He was sailing toward battle on an aircraft carrier when Japan surrendered. Upon returning to Tacoma, he helped to open Titlow pool and attended the College of Puget Sound (now UPS). While there he and his friends formed a YMCA fraternity, “The Phalanx”. He graduated with a degree in education and later received a master’s degree at Western Washington University. It was in college where he met and fell in love with his wife Betty Ann Barkost, the daughter of Norwegian immigrants. They went on to have 3 children; JC, Jim and Joanna. Doug was a teacher in the Peninsula School District at Goodman Jr. High and later became the very first principal of Artondale Elementary School. He loved education and his dedication to kids was boundless. In 1975 his wife Betty passed away. He later met and married Barbara Johnson Corsi and acquired 3 more children; Jonathan, Matthew and Christopher. Shortly after his marriage to Barb he retired. Doug filled his time with going to the YMCA and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was the best babysitter ever! We will always remember his wonderful sense of humor, compassion for others, and his everlasting friendships with so m any people. Everyone who knew Doug loved him. He will be missed by us all. He is preceded in death by his son Jimmy and his sister Arlene. Doug left a marvelous legacy. He is survived by his wife of 32 years Barbara, 5 children; J.C. (Sue), Joanna Hanson (Mike), Jonathan Corsi (Nancy), Matthew Corsi (Ruth), Christopher Corsi (Jill); 15 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, and his sister Lorraine Shepard (Bruce). A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Nichols Community Center, 690 9th Ave., Fox Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Morgan Family Branch YMCA 1002South Pearl St., Tacoma, WA 98465 or the Red Cross at american.redcross.org.