B Shute
In the summer of 1984 I came across Lela Atteberry when I responded to a notice posted on a campus bulletin board at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Needing room and board, I responded to the notice and met Lela. She was a slender, mover-shaker, elderly women who opened her home, located at 107 Morey Street, to college students. Lela was perhaps one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. She was bright, cheerful, knowledgeable of many things, and a caretaker of the planet. She was a gardener and had a love for feathered animals. During my time there she had a pet duck named Batah who patrolled the place and kept it under guard. Her home had a beautiful view of the bay and a terraced garden. Each morning and afternoon I would walk to and from campus through a forest of tall trees. With a background in teaching, Lela taught me ways to conserve energy for the planet and to live simply (as if being a college student is not simple enough). She required all students in the house to help out around the place. She also found me work doing odd-jobs for her home and that of her neighbors. One such neighbor was a Mr. Frandeen who also was a remarkable person. Others included the Clocky sisters. My time in Bellingham was enchanting and I owe much of the experience to Mrs. Atteberry. Years after leaving Bellingham I visited Lela and she continued to board college students. She was a great example and friend to many. I hope that other students who roomed at Mrs. Atteberry's home will contact me at [contact link]
Brian Shute
Brian Shute
