On Sept. 23, one of Bellevue College’s most active faculty members, Gary Allen McGlocklin, passed away after a 24-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. McGlocklin spent 28 years at Bellevue College as an English teacher, a basketball coach, an administrator and an educational dean. His time at BC is remembered by his colleagues who respected and were inspired by him. His legacy will be commemorated through the Gary McGlocklin Scholarship Fund at BC.
In the ‘60s, McGlocklin was an assistant coach for BC’s basketball team, which won the 1968 NWAACC title in their first ever season. In the ‘80s, he served as an English instructor and Humanities Division chairman at BC. One of his students, Rena Boyd, described McGlocklin as “a wonderful human being” who “instilled confidence and encouragement that he gave so generously.” His colleague Madelyn Troxclair remembers him as a “model administrator,” because he had a skill of “combining administrative savvy with extraordinary interpersonal skills.” Troxclair continued to illustrate her memories of Gary by stating that he was “above all, a kind, fair, and ethical administrator, as well as a gifted instructor.”
Many of his students remember him as the teacher who was always inclusive and promoted discussion in the classroom. He was known to constantly encourage and inspire students during their time at Bellevue College.
Gary McGlocklin is survived by his wife of 52 years Lynn McGlocklin and his five children and five grandchildren.
Gary McGlocklin’s legacy will continue through his family and the Gary McGlocklin Scholarship Fund.