Former Highline Public Schools Superintendent Robert Sealey, 79, died of cancer Oct. 15 in his Lake Burien home.

Dr. Sealey served as superintendent from 1972 through 1981-a particularly challenging period for the schools.

Marsha Spreier, current co-director of elementary education, explained, "Bob guided the district through the difficult times of enrollment decline.

"Over an approximate eight-year period, (the district) went from 32,000 to 18,000 students as a result of recession, airport expansion, which swallowed whole neighborhoods, and empty-nest syndrome in our community.

"Bob skillfully led the tricky work of downsizing and school closures."

Current assistant superintendent Geri Fain also remembers the days of declining enrollment, double-levy failures and staff layoffs.

"The strength of a person is often measured in how they handle adversity, and Bob handled it with strength and grace," Fain noted. "He led the process very humanely but also very effectively."

Fain first knew Dr. Sealey as her principal at Highline High School when she was a student body officer. He later hired her as a teacher, principal and administrator.

But despite the work pressures, Dr. Sealey's son, Bob Sealey Jr., said his dad "never brought it home."

And while Sealey participated in football and track, he recalled that his father never missed a game or meet-home or away.

Sealey recalled that Dr. Sealey was also involved in his daughter's activities,

"He was a great dad, virtually in every way," Sealey declared.

Dr. Sealey replaced Highline's "Citizen of the Century" as superintendent.

Robinson Newspapers gave his predecessor, Carl Jensen, that title in 2000.

At the time Dr. Sealey became the district's chief, Jensen had worked in the district since 1936 and had served as superintendent for 18 years during a period of explosive growth brought on by the post World War II baby boom.

Sealey said Jensen was Dr. Sealey's mentor and "one of his best friends."

In later years, the two would occasionally meet at Highline Medical Center's Cancer Center where they both were undergoing treatment.

Jensen, now in his 90s, lives in Des Moines.

Dr. Sealey began his career in 1949 as a science teacher at Puget Sound Junior High in North Highline. He then became a counselor at Evergreen High School until he became principal at Sunset Junior High in 1957.

He later became principal at Highline High before moving to the district's administration building in 1966. Dr. Sealey directed the secondary curriculum program and was named an area administrator before being elevated to superintendent.

Fain remembers Dr. Sealey as an "excellent boss.

"He provided the opportunity to lead but also gave lots of support when needed."

As superintendent, Dr. Sealey was elected president of the state school administrators association, chairman of the national suburban school superintendents and presenter at the national school directors' association conference.

Highline's school board was twice named outstanding board in the state during Dr. Sealey's tenure.

Dr. Sealey "enjoyed being superintendent" according to his son, but when he reached 53, he decided to retire from the district.

Sealey observed, "Financially, he could retire and after being superintendent for almost 10 years and with what he had dealt with, he was a little tired.

"But he didn't really retire," Sealey added.

Through the Washington Association of School Administrators, Dr. Sealey ran a statewide training program for potential school administrators. He also taught for six years in the Seattle University doctoral program.

He served as an educational consultant for several school districts.

Dr. Sealey also worked for former-employee Lou Tice at the Pacific Institute. Tice taught at Highline High when Dr. Sealey was the principal.

Real retirement followed when Dr. Sealey and his wife Gloria started to travel extensively, ultimately visiting 28 countries. They also enjoyed boating in the San Juan Islands and spent winters at their condo in Hawaii.

His wife of 58 years, two children and six grandchildren survive Dr. Sealey.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way. S. in Auburn.