Obituary of Ronald Chandler Sogge

Ronald Chandler "Chan" Sogge February 23, 1931 - February 20, 2012 Ronald Chandler “Chan” Sogge, architect and beloved member of the Olympia community, passed away on February 20, 2012. He was born in Landeau, South Dakota in 1931, the third of four children to Walter and Jennie Sogge. The family soon moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, taking advantage of their new home for long drives along the Oregon coast, while the brothers engaged in daredevil waterskiing at a nearby reservoir that had not been cleared of stumps or other hazards. Chan attended the University of Oregon, where he ran track under legendary coach and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. After serving with the 7th Infantry Division in post-war Germany, he returned to the U of O where he graduated with a degree in architecture, thus beginning a passionate 40-year career as an AIA architect, where he designed innovative homes, banks, churches, schools, and community facilities. It was while attending the University of Oregon that Chan met the love of his life, Margaret Socolofsky. Married in 1959, the couple settled first in Portland and Salem before moving permanently to the Olympia area, where Chan joined Wohleb and Associates, later becoming partner of the firm with Irving Flotree and establishing Flotree-Sogge Architects. Prior to retirement, Chan partnered with TAA Architects in Lacey. He was an active member of the South Puget Sound community, serving as President of the YMCA and as a member of the YMCA National Council, Architects Division Chair and Professional Division Chair for the United Way, President of the Lacey Rotary Club, member of the Lacey Historical Society, and board member and Presbyterian Elder for the United Churches of Olympia, where he also sang baritone in the choir. Chan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret; his sister, Shirley Therens; and brother, Bob; his four children, Linda Manning, Scott, Mark, and Paul; and ten grandchildren. He will be remembered as a devoted father and husband, a gifted designer, artist, mechanic, carpenter, musician, athlete, and civic leader—truly a Renaissance Man. He was adored by his family and friends and is sorely missed. If you wish to make memorial donations, it is suggested you consider the following organizaations that were dear to Chandler's heart: - Lacey Rotary Foundation, Scholarship Program for Service above Self at Laceyrotary.org or Lacey Rotary Foundation Scholarship Program, po box 3301 Lacey, WA 98509-3301. - 1891 Lacey Depot Museum Project, c/o Amber Raney, Curator for the Lacey Museum at araney@ci.lacey.wa.us Please leave memories of Chandler or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.