Remembering Sue Dixon: An Inspiration to All She Met and A Lifelong Grizzly
Any of us that grew up on the Harbor, know that grizzly pride is a real thing. People that grew up in Hoquiam and experienced the Battle of Myrtle Street know that being a grizzly is for life. Sue Dixon, Hoquiam High School Class of 1977, was a diehard grizzly that touched the lives of many people in our community, especially the students at Washington Elementary and Hoquiam High School during her time as head custodian. The Foundation is honored to partner with her family to create the Sue Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit a female athlete from Hoquiam High School.
Sue was a ‘north ender’ kid growing up. She and her ‘north end’ friends spent a lot of time riding bikes for hours at a time. She was very involved all through high school as well as one of the first female athletes to participate in competitive sports for Hoquiam High School. She later was an original coach when the district started women’s fastpitch.
Graduating in 1977, Sue was a member of many clubs, including the high school spirit club. Susan continued her education at Grays Harbor College, Central Washington University, and received her teaching degree at St. Martin’s University. After working several years for Thousand Trails, Sue found her home working for the Hoquiam School District as a Head Custodian. Having a knack for helping kids, she is remembered fondly by students from Washington Elementary and Hoquiam High School. Sue also helped coach and referee girls’ volleyball and softball.
Sue’s partner, Diane Golob said of her: ” As an adult, she loved each day whether she was working or playing. She always did everything with a smile and to the best of her ability. She worked hard and played hard. She could take any situation and make it better. She had a positive impact on every person she worked with, whether directly or indirectly. As a union leader she always looked for an outcome that was a win-win for both the union and the district. She was also a positive influence on students that attended Washington elementary and later the high school, the two buildings where she worked as head custodian. She was proud to be a Hoquiam Grizzly and was a true friend and cared about everyone she met, and everyone she met loved being part of Sue’s life. She was an inspiration to all she met.”
The scholarship is for a Hoquiam High School graduate, with a preference towards a female athlete.