Gilbert H. Mandeville, Civil Engineer, Dies

Gilbert Harrison Mandeville was a man of few commitments: civil engineering, children, skiing.

But those commitments ran deep, extending most of his 85 years.

"He always wanted to be an engineer, even from an early age," said his daughter, Terry Mandeville of Seattle. "He aimed his sights at that and never did anything else."

Mr. Mandeville, who in the 1950s through the 1970s was among the Northwest's busiest civil engineers, died of cancer Saturday, Feb. 10.

"And he loved skiing," said his daughter. "He started in his 20s in upstate New York before there were (ski) lifts and you had to hike up the mountain. He skied until just a few years ago."

Some of her fondest memories are of skiing vacations the family took to British Columbia and Colorado. She also recalled how her father used to read to her - "Uncle Remus stories, doing all the voices."

She noted his "neat" way with kids, including how he loved to tease her son until the boy dissolved into giggles.

Mr. Mandeville's wife of 60 years, Mildred Mandeville of Edmonds, remembers his hard work.

"He was always working. He got a great deal of education at night, because he was working during the days to support his family when his father became ill."

Her husband, born and reared in Brooklyn, N.Y., also worked days and studied nights in the early years of their marriage. He earned a degree at Seattle University after he came here with the Navy. He also studied at Columbia University, Brown University and the University of Washington.

Mr. Mandeville - whom his daughter described as "tan and fit, with grey-blue eyes" in earlier days - became a partner in Mandeville Berge Box, Architects and Engineers. He helped design apartments on Shilshole Bay, condominiums on lower Queen Anne Hill, the Sheraton Hotel in Spokane, and many bank buildings.

He also chaired the Seattle City Planning Council from 1960-1962, belonged to many professional groups, served as an adviser for the United Way, and was in the Navy Reserves.

"He was a sensible guy, and taught me a lot about logic," said his daughter. "In my teenage years, we got into some great debates. He could take any side, about a candidate or issue, and argue believably, whether he believed it or not.

"In politics, he was pretty independent. In fact he was independent in a lot of things. He went his own way all his life."

Other survivors include two grandchildren. A private ceremony is planned.