Llew's actual given name is Gene Llewellyn. However, in his first few years everyone called him Llewellyn. But, Llew had six brothers and when one of them got in trouble their mother had to go through the names of all kids before she came to the culprit. It became impractical to take the time to say Llewellyn so early on she began to call him Llew and that stuck for the rest of his life. Actually, Llew very seldom got into trouble. He was almost a model kid and early in his life he showed spiritual and care-giving tendencies.

Llew was born in Denver, Colorado. He had one younger brother and five older brothers. His parents were missionaries in a poor part of the city. As a child, Llew helped his mom and dad at the small church where they pastored. Then Mom and Dad moved from Denver, CO to Gallup, New Mexico where they became missionaries to the Navajo Indians. By this time Llew was 13 years old. Within a few years he learned the difficult Navajjo language and in other ways became deeply involved in helping his parents in their missionary work. He was very good at leading singing, preaching sermons, using his hand-drawn illustrations to tell Bible stories and in every way became his parents "right-hand man."

Then, in 1954 Llew enrolled in Seattle Pacific University where he received a teaching certificate. He then received a Master's Degree in Ed. Psych. from University of Washington. From that time on Llew was a full-time licensed school counselor in several school districts. He enjoyed working with kids of all ages. He then started a private counseling practice. He was an excellent counselor specializing in counseling couples, at-risk kids, family counseling and grief counseling (since you've left us, many of us could sure use your grief strategies right now, Llew).

At their Fall, 2005 annual conference, the Washington Counseling Association presented a lifetime Achievemnet Award to Llew that accurately and beautifully summarizes what he was like in his personal and professional life.

Here is what is printed on his plaque:

Presented to Llew Ingram, M, Ed., NCC, LMHC
The WCA wishes to recognize you for outstanding service to school counseling and mental health professions, and to our state associations. You have set a high standard for all of us to follow. You have been our teacher, mentor, colleague and friend in times of need. You have given us gleeful humor, genuine love, and unsurpassed wisdom. Because of your lifetime of dedication, this award to future recipients will henceforth be called the "Llew Ingram Lifetime Achievement Award."

Llew was a wonderful father, grandfather and brother to his six brothers. Llew never spoke badly of other people - he only wanted to love them and help them. Dear Llew, we will miss your smile, your compassion, your absolute dedication to your God, your corny jokes, the cameras hanging around your neck, and the spirit within you that invited everyone into your heart. There are many reasons why many people want to go to heaven. For us, one of the strong reasons for wanting to be in Heaven is to be with you again. Llew, we love you so very much!

Llew is survived by his four children and their spouses, eleven grandchildren, and six brothers: Dr. William Ingram, Rev. Les Ingram, Dr. Wes Ingram, Larry Ingram, Dr. Hank Ingram, Lowell Ingram.

Submitted by Ruth Ingram