Stribley Arthur Schussman

Stribley Arthur Schussman, age 95, passed away peacefully the morning of August 25, 2022. He was at home, surrounded by family.

Stribley was born in Arcata, California, February 2, 1927. His parents were Leo G. and Henrietta Schussman. His father was a professor at what is now Humboldt State University. Stribley was the youngest of eight children.

In January of 1945 at age 17 he enlisted in the US Navy. World War II ended while he was completing his training as an Electronics Technician Mate. He was discharged in 1946 after completing Advanced Radio Materials Handling school and working at Treasure Island, California, dismantling ships returning from the war.

He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and went to work for PGE in Humboldt county as a Communications Technician. In 1951 he was called up for service in the Korean War. Because of his advanced training in radio materials and his electrical engineering degree he was assigned to the Naval Research Laboratory monitoring station at Kodiac Island, Alaska. The station monitored Soviet nuclear tests. He was discharged in 1952 with the rank of ETM1.

He returned to work with PGE and married Sharon Wick in 1953. In 1959 Stribley and Sharon moved to Santa Clara, California with their two young children so he could start work with Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation. He worked on the development of the Polaris submarine missile as well as the Poseidon and Trident programs. During the course of his career the family moved frequently to assignments in Bremerton, Washington; Helensburgh, Scotland; and Sunnyvale, California. He retired after 30 years employment.

After retirement Strib and Sharon traveled for two years with an RV and eventually settled down in Jacksonville, Oregon, where they lived for 23 years. While there they were both active in the McKee Bridge Historical Society.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason for 65 years with 33 years membership in the Scottish Rite.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sharon; son Thomas; daughters Sheri and Julie; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

His niece Tammy Falor wrote, "Upon reflection of my memories of uncle Strib it strikes me that among all of his siblings, he was the quiet mentor and protector of good. He went about doing what was right - for his family and for his country. This is the mark of a man, and I am honored to have had him as my uncle."

Memorial donations may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital or the McKee Bridge Historical Society