Warren Aller

Anyone who truly knew Warren Aller would agree that Warren’s greatest gift was his ability to connect with people. As a life-long educator, Warren impacted thousands of people and was known for his wit, compassion and dedication to communication and human connection.

Warren Aller was born on December 27, 1944, in Bonners Ferry, ID, to parents George Elmer and Marjorie (McDole) Aller, Warren passed away, surrounded by family on March 3, 2026, in Sedro Woolley, WA.

In the fall of 1967, Warren was hired as a high school English teacher at Klickitat High School. The following year he was hired at Blaine High School, where he would spend the next three decades of his K-12 career serving as high school teacher, principal at the primary, elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as interim superintendent for one year. Warren received many honors during his career in the public school system, including during the 1988-89 school year when Warren was honored at the White House as the principal of one of three “Blue Ribbon” model schools selected across the U.S. In 1990, Warren returned to the White House where, as principal of James Madison Elementary School in Blaine, he received recognition for his curriculum leadership.

Once Warren retired from Blaine School District, he spent a few years working for locally owned Border Brokerage as a customer service representative. After that he went on to join Western Washington University’s Educational Leadership faculty where he taught for over two decades. His students remember his classes as practical and pragmatic, where he would give thoughtful assignments where he asked for deep reflection, critical thinking and the most “salient” ideas from the readings. Warren was known for giving meaningful advice, not just about education, but about life, making his teaching transcendent of the typical professor / student relationship. Educators who enrolled in Warren’s classes often kept track of his colorful “Warren Allerisms” – clever aphorisms that were as pragmatic as they were philosophical. He was known for telling his future administrators, “If you’re wondering whose job it is, look in the mirror.”

When he wasn’t being the “Gandalf” of education, Warren enjoyed spending his time giving back to his community. He spent a number of summers throughout his life working at Trident Seafoods in South NakNek, Alaska. Two of those summers he brought his wife, Sharon and their kids with him to the cannery. He was an integral part of several church communities in Whatcom County, including Sunrise Baptist in Custer, Northwood Chapel in Blaine, and Cornwall Church in Bellingham where he did everything from running the sound system to serving on boards and volunteering wherever he was needed. Some of his favorite things to do involved spending time with family, cooking (he was known for his legendary smoked salmon), playing pinochle, camping, taking extended motorcycle trips, making wine, travelling and reading (usually something of no literary value whatsoever).

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Elmer Aller and Marjorie (McDole) Aller; his sister, June (Aller) Heinemann, and her husband, Bernie Heinemann; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Irons.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon (Bell) Aller; his daughter, Mariah (Aller) Butenschoen, her husband, Shawn, and their sons, Owen and Bo Butenschoen; his son, Matthew Aller, his wife, Rhudora Barro-Aller, and their sons, Keaton, Kamden, and Kolton Aller. He is also survived by his sister, Jane (Aller) Irons; his brother, David Aller; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Warren’s celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Blaine Middle School Performing Arts Center in Blaine, Washington. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Stanwood, Washington

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Western’s Educational Leadership Foundation in memory of Warren and his life’s work.

Please share your memories of Warren at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.