Charles & Shirley Genther

Charles and Shirley Genther, both 75, of Seattle

Charles and Shirley Genther were married in 1991, moving to her house on the Laurelhurst waterfront, where they kept a series of boats.

She introduced her husband to the joy of traveling, which became their most beloved pastime. ''She took him all over the world,'' said her close friend, Bobbie Smith. He shared with her his love of sports. ''He lived to be a Husky. They both dressed from head to toe in purple and gold on game days,'' said his son, Mark Genther.

Chuck Genther graduated from Bellingham High School in 1944, joined the Army Air Corps, and attended Montana State University before attending the UW in 1952.

With his first wife, DeNeece Genther, he designed and built a house on Mercer Island and raised three children. She died of cancer in 1989.

He started his own firm, Olympic Chemical, which produced and distributed products to restaurants, paper mills and other industries. But ''he called himself a soap salesman,'' said his son.

Shirley Genther endured many challenges, including the deaths of two husbands, but she explored the world to its fullest. ''She was an inspiration,'' said Smith.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School and in 1946 attended the UW, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.

About two years ago, she had open-heart surgery, and her deteriorating eyesight left her legally blind. None of it slowed her down, and the family laughed at photos of her skiing in a parka that said ''Blind Skier.''

The Genthers were Seattle Yacht Club members and he was a Seafair commodore. She was a Sunset Club member.

She is survived by her children, Ron Buschmann, Jan Kennaugh, Lee Kennaugh and Chip Kennaugh, all of Seattle. Besides his son, Mark, he is survived by another son, Charles Genther of Redmond, and daughter Marla Royal of Snohomish. ? Peyton Whitely