Scott Columbia

Scott Columbia, 44, of Renton

Scott Columbia, a Boeing engineer, was such a huge Husky fan that his younger brother always said he bled purple and gold.

''He absolutely adored the Huskies,'' said his sister-in-law Marci Columbia. ''He traveled around the country and went to all the games. He was devoted to his wife, his work and his Huskies.''

Columbia, who was married for 20 years to Debbie Columbia, graduated from the UW in 1988 with a degree in engineering. He worked as an engineer with Boeing for 22 years, most recently in the 777 engineering information systems group based in Everett.

He was known for being thoughtful, intelligent and had strong beliefs he was always glad to share.

''He had strong opinions and he definitely let us know about them,'' Marci Columbia said.

Columbia had no children of his own, but he spent hours with two nieces and a 16-year-old nephew with whom he often played golf.

He and his wife loved to go to movies and travel, especially following the football team he so rabidly supported.

He had been on several similar excursions for Huskies games before and had finally talked his parents, David and Katherine Columbia of Renton, into going with him.

Columbia's wife and parents chose not to go on the sight-seeing trip with him Wednesday, relatives said.

''He was a very special man, a great man,'' said his sister-in-law. Besides his wife, parents and sister-in-law, he is survived by a brother, Bruce Columbia of Sequim; a sister, Rhonda Columbia of Renton, two nieces and a nephew. ? Christine Clarridge