Linde was an active golfer; 'He loved the game and the camaraderie'

San Juan County Superior Court Judge John Linde, who died Dec. 3 while snorkeling in Hawaii, was active in local sports — as an advocate, as well as as an athlete.

He had served on the boards of the Friday Harbor Athletic Association, which sponsors Tiger football and Dragons lacrosse, and San Juan Little League. He was active as a competitive and recreational golfer at San Juan Golf and Country Club, and was a member of the winning Ryder Cup team in 2007.

"John was a huge part of San Juan Golf and Country Club," golfer Ron Bates said in submitting the attached photo. "He loved the game and the camaraderie, and really enjoyed the Ryder Cup event every fall."

Bates wrote this recollection about a time he golfed with "Landslide Linde" — a nickname recognizing Linde's landslide win in the 2008 race for Superior Court judge.

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It was one of those scrapbook Saturday summer mornings golfers dream about. The smells of freshly mown grass and sunscreen filled the air, and the entire gang wandered the grounds, anxiously waiting for their group to head to the first t-box.

Most of the time my group was near last to tee off, allowing me more time practicing on the putting green and a chance to talk with my golfing friends.

This particular Saturday, I was watching John Linde practice his six-footers. His bulging leg muscles reminded me of the great race horse, Seattle Slew.

“John, do you lift weights or run up mountains?” I asked. He chuckled and said, “No, just born with good, strong wheels. They sure don't help my putting though.” We both laughed and headed to the tee box.

I was fortunate to have played many rounds with John, but this particular Saturday, I learned more about him than I had the entire time I lived here. We talked about business, sports, politics and life in general. He made conversation easy and comfortable. He was a fierce competitor and always a fixture at most of the tournaments at our club.

You won't be forgotten, “Landslide.”

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