Dean Albert Eckmann
February 22, 1922 - June 13, 2007
Obituary
Dean Albert Eckmann passed peacefully, June 13, 2007 in Tacoma, Wa. He was born Feb. 22, 1922 in Yakima, and grew up in Seattle, where he graduated from the U of W in 1944 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, came back to Seattle and married Gloria Whitesel December 29, 1944. During WWII, he served on a destroyer escort in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
They raised 3 daughters in Portland, Ore. He worked for the Union Oil Co. and after 10 years, formed Walker-Eckmann Construction Co., leaving behind many monuments as a builder-developer.
His love of the water drew him to Port Ludlow in retirement. Dean enjoyed boating, fishing, and golf and was a charter member of the PL Yacht Club. His motto was “Hurry up and have fun” which happened throughout family adventures and traveling the world with Gloria. He lived a wonderful life and left a legacy of 63 years of marriage.
Dean is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Mary Elliott and Barbara McElfish; grandsons and their spouses: Nathaniel and Naomi Davis, Steven and Emily Davis, Ben McElfish, and granddaughter Ellen McElfish; brother Rolfe Eckmann, and numerous nieces and nephews. His daughter, Margaret Davis and brother, Carson Eckmann, preceded him in death.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 26th at Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Estates; 5340 North Bristol, Tacoma Wa. 98407. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Dear Gloria & Family; Everyday we look out our yard and see the barren flag pole. We miss our/your American flag so much; and it is a constant reminder of our special neighbor, Dean. Thank you for raising it daily. We miss you Dean. and Gloria too.
Dear Gloria,
Our prayers are with you and wish we could be there to hug you in person. I remember Dean’s help when I began construction of the retaining wall in our backyard in Portland. I appreciated his cutting of the forms for the cement. He taught me many things about the forms and I am still idebted to him for he success of the project. Too often we close the door on these memories but they are a loving part of our past with Dean.
With love, Ed
We were so sorry to hear that Dean is gone but is now at peace and out of pain and suffering.
We had planned to come see you again this summer with the Woods but will not be able to do that as Woods time is so short. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. We wil keep you in our prayers.
Lovingly,
our condolences and thoughts already expressed in previous email we will miss Dean.
Ole and I have many happy memories of our 20 years in Pt. Ludlow where Dean and Gloria were part of our lives. Many memories of New Year’s parties at their home, bridge games, opening days on their boat. Much love, Helen