Dan McCutcheon, longtime resident of Whidbey Island, passed away on March 14, 2011, at the age of 70. He was born in Oak Park, Ill., to Bob and Angela (Calabrese) McCutcheon on Dec. 11, 1940. Dan had one older brother, Bob, who, with both parents, preceded him in death.

Dan so loved and was dedicated to his family. In 1963 he married Pat Randazzo, who he had known since elementary school. They had two children, a son, Dan, and a daughter, Michele.

Dan had a great love of his country and proudly served in the U.S. Navy, making a number of cruises to Vietnam serving on aircraft carriers, the USS Ranger and the USS Kitty Hawk. Early in his career, Dan rose to the rank of chief petty officer.

Following his retirement, Dan was active in his community, serving several years on the Coupeville School Board. He also was a volunteer fireman for many years and eventually became a training officer for the Central Whidbey Fire District. In addition, Dan served as scoutmaster in Coupeville for Troop 58 and was a 4-H leader.

During this time, he attended Western Washington University and graduated with a degree in public and personnel administration. One could say that Dan was a man for all seasons. He was an avid fisherman and loved the adventure of the outdoors. Debate was another of his passions in which he could engage for hours. He also took up the hobby of wood carving.

All who knew Dan can vouch that he was a people person and there weren’t any strangers in his life. He was compassionate, caring and especially, a loving person. In short, Dan had a heart of gold, which was open to all he encountered. He always knew what was important and looked for the best in people. Dan will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Pat; son, Dan (Kim) McCutcheon of Livermore, Calif.; daughter, Michele (Jeremy) Wolf of Bellingham; granddaughters, Rachel Klang and Samantha McCutcheon of Livermore, Calif.; aunt, Frances Vero of Leesburg, Va.; numerous relatives and dearest friends, including Joanne and Ted Andricos, Marcy and Karl Neal and son, Tyeson of Oak Harbor, and Jackie and Dick Weber of Coupeville.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Wallin Funeral Home.

In Dan’s memory, donations can be made to the Oak Harbor Fire Department, the Oak Harbor Senior Center or any charity of choice.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone, the light remains.” — Jack Taylor, 1941-2010.