Darold Joseph Hassler, 85, passed away April 8, 2010 at home with his family by his side.

He was born Dec. 31, 1924 in Underwood, N.D., to Joseph Albert and Louise Anna Johanna (Jennerjohn) Hassler. The family with eight children moved to Washington in 1936, settling in Oak Harbor. Darold received his education in the Oak Harbor schools. At age 17, he enlisted, becoming Staff Sergeant — Fourth Division Air Force Armored Gunner. World War II ended before he was deployed.

Darold married Doris Irene Gilbert on Nov. 2, 1946. They were married 43 years and raised four children. They lived on Whidbey Island until 1972 when they moved to Sedro-Woolley. Doris passed from lung cancer July 5, 1989.

Skinny was an original Island County Sheriff’s Posse member, helping to start the horse club in 1952. Being an accomplished and gifted horseman, he never had to ask a horse twice for the response he wanted. He joined the Skagit County Sheriff’s Posse when he moved off the island. He held the pony express state record for the fastest time. He served as State Sheriff’s Posse president. He rode his last race at age 56 after 31 combined years with the posse. He shared his love for horses with his children and friends.

Skinny had many interesting jobs in his life. He worked as a self-employed logger and supervisor and ran bulldozer for Buster and Ester Craig, building many roads on Whidbey Island as well as a driver for Oak Harbor Freight Lines. In 1964, he began a career at NAS Whidbey as a fireman, continuing his Civil Service as a heavy equipment/crane operator. The last two years, he went back to being a fireman, until retiring in 1989.

He married Beatrice Denimes on Feb. 29, 1992. They enjoyed fishing, clamming, camping with family and gardening. He loved dressing up as Grandpa Santa for his beloved grandchildren. They were members of the Assembly of God Church and North Peaks Christian Fellowship in Sedro-Woolley. Bea passed away on Dec. 25, 2009.

Darold was preceded in death by Doris, Beatrice; his parent Joseph and Louise; and brothers Earl and Leonard Hassler.

Survivors include his children, Peggy (Dallas) Anderson of Oak Harbor, Lennie (Sherry) Hassler of Sedro-Woolley, Monte (Debbie) Hassler of Oak Harbor, and Brenda (Howard) Belisle of Sedro-Woolley; sisters, Goldie (Don) Drapf of Anacortes, and Joyce Evans of Oak Harbor; brothers Leslie Hassler of Oak Harbor, Gilbert Hassler of Marysville, and Joe (Irene) Hassler of Clear Lake; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He loved his family deeply and knew well the love they returned.

A memorial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 24, at North Peaks Christian Fellowship, Ball and Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Three Rivers Inn (Alfy’s) in Sedro-Woolley.

Memorials are suggested to Skagit Hospice, American Lung Association, or a local children’s fund.