Dean Richard Eyler, born Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1927, in Peoria, Ill., to Earl and Ida (Pruitt) Eyler, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Oak Harbor.
He served in the United States Army Air Force for three years from 1945-48, during its change to an independent U.S. Air Force, and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
He became a licensed pilot and flew recreationally in his early twenties before he met Carol Stormes in Yakima, Wash. They were married Nov. 11, 1955.
Dean worked at Puget Sound Power &Light Company from 1958 until he retired in 1990. He started out as a lineman, then moved up to service lineman, and finished his career in Oak Harbor as a line foreman.
After Carol retired, they spent 10 years migrating as snowbirds from Anacortes to Yuma, Ariz. He enjoyed every minute while traveling with Carol. They traveled often, went on cruises, and explored as far away as they could go. Dean cherished lounging in the sun on their multiple trips to Hawaii.
An avid fisherman, he loved to fish for salmon with his sons in the waters of Puget Sound. Dean’s final resting place will be at one of the family’s favorite fishing spots on Ross Lake. He was a man who loved his family and always took care of them.
Dean was a member of the Fidalgo Masonic Lodge #77 of Anacortes, the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362 and the Nile Temple Shriners of Seattle, Wash., for 50 years.
Those surviving Dean are his wife Carol; three children, Steve (Amy) of Washington, Ken (Jonnie) of Nevada and Deanne (Jim) of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Dean in death were his parents Earl and Ida, two sisters, two brothers and one granddaughter.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Northwest in Mount Vernon, Wash., for their excellent care of Dean, and family, during his last days.
A celebration of life will be held in Dean’s honor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at the NAS Whidbey Chief Petty Officers’ Club.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, WA.
