Ken H. ‘Dutch’ Dausey

Ken H. Dausey, 62, died March 17, 2006 at University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle. Ken was born in Chico, Calif., on May 23, 1943 to Dutch and Leila (Knox) Dausey. He graduated from Paradise High in 1961. Ken was married to Dona D. Eiken-Gavagan on Jan. 1, 1991 in Oak Harbor.

Ken served with the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves from 1961 to 1992, retiring as a Master Chief. Following his active duty service, Ken worked for NAS Whidbey Island retiring as the Regional Video Teleconferencing Manager. He and Dona owned Island Ceramics and Ken was a certified Duncan Ceramics Instructor and belonged to the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Ken bowled for more than 20 years, coached Senior League baseball, and was a member of the NRA, the North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead-Muzzall Post 7392 of Oak Harbor.

Never a man of idle hands, Ken enjoyed many things in life, such as boating, sports, travel, nature and all its beauty, and spending time with family and friends. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, making custom fishing poles and fly tying.

The two things that brought him the most happiness and relaxation besides his family and friends were hunting and fishing. Each year there was much excitement and anticipation before the hunting and fishing seasons began. After each season ended, the preparations for the next season began immediately. The memories and stories from these expeditions will be shared for years to come. Ken left this world with the knowledge that he had passed his skills and traditions to his family who will continue them from generation to generation.

Ken’s family and friends will remember him as a loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful friend, and a strong and positive influence on their lives.

Ken is survived by his wife Dona at the family home, Oak Harbor; by six children and their spouses: Michael and Cindy Dausey of Oak Harbor; Steve and Kristi Dausey of Minnesota; Ken and Kari Dausey of Oak Harbor; Francine “Missy” and Larry Bogues of Burlington; Terri Taylor of Oak Harbor and Lynda and John Vargas of West Sacramento, Calif. Thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his first wife Gloria, his parents and one brother, Robert Dausey.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, March 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel. Funeral services for Ken Dausey will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oak Harbor with Bishop Pat McCourt officiating. Full military honors will follow under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A memorial service will also be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2006 at Chapel of the Pines, Paradise, Calif. Internment will follow at 2:30 at the Paradise Cemetery.