Dennis Lester Houk

Published 4:03 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2014

August 21, 1950 – June 2, 2014Dennis Lester Houk of Port Angeles, formerly of Bend, Oregon, passed away from a stroke at the age of 63, on June 2, 1950.He was born August 21, 1950 in Prineville, Oregon to Don and Ruth Houk. Dennis was raised with four siblings, David, Donna, Don and Debbie. At 17, he joined the Marines and proudly served as a sergeant in VietNam from 1967 to 1970. When he returned home, he married his first wife, Judith ‘Judi’ Getz. Together they had three children, David, Diana and Dena Houk. His two oldest biological children, David and Diana, preceded him in death. He then married his second wife, Judy Heagy on December 10, 1994. He lovingly devoted his time to her – her children, Kurt Wilson, Philip ‘Jim’ Wilson and Julie (Kevin) Taylor – and their two dogs, until her passing in Oregon. Throughout the progression of his working career, Dennis established a reputation as a hardworking man who successfully orchestrated the construction of several homes for Kenny Walters in Sunriver, Oregon. He then worked as a foreman for Keeton-King Construction for 24 years. Even when he finally decided to retire and move to Port Angeles in order to be closer to his daughter, Dena Schneider, he was still hard at work crafting and creating a flourishing atmosphere for her recent up and coming business, Common Grounds Caf. It was his love for his children, grandchildren, friends, and dogs, that gave him his zest for life. Dennis is survived by his daughter, Dena (Eric) Schneider of Port Angeles, WA; and grandchildren, Michael (Holly) Jones of Port Angeles, Brandon Jones of Pasa Robles, CA, Cara Barnett of Port Angeles, Jimmy Schneider and his partner, Martha of Port Angeles; Sarah Schneider of Port Angeles; and his great-grandchildren, Leah Jones and Connor Schneider of Port Angeles. He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Heath Wilson, Julie (Kevin) Taylor, and Phillip ‘Jim’ (Maria ‘Lulu’) Wilson; stepgrandchildren, Brittney Wilson, Kacey Powell, Cyrus Taylor, Tristan Taylor, and Adam Wilson; and step- great-grandchildren, Xavier and Skylar. A memorial gathering with military attendance will take place at 4 p.m. June 14 at Common Grounds Caf 525 E. 8th St., Port Angeles, WA.