Leland Tyacke

1934 - 2023

Leland Tyacke, a Korean War Veteran and longtime resident of Marysville, WA, left this world on October 20, 2023, surrounded by family. Born on Halloween day, October 31, 1934, in Hitchcock, South Dakota, Leland Tyacke was a true son of the heartland. At the age of 17, he answered the call of duty and proudly served his country in the Korean War with the 461st Infantry Heavy Mortar Battalion.

 

Upon returning from Korea, he worked as a refrigeration engineer at the Twin City Foods Cannery in Stanwood. It was then love at first sight when he met Doris Wiig and they were married on Sept 2, 1955.  Leland later started working for Seattle City Light and the family moved to Newhalem. Leland was known for sharing vivid stories about his time working on the dams, as well as his experiences driving a ferry boat on Diablo Lake, before ultimately becoming a Seattle firefighter in 1964. Leland cherished his experiences with the Seattle Fire Department, including working on the fireboats, inspecting new highrises, and monitoring fire safety at parades, University of Washington football games, and other city events. In 1982, he concluded his career with the Seattle Fire Department and subsequently took on the role of fire marshal at Longacres horse race track. After multiple retirements, Leland continued to work different side jobs, putting his skilled mechanic talents to good use.

 

Leland was a devoted bowler, traveling the nation to participate in competitions and becoming a member of several local leagues. He was renowned for his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, having achieved the rare and remarkable feat of perfect 300 games on multiple occasions. During his free moments, he found joy in activities such as fishing, hunting, racing, camping, and indulging in Hallmark channel shows, all while relishing quality time with his family and friends. Leland’s legacy leaves a lasting impression with his commitment to his country, his adventurous nature, and the boundless love he bestowed upon his family throughout his extraordinary life.

 

Leland was preceded in death by his cherished wife of six decades, as well as his parents, Leland Tyacke Sr. and Mae Hart, his brothers Leon and Gary, and his son Kenneth and daughter Cheryl. He is survived by his sister, Janice Hall, and three of his children: Connie, Christy, and Kevin, along with their respective spouses. Leland's legacy also includes nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home, in Mount Vernon, to honor and remember the life of Leland Tyacke at 2 pm on November 18th. Leland Tyacke's memory will forever burn bright in our hearts, a testament to a life well-lived, and a man deeply loved. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Doris, in eternal happiness.