DALE DESKINS

1924 - 2017

Dale L. Deskins Remembering Retired Assistant Chief Although gone, in our memory (Dale/Dad) still speaks to us: "Born and raised on the North Fork, near Chahalis. Age 11, misdiagnosed with tuberculosis and quarantined on the farmhouse porch. This marked my idea of wellness for a lifetime. "Graduated from Chehalis High in 1942 and joined the United States Army. Got out of the army and in 1947 went to work as a desk clerk for the Tacoma Police Department, I retired as Assistant Chief. "28 years in Tacoma, got married, moved into a new home to raise and coach kids (three of my own). Remarried and moved from Tacoma to the countryside with June Deskins (Joachim) and built a home back on the North Fork of the Newaukum River with a notion toward decades of hunting, fishing, gardening and golfing. "Yes, left the city for a rural and restful retirement: side by side with June, keeping the kindling cut, the wood pile chock-full, the fire warm. Feeding the deer cracked corn and sliced apples from the sliding glass door. Taking in stride the Mariners misfortune each year. Wrestling with nine hundred channels when only three were needed. At 75, shot my age, the golf-gang insisted I buy the first round. Always more at ease meandering upstream with a fishing pole. Tumble polishing carnelian agates found along the gravel bar. Rototill a neighbor's garden while sneaking dog biscuits to their pets. Wearing an undershirt until it resembled cellophane (see through). Comfortable knowing that meat, potatoes and gravy were three of the basic food groups and 'keep it coming' was a given. Carry a pocket knife for slivers and a band-aid in your wallet. Do something; lead, follow or get out of the way. 'My departure took care of all 3'." Dale L. Deskins, 93, passed away at his home on the Newaukum River, Oct. 20, 2017. He was born August 27, 1924, to Newaukum Valley homesteaders Ida and Don Deskins. He leaves behind June (Chehalis), his wife of forty-three years; his daughters Pam Deskins; Kim Marvik; his son David (Bobbie); grandsons, Jake (Allison); Casey (Hannah); Erik Marvik (Nicole); Nick Marvik; step-children Brad Joachim (Corky); Denise Romkee (Don); step-grandchildren, Adele Jenks, Brian, Jason and Carrie Johnston; step-great-grandchildren, Julie, Emily, Tatum, Kale Johnston, Cuma Nolan, Rylan and Jaxon Jenks; niece, Bonnie Ione; predeceased by sisters June Kelly (Bill); Virginia Creech (Ernie). A gathering in commemoration will take place Monday, November 20, 1:00, Olympic View Baptist Church, 4707 Elwood Dr. W., University Place. The family would like to thank all those who have been a part of Dale's life.