Larry Wayne DeKay

Larry Wayne DeKay, 72, died peacefully at home in Bothell WA on May 7, 2016. Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years Christie (Cobb) DeKay, sons Scott (Elisia) of Spokane and Nathan (Tia) of Bow WA; sisters Barbara DeKay Shull, Shoreline WA, Dianne DeKay Hickam (John) Sumner, WA and Mary DeKay Skowronski (Walter), Shelton CT ; six grandchildren, Thaddaeus and Natalie DeKay, John and Julie D'Amelio, Jordan Hawley and Lizzy VanGeelkerken; one great-grandchild, with two on the way. He was looking forward to meeting his new great- grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Janet Castilleja (Abel), Francie Taylor (Bob) and Sally Barrett. He is preceded in death by his father, Ray, and his mother, Henrietta Myers DeKay, step-mother, Marie Myers DeKay Carlson, and his nephew Luis Castilleja.

Born on October 29, 1943 in Seattle WA to Henrietta and Ray DeKay, Larry attended Auburn High School and graduated from WWU in 1966. He married Christie Anne DeKay, his college sweetheart, on March 21, 1964 and had a long and happy marriage. After moving to the Seattle area, Larry began working for The Boeing Company in engineering. Larry welcomed two sons, and set about teaching them hunting, fishing and boating. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years. His children remember him as a devoted father who loved and encouraged them.

Larry was associated with the Samish Indian Nation through his wife, Christie. He spent many hours supporting Christie while she was on tribal council. He also skippered the support boat for Canoe Journey for many years. He made many lasting friendships among tribal members, and the tribe will remember him always. It can honestly be said that Larry was one the nicest guys in the world who would give anyone the shirt off his back. Examples of this include the countless hours Larry spent helping his nephew, Luis Castilleja, during Luis' lengthy battle with cancer and other illnesses as well as the two times he put himself in physical danger to rescue fire victims. Larry's passing has taken something good out of this world. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Larry was accomplished at outdoor skills. His shrimping skills were legendary as were his many hunting and fishing trips with his friends. He liked to fix things and would often engage in impromptu repair jobs at friend's and relatives' homes. He was a skilled craftsman. He did much of the work on the major remodel of his home as well as on their vacation home on Hood Canal. Also, his nieces Sarah Johnson Humphries and Rose Castilleja remember him helping make a game board and spinner for a game they were creating while they were Samish Stewards.

He was an active and dedicated member of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Bothell, WA. He always helped with the annual Neah Bay Christmas event.

A memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 19540 104th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011 with a reception to follow at the church. Pastor Dave Rohrer will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry’s memory may be sent to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Bothell, WA.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills, Lynnwood, WA.