Richard Anton Pannkuk

Richard “Tony” Anton Pannkuk, 69, of Rochester, Wash., passed away near Prince George, Canada, Oct. 3, 2016. He was born July 7, 1947, in Olympia, Wash., to Edward and Pearl Pannkuk.

Tony grew up on the family farm with his five brothers and four sisters.

In 2002, he retired from Lewis County Fire District 12 (Riverside) as Assistant Fire Chief, after 25 years of service. Tony spent most of his adult life supporting his community as the former Fire Chief for the Rochester Fire Department and teaching CPR to high school students. At his 50 year class reunion, Tony received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements.

He was an avid outdoorsman and spent his years in retirement pursing his passion of traveling the world, hunting, skiing, writing for outdoor magazines and producing hunting videos. He was a life member with the Guide and Outfitters Association of British Columbia and an active National Rifle Association member. Tony was greatly loved and will be missed dearly... Tony passed away of a heart attack in the mountains of Prince George, British Columbia, while hunting moose and wolf. He had a charismatic personality with a wonderful sense of humor and was a consummate teacher and mentor who touched the lives of many. He was never shy about stopping and talking to strangers or giving a helping hand to someone in need.

Tony is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pam; five children, Michal, Whitney, Lori (husband Doug), Hobe (wife Shoni) and Rich (wife Gaby); 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Anderson. At the family’s request, donations may be made to Riverside Fire District in Centralia or West Thurston 1 Fire District in Rochester.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, October 13, 2016 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Church, Chehalis

Graveside Service: following at Grand Mound Cemetery

Celebration of Life Potluck: Riverside Fire Authority, 1818 Harrison Ave., Centralia.