Dennis Duane Eckols

Dennis Duane Eckols passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 76. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend—remembered for his warmth, wisdom, humor, and unwavering generosity of spirit.

Born in Berkeley, California, to Duane and Patricia Eckols, Dennis spent his early years in California and Utah before the family settled in Portland, Oregon. His youth was shaped by outdoor adventures, cross-country road trips to California, and a deep bond with his father, who instilled in him a love of learning, leadership, and life.

Summers were marked by memorable road trips back to California—visiting grandparents in El Cerrito and San Diego, making side trips to Disneyland, and swimming and body surfing at Mission Beach. These annual journeys sparked a lifelong love of travel, the outdoors, and especially the Golden State. “California, here we come, right back where we started from!” became a cherished refrain.

Dennis was a standout student and athlete, excelling in music, cross-country, and marksmanship as a member of Sunset High Schools' State Champion Rifle Team. His passion for adventure led him to surf Oregon’s cold waves—an early sign of the courage and enthusiasm that would define his life.

He participated in Cub Scouts in Utah and rose through the ranks of Boy Scouts in Portland, ultimately earning the rank of Life Scout. His attendance at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico after his freshman year of high school boosted his confidence and planted early seeds of the servant leadership he would come to embody.

Dennis attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business, Management, and Marketing in 1971. More importantly, it was there—during their freshman year—that he met the love of his life, Linda. They married in Corvallis and shared over five decades of adventure, partnership, and deep connection—traveling the world together and raising a family grounded in love and laughter. Their marriage was a true partnership, rooted in mutual respect, unwavering support, and genuine joy in one another’s company.

Professionally, Dennis was a gifted merchant and visionary leader in the fashion retail industry. His 40-year career began at Meier & Frank (The May Company), where he quickly rose through the ranks. He later held senior merchandising roles at Dayton Hudson Department Stores before joining Fred Meyer in 1982.

At Fred Meyer, Dennis served in several influential executive positions, including Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager for Menswear, and later, Group Vice President of the Home Group. He played a key role in the integration of Fred Meyer into Kroger, launching innovative home and apparel merchandising strategies that helped shape the supercenter retail model. His leadership was marked by strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and a deep respect for his teams.

After retiring from Kroger in 2003, Dennis was drawn back into the business world by a promising startup: Baggallini, a handbag and travel accessories brand. As COO and later President, he led the company through a period of explosive growth, expanding distribution across the U.S. and internationally into Europe, China, Japan, and Australia. Under his leadership, Baggallini was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country.

Dennis was beloved and admired by his colleagues, business associates, friends, and family for his down-to-earth and approachable style, positivity, sharp wit, and wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor. He had a rare and beautiful gift for human connection—making others feel not only completely valued but also deeply capable. With a warm heart and plenty of humor, he asked insightful questions that gently guided others toward solutions that were both practical and filled with purpose. Dennis’s special qualities earned him the adoration of everyone who knew him; he was universally loved. Through his servant leadership and mentorship, Dennis touched and transformed the lives and careers of many, enabling others to achieve exponential success and fulfillment.

Above all, Dennis was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his daughter, Aaron, and her husband, Greg; and his treasured grandchildren, Cole and Ruby. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Lindsey, whose memory remained ever-present in his heart. Dennis’s love for his daughters knew no bounds, and his pride in them was a constant source of joy throughout his life. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who were fortunate to be a part of his journey and will forever cherish his memory.

Dennis lived with grace, humor, and purpose. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the teams he led, and the love he gave so freely.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20th, from 2-5pm at The Aerie at Eagle Landing in Happy Valley. Please submit RSVP and queries to Aaron at 503.913.1073.