Dennis Tim Waddell

Astoria native and lifelong resident Dennis T. Waddell passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Astoria.

He was born to William Custer and Ann (Malagamba) Waddell on Aug. 29, 1941, in Astoria.

He graduated from Astoria High School in 1959, and later got a degree in fire protection from Clatsop Community College.

He served in the National Guard.

He worked at the Port Plywood Mill for a time before going to work for the Astoria Fire Department, where he worked for 25 years before retiring as Battalion Chief Waddell in 1991.

He married his wife of 52 years, Alice Colleen Prestgard, on Dec. 5, 1964, in Westport, Oregon.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman, and fishing, hunting and trapping were his passions. He really enjoyed berry picking, clam digging and just spending time in the woods. He also spent many hours fishing and exploring with his longtime friend and co-worker, Jim “Mac” McDermott.

In later years, he really enjoyed growing his vegetable garden and feeding the birds that visited his backyard. He and Alice also enjoyed frequent rides in the country, where they had many friends they would stop to visit.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Alice; son Mark and his partner, Keao Kanoho; brother and sister-in-law Kenny and Chandra Waddell; brother Bill Waddell; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey.

He is also survived by his beloved Smokey, who misses his lap terribly.

There will be a celebration of life potluck at the Olney Grange on Oregon Highway 202 in Olney, Oregon, on Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m.