Dennis Frank Coykendall of Hermiston passed away on July 17, 2023 at the age of 78.
Dennis was born on Flag Day (June 14, 1945) in Modesto, Calif. to Frank See and Marie Groom Coykendall.
Dennis graduated from Manteca Union High School in 1963. While attending there, he proudly led the band as drum major in the 1961 Rose Bowl parade. Dennis will be remembered for his friendly personality and enthusiasm to volunteer and help. He obtained EMT training in his California days and was a volunteer firefighter, and volunteered himself – and his family as well – for river cleanup with the fly fishing club and other community projects. He obtained his ham radio license (call sign AC7KA) and enjoyed talking to other ham radio operators all over the world. He was a member of the Hermiston Elks Lodge, volunteering at fairs and various Elks projects.
A man of varied interests and driven by curiosity, Dennis loved to puzzle things out and share his knowledge with those around him, from stories of hauling hay through blazing sun and extreme snow in Nevada and northern California to many interesting family trips. His varied interests included photography and jewelry making. In recent years, he started woodworking and spent many hours in his shop making fine woodworking items for family and friends and to sell locally.
Dennis worked for Suburban Propane in California for many years, first as a manager then as a transport driver. He started work for Walmart and moved to Hermiston in 1998. After many years of service and many miles driven in the Pacific Northwest, he retired from Walmart and enjoyed spending time at home in his wood shop.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Michelle A. (Shelley) Coykendall; daughters, Michelle L. Coykendall and Valerie A. Ladowski; stepsons, Kenneth L. and Sean T. Kaplan; and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life date is pending.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
