Dennis “Butch” Lee McCormick, born in Lebanon, Oregon, passed away peacefully at his home in Puyallup, Washington, on June 6, 2024. He was 79 years old.
Dennis was born Dec. 25, 1944. He grew up near the Calapooia River and often regaled family and friends with stories of his youth, including tales of traveling to town by horse and wagon.
His adventurous spirit led him to join the U.S. Army, where he served in Korea and for several years in Alaska.
After his service, Dennis moved to Sitka, where he raised his family and spent many years as a commercial fisherman. In 1983, the family relocated to Centralia, Washington, where Dennis worked at the local coal mine.
An accomplished athlete, Dennis played baseball during his time in the Army at Fort Richardson, Alaska. One of his cherished memories was throwing a ceremonial pitch to the legendary Satchel Paige during an exhibition game.
His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing and hunting, often taking his daughters on fishing trips to the lakes and rivers around Sitka.
Dennis is survived by his daughters Wendy Peper, Julie Jenkins, Christy Prado and Marcy McCormick, and his many beloved grandchildren who will carry on his legacy through the many stories he shared, especially those from his later years.
His adventurous spirit, love for the outdoors, love of animals and cherished memories will be held close in their hearts forever.
Per his wishes, his family will scatter his ashes in the waters he loved to fish near Sitka, Alaska.
