Dennis Owen Samuelson, 81, died May 18, 2002, in Everett.

He was born 23, 1921, in Mahtomedi, Minn., to Paul Samuelson and Ruth Johnson.

Denny moved from Minnesota to Seattle in 1939 to attend the University of Washington. Shortly thereafter, he met and fell in love with Elizabeth Carter. The two were married Dec. 12, 1941, in Seattle. For 60 years they were deeply devoted to each other and rarely apart.

Denny served in the Army in World War II and served in Italy. After completing his service, he returned to Seattle to complete an engineering degree at the University of Washington. In 1949 the family moved to San Diego, where he eventually began a career at Solar, a division of International Harvester.

In 1977, after retiring, he and Beth returned to their roots in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Whidbey Island. He owned and operated Whidbey Realty in Freeland for many years. He found real estate rewarding and viewed the profession as a way of helping people realize their dreams. He was a generous contributor to the community, both in California and on the island.

His family and friends are left with warm and unique memories of the ways he shared his love and gifts. Some of their fondest memories include his perfectly smoked turkeys; his roles as Boy Scout leader, school board member and umpire; and his love of chocolate, pickled pigs feet, and candied orange slices. He also played a mean harmonica and loved to fly kites.

Mr. Samuelson enjoyed the outdoors and traveling. His family has fond memories of adventures in the family station wagon and his creatively designed campers. Eventually he and Beth were able to spend more than a decade in his retirement exploring all over the United States and Canada behind the wheel of his 36-foot motor home.

He was a lifelong supporter of Husky football and also an avid baseball fan. He rarely missed a Mariners’ game on television and frequently warmed a seat at Everett Aquasox games. Even though he referred to himself as a duffer on the golf course, he still managed to achieve two holes-in-one.

Mr. Samuelson was a devoted dog lover his entire life. From purebreds to mutts, and in all shapes and sizes, he always had a faithful dog by his side.

As his family and friends reflect on their times with this wonderful man, they are filled with joy and laughter and are grateful for the many ways that his spirit has touched them and will continue to shape their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; his children Kathie, Blair, Steve and Paul; many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger; and his cat, Jasper.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Clinton.