Dennis Leo Harkonen was born Sept. 15, 1936 in Hoquiam, Washington, to Frances and Aino Harkonen. He grew up in the time and place of the strong Finnish and Irish communities of Grays Harbor, playing baseball, riding his bicycle and tending his dogs. It was a world where the lumber mills and the Pacific Ocean met. He loved music, from Chopin to Fleetwood Mac to John Phillip Sousa to Taylor Swift, but he went through several piano teachers as none recognized his (apparently hidden) talent.

Denny attended the University of Washington and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Boeing soon after graduation and retired in 1995, a proud and faithful employee.

Denny loved boating and skiing, trips to Hawaii, sporty cars, Husky football, Mariners baseball, and lunches out with friends and family. His curiosity and great sense of humor entertained all. He always wanted to know “why?” and was not usually satisfied with an easy answer to anything complex, but could then laugh at himself in response.

Denny is survived by his brother Dave, sister-in-law Joanne, his three nieces and their families.

Denny supported Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Union Gospel Mission, various charities for U.S. veterans, and was a life-long dog lover. The family suggests remembrances in his honor to these organizations or those that support the same causes.

Private services will be held, and Denny will be interred at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, Washington. In his honor, be curious, have a great laugh, and enjoy life, as he did.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.