Dennis Gordon Carman, age 71, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington.
He was born July 30, 1938 in Omak, Washington to Robert and Floy Eden Carman. Dennis grew up in Omak and at age 15 Dennis and his family moved to College Place, Washington; it was there that he married his wife Connie on June 14, 1959. He completed his schooling, graduating in 1960 from Walla Walla College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Dennis and Connie moved to the Skagit Valley in 1960 and Dennis worked as the chief accountant at Northern State Hospital in Sedro Woolley until the early 1970’s. He then joined Williams and Nulle CPA’s in Mount Vernon, working there as a Certified Public Accountant until his retirement in 2004.
Dennis owned and operated three restaurants in the Valley over the years: Hal’s Drive-In in Sedro-Woolley, Drumman’s Restaurant, and Cranberry Tree in Mount Vernon.
Besides his family, Dennis’s great passion in life was his active involvement in the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burlington, serving as church treasurer, organist, and worship coordinator for over 40 years. He also helped found Skagit Adventist School, and at various times served as board chair and treasurer.
Dennis was an avid bridge player, golfer and member of Skagit Golf & Country Club. He served on the board of Auburn Adventist Academy and as treasurer on the Skagit Symphony Board of Directors. Dennis was a sports enthusiast, taking frequent advantage of his season tickets to both the Seahawks and the Mariners. In his free time he enjoyed camping, water sports, house boating and teaching friends to water-ski at Lake Samish.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie, of Mount Vernon. He is also survived by his children, Sheryl Kidrick and husband Mike of Mount Vernon, Kathy Comfort and husband Kim of University Place, Washington, and Brad Carman of Mount Vernon. Dennis loved spending time with his five grandchildren, Phillip and Rachel Brink of Mount Vernon, and Jake, Andy, and Ben Comfort of University Place. Dennis is also survived by his sister, Darlene Knapp and husband Norman of Gresham, Oregon, his brother, Don Carman and wife Vivian of Boring, Oregon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Merlin and Wendell, and sister, Roberta Crawford.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff in the Critical Care Unit of Skagit Valley Hospital, Physician’s Care Family Medicine and especially to Drs. Jonathan Fish and Brian Kendregan.
Private Family Graveside Services will be held at Hawthorne Lawn Memorial Park in Mount Vernon. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burlington with Pastor Mark Witas officiating. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Adventist School or Skagit Valley Friendship House in Mount Vernon. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
