Laverne Ecklund

LaVerne "Chub" Nicholas Ecklund, 71 of Port Orchard, died peacefully at home on November 24, 2008 of lung cancer.    He was born in Kenmare, North Dakota on November 12, 1937 to Veronica and Roy Ecklund. He spent his early years in North Dakota before moving with his family to the Port Orchard area in 1943. At age 17, Chub enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Okinawa and at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma. After service, he returned to Port Orchard. Chub worked as a barber and then as an electrician at PSNS until his retirement. He and his wife Patience Cully have been together since 1963.   Chub will be remembered for his strong interest in hunting, fishing and game fowl, which he enjoyed all his life. He coached S.K. Western Little League, Pee Wee Football and basketball for over twenty years. He was happiest surrounded by his family, teaching his grandchildren, cheerfully recounting episodes from his many life experiences, telling a good joke, or enjoying music-making by singing and playing his guitar. Chub touched the lives of people of all ages and walks of life.   Chub was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Donald, Darvin, and Eugene Ecklund and by sisters Delores Hovermale and Elaine Zimney. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Patience, and by his eight children and their spouses - sons Jeff (Robie) of Oldtown, Idaho, Cully (Tracy) of Montesano, WA, Darvin (Mori) of Port Orchard, Andrew (Rendi) of Tumwater, Bradley of Gig Harbor, and Erik of Port Orchard, and daughters Sue Manahan of Conroe, TX and Gretchen England of Santa Maria, CA. Survivors also include his brothers Gerald (Patty), John (Linda) Ecklund of Port Orchard and sisters Rosalie Wenholtz (Bob) of Kalispell, Montana, Vikkie Fine and Bonnie Bennett (Jim) of Port Orchard. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.   A celebration of Chub's life will be held at the Christian Life Center, 1780 SE Lincoln Ave, Port Orchard at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.