SEATTLE – R. Duane Penttila, 57, died Aug. 27, 2007, in Seattle of natural causes. The son of Richard and Patricia (Anderson) Penttila, he was born May 19, 1950, in Ilwaco. He grew up in Naselle where he graduated from Naselle High School in 1968.

Following high school HE attended the University of Washington for two years. He then returned to Naselle where he worked in the woods for Valley 8 Logging. Returning to Seattle he completed his education at the University of Washington, earning a degree in landscape architecture. Moving to Longview he worked four years for the city of Longview Parks Department and also operated his own landscaping business. In 1980 he returned to Seattle where he was employed since by the city of Seattle Parks Department. He held several management positions, most recently as manager of the horticulture and forestry department. He was a certified landscape architect. During Vietnam, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

He and Ruth Duckering were married March 26, 1976, in Seattle. She survives. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Blessed with a friendly, outgoing personality, he made friends easily and was everyone’s best friend. He never forgot his roots in Naselle and went out of his way to keep in touch with family and friends there. He enjoyed salmon fishing, golfing and was a gourmet cook.

Besides his wife, survivors include his son Ryan Penttila of Renton; granddaughter Mele Penttila; mother Patricia Penttila of Naselle; brother Charles “Dean” Penttila of Sedro Woolley; a sister, Darlene Ammer of Deep River; and numerous other members of his extended family.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Sept. 1, with burial at at Salmon Creek Cemetery in Naselle. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 728 134th St. SW, No. 101, Everett, WA 98204. The guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com. Arrangements are by Penttila’s Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach.