George Lewis Dukes Jr., age 81, a resident of Ocean Shores, died on Dec. 2, 2016, at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam. Mr. Dukes was born on Oct. 15, 1935, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to George Lewis Dukes Sr. and Alice Alexandrena (Ortiz) Dukes.
In 1953, George graduated from Clover Park High School in Tacoma. He then served in the U.S. military in a reserve status during the Korean Conflict. He would later graduate from the University of Washington in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. The bulk of his career in chemical engineering was spent in Alaska where he retired as Technical Director of the Alaska Division of Louisiana Pacific Corp.
Mr. Dukes was an avid outdoorsman where the Alaska environment suited him well. He especially enjoyed hiking. He had built an 18’ skiff that he and a friend went from Tacoma to Alaska and back. Mr. Dukes was a scout master of Boy Scout Troop 1 in Ketchikan and was a member of Toastmasters.
For over twenty years, Mr. Dukes was affiliated with Lions Club International, first with in Cottonwood, Calif. from 1997 to 2003. Upon moving to Ocean Shores in 2004, he joined the Ocean Shores Lions and was active to present day. He had received Lions highest recognition as a Melvin Jones Recipient, served as Lion Tamer for twelve years and enjoyed working the food booth during OS Convention Center activities. He is remembered for never saying no if asked and was very dependable.
He and Aletta Lou Copening were married on Feb. 2, 1962. She survives at the family home in Ocean Shores. Other relatives include a son, George Lewis Dukes, III and grandchild, Jesse Atwood, brothers, John Dukes and Lloyd Dukes and a sister Alice Anderson.
A son, Robert Marion Dukes and a brother, Ken Dukes preceded him in death.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Grays Harbor College for scholarships in Engineering and Science.
A private ceremony for the family will be held at a later date
Direction is by Coleman Mortuary, 422 – 5th Street in Hoquiam, Wash.
Please take a moment to record your thoughts by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
