Denny Lew Kimmel, 77, of Poulsbo, died Friday, October 18, 2013.

He was born to the late Harland Kimmel and Dorothy Magoon Spalding, September 19, 1936, in Juneau, Alaska. Denny graduated from Ocosta High School in 1954, attended Grays Harbor Community College and received a BA in Education from Western Washington University. He married Patricia Gail Cooper on August 13, 1960 on Bainbridge Island.

Denny inspired many as a teacher and a coach in the Sumner, Central Kitsap and North Kitsap School Districts. Marine Biology was a favorite class of his as was the Odin Inn vocational program he helped to develop. Denny enjoyed lunch and cookies at the Odin Inn even recently.

Although Denny enjoyed teaching his real love was for the sea. His commercial fishing career led him to many ports of call from Alaska down to Mexico. He fished for salmon, black cod, halibut and tuna until his retirement. His boats, the New Day, and later the Dream Catcher, were fixtures at the Poulsbo Marina for many years.

Denny became an integral part of the Poulsbo business community starting New Day Fisheries, the New Day Eatery and Valkyrie Boat Tours. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, and president of many fishing associations throughout his lifetime.

Denny loved dancing, golfing, hunting, digging razor clams and traveling in his motor home.

He is survived by Gail, his wife of 53 years; three children, Steven Kimmel (Joanie Reitan) of Seattle; Scott Kimmel (Joni) of Poulsbo, WA; Wendy Baldwin (Kittredge) of Poulsbo; eight grandchildren, Mariah, Jody, Spencer, Abigail, Henry, Jackson, Tess, Ellie; a sister, Sharon Miller (Pat) of Klamath Falls, Ore. and various nieces and nephews.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Poulsbo Historical Society, PO Box 844, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

A celebration of life was held at Kiana Lodge on Sunday, November 17.