Harry James Denny passed peacefully, Oct. 15, 2016, seven days shy of his 91st birthday. Born Oct. 22, 1925 in McCleary, Wash., his family moved to the Aberdeen / Hoquiam area when he was two. Harry grew up and attended Hoquiam schools, graduating early from Hoquiam High so he could enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1943.
After enlistment, Harry was an Aviation Radioman / Gunner and saw service in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean area of operations. In 1944, he was transferred to the Pacific theater and attached to a squadron that saw service from the Southern Philippines to Northern Japan. Harry was part of an 11-man crew on a PBY during the invasion of Okinawa, Japan. His plane, made for water landings, would rescue downed American crews. After one particular mission, word was received that an atomic bomb had been dropped. Everyone’s reaction was, “Oh, what is that?” His crew had seen the mushroom cloud and not knowing what they had witnessed, had assumed a large weapons depot had been hit by an airstrike. Harry was awarded numerous medals for his service during WWII including the Philippine Liberation Medal.
Upon his return to the States, Harry remained in the Naval Reserve. While in the Reserves, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer and was active in squadrons flying out of NAS Seattle and then NAS Whidbey Island. During this time, he was attached to anti-submarine warfare squadrons. Harry’s last assignment prior to retiring from the reserve was as Commanding Officer of one of the Reserve ASW Patrol Squadrons. Harry served a total of 32 years active and reserve duty combined in the U.S. Navy. He was proud of his Navy service and his service to his country.
In 1951, Harry married the true love of his life, June Reece. Harry and June had met as children, he 5 and she 3. For 18 years they did not see each other. They just recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Harry’s civilian career began with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier out of Montesano, Wash. He worked for the USPS for more than 30 years, serving the last ten years as Montesano’s Postmaster. During those 10 years, he was often assigned as a training postmaster for newly appointed postmasters and also as a rural inspector for various offices. He was also the temporary Postmaster for the Aberdeen Post Office while a new Postmaster was selected.
One of Harry’s favorite pre and post-retirement activities was fishing. On the rivers around Montesano with friends or on a charter out of Westport.
After Harry’s retirement from the USPS and the military, Harry and June enjoyed exploring the U.S. in their RV, including a trip up the Alcan Highway to Alaska and over to the Northern tip of Maine. They eventually became “snowbirds” settling in Yuma and Coolidge, Ariz. during the winter months. He began woodcarving and honing his skill. It was a passion of his and he created beautiful pieces of art, winning several competitions with his entries.
Harry’s other passion was playing the harmonica. His collection is now close to 32 harmonicas in every flat and sharp and through the years has entertained many with his love of music.
Harry was an Elder in the Montesano Presbyterian Church and served as their treasurer for several years. He was also an associate member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Coolidge, Ariz. and attended the Boisfort Community Church in Curtis, Wash.
Harry was a member of various service and military organizations dating back to WWII, including VFW Post 2455 of Montesano. He was an active member of the Montesano community, serving 28 years as a volunteer fireman. He was also on the city’s Chamber of Commerce and the Montesano School Board.
Harry is survived by his wife, the love of his life, June, and their three daughters; daughter Kevin Ann and husband Monty Kurek and their two sons, Bryce and Kyle, Kyle’s wife Jessica and two great-grandchildren, Madison June and Cody James; daughter Rebecca Lynn and husband Barry Martin and their son Nolan and Nolan’s fiancé Nora; daughter Mollie Kathleen and husband Bruce Laaksonen and their two sons, Ryker and Derek and Derek’s wife Farrell.
A memorial service will be held at Woodland Village Retirement Center in Chehalis, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a card be sent to June or if a donation is made, please make it to your charity of choice.
