The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

LeRoy Julius Wika was born on March 19, 1930 on Puget Island,WA to Torleif and Hazel (Olsen) Wika. He died on August 11th at a Vancouver hospital.

He was a 1948 graduate of Wahkiakum High School. LeRoy lived his entire life in Wahkiakum County.

He married Norma Jean Witham in 1949 and she preceded him in 1972.

He commercial fished for 54 years, 25 of those in Cordova and Cook Inlet, AK and four years in Bristol Bay, AK. He fished the Columbia River most of his life retiring in 2004.

He married Dawn Mitchell on November 3, 1979 and she survives him at home. Dawn and LeRoy enjoyed more than 20 winters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He was a Wahkiakum Port Commissioner, member of Salmon For All, Columbia River Fisherman's Protective Union, United Cook Inlet Drift Association and a 50 year Longview-Kelso Elks Member.

In addition to Dawn, LeRoy is survived by his two sons, Rick Wika (Carolyn), Chris Wika, three sisters, Jean Kenner (Ralph), Vivian Olsen, Linda DeBriae (Jerry), two grandchildren, Katie and Lance Wika and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a son Chuck Wika and his brother-in-law Bob Olsen. A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday August 18th at 1 p.m., at the Norse Hall on Puget Island.Those who wish may contribute in LeRoy's name to the charity of their choice. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -