Obituary of Dean Henry Hummels

Dean Henry Hummels, DVM Dean Henry Hummels, a Camas resident, died in Vancouver on Wednesday April 1st. He was 60 years old. Dean was born in Vancouver, Wash. to Lucille Ann Turpin and Leslie Elmer Hummels but grew up in Woodland, Wash. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1967. He and Gretchen Eklund were married in 1975 in Silverton, Ore. He continued his education graduating from Washington State University in 1980 with his doctorate in veterinary medicine. Soon after that they moved to the Bingen/White Salmon area where he cared for local animals at Alpine Veterinary Hospital, endearing himself to the community. In 1991 the family moved to Camas where he opened Summit Animal Hospital in 1996. In 1998 he suffered a debilitating stroke and had to give up working. But it didn't crush his spirit and he survived enjoying fishing and golfing. Other interests included reading and learning about and enjoying wine. He was a faithful member of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Camas and volunteered for many organizations including CASA and Stroke Support in Clark County. Above all he was a 'people person.' Dean is survived by his wife Gretchen and daughter Erin, both of Camas; mother Lucille of Woodland; twin brother Gene of Vancouver; sisters Merry Jensen of Redmond, Wash, Ann Allen of Woodland and Carrie Zommers of Vancouver as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leslie in 2005. A private graveside service will be held for the family at the Frank Abel Cemetery in Woodland, Wash. A memorial service celebrating his life will be Sunday April 5, 2009 at 2PM at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Camas. The family suggests that those who wish may make donations to Ray Hickey Hospice House, Stroke Support of Clark County or Southwest Washington Humane Society. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation of Camas is in charge of the arrangements. If you would like to send condolences or sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.