Cmdr. Alfred George (Al) Siebecke, USN, Ret., “Big Al” the “Dancing Bear,” from Birdsview, Wash., passed away on March 10, 2012, at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon surrounded by family and friends.

A memorial and celebration of Cdr. Siebecke’s life with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Central United Methodist Church, 1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley. A light lunch reception will immediately follow with a time for gathering and remembrance. The family requests no flowers, rather, that donations are given in Al’s name to the Salvation Army where his grandmother served for many years as an officer. In accordance with Al’s wishes, inurnment will take place at a later date at Tahoma National Cemetery. Cremation is under direction of The Neptune Society.