Dewain C. Vick

Dewain C. Vick passed away Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 at the age of 83. His loving wife and family were by his side.

Dewain was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Helen Vick, first wife, Suzanne and grandson, Francis M. Marchant. He is survived by his wife, Pat Ward-Vick, daughters, Debbie Vick, Kathy (Carl) Rehling, Marianne Vick, Nora (Dave) Ellis, Sue (Bryan) Wheless and Amy (Mike) Marchant; sons, John (Jackie) Vick, Dave (Linda) Ward and Steve (Cathy) Ward; 26 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; brother, Don (Joey) Vick; nephew Don Ed (Judy) Vick and 2 great nephews.

Dewain was born in Lorain, Ohio. His father and uncles worked in the local steel mill and shipyards. His parents borrowed a car every year to take their sons on a month long trip across the USA.

Dewain worked at the corner drug store through high school, then briefly at U.S. Steel Corporation. His acceptance to University of Arizona arrived the same day as his draft notice. He joined the USAF in 1954 and arrived for training at Lackland AFB, Texas as a 20 year old, fashionably dressed right down to his blue suede shoes. Just a year later, he was commissioned as an officer and navigator in the USAF. Well dressed still, albeit in uniforms, flight and pressure suits.

In 1956, Dewain and Suzanne Underwood met and married in Florida (Patrick AFB) until her death in 1992. They raised 7 children while assignments took them to Mather AFB, Turner AFB, Beale AFB, the Philippines (Clark AFB) and back to Beale AFB. In those 36 years, the family developed into a tight knit group. To this day, the Vick kids seem to travel as a pack.

In Dewain's B-52 days, he was on an elite handpicked crew that dropped 9 nuclear (test) devices (Operation Dominic). Beale AFB (1966-1974) were special years for Dewain and family. They enjoyed every moment of his assignment as Navigator (RSO) to the SR-71 Blackbird program. The bonds made particularly with Jarvis and Kogler families have remained to this day. It was during this period Dewain and pilot, Tom Estes, received the 1971 Mackay Trophy (USAF) and Harmon Trophy (International) for establishing new world records for duration and distance covered. The trophies are in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C. They received their awards in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington D.C. from President Nixon and Senator Goldwater. After retiring 1980 as Lt. Colonel Dewain Vick, he began his new career joining friends, Mort and Jim at Hub Realty.

In 1993, Dewain and Pat Ward (widow of

Haskell Ward) began their love story. They began as friends in the real estate business. They embraced each other's families, which continued to expand as more grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. Dewain was absorbed into Pat's amazing circle of friends. Maui and Waikiki were favorite places to vacation through their 24 years together.

Dewain lived his faith as he did his life, with a quiet unshakable commitment. Sunday Mass was a top priority. He was grateful for those at St. Isidore Church who visited and tended to his spiritual needs when not able to attend in person. It is fitting that he will be memorialized in the same church he attended for 40 years.

A truly good man, Dewain was devoted to his family, friends and faith and proudly served in the USAF for 26 years. He has left a wonderful legacy and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity would be appreciated.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Yuba City, Thursday, April 20th, 2017 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at Peach Tree Country Club, Marysville.

Send Condolences to

www.appealdemocrat.com