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DUTCH "(Francis Stewart)" SAVAGE

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DUTCH SAVAGE Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 8, 2013.

DUTCH "FRANCIS STEWART" SAVAGE
JUNE 9, 1935 ~ AUGUST 3, 2013

Dutch Savage, age 78, of Yacolt, WA, has passed away as the result of a major stroke. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on June 9 of 1935.
He is survived by his wife, Willa Stewart, of 32 years; his 5 children, Charlotte Stewart, Danny Stewart, Mark Stewart, Mitzi Graham and Mitchell Stewart; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and brother, Jimmie Stewart.
Dutch loved Salmon fishing, working at home with his tractor, and spending time with his beloved friends and family.
Serving four years in the Air Force as a Drill Instructor, he then worked as a Police Officer. In 1962, going on to Professional Wrestling until retiring in 1981.
He dedicated countless hours to Youth for Drug/Alcohol Awareness.
Dutch had an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ with an unconditional love and concern for his fellow man. He had the roar of a Lion, yet the heart of a lamb.
Dutch was meticulous in all areas of his life, generous in all things. His witty, larger than life sense of humor will forever be remembered. Dutch had an enormous loving heart that he shared with all mankind. A one of a kind loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather that will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Services will be held graveside, Lewisville Cemetery, Thursday, August 8th at 11a.m.
Please sign his Guest Book at:
www.columbian.com/obits.

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Recent Activity

February 18, 2023

Jacque Douglas posted to the memorial.

August 2, 2021

Mike Breed posted to the memorial.

July 6, 2021

Christen Jankowski posted to the memorial.

80 Entries

Jacque Douglas

February 18, 2023

I remember Dutch giving his testimony at church. What an inspiration.

Mike Breed

August 2, 2021

It hardly seems possible that 'The Dutchman' has been gone for 8 years. Such an icon for the PNW and professional Wrestling. Dutch will always live in my heart and mind as the true representative of Portland Wrestling. RIP sir, you are missed!!!!!

Christen Jankowski

July 6, 2021

My wife found The Dutchman when we were buying a home in Battle Ground in 1998. We chatted about wrestling and his career, and I mentioned that Hulk Hogan was going to be doing a photo op for eye doctors at a Vegas Trade Show. Told me to "give Terry my best." So I made a point to stand in line for the photo and after the handshake, told Hulk "Dutch Savage sends his regards." The Hulkster said..."you know the Dutchman...how's he doing, what's he doing, oh I remember some good time and he taught me a lot." We chatted about how he was doing and up in Battle Ground, and it was nice to hear a colleague tell short stories till all the handlers decided it was time to end the old home week reunion. He was a classy guy, and he and his wife gifted us a lovely lamp which I have to this day. One great guy and given is life's missions, I know he's in heaven with his Lord.

William

April 30, 2021

Years ago When a child I used follow all the Portland crew with Don Owen's a great time as a kid

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BRENT L PORTSCHY

February 11, 2021

I really enjoyed visiting in the Safeway in Battle Ground WA, I was meat manager there for many years, he was a regular customer, always very friendly, I saw a post on FB today about Portland wrestlers , and it reminded me of my many conversations with him in the store, I would have loved to have known him better and go on a fishing trip I hear he was so fond of. RIP

Larrie Shelton

August 15, 2020

RIP Dutch. I used to be your neighbor in Vancouver Washington my name's Larry I knew Mark and Mitzi oh, my dad's name was Roger and we were all friends. I was good friends with Mark back in the 70s, Dutch used to take me fishing with him all the time in his boat, great memories rest in peace Dutch

David Wait

August 8, 2019

To my. Friend. Dutch. I. Always. Was. There. When the show. Came up to EVERETT. WASHINGTON. SO. NICE. TO. SEE. YOU. All the. Memories I have. Of you. At the old. Skate Beck. In. Everett.

Bruce Krueger

October 17, 2018

I met once dutch in person at my buddy's funeral Larry gay, I eulogies his funeral, u were good friends, I hope u see Larry and tell him I'm still watching over his boys

Sue Marlette

August 19, 2013

I am deeply sorry for your loss. We watched him faithfully on Portland Wrestling back in the day, and later years I waited on him at Mill Plain Fred Meyer on many occasion. He was very kind to the children wanting his attention as he shopped. He was a great man in my eyes.

robert fisk

August 14, 2013

as for all those who have left us far to soon you will be missed my friend it was my please to escort you to the ring many times and see how all your fans loved you thanks for making what it is today..you will be missed by all.

Tammy Lorentz

August 14, 2013

I am truly grateful to have Dutch Savage as a childhood memory! He was an incredible performer and everything about him made the statement that he was a good man and good people to know! May God Bless you in your loss and may He comfort you with a peace that can only come from our Lord.

August 14, 2013

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)
God's peace to your loved ones.

Jo Anne Liston

August 13, 2013

Willa,
So sorry for your loss. Dutch will be missed by all of us here at Brady's!! He was always so much fun when he came in. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 12, 2013

I'M 55 AND I STILL SHAVE MY CHEST AND FACE LIKE HE DID. HERO TO SO MANY "BACK IN THE DAY"

Joanne Savage

August 12, 2013

I will always treasure my memories of watching Dutch Savage on Portland Wrestling. My last name is Savage and I always told my friends the he was my Uncle!
~Rest in Peace~

Debi & Roy

August 12, 2013

All of our thoughts and prayers to you, Willa. I only met the 2 of you a few times through work. But you quickly became a couple of my most favorite people. I loved listening to Dutch's stories! He will be so sorely missed by so many people.

Loia Ann Davisson

August 12, 2013

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Both our boys were inspired by Dutch growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeffrey King

August 12, 2013

I only met him 1 time for a minute, but he entertained me for decades. A truly wonderful man.

August 11, 2013

Dear Willa - Gary and I are saddened at your loss. Dutch was a true strength, and appreciate through the years both of you and your presence in our lives. We are just down the street and have always loved being neighbors, even though our visits were not as often as should be. Love from your neighbors, Carla and Gary Klein

August 11, 2013

Fond memories of watching Dutch on All Star Wrestling from Vancouver with my grandfather. Whenever Dutch appeared in my hometown of Victoria, BC, there was always anticipation and excitement. A true professional in every sense. Thank you for some great memories; you will always be fondly remembered. Rest in peace Dutch, and heartfelt condolences to the Stewart family.
Gary Morley, Nanaimo, BC

Kelly Schreiber (Rasmussen)

August 10, 2013

I haven't seen you and Dutch for so many years Willa. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. He was larger than life for sure and such a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I know you miss him terribly.

Marsha Lethlean-Ervin

August 10, 2013

So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was always a perfect gentleman. My prayers are with his family. You know you will see him again someday.

Kenneth Frazier

August 10, 2013

I grew up watching The Dutchman. Loved his moves and matches. Then a couple years ago I got a personal call from him and it was quite a thrill to talk with a childhood hero. A real Gentleman still in this day and age. You will be missed and are greatly beloved, my friend.

August 10, 2013

My condolences to Dutch's family and friends. He provided countless hours of entertainment for me and my friends growing up in Eugene in the 60's. Rest in Peace Mr. Savage.

Rachel Kaser

August 10, 2013

Dutch Savage was my favorite wrestler in the 1970s. Sounds like he lead a fulfilling life. Condolences to the Stewart family.

August 10, 2013

It was a pleasure noing dutch growing up in the wrestling business, he was always a crowd favorite no matter where we went, you will be missed my friend

Jennie Caddell

August 9, 2013

Sorry to hear of the passing of Dutch Savage, a true wrestling icon.

August 9, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to Willa, Mitzi and the rest of Dutch's family, who I wasn't fortunate enough to meet. I still remember the Salmon he made one evening for Willa to bring in to work. A very kind and generous man, who will no doubt be missed greatly. Tom's grandpa witched his well. What a consolation to know that he is now home. God bless and keep his family and loved ones in His tender mercy. Katie & Tom Clark

David Kent

August 9, 2013

My condolences to the Stewart family. Dutch brought alot of excitement and joy to me and my brother, during his years in Portland Wrestling!He was a larger than life guy, and he will be missed.

August 9, 2013

It was a pleasure watching you with my dad when I was a little girl. It was an honor taking care of you in your illness. And it was difficult to see you pass on to your next journey... I will always cherish getting to know you, if only just a little bit. Rest in peace Dutch

MG CNA

Kevin Swartzlander

August 9, 2013

although I met you way after you gave up wrestling , I always enjoyed hearing your messages about Jesus on public access tv. I was fortunate enough to have met you as I helped in making a few if your tv shows. my thoughts and prayers go out to the savage family as you grieve at the loss of Dutch .

Dixie Antle

August 9, 2013

Our sympathy for Dutch's family. He was a great man with a big heart.
I remember him from the early 70's when a lot of the wrestlers stopped by our house, we lived next to the rink. He will truly be missed.

Priscilla Mosby

August 9, 2013

I will miss seeing him at Amboy Market where he was a regular customer. He always made me laugh. Condolences to his family.

B G

August 9, 2013

Many fond childhood memories. Savage, you will be missed.

Audrey Harmon

August 9, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Dutch Savage. My family used to watch Portland Wrestling every Saturday night! My mom used to yell at the TV. I loved, it whenever the Portland Wrestler came to McMinnville and wrestled at the National Guard Arm. This was always very entertaining. Dutch Savage, you were one of the very best! RIP

Monica Noeller

August 9, 2013

Dutch I can't believe you are gone. Thank you so much for all the great memories. We love you and will miss you greatly...your friend always, Monica

Donald Procknow

August 9, 2013

Not much left of the old Portland Wrestlings Days, It was the best and Dutch was one of the best that made his mark on a great legacy...You well be remembered by fans for a very long time....

Forever in our Hearts

Cherritta Smith-Young

August 9, 2013

It's so often difficult; to know what to say; when someone so loved, passes away.

For those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

I remember when I was just a young girl and Portland Wrestling had come to St Helens Oregon to wrestle at the Armory. I remember thinking he was quite the Handsome young man & had a Heart of Gold. I remember that night; when I got to meet him, after watching him wrestle, how gentle and kind he truly was, when he shook my hand.
It was truly my pleasure, and I will always treasure.... the memories of a legacy, that "Dutch Savage" leaves behind. My sincere condolences to his extended family, friends and Fans.... From all around the world. Forever in our Hearts....!

~ R.I.P my Friend ~

Cherritta Smith-Young

Toni Pratt

August 9, 2013

I remember going to the events and enjoying every minute meeting all the stars you were my favorite. 15 years ago you help me by finding my home here in Vancouver as a real estate agent. RIP Savage

Bill Munsell

August 8, 2013

I am very saddened by the passing my dear friend Dutch Savage who baptized me into the Advent faith. I did a documentary on Dutch a few years back which can seen on Facebook and available on DVD. That how I met him. He will be missed. Sleep well my friend see you in the resurrection.

Janelle Downs

August 8, 2013

Dutch will be missed. My older Sister and I went to Portland Wrestling every Saturday night, and our 2 Brother's. I was only 10 at the time. Looked forward to it every weekend. He was always a favorite. He was always nice and such a Gentleman. We seen him quite a few years ago at Vancouver Mall and had a nice talk. Prayers and thoughts are with the Family...

Melody Kieffer

August 8, 2013

When I was just 16 I was working at Burgerville when Dutch came in with several of his friends. I had been a fan of his for several years and was a bit in awe to serve him. Then he gave me a tip that was basically the same amount as the order. As a broke 16 year old Junior in high school this was huge for me. I realized that day that he was so much more than just his wrestling image. May he rest in peace.

Wayne Arbour

August 8, 2013

August 8th 2013
It's been a great many years since I last talked with Dutch. I found him to be a likeable man.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in peace Dutch.

August 8, 2013

what a sad day for all,my prays are with you all, may you have peace knowing he is now waiting for our heavenly father to take him home,

Curtis Fidler

August 8, 2013

Next to my own father Dutch was truly my hero growing up. RIP my friend.

Mike Breed

August 8, 2013

Just recently I reshaped my beard to emulate the Dutch always wore his. I always believed he had the best beard in all of entertainment. Dutch, we met a few times and I attended your Baptism, yet you probably wouldn't know me from Adam. Thank you for all the GREAT memories, the loud and raucous Saturday nights at the Portland Sports Arena, your consummate showmanship and the way you took care of Portland Wrestling....you were the star, your were BEST!! God Speed Dutch and when you see Frank and Lonnie, show Heaven what it's like to have "Excitement in the Air!!!!"

To Willa and the family, I do have a number of photos from Dutch's wrestling days. If you are interested in them, contact me on Facebook.

mb

joe sousa

August 8, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to the dutchmans family.

LeeAnne (Vanderveer) Montes

August 8, 2013

My sympathies to Will and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you have many wonderful memories to help you through this time

Ronnie Marx

August 8, 2013

My condolences to the family and friends. I was just a small child when I met him the first time. So big and so booming. He is one of my fondest memories as a child. He impressed me so much people have heard me talk of him.

Donna Hebert

August 8, 2013

My Sister and I went every Saturday night to watch Portland Wrestling, my sister was only 10 at the time, my little sister. We loved it, Dutch was our favorite. So Handsome and polite. We saw him several yrs ago at the Vancouver Mall,always a Gentlemen. He will be missed. My love and prayers are with him and his family. Donna Hebert.

Mountain Mel Larsen

August 8, 2013

He was a friend and father-figure to me after my father had passed on. He was my childhood hero, but most of all, he was my fishing partner.....R.I.P.

Shelley F

August 8, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rhonda Polk

August 8, 2013

You are not in anymore pain and we shall see you again one day down the road, condolences to his family....

August 8, 2013

My thoughts are with Willa and the family in the loss of Dutch. A "great" man with a faith in God that could overtake any match in the ring. Peace be with you Dutch!

joe sousa

August 8, 2013

One of my all time favorites. A sheer pleasure to spend a moment or three with him at dean silverstones reunion.just hanging out and listening to Dutch and don Leo talk, such a joy. Enjoyed his ring work and interviews. A pleasure to call friend and being a long long time fan. Will miss you . R.I.p. my friend.

Dempsey Polk

August 8, 2013

Portland Wrestling was the very best!! Remember All the greats Especially Dutch Savage R.I.P. "THE FLYING DUTCHMAN"

Kevin Lee

August 8, 2013

Dutch was a great man of faith besides a great wrestler. R.I.P.

Jeff D

August 8, 2013

I loved watching Dutch Savage on Portland Wrestling when I was growing up. I will always remember him, and I send my sincere condolences to his survivors and loved ones. God bless.

Forrest Carmichael

August 8, 2013

RIP Big Man!!
I will always remember Dutch as the biggest man I ever met. I was 16 or 17 when I first met him and he towered over me then and I was not small at all. When he shook my hand, his hand wrapped around mine like a baseball glove worn by the gentle giant.
I will always remember him for always being so kind to me and my family when ever we had the chance to see him in action.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, contendors in the squared circle and all of his fans around the world. May his legacy live on forever!!! He will be missed by many I am sure!

Mike DeGraaff

August 8, 2013

My condolences to the Savage Family.

I have fond memories of my grandmother and I watching the likes of Dutch Savage, Gene Kiniski, and Bulldog Brown shown from our nearby British Columbia, Canada TV station. Dutch was always my favorite!

August 8, 2013

My condolences to the family and friends of Dutch Savage, he was a good man who understood what it meant to be a role model and hero to countless people in the Pacific Northwest.
Marc Covert
Portland, OR

Jeffrey ( Super Tramp ) Howell

August 8, 2013

RIP My Friend and fellow Brother in Pro Wrestling. Thank You for all the Great Moments I got to spend with you, at your Home and Wrestling. I learned a lot from You. I'll see You one day in that Big Arena in the sky, save me a spot. Love and Respect !!!

Darin Anderson

August 8, 2013

Rest in Peace, Champ.

August 8, 2013

Willa, I am so sorry for your loss. Have not seen you in years but know that you and Dutch were very happy. Ellie

Shelley Eichelberger

August 8, 2013

My prayers are with Dutches family. I grew up watching him as my dad would take me to Portland Wrestling as a kid and he LOVED Dutch. My love for it never died and i continued going and made a lot of friends, One being Dutch. There was one line that stood out in the Obit and that was he had the roar of a Lion but the heart of a lamb, Nothing could be more true. I loved watching his sermans and i thank God that he was there to console me through my hard times. I will miss his inspiration and his loving heart. No doubt he is with our Lord and still spreading the word. You will be TRUELY Missed Dutch, TRUELY MISSED.

mike marshall

August 8, 2013

RIP

Michele Claiborne-Funk

August 8, 2013

Everytime my grandmother came to visit from Spokane we'd always watch Portland Wrestling. She stand up and yell "Come on, Dutch!!!" And she would twist and turn and bite her tongue....she was your # 1 cheerleader!!!! How nice it is to read how friendly and considerate he was.
Thank you, Dutch, for the great entertainment you provided.
RIP....I will meet up with you in heaven!

Kim Smith

August 8, 2013

So sorry to hear of your loss, Willa. My condolences.

Priscilla

August 8, 2013

I grew up watching you, then I had the awesome opportunity to help you with VA paperwork, broke my heart to hear your records were destroyed in a fire. Was thinking about you a week ago when I went thru files to start a follow up. Broke my heart again to hear of your passing. My Prayers go out to your family, may the good lord hold them and give them strength during this sad time. Til we meet again....Rest in Peace.
Priscilla Hall Ford

JoAnna Fidler

August 8, 2013

May you rest in peace my good man! You brought so much joy and entertainment to so many over the years with your wrestling career! The world is a lesser place without you in it. Carry the miner's glove onward with you, and do so proudly!

Barbara Martin

August 8, 2013

What a nice man... meet him fishing one time.. Bless you Dutch you will be missed

August 8, 2013

I met Dutch when we rescued a woman after a car accident.He was a great man. I am sorry for the familes loss.
sincerely, Linda Gogenola

Debbie Black

August 8, 2013

There has never been any like portland
Wrestling as a kid in the 60s and 70s
you had to watch every sat. night!!
you where a good guy you where a heal
you did it all!! it was so cool to see you on the street!! did you see who that was? never the same Dutch
REST IN PEACE!! See you on ytube!!

Steve Reis

August 8, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Trisha Holm

August 8, 2013

My mother LOVED Dutch. She and I would watch Portland Wrestling every Saturday night. My mother was born in Tennessee and was a very feisty and short Southern Woman (certainly not the Southern Belle type though) We even went down a few times. Mother would get so upset when the wrestlers would get hurt and bleed.

So one night, she & my father and their friends went down to the match to watch it live. Dutch got hammered on by another wrestler - bleeding, limping, etc. my mother got so upset she went to the bathroom (knowing her, she probably went to see if she could help him - not only was she FEISTY as all get out, she had a tremendous compassionate heart). As she was coming out of the lady's room, Dutch was coming around the corner from backstage - clean, showered, all put together: not a SCRATCH on him.

Mother looked at him and said 'What happened? You had blood everywhere and bruises, now you don't have a scratch?'

Dutch patted her head (she was only 5' 1' or so and weighed about 175 lbs and had dark permed curly hair) and said to her 'Well honey, I guess you don't come to wrestling very often do you? Don't believe everything you see in TV'. Then he smiled and winked at her and left the arena. My mother talked about that for ad long ad I can remember - COMPLETELY changed the way she watched wrestling from then on!

Thank you, Dutch for bringing much joy and entertainment to our lives and especially to my mother - when you see her in Heaven, go pat her on her on her little black curly head again!

Prayers and blessings to your family - thank you for sharing him with so many of us!

August 8, 2013

Andy Haynal

Jeanie Glalndon

August 8, 2013

To a man who will be missed for a long time. Your life has been an inspiration to so many people.

Pete Chavez

August 8, 2013

Til then my friend, god speed. thanks for the Memories.

Paul Presler

August 8, 2013

I remember staying at my grandmothers as a kid to watch you wrestle on tv, her and her sister would yell at the tv. Also I think my grandmother hit you with a chair when she went to see you live in Portland,OR because she got so upset. RIP Dutch you were a showman, and thanks for the entertainment.

angie ferguson

August 8, 2013

Dutch was a customer at my place of work. He loved that many of us remembered him from his days of wrestling. I will miss him. God's speed. May the angels come to greet you.

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