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Willem Betts Dekking
Willem Betts Dekking
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Willem Dekking Obituary
August 1, 2019
Portland, Oregon
Willem Betts (Bill) Dekking died the morning of August 1, 2019 in Portland, Oregon after a lengthly illness. Bill was born at Sisters Hospital in Santa Cruz and attended local schools. At the age of 18 he joined the military where he served as a US Navy diver.
Returning home he apprenticed at the Santa Cruz Sentinel as a compositor and subsequently worked there for 30+ years. While living in New Zealand in the 1970's he worked for the Auckland Star. In his retirement he and his wife rescued, cared for and loved many dogs.
Bill excelled at outdoor sports - track running, motocross racing, sailing Hobie Cats, mountain biking and back country trekking.
He was admired and loved by many and will be missed. Locally Bill is survived by his daughter Stephenie Dekking and her mother Marcie Dekking. No services are planned.
Contributions to a charity of your choice or one with an environmental focus in his memory are appreciated.
View the online memorial for Willem Betts (Bill) Dekking
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debbie Patrick
September 4, 2019
We worked with Bill at the Sentinel, one of our fondest memories was hiking in Big Sur, camping on the beach! To this day that hike is one of my favorite hikes of all times, thank you Bill for showing us the beauty of Big Sur! Sending love to Bill's family, even though we lost contact over the years, we still think of him regularly and will never forget him. Fly free with the ravens Bill
Debbie and Bill Patrick
Pam Bachtel
August 21, 2019
Stephanie, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad We bought our first home from you guys on Jigger Dr. and were very happy there. We were lucky enough to inherit Viva as you guys had to find her a home because you left for NZ. She was by far the best dog I have ever had. She had many more happy years with us and was a great companion for my son who was born there. I never forgot you guys as your Mom and Dad were so nice to us. You were a little girl then and its unreal to see your pics on FB. :) My deepest condolences to all of you. Its hard to lose a parent, I know. I hope you find peace soon.
First winter in Oregon, Bill loved the snow, California hounds, not so much!
Deirdre Dekking
August 16, 2019
Bill loved the animals and they adored him, he was such a gentle kind and sweet soul, he's greatly missed by so many
Deirdre Dekking
August 15, 2019
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Bill and Natasha with Pretty and Nikki, two retired racing greyhounds we adopted in 2016
Deirdre Dekking
August 15, 2019
Senior Horse we Adopted when we moved to Oregon in 2012
Deirdre Dekking
August 15, 2019
Wedding Day 1986, Bill was my loving husband and Very Patient Step Father to my Daughter Natasha Graf
Deirdre Dekking
August 15, 2019
Deirdre Dekking
August 15, 2019
Bill Dekking Loving Husband, Devoted Father, Friend to many, Conservationist, Athlete, Artist, Philosopher. Bill was my husband and closest friend for 33 years, Loving Step Father to my Daughter Natasha Graf, Devoted Friend to so many, he lived life with Grace and Courage, never complaining even during the last two years when he was so very ill. He was a lovely soul with a kind heart, I miss him deeply, he had a very Full and Wonderful Life, full of Adventure and Love, I feel so very fortunate to have been a part of it. Soar among the Stars Bill, until we meet again..
"Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you."
by Isla Paschal Richardson
Deirdre Dekking
August 13, 2019
August 12, 2019
I worked with Bill at the Sentinel for many years, he was serving his apprenticeship in the composing room and I was serving mine in the press room.
He will be missed but not forgotten
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