Dane Boersma

1954 - 2009

Dane Boersma passed away on Oct. 15 after a five and a half year battle with Lou Gherig's Disease. He was 55 years old. He is predeceased by his grandparents Sam and Berdina Boersma and Joe and Roberta Wesenaar, and father-in-law Ned Ferguson. Dane is survived by his wife Sandy; his children Dana and Tim Sawyer, Brant and Amber Boersma, and Jonah Boersma; his grandchildren Corbin, Hudson, Teya, and Presley; his parents Jack and Barbara Boersma, mother-in-law Mildred Ferguson, and siblings Renda and Mike Reinhart, Carly and Brian Maxwell, and Travis and Jennifer Boersma.

Dane was born on January 4, 1954 in Lynnwood, Calif. His family moved to Grants Pass, Ore. in 1962. After graduating from Grants Pass High School in 1972, Dane attended University of Oregon and then went to work on the Alaska Pipeline. On August 28, 1976, Dane married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Ferguson. The newlyweds moved to Medford, Ore., where they owned and operated a Dairy Queen franchise. In 1978, the couple returned home to Grants Pass to raise their family and help run the family dairy farm.

After 39 wonderful years in the dairy business, the Boersma family was faced with making a drastic change, but what seemed devastating at the time turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In 1992, Dane helped convert the farm into Dutcher Creek Golf Course and co-founded Dutch Bros. Coffee with his brother Travis. Today, there are more than 150 Dutch Bros. locations throughout the western U.S.

Most people will remember Dane for his role in Dutch Bros. However, those closest to him knew him first and foremost as a fun-loving family man; his family was everything to him. Dane gave more of himself than anyone could imagine. Through his faith, family, work, and friendship, he touched so many lives, and helped so many to learn, grow, and persevere. He had a contagious smile, and with it, countless people have shared in his laughter, joy, fun, and passion to live in the moment and make it the best. His love of children was limitless; in his eyes, children were filled with nothing but joy, magic, and possibility. To see a child smile or hear a child's laugh filled him with happiness.

The simple pleasures in life made a huge difference to Dane. A trip to the horse track always provided a great thrill and golf was also very special to him. With it came time spent with friends, memories of the farm, and the pursuit of the perfect shot...his hole-in-one on #6. Dane had a regular presence at Twilight League, Shastina, and the Gold River Scramble. Dane's motto was, "It's amazing what you can achieve, if you just believe."

Music was a constant presence in Dane's life--he appreciated all genres, and would enjoy it with anyone or alone. He especially loved his wife Sandy's piano playing. Dane was also a perennial fan of Oregon Duck football. To him, there was nothing more energetic than Autzen Stadium on a Saturday afternoon. Always the life of the party, Dane's magnetic personality would make him appear the host, even if he was just a guest. Never confrontational, Dane was always able to resolve conflicts and unfailingly aimed to please.

Dane appreciated everything in life, whether it was a trip to the Oregon coast, a glass of wine, the sound of the ocean, a walk, the moon and the stars, a cool breeze or the rain. He was a man of integrity who strived to make a positive impact in the lives of every person he met. The "Love all, serve all" mentality that Dane flawlessly embodied in his daily life remains the cornerstone of Dutch Bros. Coffee today. There isn't a person in the world that could speak ill of Dane, which is a rare accomplishment of a beautiful soul.

Dane Boersma led an extraordinary life. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, role model, and hero that one could ever hope to have. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Dane's spirit will live on forever.

A public memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Parkway Christian Center, located at 229 NE Beacon Drive, in Grants Pass. Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy