Vincent Lee Bitle

1948 - 2015

1948 - 2015

Vincent Lee Bitle of Yachats, OR passed away on April 22nd, 2015 at the age of 67. He had endured a lengthy bout with a number of health issues with great strength, courage and grace.

Vince was born in Vallejo, California March 10th, 1948 to Forrest James Bitle and Mary Eloise (Milone) Bitle. He was their fourth child.

Growing up in an Air Force family, Vince went to several schools before graduating from Creswell High School in 1966 as an Honor student.

Vince is a Vietnam veteran. In July of 1968 Vince went into the Army during the Vietnam War and served honorably until March of 1970. Later in his life, the scars of that war would have a profound effect on his health. The following years he received a Bachelor of Political Science degree and Phi beta kappa honors from the University of Oregon.

Vince went into the construction business working up and down the Northwest from California to Washington with his brother Jim. He was an expert carpenter, did fabrications, woodcarving, and even built his own home in Yachats. He was a handy man with many talents which also included art work, poetry, and writing. You can see some of this on his Facebook page.

In the 1980's Vince was briefly married to Lynnae Irene Newberry. Together they had two children. He loved his two daughters very much and was always proud of their accomplishments as well as his grandkids.

He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Irene Bitle, now serving in the Army and Letha Michelle Bitle and her husband Hunter, and her children: Dru, Keegan, Lisabeth, Wyatt, and LeAnn from Helotes, Texas. He is also survived by his brothers James Bitle of Brownsville, OR and Don Bitle of Springfield, OR, some aunts, uncles, many many cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends he knew in Yachats.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Gerald.

A memorial service has not been determined yet, but we will have one in the near future.