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Dwight Wilson Obituary
Dr. Dwight J. Wilson, 75, of Scotts Valley went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 28 due to complications from heart surgery.
Dwight was born to the late Hartzel and Ada Wilson, August 9, 1935, in Oakdale, CA, and was raised in the Central Valley. After graduating from Delano High School, Dwight attended Bethany University before receiving a BA [1958] and MA [1965] in Social Science from Sacramento State. He subsequently earned a PhD [1975] in American Intellectual History from UC Santa Cruz.
During his student years at Bethany, Dwight met Kathryn Pippo, pianist for a traveling musical group of which he was a member. They married in 1957, first residing in Roseville, then later in Scotts Valley, where they raised their sons.
As a young newlywed, he served as Assistant Pastor at Roseville Assembly of God while teaching eighth grade in Citrus Heights. Dwight accepted a position as professor at Bethany University in 1961, and in the early years worked summers delivering papers for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and loading 7-Up trucks at night. Dwight shared his passion for history with thousands of college students and was a positive role model and mentor to many. He retired from Bethany in 1992 after teaching for 30 years and was bestowed the honor of Professor Emeritus.
Dwight was an ordained minister and had a strong faith in God which never waivered. He participated actively in various church ministries throughout his life.
Always with a song in his heart or a melody on his lips, Dwight loved to sing and loved supporting his sons' musical endeavors in churches, schools, symphonies, and the opera. Traveling, camping, gardening, waterskiing, working out at Club One, and seeking a healthy lifestyle also fed his soul and kept him forever busy. He and Kathryn traveled extensively around the world enjoying historical sites or natural wonders. He likewise enjoyed traveling to drama, sports, music, and dance events to see his grandchildren participate.
Dwight is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and two sons: Timothy [wife Deanne] of Corte Madera, Lorin [wife Laurie] of Redwood City. Adored grandfather of Andrew, Reese, Darcy and Nolan. Brother of Roberta Boring [husband Fred] of Coffee Creek, CA. Survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. His family always brought him great pride, and he will be dearly missed by them.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the benefit of Bethany University to the Dwight Wilson Benefit Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, Scotts Valley, CA, account #6657663941. A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M., Saturday, June 18, at Bethany University, Scotts Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dwight Wilson
Dennis Conrad
June 19, 2011
Kathy and family -
I first met Dwight in the late 50's when he was on staff at Roseville Assembly of God (on Clinton & Bonita) where I attended with my family. I was a junior high student in his Sunday School class, and was also one of his 8th grade U.S. History students at Sylvan Middle School in Citrus Heights.
I still remember when one of my friends who was also part of both educational settings, slipped and called him "Dwight" in our History classroom. Dwight simply and sincerely said, "Gene, you should call me 'Mr. Wilson' at school." :-)
And I remember how he continued to encourage me as an older friend when I attended Bethany in '64-65. In fact, he, Forrest Beiser (my Bethany English teacher), and Harry Snelgrove (my Eureka High School World Lit teacher who attended our church, and whose son was recently also part of Bethany staff) were the ones whose impacts on my life and the examples they set as teachers, nudged me toward getting a teaching credential.
I devoted 25 years of my life to public education as I moved in and out of full-time ministry, always with sincere questions in my heart and a desire to help others learn. This drive can be partially attributed to Dwight Wilson.
I am sorry that my wife and I were unable to join you for Dwight’s Memorial Service, but I wanted to express my gratitude for being one of many whose life was touched by his energy and enthusiasm.
Sincerely,
Bob and Val Brasch
June 17, 2011
June 17th,
Dear Kathryn and Family, Bob and I wish to convey our very heartfelt love and sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Our wonderful and priceless times together are relived often and we felt a bond that will last until we all meet at a better day and time in the wonderful kingdom of God. Keep strong and we will keep you all in our hearts and prayers. Love, Bob and Val Brasch
Salem, Oregon
Celeste Persing
June 16, 2011
Dearest Kathy and Family,
We are sending our prayers and thoughts to you...What wonderful people you are ~ I have loved our short interludes on South Navarra :O) Your smiles have refreshed my day time and again xo May Jesus wrap his amazing arms around you ~ Love, Celeste Kevin and Savannah
Carmine Wilson
June 15, 2011
To Kathy, Tim and Lorin I send my heartfelt sympathy and prayers for your comfort and His peace. Dwight was such a talented and much admired man.
Rod White
June 15, 2011
A mighty man of God. He influenced my life and thousands more. I thank God for the sacrifices he made to be at Bethany for people like me. Only eternity knows the countless lives he touched.
Rod White (class of 79)
Kenny Haystead
June 15, 2011
Kathryn, I remember before you and Dwight got married. I always had great fun being around both of you. Dwight was a great teacher and I was jealous that I couldn't get my hair to look like his. I am sorry at your loss, as I lost my spouse Lynne in 2008. However God has enabled me to work my way through grief into joy.
June 15, 2011
We send our deepest love, prayers and condolences to you, Dear Kathy, and Family, in the loss of your dear husband and father and our dear friend and colleague,Dwight,who impacted our lives powerfully in so many ways, and whose friendship we cherish with fond
remembrance forever. Larry & Marilyn Sampson
Steve Smallwood
June 15, 2011
Dr. Dwight's legacy touched all of our lives. I appreciated his willingness to stand up for his beliefs. Our prayers are with the family. Steve & Pam Smallwood
Karen Carnahan
June 15, 2011
Three decades influencing so many young lives as we pursued our future through ministry in many endeavors. What a gift he had in making his class be engaging at 7am 3 days a week. Dwight's legacy lives on through his family and the Bethany students across the globe. Kathy, may you and your family experience the all the love around you now and in the coming days.
Dan Jones
June 15, 2011
Truly a great man. "He being dead yet speaketh." God bless you, Kathy! Thanks for being my piano and theory teacher.
June 14, 2011
To Kathryn....from Donald and Ruby McMurray...your friends from Bethany those many years ago. We send our love and condolences to you.
Jessi Besseghini
June 13, 2011
My dear great uncle Dwight was a great man and a great Christian. I am so sad for our family's unexpected loss, but I know Dwight was thrilled to finally meet Jesus! <3
June 13, 2011
My wife Lydia and our children were privleged to have known and lived next door to Dwight and Kathryn for many, many years. We shared a love for gardening and my entire family has expressed their sorrow at his passing. He is with God, and that brings us joy.
June 12, 2011
I don't think I knew Dwight had a Doctorate degree until his passing. I knew of him while he was still attending Bethany and was a help to the Aptos Assembly of God in perhaps 1955 or 1956. My wife was the music secretary as he taught music at Bethany in 1963. He taught history when I was at Bethany in 1968. Over the years he was always a stalwart of faith and dedication to God. He was a trusted counselor and friend to us and many others. Both he and Katherine have sacrificed other options to share their example of God's love in every aspect of their lives. Our lives are fuller and heaven is richer because of Dwight Wilson. Larry and Sharon Pine
Rev. Steven C. Mendoza
June 8, 2011
Dr. Dwight J. Wilson Family,
My condolences to you all. I had Dr. Wilson as a professor at Bethany and advisor, too. He made a difference in my life and I know hundreds of others, through the years. I'm so sorry for your loss. Yet, soon so very soon, we'll all be together for eternity.
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