William DeVries

DeVRIES, William "Bill" Passed away on November 11, 2009 surrounded by his family, following a courageous fight with cancer. Bill was born in Spokane on September 16, 1927 to William and Elsie (Martin) DeVries of Spokane. Bill attended Hutton Elementary and Lewis and Clark High School. Like many young men of the time, Bill vol- untarily joined the US Navy on October 20, 1944. Bill proudly served our country aboard the Battleship USS California. Bill received an honorable discharge at wars end and was released from duty on June 20, 1946. After service in the Navy, Bill returned to Spokane and joined his father, Bill Sr., in the Wholesale Auto Parts business. Bill was an auto parts route sales man delivering and supplying auto parts throughout the Inland Empire to the various service stations dotting the rural landscape. Bill spent the week on the road and would be home on weekends. This continued even after Bill met the love of his life at a fruit stand in Otis Orchards. The fruit stand happened to be owned and operated by the Stafford family who had a granddaughter, Patricia Heintz. Bill and Pat were married on June 24, 1950 beginning a 59 year marriage. Bill and Pat bought a home in Spokane raised seven children and reside there to this day. Everyone that knew Bill will remember his extremely positive attitude. In addition to his family, there are many people that remember Bill's kindness, generosity and ability to make you feel like the most important person in his life. Bill would always see the bright side of the picture and had a ready smile for everyone. Bill loved to work and he took great joy in discussing the various aspects of being busy. He was well known to spend as much time as possible at work and considered this his hobby. Bill and his two sons were over the road owner operators for Wheaton Van Lines. This work on the road lasted approximately 10 years for Bill during which time he accumulated 1,000,000 safe driving miles. Finally figuring a way to be at home more often, Bill and his two sons purchased a local moving and storage company in 1981. Bill literally took the bull by the horns and grew the company in to a large full service moving company with trucks, moving families throughout the entire USA for Atlas Van Lines. Bill loved the business and loved the people most of all, choosing to be the voice of the company. He was in the office first thing every morning and manned the phones consulting with the many calls inquiring about moving services. Each and every caller was treated with the same care and concern and left to feel as though they were the most important call of the day. Bill kept this work schedule and retired just a few weeks ago due to his health. Please visit www.devriesmoving.com for a video and more information about Bill's career. Bill was active in many organizations during his life and was most proud of his membership in the Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. He was a member for many years and a past president. As a result of his dedicated service to Rotary, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship; the highest honor given by Rotary. Bill was happy to volunteer for the annual Bloomsday race for over twenty years, teaming up with his family in the t-shirt exchange area. Bill leaves behind his loving wife Patricia, whom he affectionately refered to as "Patsy" and seven children. Mike (Becky) Patrick (Susan), children Josh, Alex, and Mel. Karen (Ron Byersdorf) and children Drewe and Christopher Rynning. Kathy (Monty Nooner) and children Kristin and Lauren. Kris, Kim (Dennis Walter) daughter Halley, Karyl (fiance Dan Kennedy) and children Kelsey and Sidney Christensen. Bill is also survived by his sister Lavella Carlon of Spokane, brother Bob DeVries in California and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Adrian DeVries and sister Dorothy Chambers. Bill was also preceded by Karyl's first husband, his loving son in law Patrick Christensen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on November 14, 2009. Sacred Heart Church, 219 East Rockwood Blvd. Spokane. Internment will follow at Saint Josephs Cemetery at 17825 East Trent. Spokane Valley, WA. A reception will follow at the Spokane Club West 1002 Riverside Ave. Spokane, following the service. Sincere appreciation is extended to all of the employees of DeVries Atlas Van Lines. With their loving support they made it possible for Bill to work each day. The family would like to thank Dr. Jay Wittenkeller and his oncology staff at Rockwood Clinic. The family would also like to thank Michelle Jamieson RN, Shari Williams MSW, and all of the gifted, compassionate staff at The Hospice House. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate your contributions to Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 or Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund. 2911 West Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane Way 99224.