William Rene Meltebeke

On August 7, 2009, William (Bill) Rene Meltebeke passed away in his sleep after struggling many years with the effects of Dementia. Bill was born in Oregon on June 3, 1921 to Augusta and Rene Meltebeke; he was the eldest of four brothers. Billed served in World War II as a gunner in the US Navy. Bill met the love of his life, Helen Coleen "Squidge" Dodge in 1945 and was married in 1946 at Napa, Idaho. They had two beautiful children together, Michael and Rebecca. Bill and Squidge lived in Oregon at the beginning of their lives and moved shortly after having children to Oxnard and Manhattan Beach, Calif. where Bill worked in sales for multiple car dealerships in Culver City, Calif. They moved to La Habra, Calif. in 1965 when Bill opened up his first car dealership, Meltebeke Volkswagen. Later he went into business with Bob McLaren to open Mel-Mac Toyota in Whittier, Calif., now known as Toyota of Whittier. The car dealerships were his life passion. The VW dealership was a main stay in the car industry in North Orange County for 30 years until he sold in 1989 to dedicate more time to his love of golf and Squidge. Bill and Squidge spent most all of their retired years in Rancho Mirage, Calif. and summers in Grayeagle, Calif. Squidge loved Grayeagle and would always beg Bill to stay for a winter and shovel snow for her; Bill gave into Squidge during her last winter before she passed. Bill lost the love of his life and reason for living in July 1995 when Squidge died of pancreatic cancer. After Squidge's passing Bill occupied his time with golfing, friends, and family. Bill was never the same after Squidge passed and so his health started to decline as well being terminally heartbroken. Bill loved frequenting the Casinos wherever he lived and he had his favorite slot machine to play every time. Bill had a lucky streak and won sizeable payouts every time he touched a slot machine. Bill always loved a good steak dinner and would always call ahead for "Reser's". Bill will always be remembered by his family as a loving spouse, father, grand-father, and great-grandfather. Bill is preceded in death by his father, mother, one brother, and his beloved wife, Squidge. Bill leaves behind many relatives and friends not limited to but including two children, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two brothers. We will miss you Grandpa, give Grandma a "squidge" for us all!