ARTHUR WAYNE DEWITT
June 23, 1928 ~ December 26, 2017
Arthur Wayne DeWitt was born in Moscow, Idaho, on June 23, 1928 to Leo and Viola DeWitt. He was one of four children. He passed away December 26, 2017, at home after his morning walk along the Old Evergreen Highway, a walk he had done almost every day for the past 33 years.
Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Kay Frazier on December 29, 1948, in Moscow, Idaho. Kay worked while Wayne earned a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Idaho.
After two years in the Marine Corp as a First Lieutenant, he began his career in construction in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; then on to Atlanta, Georgia; followed by Portland Oregon; finally landing permanently in Vancouver, Washington, with his family in 1966.
In 1979 at the age of 51, with the blessings and help from Kay, Wayne started his own heavy construction company, DeWitt Construction. He retired from there in 1997 but still never lost the love for it. He quite often made his way out to job sites and the office. In 2013, Wayne was inducted into the University of Idaho's Academy of Engineering hall of fame.
Wayne loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He spent plenty of hours in a baseball grandstand or standing on the soccer sideline, basketball games and tennis matches.
Wayne had a generous spirit and was always willing
to help others with any type of project.
Working on his seven acres and tinkering with equipment kept Wayne busy. Come spring, you could often find him in the garden planting corn or chasing rabbits away. If he wasn't tending honey bee hives, he might have been on a golf course with his kids, Shelly and Ty, or with his grandkids. In the winter, Wayne was snow skiing until the age of 72. Whatever he might have been doing, Wayne kept his family close and lived the values he taught.
He was deeply loved,
giving forth to all family and friends.
Wayne leaves behind his daughter, Shelly Speyer (Greg); son, Tyler DeWitt (Teri); five grandsons: Mike Speyer (Pam), Steve Speyer (Hannah), Chase DeWitt (Bethany) Tal DeWitt, Garett Speyer; and three great-grandchildren. The good lord has received a passionate and loving man, who will be missed deeply.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay DeWitt (September 2016).
Funeral Services will be January 3, 2018, at 10:30 at the First United Methodist Church, Vancouver, Washington.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I thought each year would get easier, but it hasn't. Losing my mom this year brought up all the old memories and good times we shared. I still miss you Uncle Wayne. Enjoy celebrating this wonderful season with Aunt Kay and all those who went before you. Much love
Kathy Nees
Family
December 21, 2020
So many memories. Thought of you a lot this Christmas season and the loss your children and grand-children are feeling. I love and miss you Uncle Wayne
Kathy Nees
December 26, 2018
Our condolences to Shelly and Greg and the entire family. We hope all the great memories of Wayne comfort you now and into the future.
Dave & Jeanie Choquette
January 24, 2018
good-by to a fellow class mate, class of "47 Moscow Hi
Denny Brown
January 4, 2018
I did not know Wayne Dewitt but I am acquainted with his son & daughter in law. He instilled in them the qualities he must have had.
My deepest sympathies for all who knew him loved him and were blessed to have enjoyed his love and guidance.
Jane Chance
January 4, 2018
Mr. DeWitt,
Although we only had a few conversations very brief, you always made my morning with a wave. You will be missed by all of us whom had the pleasure to know even just the smallest part of you.
My condolences and prayers to your family.
Washburn vancouver
January 3, 2018
Wayne, you are/were a man who knew how to get the job done and take care of those who worked for you. I know you learned and also practiced this as a loving father,husband and grandfather. you were a fair and honest man that I respected and worked for for years. I will never forget you and the opportunities you gave me plus the believe you had in me.I remember one time(and only one) that you came to me and asked my opinion..... boy did that give me a big head!!!! You made the world a better place while you were here with us and now we will surely be without your genuineness and wisdom but our lord in heaven has gained a truly great man. I will miss you and will always have you in my thoughts and prayers.. Rest in peace.
Daryl Anderson
January 3, 2018
Wayne will be missed by all.
Blair Bubenik
January 2, 2018
Although I did not know Wayne personally, he brought so much joy and "warm fuzzies" to my heart. For years he smiled and waved to every car that passed him when he was taking his morning walk on Evergreen. I looked forward to seeing him on my way to work. His warmth and friendliness just set the tone for each day. I was always disappointed on the mornings our paths didn't cross. He will be truly missed! What a wonderful spirit! I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends!!! I just wanted you all to know what a difference he made in the lives of people he didn't even know. He was what this world needs more of...pure love! Bless you all.
Lisa Manning
January 1, 2018
So sad to hear of Wayne's passing. He was so vibrant, it's hard to imagine him any other way. Wayne and Kay were delightful people to be around. Wayne has been very helpful to me in my business. I feel lucky to have known them...
Pam Zielinski
December 30, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
young
December 30, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
December 30, 2017
Words cannot begin to express how much I will miss you Uncle Wayne. Your selfless devotion to family and friends will truly be your legacy. I will so miss our lunches, political debates and trips to the farm. I'm sure Aunt Kay is so happy to see you and join her in the joyful hereafter. Enjoy a dance, a glass of the family brand wine and bask in the glory that belongs to you both. Those of us left here on earth will miss your strong sense of family, your dedication to your country and your endless compassion toward your fellow man. I love you ❤ My prayers are with you Shelly, Ty, Teri, Greg and boys. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Kathy Nees
December 29, 2017
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