Dewane G. Walden

December 25, 1933 was a special day of a new beginning - that new beginning was the birth of Dewane Gerald Walden. Dewane spent the first part of his childhood in Molalla, Oregon where he attended grades 1-3 in the only one room school named Dickey Prairie Elementary School. After the family moved to Milwaukie, Or he attended Ardenwald grade school. Moving from Molalla to Milwaukie he immediately gained lots of new friends as he was the only one who had a pony. He later attended Milwaukie Jr. High moving on to Milwaukie High School graduating in 1952. While at Milwaukie, he was very active with school activities. Stated in the Maroon 1952 yearbook senior class photo page, Dewane was referred to as \u0026quot;The star of the unconquered will.\u0026quot; His school activities included Jr. Letterman 1; Carnival 1, 2; Jr. Football 1; Jr. Baseball 2; FFA 2; Cotton \u0026amp; Cord Dance 2; Stagecraft 2, 3; Varsity Football 2, 3, 4; Lettermen 2, 3 ,4; President 4; Prom Committee 3; Intramural Championship Team 4; Senior Talent Show 4. In high school, he sported around Milwaukie in what his yearbook described as \u0026quot;the more aristocratic member of the M.U.H.S. transportation system\u0026quot; Walden\u0027s 1949 Ford. He also had a brand new 1957 Ford T Bird when he returned home from the service. After graduation, Dewane spent 1 year at the University of Oregon hence becoming involved with the U of O Ducks because of his love for football. He served in the US Air Force for 4 years where he took his basic training at Parks AF Base in Dublin, Ca and later was stationed at Travis AF Base in Fairfield, Ca. He was discharged in 1957 ranked as an Airman 2nd Class Pilot. He spent the next 30 years in sales traveling throughout the United States most of his time dealing in small engines, vehicle wash equipment, food distribution sales and lastly at the Milwaukie Liquor Store. During his sales career, he won the Honda National Engine Sales Contest for which he earned a trophy. Dewane\u0027s interest in football prompted him to coach Pop Warner football which he did for about 5 years winning the championship title every year. Up until his death, he still had the trophy on display in his home. He valued the friendship he made with his \u0026quot;players\u0026quot; and has kept in touch with several of them through the years. Dewane formed a group of U of O football fans and started a little club which was referred to as the Quacker Backers. On occasion for certain games, he would hire a bus and the group got to enjoy togetherness without the hassle of traffic going to Eugene for home games. Parties for bowl games were organized at different restaurants in town and usually resulted in \u0026quot;wins\u0026quot; for the Ducks. If anyone needed to know anything about the Ducks, all they had to do was call Dewane. He was a season ticket holder for over 15 years and a brilliant Duck statistician. He followed the recruiting process, knew all the players, their positions and their number, kept a detailed log of every win, ending scores, who made the touchdowns, and could recite it all when asked. His memory was flawless concerning his Ducks. He was also a season ticket holder for the Seattle Seahawks for several years. Obviously, football was his life. Dewane\u0027s needs were few. He valued his friendships dearly. He was the center of attention and loved it. He was sincere, honest and had an amazing sense of humor. He was a man of many names: Mr. Milwaukie, The Duck, Dee, DW, Coach. He loved to dance and took on the smoothness of his moves. He loved music, namely Frank Sinatra, (who he got see live in Vegas), Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, The Rat Pack, and adored Mickey Mouse. He could almost recite the whole verbage of the movie Dumb \u0026amp; Dumber. He loved old cowboy and war movies and My Cousin Vinny. He loved Lake Tahoe and roulette. His favorite songs were Come Fly With Me; My Way; Funny Valentine; and Here\u0027s That Rainy Day (all of course sung by Frank) . He took his daughters to see Elvis Presley when he came to town. Daughter, Kady, remembers her first trip to Las Vegas at age 15. He also took her to see Tom Jones, and Wayne Newton in concert. She holds special memories of her dad taking her to the home baseball games and Blazer basketball games of which he also held season tickets. Dewane was a gentleman; he rarely complained. He was a quiet man and very reserved. He was caring, giving and very sincere. Everyone needs a friend and true friends are difficult to find. I was fortunate enough to have Dewane Walden as one of those rare and true friends. We shared a special friendship that lasted for over 30\u0026#43; years. I will miss my friend and buddy. On May 22, 2013, the final curtain fell on Dewane. He fought hard and had a will to live but God seemed to want him to have a better, pain-free life. He played his last game and had to leave for a new playing field. We will miss the little guy who was Milwaukie\u0027s shiniest star. He took his last official time out at11:27 pm. He suffered no more and he was not alone. God bless you, Dewane. Friday, May 31st, Dewane started his next journey with his daughter Kady and son in law Charles. They left Milwaukie and stopped at the Shilo Inn for cocktails in tribute to the many happy times Dewane spent there. They also took Dewane around Autzen Stadium and Travis AFB before arriving at his new destination, which is in an enclosed glass wall unit at the Newman home in San Ramon, Ca. Dewane was predeceased by his daughter Kerrieann Hoffman. He is survived by his daughter Kady Newman, son-in-law Charles Newman of San Ramon, Ca; granddaughter Jacquelynn Trexler and husband Cory; great grandson Lucus and great granddaughter Hailey of Beaverton, Or; grandson Robert Newman, wife Linny and great granddaughter Karina Rose of Folsom, Ca; grandson Charles Newman and wife Katie of McKinney, Tx; grandson Michael Hoffman and granddaughter Kristina Hoffman of Portland, Or. His final venture will be a return to Portland, Or September 12thfor a Memorial Service with Military Honors at Willamette National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life - site to be announced at a later date. His ashes will be spread in various locations of special meaning to him, #1 of which is Autzen Stadium. In lieu of flowers, Dewane would love a donation made to the University of Oregon Marching Band in his memory."",