La Grande, Oregon
Darrel Ray Billerbeck, 68, of Elma, Wash., and formerly of La Grande died June 26 at his home. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. July 21 at Whiteside Family Mortuary in Elma. A potluck meal will follow at Vance Creek Park. Participants are encouraged to bring a story or favorite memory to share.
Mr. Billerbeck was born June 22, 1938, to Harry and Bernice Billerbeck in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and attended Oregon State University until he returned home to run the family farm. He graduated from Oregon Technical Institute with a degree in applied science, and served in the Army from 1961 to 1963.
In 1964 he married Glenda Bayliss. They moved to the Grays Harbor, Wash., area in 1968 where they raised a family and he worked as a millwright until his retirement in 1997.
He was an avid angler, shrimper, crabber and clam digger. He enjoyed family gatherings, being with his grandchildren, and especially bird hunting with his dog Pepe.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his delicious recipes and bountiful gardens, the fruits of which he generously shared with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of Elma; children and their spouses, David and Patty Billerbeck, Mike Billerbeck, and Mary and Tom Billerbeck; four grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Brown.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Grays Harbor Unit, 1551 Broadway, Suite 200, Tacoma, Wash. 98402.
An online guest book is available at www.whitesidefamilymortuaries.com.
The Observer Online, Obituaries for the week ending July 15, 2006, Published: July 13, 2006