La Grande, Oregon
Leon Douglass DeRoest, 52, of La Grande died Nov. 1, 2001, at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland after a short illness.
His service will begin at 1 p.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitations will be until 7 o’clock tonight at the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
Mr. DeRoest was born on July 15, 1949, at Baker City to Toye Loudeen White and Leon Philemon DeRoest. He was a 1967 Baker High School graduate.
In 1968, he married Jean Hall. He worked for Leo Adler Shipping and then went on to become the manager for Grizzly Bear Pizza in Baker City. He worked his way up to a position on the board of directors for Grizzly Bear Pizza.
When Grizzly Bear sold the company, he decided it was time for him to go into business for himself. He started Klondike Pizza in 1983 and continued to own it until his death.
Mr. DeRoest was well known internationally for being an accomplished historian. He had many fans and followers throughout the world. He published many articles pertaining to the history of the Northwest, with an emphasis on postal history.
Mr. DeRoest was instrumental in starting the groundwork for the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. He also was adamant about the protection of the Chinese Cemetery in Baker City and its historical value.
Mr. DeRoest had many interests. He loved restoring old cars and participating in car shows. He won many awards with his 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible. He collected old pictures of Eastern Oregon and had them restored for future generations.
Several of his pictures were recently featured on a Fox Network special. He loved gardening, his deck, and mostly he loved birds. His most beloved pet was Elvis, a scarlet macaw. Mr. DeRoest spent a good deal of his life, with his wife and children, caring for and raising foster children. He always considered these children his own. Many children called him “Dad.”
Survivors include his wife, Jean DeRoest of La Grande; children, Julia and Michael Marostica of Ontario, Tamera and John Lannon of La Grande, Susan DeRoest of Ontario, Michael DeRoest of Baker City and Jim Hall of Baker City; six grandchildren; his mother and stepfather, Toye and Dee Spence of Baker City; sister, Madeline Kahn of Fallon, Nev.; his brother, Ron DeRoest of Baker City; his brothers, Dorrell and Patrick Spence; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was dearly loved by his children and grandchildren and will be greatly missed.
Mr. DeRoest was preceded in death by his son, Rickie Allen; and his father, Leon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the OHSU Foundation to help fund research for the lung disease that he had.
This may be done through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, November 9, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor