William H. “Bill” Deist, 66, of Winnemucca, NV passed away Thursday September 15th at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. A memorial service will be held on Friday September 30th at Driskill Memorial Chapel at 10:00 AM.
Bill was born on December 6, 1949 to Howard and Mary (Ryan) Deist in Boise, ID. He attended school in Prairie City, and graduated from Grant Union High school in John Day. He went on to college and attended Willamette University in Salem where he majored in Law. He then transferred to Oregon College of Education Majoring in Criminal Law with a minor in Psychology, he graduated in 1972. A year before graduating he married his high school sweetheart Patti J. Officer in John Day on September 18, 1971. After college he worked for ECOAC in Pendleton as a Law enforcement planner, then the Mid-Willamette Council of Government in Salem.
He was the John Day City Administrator for 19 years, and the City Administrator for Carlin, Nevada for 3 years. Most recently he was the Humboldt County Administrator, retiring in February 2012 after 13 years.
He enjoyed golf, hunting, and his grandchildren; he loved following them in sports. He was a trustee for the John Day Elk’s #1824 and a member of the Elks for 45 years. He was a 4-H leader and member of the 4-H leaders association, a member of the John Day Golf Course, a member of the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, and served as President for a time. He was also part of the League of Oregon Cities, and a board member.
He is survived by his wife Patti Deist of Winnemucca, NV, daughter Jeanna (Pat) Kiser of Council, ID, Dan (Cheri) Deist of Pilot Rock, OR, 7 grandchildren, Kain, Kelsei, Kole, Laramie, Lavina Kiser, Kayla and Jada Deist, sister-in-law Sue Richardson of Springfield, Missouri, nieces Evelyn Kirby of Manassas, VA, Jackie Keys of Fort Leonard, Missouri, half sister Barbara Oravec of Umatilla, OR, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Dan and Emagene Ryan, Grandmother Bessie Deist, parents Howard and Mary Deist, brother Dave Richardson, and sister Bessie Jean Deist.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk’s Scholarship, Youth Activities, or Grant County Family Heritage Foundation through Driskill Memorial Chapel 241 S. Canyon Blvd. John Day, OR 97845.
