Wendell E. “Pete” Dyer
December 19, 1927 - September 1, 2013

SALEM - W.E. “Pete Dyer” passed away Sept. 1, 2013 peacefully in his Salem home. He was born on Dec. 19th, 1927 in Merrill, Oregon to his Parents: Nelson “Parker” Dyer and Maria “Addle” Dyer. Siblings: Don S. Dyer, Dorothea “Dort” Lorraine Dyer Brown, Harlan L. “Toby” Dyer, Thelma “Bunny” Dyer Cline Evans, Pete was the youngest preceded in death by all of the above.

Pete grew up and spent his life in Merrill Oregon and graduated from Henley High School in 1945. He was in the United States Air Force 1945-48. In 1950, he returned to Klamath Falls and worked at the Klamath County Courthouse as a Property Appraiser for the County Assessor’s Office.

In 1953, he would marry the love of his life, his wife Virginia, in Reno, NV. Pete was primarily in the Title Insurance Business and throughout the years with his continual promotions, they’d move around a lot within Oregon, in such places as West Linn, Corvallis, Dallas and Medford.

In 1977 they moved to The DaIles where they built up and operated their own Title Insurance Business, calling it Columbia Title. They were in The DaIles for over 10 years, during this time Pete was an active participant in The DaIles Business Community as well as an active member in The DaIles Rotary and The DaIles Kiwanis, he is a Life Member of the Elks and the American Legion.

In 1990, they bought their current home in Salem Oregon where Pete remained until his passing. For 52 years Pete was married to the love of his life, his wife Virginia L. Dyer, unfortunately she passed away in 2005 after an 11 year battle with Alzheimer’s.

The years he had with her, were the very best of his life. They’d enjoy traveling, taking trips to Reno, California, Arizona and Hawaii, as well as, attend Rotary functions and Title conventions. They’d visit family and friends often, and each summer take the grand kids to their timeshare in beautiful Central Oregon. It was quite often that in the summer months you could find them sitting out front of their home in Salem watching all the happenings going on; over the years he’d become very close with quite a few Families on his block, they were extremely important to him and he loved them so.

Pete thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his Family, Friends and Neighbors. He was a very charismatic guy, always the life of the party, he liked to tease, joke and could carouse with the best of them, he was always up for a good time and everyone enjoyed being around him. However, in November of 2010 a succession of illnesses began plaguing this life, which eventually he’d succumb to; those past few years he was cared for by his granddaughter Mandi in his home. It’s unfortunate that his years upon this earth were cut short, he lived nearly 86 really good ones and lived every minute of them to the fullest.

He is survived by: His Daughter Sheri, Son-in-law Fred, Grandaughter Mandi, Grandson Jason, Grandaughter-in-law Renee, Great Grandson Caden and Great Grandson Garet. As well as, His Son Dan Dyer and Daughter-in-law Ruth.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 4th at 2 pm. at Restlawn Memory Gardens, 201 Oak Grove Road NW, Salem, OR 97304, with a ‘Celebration of Life’ - ‘Party for Pete’ following the service at the Independence Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge 289 S. Main Street, Independence, OR (503) 838-1950 at approx. 5 pm. In lieu of flowers contribution(s) to the American Lung Association, the Independence Elks Lodge #1950 or the American Legion in his name would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
-Pete Dyer’s Family

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