Tributes

Dorence Benjamin Noteboom, 91, passed peacefully on January 28, 2024, with 'The Girls' lovingly by his side at Joyland Adult Care Foster Home in Tigard, Oregon. Born on October 24, 1932, in Bemis, South Dakota, to Isaac B Noteboom and Elsie E Husman Noteboom, the dust bowl soon forced the family to move to Tillamook, OR, where he grew up, developing the dairy gene (getting up early) and his work ethic on the family farm tending rabbits and dairy cows. Dorence completed elementary school in a one room school house on the outskirts of town. He went to middle school in town where he met the love of his life, Janet, and soon informed his brother that 'She's the one.' They married August 2, 1953, in Eugene, OR, and were sweethearts for 67 years. The youngest of 4 boys, he survived the 1st of his '9 lives' experiences when his brother, Rolly, pulled him from the farms liquid tank, another when stuffed into an old tire and rolled down the hill, and another later when he stayed in Florida for one of several 'hurricane parties.' One summer he grew 7 inches, which led to his athleticism, and he began playing sports as a Junior in High School, lettering in both football and basketball for the Tillamook Cheesemakers. He was the 1st in his family to attend college, earning a BA in Economics at Willamette University on a football scholarship, and joined Sigma Chi fraternity and Air Force ROTC. Following graduation in 1954, he served in the Air Force as a pilot on KC-97 refueling planes, referred to as flying a 'Malatov cocktail.' He and Janet caught the travel bug as they moved throughout the States for his assignments. They made life-long friends while in the Air Force, annually reconnecting with many for decades. Dorence continued as an Air Force Reserve when they settled in Cave Junction, OR, in 1958, joining his father-in-law, Delbert 'Pop' Day, as a Shell Oil Jobber. He took over Day Oil Company in the early 60s, expanding it to two gas stations, a car wash, heating oil and furnace installation/repair, plus diesel and fuel oil/grease deliveries to loggers in the mountains. He was known as a fair and generous businessman, and was active in the community of Illinois Valley. He served on the Josephine County School Board, was active in the Lions Club (famous for an appearance as a 'Happy Whistler' in an annual Skimming Low show), the Grants Pass Elks Lodge, the United Methodist Church. He refereed community sports, and was an avid golfer and bowler. A devoted family man, Dorence prioritized time for his daughters (The Girls) school/sports/church activities, family trips, and later many activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dorence and Janet enjoyed traveling, especially to their favorite destination of Hawaii, and trips to Japan, Mexico, and Europe. In 1987, Dorence retired the 1st time, sold the business and they moved to Corvallis, OR, where he worked the next 15 years as a consultant on fuel additives for Cummings Transfer in Albany, OR. He and Janet enjoyed some 30 years in Corvallis, volunteering, making friends, and traveling. They were avid OSU Beaver fans, supporting both men's and women's sports. Dorence actively supported Janet in her many endeavors for the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxillary, and with volunteering over 25 years for Meals on Wheels. He joined golf and bowling leagues, and was active on the Home Owners Association Board where they resided. Dorence is survived by his daughters Kathy (Doug) Johnson and Susan (Mark) Leas; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet, his parents, his 3 brothers Donald (Don), Duane (Duke), Roland (Rolly), and cousin Verdell (Dutch). A heartfelt thank you to Christine of Right At Home, to Chevron, Nadine, Lettie, Ron and Beth at Joyland Adult Foster Care Home for your kind, patient, and loving care during the last 18 months. Words cannot express our gratitude. Donations in Dorence's memory may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Benton County C/O Katherine Ing, 1400 NW 9th St Corvallis, OR 97331 or online at ocwcog.kindful.com (select a campaign MOW-Corvallis Benton), or to OSU Athletics online at ourbeavernation.com, or to Willamette University at 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301 or online at wubearcats.com, or to Wounded Warriors Project online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. A Celebration of Life service will be held at McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th St, Corvallis, OR 97330 on March 2nd, 2024, at 2 pm. A private internment will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Online thoughts and memories for the family may be posted at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Dorence Benjamin Noteboom

October 24, 1932 - January 28, 2024