Obituary of William "Bill" Andersen Deane

William "Bill" Andersen Deane, a beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Lake Oswego, Oregon surrounded by family on October 7, 2023, at the age of 66.

Bill was born on July 6, 1957, to Thomas and Margaret Deane in Los Angeles, California. Growing up with his brother, Jim, in Westchester, Bill created lifelong friendships with elementary school classmates, developed a deep love of the Dodgers, and a fondness for warm weather and sandy beaches. He frequently reminisced about his summers on Balboa Island and shared his favorite treat of Balboa Bars with his family. 

Bill moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1975 to attend Lewis and Clark College. His years as a “Pio” led to incredible friendships, annual dinner groups, and most importantly, to his wife of 38 years, Nan. It was a Lewis and Clark connection that introduced Bill to the world of video production and a career with Creative Media Development (CMD).  He joined CMD in 1986 and thoroughly enjoyed being part of their production team until he went off on his own in 2001.

Married in 1985, Bill and Nan planted roots in Lake Oswego and never left. Together they raised three daughters, Megan (1988), Melanie (1990), and Mackenzie (1993). Bill always prioritized family and was involved in his kids' lives whether it was coaching sports teams, walking alongside their unicycles in the Junior Rose Parade, or creating school videos. As his girls grew and moved to college, his unconditional love was just a phone call away.  He was present and available to both celebrate joys and provide loving reassurance when something didn’t go as planned.  His warmth was magnetic, sturdy, and so loving, and many things felt possible after talking with him. Bill was a caretaker at heart and many of his daughters’ friends came to see him as a father figure. He was happiest with a full house and a full table. 

Outside of work and family, Bill’s true passion was in creating connections and he found the most meaning in these connections at Guide Dogs for the Blind and Lake Oswego United Church of Christ (LOUCC). For the last nine years, Bill volunteered at Guide Dogs, where he walked dogs waiting for their next assignment. He was known to carry dog treats in his pocket, collecting a posse of dogs wherever he went. Additionally, Bill held many leadership positions at LOUCC over the years, including chairing the search committee, which called our beloved pastor, Jennie Ott, to serve our church. Bill also took great pride in working as a trustee who cared for the church building. 

One of Bill’s proudest roles was being a papa. He had six grandchildren (Emmett, Norah, Benji, Charlie, Ida, and Julian) and he loved each of them dearly. He was involved in their lives with OMSI outings, slot car track racing, zoo visits, and plenty of playdates and sleepovers at Nana and Papa’s house. The tender moments where a “little” climbed on his lap will be a warm memory forever. 

Bill was a proud and loving husband, dad, papa, and friend. He will always be remembered for his warmth, humor, and generosity.  His family and friends will think of him often, especially when spending time at the beach, sharing delicious meals together, listening to great music, or trying to crack a well-timed “dad” joke. He was well loved and will be deeply missed. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Nan; daughters, Megan Deane McKenna (Dan), Melanie Fischer (Matt), and Mackenzie Nesbit Deane (Ryan); six grandchildren; brother, Jim; nieces and nephews; and his loyal yellow lab, Takota. 

A Celebration of Life will be held November 4th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Oswego United Church of Christ. The service will be streamed at https://youtube.com/live/iPeKtX5LQIY

If you’d like to make a donation, here are two organizations dear to Bill:  

Lake Oswego United Church of Christ (https://www.loucc.org/) 

Guide Dogs for the Blind (https://www.guidedogs.com/)