Dewitt was one of my closest friends. Over the course of the last few years we did not visit much, but he always remained close to my heart. Every year Dewitt called me on my birthday, which is one day after his. This year he did not call. I tried to call him, but the phone did not work. Today I was looking for a phone number for one of his relatives, but I found the obituary in the Oregonian.
I met Dewitt in Boy Scouts, and I was immediately drawn to him. Dewitt had charisma. He was intelligent. He was funny. People liked Dewitt, and they wanted to be around him. When we were in scouts I remember a time when we had been at Spirit Lake boy scout camp. Through some sort of mis communication, Dewitt, myself and Jim Mclaughlin were left behind when it was time to return to Portland. We hitch hiked back. It was frightening and exciting at the same time. I was with my best friend, and it was fun, even though we had no money.
Later Dewitt, myself and another friend (one year it was Scott Hayes, and the next time it was Scott Strever) hiked down the Rogue River in Southern Oregon two times. Dewitt was a leader, and I could always count on his confidence and self reliance to get us through.
For a time Dewitt and I were roommates. He was always a lot of fun to be around. Dewitt was active. He worked hard in Alaska, but he always made time for other people. He enjoyed re building cars, and he loved his MGBs. He had a Triumph Trident motorcycle that he adored. Dewitt could fix things. Dewitt was and is one of my best friends. I am shocked and dismayed that God has taken him from us. I am very shaken up, and I will miss him for the rest of my days.
Warren Gustave Moe
