Weldon "Butch" Depoe

Weldon "Butch" Depoe was born on May 23, 1957, to Weldon and Pauline Depoe in Shelton, WA, he was the fourth of seven children. He graduated from Shelton High School and soon after moved to Astoria, OR where the family also had ties. That is where he met his wife of 45 years, his soul-mate and best friend, Cynthia. She walked into the restaurant where he was working in Astoria and told his boss and coworker, "Do you see that woman right there, she's going to be my wife. Either hire her or bring me my paycheck."

That's where it all began, a happy life together and his instant family was created. They were married on December 31, 1978, joined with their oldest daughter Jada, at the altar of the church that Cynthia's grandfather built and preached the gospel in Kennewick, WA. Two years later, his little princess Karina arrived. Butch was very proud of his beautiful daughters, Jada and Karina. He was a great provider for the family. He joined the laborer's union in 1977 in Aberdeen, WA and worked all over the Pacific Northwest where he called Washington State, home. He did spend a short time driving truck in Dallas, TX and realized quickly that wasn't the life for him, so he loaded up his family and moved back to the PNW, where they raised their daughters and played in the dirt running heavy equipment and laying pipe on many call-out union jobs around the state. He enjoyed his life to the fullest, fishing, even if he didn't catch anything, he would be the first one to remind you it is not called 'catching', it is called, 'fishing!', clam digging, crabbing and picking oysters. He was always concerned that his family could live off the land if needed.

Butch retired from the laborer's union January of 2014 due to health reasons. He and his wife moved to Bullhead City, AZ where they had visited and fell in love with the desert on a prior vacation. They looked forward to the sunshine and riding his Harley Davidson every day. His uncle Norm, who had also retired and living in Bullhead City, taught Butch how to play 3-Ball pool at the local Moose Lodge. He joined the lodge and started a regular 'Tuesday afternoon league' and he met many new friends. He was happiest in the man cave he built at his home in Bullhead City; his Harley parked close and he would belly-up next to the beautiful bar he built.

Butch will be missed by many and never will we forget his life stories he told and the laughter he brought to any room. We were told on the 10th of March that he was full of cancer. He was ready and at peace with his life, he didn't want to be a bother to his family so Hospice, Canyon Home Care helped with his final days in the 'Man Cave' with his best friend and wife Cynthia, daughters and grandkids, sisters and brothers, friends and family all surrounding him. In his last days, he was laughing, enjoying his friends and family that stopped by to say their goodbyes. His wings were ready, and the moment his heart stopped, our lives were forever changed, March 22, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cynthia of Bullhead City, AZ, his daughter Jada Pollock (Sean) of Washington, daughter Karina Depoe and fiancé Lyle Collins of Bullhead City, AZ. He was a very proud Papa of four grandchildren, Phillip and Connor Pollock of Washington, Kayla and Timothy, Jr. "TJ" Rogge of Washington, and three great-grandchildren, Kamden, Brynlee and Layla, all of Washington State.

Also survived by and was very close to, his sisters, Myra Lynn Hills, Barbara Lou Beleele, Ellie Huff (Charles), all of Washington, Patty Martinell of Arizona, and his brother Mike Depoe of Kingman, Arizona. Butch loved his in-laws as well, he often referred to them as his 'outlaws', Diane and Jim Mothershed of Washington, Pamela Barthuly, Hank and Donna Barthuly, and his traveling/adventuring buddies Linda and Jerry Peters, all of Washington. He has multiple nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Also, cousins and his uncle Don Depoe of Washington and not to be forgotten, his Moose wife and dear friend, Susan Berilla of Bullhead City.

Butch was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Weldon and Pauline Depoe, step-mother Lora Depoe, his mother and father-in-law Alonzo and Alsie Parks, sister Diane Keeler (Roy), aunts and uncles, Marilyn Thompson (John), Doris Derrick (Ray), Ralph Depoe, Charles Depoe (Charlene), David Depoe, Larry Depoe (Jane), and Rosalie Depoe; step-brothers Emerson and Doug Moore, brother-in-laws and best friend Steve Hills and Bob Beleele.

He had many lifetime friends and other family that were waiting for him in heaven with open arms. He enjoyed his fur babies, and was a dog lover and had several over his lifetime. They all have crossed over the bridge and were waiting for him.

A celebration of Butch's life is being held on August 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elma Eagles. For information call Myra (360) 463-3233 or Barb (360) 426-5976.