Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Dr. Peter D. DeVries

Posted

Dr. Peter D. DeVries passed away on April 30, 2017 in Wenatchee following a brief illness. 

He was born June 21, 1927 in Los Angeles to Peter and Minnie DeVries. Following graduation from High School in Bell, California, he joined the U.S. Navy Medical Corp, serving from 1945-1946. After his military service, he earned a master’s degree in biology from Cal State University and later, a doctorate in Facilities Planning from the University of San Francisco. 

Peter married Joan Hansen in 1959, and they had a daughter and two sons. As a family, they enjoyed spending time in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains along with Peter’s sister and her family. Together they shared a love of searching for antiques, and fishing.

He spent the early part of his career in Whittier, California--first as a science teacher and then as an assistant high school principal. He also coached basketball and track. In 1964, he and Joan relocated to Chico, California, where he worked for the local school district until being appointed Vice President of Educational services at Butte Community College. He was named founding president of Mendocino College in Ukiah, California in 1972, and then became president of Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake in 1978. His position at BBCC included overseeing the college’s educational programs for U.S. service members stationed in Europe. 

Peter and Joan retired to Leavenworth in 1987. They designed their new home, which opened a second career for Peter. He had the pleasure of designing over 200 homes and several commercial buildings in north central Washington. Peter was passionate about his community and served on multiple boards and committees. He was a member of the Leavenworth City Council for five terms, and was also on the State Building Code Council for eastern Washington. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lois Koenig and Lorraine Coleman; and his brothers, Joseph and Allen DeVries.

Peter is survived by his wife of 57 years; his daughter, Kerry (John) Harrington; his son, David (Marya) DeVries: and Glen (Janice) DeVries. He had eight grandchildren. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., May 20, at the Nazarene Church in Leavenworth, 111 Ski Hill Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s name to the Cascade Medical Center Foundation or Upper Valley Christian School. Arrangements by Wards Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth.