Nolin Francis Vandehey

January 21, 1933 – Aug. 8, 2010

Nolin Francis Vandehey passed away peacefully Sunday, August 8, with his wife and children gathered around him. Nolin was born in Gales Creek, Oregon, January 21, 1933, the 7th of 10 children born to Joseph and Mabel (VanderZanden) Vandehey. The family later moved to Thatcher, Oregon, where Nolin attended grade school, he then graduated from Verboort High School.

Nolin met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Davis on June 7, 1952. The following September, they moved to Bend where the family still resides. Nolin worked at Oregon Trail Box for many years. Nolin had a love for cars and even though he worked full time and raised a family, he pursued an Auto Body degree from C.O.C.C. His second year in the program, Nolin won a full scholarship. After graduating, he worked at Bill’s Body Shop until the shop was sold. Nolin and Patricia opened their own shop and worked for themselves where they had many loyal customers. After selling their shop, Nolin was asked to help out for a few weeks by his oldest son, who was the manager at the time, in the body shop of Bob Thomas Chevrolet. Nolin retired from Bob Thomas 14 years later where he won many awards and received many cards and letters from grateful customers.

Nolin was a kind and generous person who was always willing to help anybody at anytime. Nolin was a hunter and fisherman and had many trophies mounted including his big trout he caught in the Deschutes River. He was most proud of the two antelopes that hang on his wall for all too see, always leading to the story of each hunt. Nolin was an excellent story teller and had many stories including his adventures with hunting and fishing. Of the many projects Nolin worked on, restoring an army jeep was one of his favorites which is still used in Veterans Day parades.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia; two sons, Michael Vandehey of Prineville, David (Gina) Vandehey of Bend; daughters, Debbie (Dale) Johnson of Bend and Kelly (Pete) Robertson of Bend; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. His Brothers, Ed, Donald and Sisters Joyce, Marlene and Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Bernard, and Ronald and sister Virginia.

He will be missed very much by his family and friends.

Viewing will be Friday, August 13, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm, with Vigil starting at 7:00 pm, at Niswonger and Reynolds funeral home.

Memorial mass will be held Saturday, August 14, at 1:00 pm, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, followed by Military Honors at 2450 NE 27th St, Bend ,OR.

Memorial Contributions have been suggested to Hospice House.

Nolin Vandehey