Wilfred DeCook

Published 10:17 am Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Wilfred DeCook

September 14, 1932 – August 11, 2024

Fred DeCook, a cherished friend and beloved family member, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 11, 2024, at the age of 91.

Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, to Erma and Wilfred J. DeCook, Fred graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Illinois and served as an Air Force pilot. His last assignment, a radar station on Mount Tamalpais, with its stunning view of San Francisco Bay, inspired a lifelong affection for the area.

After his honorable discharge, Fred traveled to Europe, where he met his first wife, Anne DeCook, with whom he had three sons. Returning to the U.S., Fred settled in Mill Valley, CA, and embarked on a successful career as an entrepreneur. He started “Decook Construction” and later partnered with Earl Shuttleworth to establish “Scott McCall Real Estate,” which became one of the largest brokerages in the region.

Fred was a gentleman and a ladies man which spurred a second marriage to Betty Decook. He later met Bobbye Cullen, who became his third wife and soulmate. Together, they built a home on Stinson Beach and enjoyed Fred’s passions for cycling and hiking on Mount Tamalpais. A move to Healdsburg led Fred to join the Hot Sprockets cycling group. Fred and Bobbye relocated to Bend, Oregon in 2004 where they continued to thrive socially and renew old friendships.

Fred is predeceased by his first wife Anne, third wife Bobbye, and youngest son Peter. He is survived by two sons, Tom DeCook of San Francisco, Jack DeCook and his wife Kerstin Decook of PSL, Florida; six grandchildren, Alyssa, Kylee, Jacob, Eden, Hanna, and Hayden; and two great-grandchildren, Aspen and Emery.

Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to the Humane Society. A Celebration of Life will be held in Bend in September.