Dewey L. "Sonny" Dye
June 11, 2002, Longview, Wash., Daily News
Former area coach Dewey L. Dye, 74, of Kelso, died June 7, 2002, at the Hospice Care Center.
He was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Newberg, Ore., to Charles and Ophia (Allen) Dye. He was a 1946 graduate of Kelso High School who lettered in football, baseball and basketball. He was all league in baseball.
He worked two years at a local mill before enrolling at Lower Columbia Junior College, where he lettered twice in each of his three favorite sports. He was an all-star in football and baseball. He was a member of the Junior College grid club when they won the Washington Junior College title in 1948.
He transferred to Linfield College on a football scholarship, playing defensive safety and quarterback, making the all-conference team as a defensive safety both years.
Mr. Dye served in the Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Essex during the Korean War. He returned to college in the spring of 1956, receiving his bachelor of science degree in 1956 and his master of education in 1957.
He was known as "Coach" to the many men who played on his football, basketball, baseball and track teams throughout his teaching and coaching career at Gold Beach, Clatskanie, Quincy-Mayger, Springfield, Ore., and Kalama school districts. After his retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher.
He was a member of the Longview-Kelso Elks, Veterans of Foreign War, Longview Eagles and Longview Moose Clubs. He was a Mariners fan and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, at home; two daughters, Danita Dieter of Longview and Lisa Pinard of Castle Rock; three sons Craig Dye of Kelso and Scott Dye of Keizer, Ore., and Dr. Richard Schwarz of Salem; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was a stepdaughter, Michelle Schwarz.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Green Hills Cemetery in Kelso with pastor Jon Dieter officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.
Arrangements are by Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.
Mainly about Linfield football. But, other things, too.
