Obituary of Daryll Holm Deritis

Daryll was born in Tacoma March 14, 1938, to Aldon Deritis and Edna Holm, and died peacefully at home November 3, 2009, with his loving family at his side. Daryll is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Joyce, his 4 children, Barbara Petersen (Curt) of Federal Way, Alan Rogers of Costa Rica, Stacy Patterson (Tyler) of Ravensdale and Steven Thornton (Kim) of Fox Island, his 5 grandchildren, Arianna, Dallas and Olivia Thornton and Aidan and Samantha Patterson, his brother Don of Oklahoma, and his niece and nephews, Kim, Keith and Kevin Deritis. Daryll was preceded in death by his brother Russell, who was on the USS Arizona when it sank in Pearl Harbor. Daryll was always industrious and adventurous. He loved to build things, a love that started early. He would fondly recount a story about how he and a childhood friend mounted a small engine onto a bicycle frame they had modified just so they would not have to pedal. The boys rode it everywhere to his mother’s chagrin. Before graduating from high school his father helped him purchase a local sportsmen's shop in Parkland, which became the legendary Gun and Bow. He loved the shop, building and fixing fly rods, setting up hunting and fishing excursions and telling stories with customers until late into the night. Daryll owned and managed the shop until the late 1960’s when he sold it. Daryll also owned a Rod and Reel Repair Shop in the B&I, and managed Bob Klontz Sporting Goods in Auburn. After graduating from Lincoln High School Daryll joined the Marines and served in Korea. As a young man he owned ski boats and often frequented Steilacoom and American Lakes. He was an excellent water skier, and actually able to water ski on his bare feet. He was also a great snow skier and shared that love with his entire family. He and Joyce purchased the Bye-Bye Bus in the early 70’s and made weekly trips to the slopes. All were welcome and Daryll would patiently instruct any new comer. After selling The Gun and Bow Daryll became a sporting goods manufacture representative for Curley-Bates Company and worked for them for ten years. He called on and befriended many sporting goods store managers and owners in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Wyoming and Montana. In the 1970's he and Joyce went into business for themselves and started a company called Deritis and Associates. Through this company a number of sporting good lines were introduced to the Northwest, some of which are now commonly recognized: UVEX ski goggles and sun glasses, Brookes running shoes, Toko Wax and Under Armour clothing. At the same time he and Joyce were building on to their current residence as well as purchasing and remodeling houses and apartments to rent out. They did almost all of the work themselves. Daryll was always busy. If he was not traveling to call on a client he was designing a new room for his house or working on a rental. He truly loved building, designing and fixing things. Daryll retired from his business nine years ago, after which he and Joyce took a couple of cruises and relaxed by the swimming pool he had built for his family years before. Many social gatherings were held around the pool over the years, bringing together Daryll's family and many friends for wedding receptions, children's swimming lessons, and lots of parties. Daryll could not have been a better father! He was an exemplary role model who easily earned the respect, admiration and gratitude of his children. They each learned an endless variety of skills from him over the years. He was a patient teacher who encouraged his children to try new things. Daryll was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and helpful friend to many, always generously sharing his time and knowledge with others. Friends and neighbors were treated like family by this kind, sincere and honest man. He is greatly missed! At his request no service will be held.