Daily Sitka Sentinel

Bill Lovejoy Passes Away; Had ‘Fish House’ in Sitka

William Dean “Bill” Lovejoy

William Dean “Bill” Lovejoy, whose travels included stays in Sitka, passed away March 6, 2021, a month shy of his 83rd birthday.

He was born April 4, l938, in Seattle, Washington, the son of Frederick Bentley and Jane Dean Lovejoy. He attended Marysville, Washington, schools and Everett Junior College.

In his youth, Bill was an enthusiastic limited hydroplane racer, and was on ocean racing boat crews, as well.  He maintained a lifelong passion for boats and being on the water, which resulted in later years in many family summer cruises in Puget Sound and waters north. As a young seaman, he served in the U.S. Navy in Primary Flight Control on the USS Ticonderoga.

Bill married Constance (Connie) Jean Erickson in 1964. His insurance brokerage  career was based in Portland, Oregon, but they lived and raised their two sons, Bart and Eric, in Vancouver, Washington. 

Bill was a passionate bird hunter, spending many happy days at their Central Oregon “hunt camp” pursuing chukar, pheasant and quail with family and friends. He also had a lifetime love for his many hunting dogs, mainly German shorthairs, wire hairs and English pointers, who served him faithfully. He taught son Eric how to hunt and son Bart how to fish.

For many years, Bill had a “fish house”  in Sitka, where he generously entertained family, friends and clients, making sure they always took home a good catch. He also participated in community activities, including volunteering for the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society in helping restore a 1940s boathouse on Japonski Island. 

Further adventures found him fly fishing in New Zealand, traveling to Scotland and Ireland, and searching for family genealogy in Southern England.  His travels with Connie took them to France, England and Australia. 

In retirement he found time for golfing at Royal Oaks Golf Club and spending as much time as possible at their Netarts, Oregon, beach homes. He also treasured time with grandchildren Halle, Lindsay and Rex Lovejoy, cheering them on with school and athletic activities: a memorable slot car derby involved him and Rex.

Bill leaves his wife of 57 years,  Connie, of Battle Ground, Washington; his three grandchildren from son Eric Lovejoy and Melissa Benton, Vancouver; son Bart Lovejoy (Danny), Seattle; sister Jane Littlefield (Rufe) Bellevue, Washington; and brother Ben Lovejoy (Karen) in Nokomis, Florida, as well as nieces and nephews.

The family takes heart in the stories, memories, laughter and love in a life well-lived. He loved his family wholly, as well as many friends, who valued Bill’s sense of humor and willingness to allow people to be themselves.

A private family service will be held. Cards may be sent to 1310 SW  39th Way, Battle Ground, WA 98604.

The family suggests remembrances to the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society (P.O. Box 2153, Sitka, Alaska 99835); www.sitkamaritime.org or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .