Rupert Dykstra

Rupert Dykstra, 62, of Baker City, died Friday, January 17, 2020 at his son’s home surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020~11 a.m. at the Harvest Christian Church in Baker City (3720 Birch St).  Friends are invited to join the family for reception to be held immediately following the service at church.

Rupert Paul Dykstra was born September 21, 1957 in Truckee, California to parents Alfred and Dorothy Dykstra.  He was raised in Vancouver, WA and earned his GED when he joined the Local 296 working for the Union as a pipe welder.

In addition to being a welder, Rupert had also had a career as a professional flat track racer in 1972.

On February 19, 1982 he married Vernette Miller whom he met through some mutual friends.

Rupert lived many places during his life including Portland and Prineville OR., Boise, Arco and Pocatello ID., and Moses Lake WA.

Rupert thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping and logging. He was an avid coyote marksmen and gained notoriety once when he asked someone to “hold my baby” while he, with his bare hands, caught and hogtied a coyote who dared trespass into the yard of a house that was having a yard sale next to a post office.  The coyote was later released and vowed never to go yardsailing again. 

A highlight of Rupert’s life was the many times he spent on the Columbia River camping and fishing.  His life philosophy was “go where you are celebrated, not where you are just tolerated”. Rupert never met a stranger, and was very social.  He loved all of his children and their spouses as well as his grandchildren with all of his heart. Rupert will be remembered for being a loving father and husband.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Dorothy Dykstra; grandson Conner Dykstra; sister Darlene Dykstra

Rupert is survived by his wife of 37 years Vernette Dykstra; sons Dwaine Dykstra of Newport, WA., David Dykstra of Nampa, ID., Vern and his wife Savannah Dykstra of Baker City, OR., Leone and his wife Tasia Dykstra of Delco, ID; Daughters Brandy and her husband Todd Beatty of Baker City, OR, and Sara Droneburg of Priest, ID.; 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; and his two loyal dogs Jim Dandy and Gandalf.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Rupert the family suggests “Hunt of a Lifetime” through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, OR. 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com