Brock Byrne Wilson

Brock Byrne Wilson passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA on February 20, 2011. Brock was born in Seattle, WA on March 16, 1933, to William and Jewel Wilson. Brock spent his early years in the Burien area with his younger sister, Arden, and many friends. While in the seventh grade, he lost his right eye in an accident and never let that slow him down. He graduated from Highline High School in 1952; while attending, he competed in football, basketball and track, even winning a state blue ribbon in the 440. He met the love of his life, Margery Simpson, when his best friend, Doug Rottler, set him up on a blind date with his cousin from Olympia. The two dated while Brock attended the University of Washington and Margery attended Whitman University. After two years of long distance love, they decided to get married in 1954. At the "U", Brock was a Lieutenant in ROTC and President of the Engineering Club. He completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956, and was recruited by ALCOA Aluminum Company during his senior year. He was a proud Husky. After graduation Brock and Marge moved to Vancouver, WA. They were surrounded by a large, extended family and soon bought a house and started a family. Jeff was the first son, followed by Clay, daughter, Sheila and youngest son, Curt. While Marge raised the kids, ALCOA sent Brock to Tennessee for a year. In 1967, Brock was transferred to the Wenatchee Works ALCOA plant. They bought a beautiful home on Washington Street and Brock settled in to create one of the most beautiful gardens in Wenatchee. Brock had many passions in the Wenatchee Valley; one of the first was Wenatchee Panther football. When his kids were very young, he would take them and a station wagon full of their friends and head for the Apple Bowl for Friday night football. For 40 years, Brock would sit in the same row, cheering on his team. Brock was an exceptional father, teaching his children how to fish, golf, camp, hike, respect the environment and become a meaningful part of their community. He was very supportive of their activities and attended all sporting events. He coached Little League baseball, girls' softball, was active in Boy Scout Troop 2, and was President of the Wenatchee Civic Ballet Board, even dancing in the Nutcracker for many years. In the 1970's, Brock built a 17 foot kayak with his sons and enjoyed many trips in that boat, including participating in Ridge to River. Brock had many interests and activities. He would spend hours in his shop creating beautiful furniture, clocks and model airplanes. On a beautiful sunny day, he would take the kids to Washington School to fly, and sometimes crash, his model planes. He was an avid bicyclist; he often rode his bike to ALCOA, the airport and the WRAC. He rode numerous trails around the valley, participating in the annual Rotary Century ride. He was very proud of his involvement with the city of Wenatchee Bicycle Advisory Board. Apple Blossom time would bring many activities he and Marge would enjoy with the Misawa Sister City organization. Brock also spent many years with the Chelan- Douglas Mental Health Developmental Disabilities program. As his grandchildren entered Washington School, he wanted to spend more time with them and became a classroom volunteer for many years. His ALCOA family was very important to him; he loved his monthly poker club and Monday morning breakfast with the guys. Brock was very proud to be employed by ALCOA; he was a loyal employee for 38 years. Brock thoroughly enjoyed the annual family vacations at Ocean Shores with his children and grandchildren every summer. This family highlight was something that everyone looked forward to all year long and helped all of the family members to maintain close relationships. Brock was fascinated with the story of the Miss Veedol, which led him to design and build a model of the Miss Veedol, which is now on display at the Wenatchee Museum. The highlight of his retirement years was his involvement with the Spirit of Wenatchee organization. He loved every aspect of working on the full size replica of the Miss Veedol. His flight in the Miss Veedol with Arnie Clark from Kitty Hawk field to Osh Kosh, WI was a dream-come-true experience. Brock is survived by his children, Clay Wilson and wife, Angie, Sheila Dresker and husband, Kevin, and Curt Wilson and wife, Angie; grandchildren, Jeffery Gile, Kirsten Dresker, Hollis Wilson, Timothy Dresker and Brian Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Brock was preceded in death by his wife, Marge; son, Jeff; and parents, Jewel and Bill Wilson. After Marge passed away, Brock moved from his home of 42 years, into Columbia Heights. His family would like to thank the staff and all of his friends at Columbia Heights for their friendship, love and support. A Memorial Service celebrating Brock's life of adventure will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: The Spirit of Wenatchee, 1 Pangborn Drive, East Wenatchee, WA 98802.

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Brock Byrne Wilson

March 16, 1933 - February 20, 2011