Mick DeSantis

Mick DeSantis, born April 22, 1946 passed away April 10, 2015 due to cardiac arrest with his wife Ruth of almost 49 years by his side. Mick was born in Silverton, Oregon, graduated from Mt. Angel Prep High School, and went on to live in Woodburn most of his life where he was a prominent businessman and civic leader. In his youth he was 2nd team all state in high school football playing center and nose guard. He married in 1966 and served a brief stint in the National Guard soon after. In 1973, he formed Mick DeSantis Homebuilders Inc. and built custom homes primarily in Smith’s Addition. This land was part of the 240 acre tract originally owned by Woodburn’s founder Jesse Settlemier. He spearheaded work parties and was instrumental in finishing the construction of Rubis Hall, which is the St. Luke Catholic Church hall and gymnasium. The local civic leader served on both the Woodburn Parks and Recreation Board and City Council. He was awarded the 1st Junior Citizen of Woodburn in 1980. He served as President of the Woodburn Jaycees and then went on to hold offices in the state of Oregon Jaycees. He was JCI Senator #22547. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Foresters, Elks, Plymouth Club, Studebaker Club, Sun City Woodshop and the Sun City Lapidary. He loved showing his classic cars at shows and going on Hot Rod Power Tours. He also enjoyed spending time in the Sun City, AZ Rock Shop club making jewelry for family. The active DeSantis sponsored a city league basketball team for many years, was a participant in a fantasy basketball league for over two decades, and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Mick loved to golf and served a three year term as President of the Woodburn Golf Club aka “Woodburn Sand Greens”. Late in his amazing life he developed and founded Parr Acres Manufactured Home Park and was co-owner of the community. During retirement he lived in Mazatlan, Mexico and Sun City, AZ during the winter/spring. Mick will be remembered as a dynamic, gregarious, hard working, driven, outspoken man. A man of enormous pride and at times polarizing, he had incredible tunnel vision like no other. DeSantis was a relentless negotiator and his passion enabled him to get results. Many people start projects, but Mick was a finisher. He retired young in 1999 because he ran successful businesses, often worked 14 hour days, and made savvy real estate investments. Known as “Uncle Mickey” to his nieces and nephews, he was the life of the party. His loud voice and belly laugh would carry across the room. He embraced his Italian heritage and DeSantis family reunions. Mick is survived by his wife Ruth; his sons Marc and Gino; his four sisters, Dorothy Fish, Betty Brekke, Elaine Zauner, and Cecilia Urbani; three granddaughters, Rachel, Peyton, Brynn, and soon to be born grandson Vincent “Michael”. He is preceded by his father Emidio DeSantis, mother Bertha Schaffer DeSantis, and brother Emidio Jr “Bud” DeSantis A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. April 21, 2015, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 417 Harrison Street, Woodburn, OR 97071. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. April 22, 2015 also at St. Luke. Mick had a passion for quality home construction. So in lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made to the St. Luke Catholic Church building/maintenance fund.

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Mick DeSantis

April 22, 1946 - April 10, 2015