Obituary of Wilbur Dexter

Having lived a long and fulfilling life, Wilbur H. "Bill" Dexter left us on Sunday, June 26 to pursue his next adventure. Born October 26, 1925 to Perley and Carol (Schneider) Dexter in Denver, Colorado, Bill grew up during the Depression where everyday living required sacrifice and creativity. He spent hours walking the service drives of Denver, finding castoff items to make new again. If your fan or toaster stopped working, Bill would tinker with it and get it fixed in short order. Bill served in the Navy towards the end of World War II, stationed on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After the war, Bill went to the University of Colorado, where he majored in electrical engineering. He met Priscilla Boucher (1929 - 1970) and they were married in March, 1952. They started a family and settled in Aurora, a new, post-war suburb of Denver. Bill set his home apart from all the others by building a stone wall and installing a small in-ground pool in the backyard. As with everything, Bill tried to make things better, easier, and was fondly known as a "mad scientist." He had a variety of jobs, including volunteer fireman, pipe organ repairman, and barber before he started working for the Denver NBC affiliate (KOA) as a technician. In 1965, he moved his family to Hyde Park, NY to build trimaran sailboats with his brother-in-law, Robert Nixon. The business closed in 1968, and he went to work for IBM, finding it to be a place where his love of science, electronics, and gadgets could flourish. He retired in 1993 and started volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Hyde Park Historical Society. Bill is survived by his three children, Carol Jessen (Karl), Steven, and Anne (Bill Houghtaling); grandson Kane Jessen (with whom he shared a deep and special bond); niece Abigail Nixon Mitchell (residing in New Zealand); step-children Jean, John, Donna, and Janet (of whom he was particularly fond); and his feline pal, Periwinkle. He was predeceased by his first wife Priscilla in 1970, his second wife Patricia in 2002, and his sister Helen Nixon in 1994. Although he was known to 'bark' quite often, those who loved him knew he had big heart. More often than not, he would make you laugh with his quick wit and wicked sense of humor. The family wishes to acknowledge the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The staff and facilitated support groups were an invaluable source of encouragement and strength through the years. Bill had a deep love for nature and animals, and was blessed to have animal companionship throughout his life. He was never more at home than when he was sitting in his recliner with a cat on his lap. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, NY 12538. It was there that he found Periwinkle, who gave him great comfort and enjoyment. Cremation has taken place, and the family will celebrate Bill's life and love of music on Monday, August 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Arbor Ridge in Rhinebeck, NY where he lived for over 5 years. It was there that he found community, friendship, and love. His last few years were his happiest, and for that, he was truly blessed. Many thanks to his workout buddy Kurt Swanson, and to his 'girls', Agnes, Yvonne, Charlene, Debbie, Dixie, Kim, Star, Lisa, and the many others who were always there for Bill and his family. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com