George William (Bill) Spores passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2020, just three days short of his 88th birthday. Born in Springfield to Marvin and Marie Spores, he grew up on the family farm in the Mohawk Valley. He graduated from Stafford Grade School (Lower Mohawk), Springfield High School and the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy at Whidbey Island, Washington.
Following the Navy, he had a variety of careers in California including stints in publishing and real estate, and later as a Carnation milkman, before setting his sights abroad. His sense of adventure and love of travel sent him to work overseas in Mexico, Hong Kong, and London before returning to Oregon and settling in Depoe Bay. He became a local ‘fixture’ as the owner and operator of an antiques and collectible business, The What Not Shop, as well as a gift store, Pacific Brass and Copper Works, the latter also operating for several years at the Fifth and Pearl complex in Eugene.
A tireless advocate for the community, he was active on the Depoe Bay Parks Commission, and served on the Depoe Bay City Council as well as the City Budget and Urban Renewal Committees. He was instrumental in the expansion of the parks system through a series of “pocket parks,” and the development of the Depoe Bay Nature Trail — undoubtedly two of his proudest accomplishments. He also served as an active and longtime member of the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce, selflessly volunteering for decades for the organization’s Memorial Day Fleet of Flowers, Crab Feed, and the city’s iconic Indian Style Salmon Bake. He was recognized as the Depoe Bay Citizen of the Year in 1995, and Friend of Depoe Bay in 2005. Bill was an ardent reader, nearly always with one book in hand, and two or three others in the queue.
Bill’s friendly demeanor, quick wit, and easy-going style made him a friend to all he met. He is survived by his life companion, Bonnie Osborne, children Mary Towne and Ted Spores, siblings Jeanne Wilder, Ron, John and Carolyn Spores, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name are being accepted at the Depoe Bay Food Pantry, POB 691, Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341.
The family will scatter his ashes in Depoe Bay during the Fleet of Flowers Ceremony in May, and near the Mohawk River, during the summer.
