Wilson Harry Foote Jr

Wilson Harry Foote Jr, age 97, of Grants Pass, died August 29, 2022.

Harry was born February 18, 1925 in Santa Monica, California to Wilson & Helen Foote. He graduated from Van Nuys High School in June 1943. In July 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served 3 ½ years mainly in the South Pacific, aboard the Destroyer Escort USS Deede, DE 263. His ship’s crew were involved in many major battles, including the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima. His rank was Electricians Mate, 2nd Class. After his honorable discharge form the Navy in 1946, he returned home to begin a career that led to surveying, civil drafting, and ultimately civil engineering. He had a 39-year career with the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. After his retirement in 1986, Harry enjoyed sailing, power boating, and traveling with wife Peg. In 2005 they moved from Murrieta, California to Grants Pass, where he enjoyed woodworking in his shop. Over the years, he was always interested in Navy Ships and steam engine trains; he enjoyed camping and fishing in the High Sierras; breakfasting with friends; and vodka martinis!

His memberships included the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club; U.S. Naval Institute; Destroyer Escort Historical Museum; LADWP Associates; and Engineer & Architects Association.

After his wife passed in 2016, Harry continued to live in his home, and enjoyed eating out with friends. In January of 2021 he fell at home, broke several ribs, was in rehab for three weeks, and knew he could not live at home alone any longer. He then made the decision to move to assisted living to Countryside Village.

Of course, all the caregivers there just loved him! Falling again on August 18, 2022 and breaking his ankle was just too much for his 97 ½ year old body to handle. One of the greatest generation passed 12 days later.

Survivors include his daughter Linda Colton of Grants Pass; son Steven Foote of Indian Wells, California; two grandchildren Alisa Foote and Dan Nasitka; and two great-grandchildren Colby Nasitka and Sienna Nasitka.
A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., September 1, 2022 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Deacon Bob Chapin officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.