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William DITTMAN Obituary

William Albert Dittman Jr. (Bill) of Spokane, 68, passed suddenly on October 30, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eileen; his children, Katherine, Delaney, and William; as well as his brothers, John and Andrew; and his sons-in-law, John Young and Michael Semple. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea Young, and his parents, Catherine and William. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1973, going to Dartmouth College, then to the University of Washington for medical school. Prior to returning to Spokane, he made strides in hematology research at Duke University as an assistant professor, helping to finish out the clotting cascade and studying thrombosis and thrombomodulin. In Spokane, he was known for his love of medicine, teaching, and continued learning. He retired from Sacred Heart last year, but still managed to have three different jobs at Vitalant, Incite Pathology, and his favorite, teaching medical students at WSU and UW. Outside of his professional work, many knew him for his contributions to youth soccer, where he coached, refereed, and worked for SYSA. His family knew him, however, as the best dad and husband, who shared his love of skiing, wine, food, jokes, and collecting bizarre cooking equipment with his family and friends that were like family.

Services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on November 6th at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery or the Second Harvest Food Bank. Bill would love it if you would make a donation to the Vitalant Blood Bank in his honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Nov. 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Pamela Hamilton

January 3, 2024

Just this evening I learned of the passing of my cousin Bill. I didn´t know him well because of our seven year age difference and because our families lived several hours apart (Seattle-Spokane), but I do have some very fun memories of swimming and staying at the cabin in Priest Lake. How we loved to run off the dock and wait (briefly!) for Slump to jump in and "save" us! Ha, those were some good times!

Sending my belated and heartfelt condolences to Andrew, John, and the rest of the family. I hope you have plenty of fond memories to share and laugh about to keep his memory alive.

Michael Ring

November 14, 2023

Dear Dittman family, I just heard from Dr. Boulet that Bill passed recently. I am so so sorry for your loss. As you may know, I worked with Bill as a colleague at the hospital and in research as well as having been trusted in his cardiovascular care which makes all of this especially heart breaking. I do not need to remind you of Bill's many, many virtues. I cannot over emphasize the enormous impact he had in the Spokane medical community and way beyond as you know. Please accept my heart felt condolences. God bless, Michael Ring, MD

Mary Harnetiaux

November 4, 2023

Bill was one of the best. His sly wit and steady wisdom were the best. I feel honored to have worked with him on SYSA´s soccer board and to call him a friend.

Bob Cole

November 4, 2023

Bill
You had the distinct and admirable ability of bringing competence, wisdom and kindness to all of your interactions. You will be missed but perhaps you carry a grin to the next world in knowing that you clearly understood the value and importance of living life's width to its fullest, rather than it's length. Your legacy is intact -- may you rest in peace.
Bob Cole

Patricia Abrego-Santucci

November 4, 2023

Bill
Your kindness, friendship and smile will never be forgotten. You made such a difference to many and when I first met your wife I was so happy to see the love and sense of humor you shared. Sharing your stories of your time in Chicago.,,,,and those funky boots. Prayers and love to you and your family.
Patricia Abrego-Santucci

Jim Schraith

November 3, 2023

Dear Bill. You will be greatly missed by so many. I´ll miss your smile and laugh. I was blessed to spend time with you just last week. Rest in peace

Katie

November 3, 2023

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY5OTAwNDY3NTEyMzk2Mjgmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==


This is the online streaming of the service if anyone is interested.

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Memorial Events
for William DITTMAN

Nov

6

Service

2:00 p.m.

Heritage Funeral Home

WA

Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral & Cremation

508 North Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224

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