John “Dutch” DeWilde, 81, of Frederick County, Virginia passed away at 7:45am on Sunday, July 15, 2018, in his home , surrounded by family. Mr. DeWilde was born in 1937 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of the late John and Marjorie (Townsend) DeWilde. He earned a Bachelor’s degree with honors from William & Mary and a Master’s degree in Psychology from University of Delaware. Mr. DeWilde served seven years with the U. S. Army. He achieved the rank of Captain, commanding a tank company in Europe during the Cold War, receiving a Department of Defense Certificate of Recognition for his service. Mr. DeWilde retired in 2003 as an investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense, receiving a special achievement award from the Department of Defense Inspector General. He served the federal government 35 years, including the U.S. Army.

Dutch earned a merchant marine officer license and enjoyed sailing as a life-long hobby. He was a member of West River Sailing Association, and enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and abroad in chartered sailboats. His passion for travel continued by RV long into his retirement years.

He married Moira Murray on March 6, 1972 in Annapolis, Maryland. Surviving with his loving wife of 46 years are daughters, Jennifer D. Eubanks of Reston, Virginia and Christine T. DeWilde (Stephen Davey) of Richmond, Virginia; son John H. DeWilde (Sandra) of Morrisville, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Nathan Schwartz, Cole and Marjorie Eubanks, Jackson and Zerihun Prescott. Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A private family remembrance will be held in August in Winchester, Virginia. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Westminster Canterbury for their care and support of Mr. DeWilde and his extended family.

A poem that was special to John:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.