Dee Ann Real, 50, of Winthrop, passed away on Nov. 6, 2014. She was born Jan. 24, 1964, in Portland, Oregon, where she graduated from Madison High School. After graduation, Dee was employed by United Grocers as a hot-shot forklift driver.
Dee was an avid cyclist, and it was on a bike ride with the Portland Wheelmen that she met her future husband, Mike. The couple were married in 1992 while on a multi-day ride around Mt. Hood, briefly changing out their bike helmets for a veil and top hat. Shortly after their wedding, Dee and Mike built a home in Camas, Washington, where Dee established a beautiful and bountiful garden. The couple began spending time in Winthrop to ski, and fell in love with the area. In 2009, they moved to Winthrop to live full-time.
Dee loved life in Winthrop. She road-biked and mountain-biked when weather was good, and loved to ski the valley trails during the winter. She was an avid skate-skier and challenged her husband every day up the hills. When building their Winthrop home, Dee personally designed the kitchen to reflect her culinary skills. She was a pro in the kitchen and loved to have friends enjoy her food. She was fond of the Methow Valley and its community and had many wonderful relationships here.
Dee had a very difficult struggle with cancer and bravely endured many trials before succumbing to the disease. Her husband is grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for all their efforts in trying to help Dee overcome her illness. A private memorial will be held. Contributions in her memory may be made to Lookout Coalition/Room One, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, or Methow Conservancy.
