What I find myself sharing today is sad on many levels, as Portland lost a big part of our community on November 3 with the passing of Bill Dickey.
Bill was truly a larger-than-life figure. He was big in his generosity, his stature, his humor, his wisdom, and yes, even his temper. Bill was also one of my closest friends, and his too-early passing is a deep loss for me.
The formal obituary has yet to be published in local newspapers of record. But here and now I want to share some reflections on his life, with thoughts from groups and people who knew and appreciated his many accomplishments and contributions.
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On November 3, 2025, the Portland/Vancouver community lost Bill Dickey, who succumbed to cancer after a short and brutal illness.
Bill was the true personification of “larger than life.” He devoted endless time and dollars to helping local LGBTQ+ organizations and nonprofits obtain their goals. He was the “master of the ask,” often called upon to make the money rain at benefits and fundraisers. Bill was so dedicated to giving that in 2019 he was honored as the Portland recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2019 Philanthropy Award.
According to a Pamplin Media Group article published at the time, “In all, Dickey has given over $2.5 million in cash [to] and organized charity events [for] more than 100 organizations and given in-kind donations to many more. Recipients have included Basic Rights Oregon, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, the ACLU Foundation of Oregon, Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, and the 42nd Avenue Business Alliance. Portland Monthly magazine awarded Dickey [its] Light a Fire Award in 2007, and the recognitions haven’t stopped. In 2013, Dickey was named a Queer Hero by the Q Center and a year later received the 2014 Sam C. Wheeler Freedom Award from De Paul Treatment Centers. Both the Multnomah County Democrats and Basic Rights Oregon recognized him as the 2015 Hero of the Year.”
Tributes to Dickey have poured in. Here are just a few.
· From the Portland Lesbian Choir: “A longtime supporter and friend, Bill Dickey, passed away earlier this week. Bill was dedicated to our community and supported many organizations. His generosity helped so many people and communities in Portland and beyond. He will be truly missed.”
· From the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus: “As we celebrate the light of community this season, we honor the life of Bill Dickey, a cherished friend and steadfast PGMC supporter. Bill passed peacefully on November 3, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and care that continues to inspire.”
· From Samantha Swaim of Swaim Strategies: “How lucky are we to have lived in Bill Dickey's Portland, [with] his generous giving, his dream of a better world for everyone. He loved art. He advocated for all of us. And he gave so much. Our community and our city are better for his love of us all.”
· From Cinema 21: “We here at Cinema 21 lost a great friend in Bill Dickey — a man whose energy, generosity, and curiosity shaped so much of the Portland we know and love. His presence filled every room he entered: the laughter, the stories, the eager interest in people and ideas. Bill was a champion of the arts, a devoted supporter of local causes, and a connector of countless lives. He believed in community, in beauty, and in showing up again and again, with heart. Those of us who knew him will remember his big personality and irrepressible humor, but also his thoughtfulness, his kindness, and his deep love for this city and its culture. Portland shines a little dimmer without him, yet the light he shared carries on in every life he touched.”
· From media personality Carl Wolfson: “As many of you know, Bill Dickey passed away a few days ago after a battle with lung cancer. I don't think there is a person in Portland who was not touched by his warm spirit, endless philanthropy, and daily good deeds.
As cofounder and owner of the printing business Morel Ink, Bill Dickey sponsored my radio show, “Wite to Wire,” for its full 10-year run. I am eternally grateful for his unflagging support and his large and cheerful presence in all of our lives.”
Bill’s last public appearance was on October 21, when hundreds of friends and admirers gathered at Portland’s Mother’s Bistro and Bar to pay tribute and offer personal hugs and goodbyes.
Bill Dickey passed away two weeks later, in the early morning hours of November 3.
He will be deeply missed.
