LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso
March 3, 1962 – August 23, 2014
William F. (Bill) Dement was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised on Staten Island, New York and moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico in 2002. He retired from the New York City Police Department as a lieutenant with 22 years on the police force. Bill believed in education and shared his extensive knowledge by teaching history in numerous schools in New Mexico. His three Masters degrees remain a testament to his continual interest in acquiring knowledge and his unrelenting ability to share this with everyone he knew. His family was his life, and he was always involved in the studies, sports and activities of his children. He focused all his energies into providing not only educational opportunities, but also varied cultural experiences for his children and family ranging from trips to Ireland to Australia to Morocco.
When 9/11 occurred, Bill literally dropped everything he was doing in Ruidoso to drive across country to participate in the 9/11-recovery effort at Ground Zero. This challenging event prompted Bill to write and publish along with his wife, Barbara, Delay, Deny, Hope They Die: World Trade Center First Responders-The Battle for Health Care and Compensation. Bill was a tireless advocate and voice for the afflicted recovery workers at Ground Zero.
Another facet to Bill’s commitment to education and sharing knowledge was reflected in the numerous lectures he gave on his 9/11 experience and National Republican events. Bill was known and counted on getting the word out on important issues to him ranging from local community events to larger ongoing political issues and concerns.
Lastly, his love for writing could be read for a time in many of his editorials he penned for the Ruidoso News. This writing tied together his love for baseball and some of his early childhood experiences, which made for a unique account of Bill’s life that resonates with everyone.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, and his children Ryan and Jenna.
In lieu of flowers, the Dement Family appreciates contributions to the Goodwill Series, which is a youth baseball organization that supports 13-18 year olds who play baseball and travel across the United States, and to other countries representing the United States. Their motto is – “to be the best, play the best!” Checks should be made to payable to Goodwill Series Incorporated, are fully tax deductible and should be mailed to: 982 Slate Drive, South Rosa, CA 95405. For additional information, please contact Bob Williams at rwilliams@goodwillseries.org.
His memorial service will be at Thursday, August 28, at 10:00am at the Sanctuary on the River, 207 Eagle Drive with a reception to follow.
