Michael Dederer, Longtime Fur Broker

Michael Dederer, a frequent traveler to the wilds of New York and Alaska, was a major player in the North American fur market.

But the smiling, blue-eyed gentleman with sparse silver hair was a far cry from Hollywood's idea of a fur broker as a homburg-hatted pelt purveyor bulling his way through city affairs and world auctions.

"He was a great example for me, my kids and their cousins," said his son Michael Jr. of Seattle. "He was a skier before people skied around here, fished before fly-fishing became the thing to do . . . ."

Thrice widowed but forever married to his work, Mr. Dederer had a desk at Seattle Fur Exchange until 1986. He took over the business in the late 1930s. He and his sons later managed it for new owners.

Wanting to help wherever he could, he threw himself into a dizzying range of community efforts from the YMCA's Camp Orkila to the boards of regents of Pacific Lutheran and Washington State University, although having no ties to either educational institution.

And he earned many honors, including Seattle Man of the Year (1960 - he was a planner for the World's Fair) and the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award (1969).

Mr. Dederer died Saturday of renal failure. He was 89.

"He was always coming up with creative ideas, for groups he was in, or the company," his son said. "But if the vote went against my father's vote, he was determined to accept the decision, move ahead, do the best possible job under the circumstances and get on with it."

Born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Mr. Dederer grew up in Great Falls, Mont., came to Seattle in 1922, and got a job at Seattle Fur Exchange. He began buying into the company until he held a controlling interest. Because of his involvement in the community, his name will live on in a facility to be dedicated July 22 at Camp Orkila: the Michael Dederer Family Center.

"Mike was one of the greatest men I've known," the Rev. Dale Turner said. "He was always on the side of the just, loving and fair." Other survivors include another son, Gary; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services are at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Queen Anne Lutheran Church, 2400 Eighth Ave. W.

Remembrances may be made to Camp Orkila c/o YMCA of Greater Seattle, 909 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA, 98104; Seattle Rotary Club Foundation, 1215 Fourth Ave., Suite 1118, Seattle, WA, 98161; or Washington State University Foundation, Pullman, WA, 99164.