Robert Russell Evans
Ralph Luke Giles
Norman F. Hansen
Darel Valentine
Sandra Hoover
Robert Russell Evans
(Nov. 3, 1953- Aug. 4, 2009)
In his 55 years, Bob managed to live about five times as many lives compared to most people’s one. Although he never smoked he was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007 followed by a remission, resurfacing as brain cancer in early 2009. He grew up in Wallowa and graduated from Wallowa High School in 1972. From there he went to Southern Oregon University, dropped out before becoming a Duck at the University of Oregon. He graduated in 1978 with a BS in Journalism. He remained a lifelong Duck. He loved sports, passionately so about the Ducks. He was an avid hiker, mushroomer and huckleberry picker. For all his diverse jobs and hobbies he could have kept a hat shop in chips: Mill worker, helitack and wildland firefighter, Referee, Drummer, announcer of the Miners Jubilee Parade, volunteer fundraiser, Wallowa County Chieftain Editor, Founder of the Joseph Eagle, Public Relations for Eastern Oregon University, Editor of many publications including the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Comprehensive Management Plan and extensive freelance work. His passion for writing led him into the SMART program, teaching people to read. He was the impetus for the Baker County Cultural Coalition. In short he was an unsung hero and a driving force behind what makes small town living special. Relationships, people, connections between the past and places, were really important and a joy for him. He was never married although according to his family “he had three close calls.” He lived in Joseph and La Grande before moving to Baker City in 1993.
As an editor he was extremely precise and would have quickly spotted the numerous grammatical mistakes in this obituary. However he was completely forgiving and with a special love for the English Language, he would have treasured the collection of words he earned that his friends used to describe him:
Friend of the arts and gentlest of hearts, quick witted, fun, never complained, warm, a music man, sunlight and shadow, faithful friend, talented musician, humble, gentle, genuine, open, present, adventurous, enjoyed the road less traveled, teacher, friend and brother, compassionate laughter, helpful and positive, soulful, dedicated, a different drummer, impish, generous of heart, incredible memory, great laugh, hero, funmonger, cared about the right things, great guy, strong and involved, insightful, thoughtful, a good soul, warm, bright, a welcoming smile, wonderfully warm.
His parents, Bob and Colleen Evans, survive him. His sister Valerie died in 1983. He will be missed by just about all the population of eastern Oregon and then some, all of whom Bob seemed to have befriended. We miss you Bob and thank you for adding so much to our lives. There are two Celebrate Bob events planned; one in Baker City on Aug. 29 at Mad Matildas from 5-8 p.m.; and one somewhere in NE Oregon on 9/12 with a live band; location to be determined.
Ralph Luke Giles
(April 25, 1929 - Aug. 6, 2009)
Ralph Luke Giles, age 80, passed away on Aug. 6, 2009, at his home, surrounded by family members.
Visitation was from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane. Bishop Ernie Collard officiated. Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Ralph was born on April 25, 1929 to Douglas and Jennie Luke Giles in Heber City, Utah. After high school graduation, he attended Brigham Young University where he met the love of his life, Norma Simmons.
Ralph and Norma were married in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on June 9, 1949. They moved to Baker City not too long after their wedding. Ralph’s mother worried a little about Ralph marrying a "big city" girl and moving to that "big city."
Ralph and Norma were blessed with three daughters, Lisa, Lori, and Leslie.
Ralph worked for Leo Adler, Levinger Rexall Drug, and Bohn’s Clothing. Ralph loved the customer service aspect of his work and always had a kind word for everyone. After retiring, Ralph and Norma volunteered as Cub Scout Day Camp Leaders and at the Oregon Trail Museum.
Ralph was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Lord and was always eager to serve wherever he was needed. Ralph served as a counselor in the Bishopric with his good friend Bill Gwilliam for several years.
Ralph’s interests and hobbies centered around his family and friends. He loved to visit and chat with people. He loved telling and listening to jokes. Ralph was an avid swimmer and enjoyed many years with the "Barnacle Club" at the local pool. Ralph enjoyed dancing at church dances with his sweetheart Norma.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Norma of Baker City. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past June 9th. He is also survived by his daughters and their husbands, Lisa and Dennis Beyer of Baker City, Lori and Greg Snyder of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Leslie and Larry Smith of Salt Lake City, Uta.; grandchildren Amelia Rose, Douglas Beyer, Sarah Bowden, Megan Niepraschk, Marisa Snyder, Courtney Snyder, Hannah Snyder, Tyler Smith, Brandon Smith and Matthew Smith; great grand-daughter Penelope Bowden; sister Marlene Yacek of San Leandro, California; and sister-in-law Carol Simmons of Baker City. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Jennie Giles; brother Ken; and sister Grace.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humanitarian Service Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Norman F. Hansen
(Died Aug. 5, 2009)
Norman F. Hansen, a life long Baker City resident died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
His memorial service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 2130 Second St. The Rev. Michael Chase will officiate. There will be no graveside service. Please join the family at a potluck dinner at the home of Jim and Debbie DeMastus, 18963 W. Campbell Loop, directly following the service.
Norman was born in Baker City and raise on his parent’s ranch in Sumpter Valley. He attended school at McEwen. He stayed in the valley after graduation and his time in the army and raised Hereford Cattle. His heart remained in the valley even after the Mason Dam project forced him out of ranching.
He moved to Baker City and went to work at California Pacific utilities as a meter reader. He later became a journeyman meterman and retired from OTEC.
Norman was loved by everyone he met and was only topped in story telling by his brother George or best friend, Willie Dickison. He was a kind and gentle man that would do anything for anyone.
After retirement he loved fishing, camping and wood working. He loved his family and always put them first. he was a loving husband and the best dad and grandpa. He ran many miles behind his grandson Charley teaching him how to ride a bike! He will be missed by everyone who was privileged to have known him.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Hazel Hansen and her children Randy and Glenda Oglesbee, his daughter Debbie DeMastus, her husband Jim and their children Charley, Seth, Tabitha, Ross and Katy, two granddaughters Desi and Ashley and their families. His sister-in-law Harvey Queen. He is also survived by many other step children, nieces, nephews and loving old friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Laura Hansen, his brother George, his sister Martha Queen, his son Kenny Cavin and his stepson Danny Oglesbee.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Settler’s Park for the excellent care Norm received for the last year and a half of his life. They ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Resident Fun Fund for a trip to Wallowa Lake. Make checks payable to Resident Fun Fund c/o Jodi Tool, Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Sandra Hoover
(July 30, 1941- Aug. 7, 2009)
Sandra Briggen Hoover, 68, passed away Aug. 7, 2009 at her home in Baker City.
A Celebration of Life for Sandra will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 at the McEwen Bible Fellowship, followed by a reception in the church hall.
Sandra was born July 30, 1941 in Rochester, New York to Arthur Edward and Jeanne Isabel (Philp) Briggen. She graduated from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill. in 1959.
She worked a number of years in Banking during the 70s and 80s between Stayton, Ore. and Mission Viego, Calif., while raising 100 plus ewes on her farm in Stayton. She also had owned and operated a feed store in Southern California. After her divorce in 1993, she returned to college at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Ore. and received her nursing degree in 1996. She worked as an RN at the Rouge Valley Hospital in Medford, Ore. from 1996 to 2000. Sandra was also the head nurse for the American Red Cross in Tri-Cities, WA from 2000 to 2002. Sandra retired in 2006 as a Nurse Consultant for the Baker County Healthy Child Care Project.
She married Charles “Chuck” Hoover on May 24, 2003 in Baker City.
She was very active and enjoyed square dancing, gardening, working with her border collie Maggie, horseback riding, snowmobiling, bunko, and any thing out doors. She loved traveling and exploring the South West. Most of all, she loved the visits from her grandchildren.
Sandra was the Vice Pres. Of the Elkhorn Swingers Square Dance Club, a member of the Powder River Pistolers, Sumpter Valley Snowmobile club, volunteered with the SMART reading program, the library, and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, and worked on a number of Bighorn Sheep projects with in the late 80s with the California Fish and Game.
Sandra is survived by her husband Charles Hoover of Baker City, daughter Lisa McCarthy and her husband Michael of West Linn, Ore., son Scott McBain of Port Richey, Fla., sister Debbie Lett and her husband John or Orange, Calif., step-daughter Kristi Harris and her husband Steve of Baker City, step-son Travis Hoover of Ashland, Ore., step-son Eric Hoover of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and 6-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Jeanne Briggen and sister Marcia Briggen.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of choice in care of Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Darel Valentine
(Aug. 27, 1925 - Aug. 6, 2009)
Darel E. Valentine, 84, of Baker City, died August 6, 2009 at his home with nearly all of his family present.
There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Baker City Christian Church, 675 Highway 7.
Darel was born on August 27, 1925 at Baker City to Leonard and Lola Morin Valentine. He was the second of eight children. He attended many schools as his family moved often during the Depression years. He completed the 8th grade, then his father was injured and he stayed home to help his folks on the farm.
Darel entered the Army in March 1944 and served in the European Theater. On the eve of the Battle of the Bulge, he was severely wounded and spent 7 months recovering. He returned to active duty serving in the Air force Motor pool as a driver. By chance, one day he drove Officers to the Nuremberg Trials and was allowed to watch the proceedings. He was discharged in June 1946. His sons, also Veterans, expressed deep pride in his service to his country.
He married Lorraine Alexander on Feb. 2, 1947 and 62 years later she was still the love of his life. They had four children in four years and claimed their best years were spent raising their kids.
Once home from the military, Darel lived the rest of his life in Baker City. He did ranch and mill work, drove truck, sold cars, and worked as a welder and a laborer. As a journeyman carpenter he worked construction on Baker High School, Brooklyn School, the Post Office, Mason Dam, freeway bridges, houses, and many other projects. He became the Union Business Representative for the Carpenter's Union until his retirement in 1988.
Once retired, he was busy remodeling and building for his kids. He kept a perfectly beautiful yard. Always an artist, he began painting landscapes in oils and watercolors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his boys, his brothers and his friends. He loved car racing and attended the Indianapolis 500 in 2003. It was an experience he treasured.
Darel's place in his large family was always clear. He was a wonderful son to his parents and they depended on him throughout their lives. His relationships with siblings, cousins and in-laws were strong and enduring. Stories abound of marvelous times shared. He was a loving grandpa and his grandkids adored him. He was a reliable uncle to his nieces and nephews. Many of them turned to him for help and advice. Friends of his children also found a friend in him and his home was a favorite gathering place.
Darel would challenge anyone to a game of 10,000 and rarely lost. His humor was universally known, appreciated, and emulated. He was fair and honest, dependable and loyal. His children feel he was always there for them. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend.
His legacy includes his love of life, his lessons on forgiveness, his belief in Jesus, his love of classical music, his laughter, and his deep love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Leonard Jr., Sam, Leo, and Don; his sisters, Velma and Cleo.
Survivors include his wife Lorraine; his brother Roy and sister-in-law Pat; his children, Steve and Regenia of Richland, Ore., Bruce and Sheila of Haines, Ore., Craig and Peggy and Linda and Steve Tipton of Baker City; Grandchildren, Donna and Carl Carpenter, Colby Valentine and Heather English, Lori and Doug Lien, Tyler Bowling and Hanna Kriege, Ryan and Laura Bowling, Fawn and Tom Kerns, Misty and Rich Rowe, Travis and Candice Valentine, Luke and Danielle Valentine, and Steve Valentine and Danika Sinram; 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
Memorial contributions can be made to Home & Hearth Hospice or a charity of one’s choice through Gray's West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave, Baker City, Ore. 97814.
|
