Warren Crane
Jon Frederic Croghan
Charles Raymond Hilderbrand
Martin McKim Jr.
Nathaniel Oren Miller
Jerry Jean (Longwell) Smith
Leland Royal
Robert J. Thomas
Warren Crane
(Died Jan. 1, 2010)
Warren Crane passed away at his home in Baker City, Ore. on Jan. 1, 2010. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. at the Baker City Elks Lodge, 1896 2nd Street with Robert Nelson, Jr. of Dayton, Ohio officiating. The Oregon Army National Guard provided military rites. Friends were invited to join the family for a reception at the Elks Lodge following the service.
Warren’s passion in life was trucks and mechanics, which lead him to establish Warren Crane Trucking. He loved to tinker with anything and was known as “nuts and bolts” by many who knew him. You broke it and he fixed it. He loved being outdoors, whether at the mine hunting with friends and family or snowmobiling and fishing.
He is survived by his wife B.J.; his daughter, Coral Widman, son-in-law, Michael, and grandson, Wyatt; brother Gary Crane; sisters: Nell Smith and husband, Rob; Donna Avila and husband Anthony; Judy Stark and husband, John; and Janet Crane.
Memorial contributions may be made to Future Farmers of America through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, Ore. 97814.
Jon Frederic Croghan
(June 18, 1936—Jan. 3, 2010)
Jon Frederic Croghan, 73, of Baker City died Jan. 3, 2010, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. A memorial service was held on Jan. 8, 2010, 2 p.m. at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, with a reception immediately following.
Jon was born June 18, 1936 in Kalispell, Mont., to Charles and Marguerite (Dodge) Croghan. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1954. In 1956 he joined the Navy and was discharged in 1959. He then attended Eastern Oregon University until 1967, and Central Washington University until 1973, then the University of Oregon, studying in the superintendent program, graduating in 1988. From there he became an Educational Media Director, until his retirement. He then became an avid photographer.
He met the love of his life, Tonita Spray, and they were married on Aug. 16, 1969, in Billings, Mont. They had one son, Sean Croghan.
Jon had a wide range of interests including hunting, fishing, astronomy and bird watching. He loved photography and has quite a collection of special memories. Jon has a commercial and private pilots license and was a flight instructor. His affiliations included, State President of the Oregon Pilots Association, YMCA Board, Airport Commission, City Budget Board, Baker County Commission on Disabilities and the Chair on the Baker County Transadvocy.
Jon was preceded in the death by his parents Charles and Marquerite Croghan.
He is survived by his wife, Tonita Croghan of Baker City, their son Sean Croghan and his wife Michelle, and granddaughter Gabriella of Beaverton, Ore. Brothers, Stuart and Michael Croghan, both of La Grande.
Contributions made by made to Oregon Public Broadcasting through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Ore. 97814
Charles Raymond Hilderbrand
(Jan. 11, 1935—Jan. 7, 2010)
Charles Raymond Hilderbrand 74, a long time resident of Baker County for 47 years, passed away at his home in Haines Jan. 7, 2010.
A Traditional Funeral Service was held at 11 a.m. at the Haines First Baptist Church on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. Vault interment was at the Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway.
Charlie Hilderbrand was born in Wheeler, Texas on Jan 11, 1935, to Ora Hilderbrand and Ethel Burrell Hilderbrand. In 1939 the family moved to Prineville, Ore. looking for a better future. Charlie married Shirley Salsbury of Prineville in the early 50s. They had three children and were divorced five years later. In 1957 he married Darlene Ruth Unrein, whom had two children from a previous marriage. They had two children of their own, the marriage ended in 1962. In the same year Charlie married Wilma Manning of Boise, who brought two children of her own to the marriage. They were married 25 years until she passed away in 1987.
In 1963 he moved the family to Halfway while working on the Hells Canyon and Brownlee Dams. In 1977 Charlie hit the open road and began working with Columbia Helicopters as a logger while traveling all over the Northwest until in 1981 he had to retire due to an injury. In 1982 Charlie moved to Haines where he purchased a house and made a home.
On Aug. 31, 1990, Charlie married Cheryl Dima and welcomed her and her three children into his life. Charlie never turned down work in 74 years. In all those years he learned many skills including ranch hand, dairy farmer, trapper, hunting guide and general handyman.
Charlie's injuries and retirement never slowed him down. Charlie enjoyed his family, friends, watching football and boxing, working in his shop, yard sales, auctions, logging, hunting and morning drives with his lady (dog) by his side.
Charlie was preceded by his mother and father, sister, three wives, one daughter, and five grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his wife Cheryl Hilderbrand of 20 years of Haines, Ore. Eight sons, Charles Allen Hilderbrand of Ontario, Ore., Mickey Hilderbrand of Tacoma, Wash., John Unrein of Riggins, Idaho, Rick Brodie of Baker City, Ore., David Hilderbrand of Albany, Ore., Scott Hilderbrand of Medford, Ore., Danny Keister of Haines, Ore. and Jimmy Keister of Haines, Ore. Five daughters, Marci Austin of Tacoma, Wash., Debbie Fritz of Boise, Idaho, Debbie Cartmill of Prineville, Ore., and Sheila Hoevet of Prineville, Ore., Tammy Combes of Haines, Ore., two brothers Jim Hilderbrand of Halfway, Leon Hilderbrand of Prineville. Two sisters, Sadie Taylor of Madras and Colleen Campbell of Hermiston, 28 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie will be missed by many.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Haines fire department or the Haines School through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Martin McKim Jr.
(Feb. 10, 1924—Jan. 8, 2010)
Our nation has again lost another of its World War II veterans, with the passing of Martin McKim on Jan. 8, 2010.
Martin McKim Jr. was born on Feb. 10, 1924, in Beaver Okla., to Martin McKim, Sr. and Harriet McKim. He had four younger brothers and four older sisters.
Throughout the Great Depression, the family traveled throughout the state in search of work, generally picking fruits, vegetables, and cotton. For the most part, they lived in the same vehicle they rode in. Despite only having a fifth grade education, Martin was an avid reader, spending much of his free time with the literature of Zane Grey, John Jakes, and Edgar Rice Burroughs, among other noted authors.
In 1943, Martin was drafted into the military. As a young Marine, he saw action in Saipan and Okinawa. After the war, he spent a year of active duty in the Japanese city of Nagasaki, which had been destroyed by one of the atomic bombs in August 1945.
In 1946, Martin returned to Oklahoma, where he worked at a variety of occupations, from home construction, farming, and logging.
In late 1955, Martin traveled to Halfway, Ore., to visit his sister Lois and her husband, Walt Robinson. There, he met Carol Steele, and the two were wed on July 25, 1956. For the next few years, they resided at Pine Creek, and later in a small house at Jimtown, where Steve Kaesemeyer presently has his shop. From 1965 to 1974, they lived in Baker City, then returned to Pine Valley, where Martin retired in 1984.
Martin and Carol had five children, Andrea, Richard, Ivan, Doug, and Harriet.
As a laborer for nearly three decades, Martin worked for companies as Morrison Knudsen and Peter Kewitt. Among the many contracts he was on included the building of Brownlee Dam, Oxbow Dam, and Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River, Mason Dam, and road construction of I-84. One of his proudest experiences was helping to build the various sets on the film “Paint Your Wagon” (1969).
When not on the job, Martin enjoyed gardening, woodworking, or making stylized gunstocks and knife handles. He liked Western and fantasy novels, Country and Western, Irish music, and just about any movie with John Wayne, James Stewart, or Clint Eastwood. He restored many antique firearms and farm equipment. He took an interest in everything dealing with the American Civil War, and especially liked motion pictures and TV productions as “The Blue and the Gray” (1982), “North and South” (1985), “Glory” (1989), and “Gettysburg” (1993).
Martin is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Harriet McKim, and nearly all of his siblings, for the exception of Lois Robinson, who resides in Baker City. His oldest daughter, Andrea (McKim) Hesus, passed away on July 31, 2007. His wife of 52 years, Carol (Steele) McKim, died on April 8, 2009. He is survived by four children, Richard, who lives in Kuna, Idaho, Ivan and Doug, both living in Halfway, Ore., and Harriet, who resides in Pendleton, Ore.; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held early summer, date to be announced. For those who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Martin may do so in his name to help defray funeral expenses through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Nathaniel Oren Miller
(Aug 14, 1924—Jan. 4, 2010)
Nathaniel (Mick) “A Good Cowboy Rides Away” on Jan 4, 2010. He was 85 years old. Mick was born to Laurel and Mary Miller, in Cove, Ore. As a child he lived in Baker County and attended school there, graduating from Baker High School in 1944.
He was married Nina Hale as a young man, then in 1988 he met Neva Fordice and they were partners until her death in 2008. During his youth, he worked on many ranches in Baker County as a hired hand as well as working for the Burnt River Lumber Mill. He also was the Assistant Fire Chief of Haines from 1970-80. He was very proud of being an active part of the Haines Community. He then moved to the Pendleton area in 1985. Nathaniel (Mick) enjoyed the beautiful lakes and forest. Some of his hobbies were picking mushrooms, fishing and hunting. In his later years he enjoyed watching and feeding the squirrels around his home in Pendleton.
He is survived by children Wanda Alanis (Pendleton), Tina Garfalo (Newport), Barbara Altizer (Pendleton) , Virgil Miller (TX), and Darrel Davison (OK). His surviving siblings are Delbert Miller (Baker) and Ann Hacket (Baker). Mick had 23 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings- Ray Miller, Obel Miller, Bill Miller and son Steve Miller.
Nathaniel (Mick) was a family man and loved his family very much.
A celebration of his life was held at the Eagles, in Pendleton on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at 2 p.m. Flowers can be sent to Eagles, 435 SE 1st Street, Pendleton, Ore. 97801. Phone: 541-276-0113. For cash donations please donate to the American Heart Association under Nathaniel (Mick) Miller.
Burns Mortuary in Pendleton is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences or sign the register at www.burnsmortuary.com.
Jerry Jean (Longwell) Smith
(Jan. 26, 1941—Jan. 8, 2010)
Jean Smith, 68, Child of God, passed away at home on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. Visitation was held 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Funeral was 9 a.m., Wednesday at St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church, 3900 Morris Lane, Arlington. Graveside Service was at 11 a.m., DFW National Cemetery.
Jean was born Jan. 26, 1941, in Baker, Ore. She was a 1959 honor graduate of Baker High School. She taught music at St. Francis in Baker, Ore., private piano teacher, started in the newspaper in Baker, Democrat Herald in 1966, Long Island Newsday, longtime member and officer, as well as an AARC Ham Radio Club member of the year. She also studied music at Anchorage Methodist University in Alaska. She was a bass player in the Anchorage Community Orchestra, where she also earned speeding tickets trying to make it to practice on time. She worked for various newspaper companies, produced a monthly pageant magazine and retired from the UTA School of Social Work. Jean loved music, reading, writing, cookie days with her grandchildren, and listening to her husband’s plethora of stories.
Survivors include her husband and high school sweetheart of 53 years, David Smith; children; son, Michael Smith and wife Mel of Crowley, Texas ; daughter, Sherri Wade and husband, Chris; son Chris Smith and wife Simone and daughter Barbara Johnston and husband Eddie, all of Arlington, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Blake Wade and wife Stephanie, Christopher Kimsey and wife Kristin, Morgan and husband Blake Kahla, Chase Wade Michael Smith, Mitchell Smith, Burgandi, and Quinn Johnston; and three great-grandchildren, Brayden Kimsey, Kaylee Kimsey, and Keeley Wade; sister, Carla Alm and husband Don of Roseburg, Ore., and brother Jim Longwell and wife Peggie of Baker City, and many cousins and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry V and Wilberta (Neet) Longwell of Baker City.
Memorials can be made to St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church
Leland Royal
(Oct. 31, 1934—Dec. 22, 2009)
Leland Royal died peacefully in his home on Dec. 22, 2009, surrounded by family. Although no immediate services are planned, a celebration of Lee’s life will be held in the spring of 2010 in Baker City, Ore., at Coles Funeral Home.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Harry and Erma Royal, and his sister Bonnie Tupin. Survivors include his beloved wife Rowena, daughter Linda Royal, sons: Brad and Cliff Royal, Tom and Terry Lager. He is also survived by his brother Larry Royal and sister Janet Pedersen as well as five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Any memorial contributions may be made to Heart ‘n Home Hospice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City.
Leland was born in San Fernando, Calif., on Halloween, Oct. 31, 1934, to Harry and Erma Royal. He was raised in the small town of Castic, Calif. graduating from Hart High in Newhall, Calif., at the age of 17. Leland then began his lifelong career with Cal Trans (State of California Department of Transportation Maintenance Dept.) in 1952. He started at the bottom as a laborer and was promoted up into the position of Maintenance Supervisor. He chose to stay in this position as he so enjoyed running the road equipment. A career sitting at a desk was not for him!
In his early 20s Leland married and fathered three great kids — Linda, Brad and Cliff. Living in the state yard on the Ridge Route for 16 years, he worked at keeping the main route north open. In 1967, he was divorced and married Rowena Lager and her boys Terry and Tom in Saugus, Calif. Lee was a family man and enjoyed participating in the children’s sports as a coach and an enthusiastic spectator.
He was upgraded to supervisor of a road maintenance crew in 1973 and moved to Pinehurst in the High Sierras by Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. There he and Rowena lived in the state yard for 19 years. The work included tending over 150 lane miles of mountain highway up to 7,000 feet elevation where an average of 240 inches of snow fell annually. He worked closely with the National Park Service making many friends in the tight-knit community of Pinehurst. There he continued to develop his love of nature enjoying the outdoors and he became quite the hunter and fisherman. He was a lifetime member of the NRA.
Lee was able to take early retirement in 1992 after 40 years of service, and he and Rowena moved to Baker City on Pine Creek Lane at the base of the Elkhorn Mountains. This is where they planned to stay. He loved the animals and the mountains. When he bought a John Deere tractor, his 2-year-old granddaughter, Grace, exclaimed, “That’s Papa’s new toy.” Since, he became a collector of all forms of John Deere. In his retirement, he also became a race car enthusiast—all kinds of racing from the Nascar Circuit to Tom’s local demolition derby days.
He kept up the yard in the spring, summer and fall, and then in the winter, he would plow and trim up the snow banks at home as well as the road in front of the house. Anyone wanting the same for their home had only to ask him. He was cautious not to be “pushy,” but would help out if asked whether it be plowing, moving rock or dirt, or even pulling you out of a ditch he would be there with this trusty John Deere. Rowena’s son, Tom, now runs the John Deere and continues the tradition.
Robert J. Thomas
(June 18, 1936—Jan. 3, 2010)
Robert J. Thomas, 85, a longtime Baker Rancher, died at his ranch home
on Jan. 5, 2010. His graveside service was held Saturday, Jan. 9, noon
at Mount Hope Cemetery followed by a memorial service at the First
Church of the Nazarene at 2 p.m.. Doug Connelly, the husband of one of
Bob’s granddaughters, officiated both services.
Robert J. Thomas was born to Merton and Martha Thomas in a farmhouse in
Crawford County, Iowa on July 8, 1924. He was one of six children.
Bob was involved in agriculture even as a young man. He graduated from
Dow City High in 1943 and went into the Army. He was stationed in Iwo
Jima and Saipan until the end of WWII. After returning home he
attended Iowa State University where he majored in Animal Husbandry.
On Feb. 6, 1949, Bob married Gloria Ewoldt in Vail, Iowa. The couple
began farming in Iowa where their three daughters were born.
In 1954 Bob, Gloria and their children moved to New York where Bob
pursued a career as an Angus herdsman in upstate New York and later on
Long Island. During this time, they purchased Angus cattle and shipped
them back to Iowa to a family farm. In 1958 they moved to Sauvie
Island, Ore., and had their cattle shipped over by train.
In 1962 Bob and Gloria had a son and in 1963, Bob’s lifelong dream to
ranch in the West was fulfilled when they moved to the Baker Valley
where they have developed one of the most prestigious Angus herds in
America.
Bob was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Angus
Association for six years. His greatest advocate and helper was his
wife of 50 years, Gloria. They were an inseparable team as they worked
together on the ranch and raised their four children. He attributed
his success to the grace of God and lived his faith. Bob was a long
time member of the Presbyterian Church and follower of Jesus Christ.
Bob loved his Angus cattle, his ranch and the beautiful Baker Valley.
He also had many dear friends. One of his favorite pastimes was putting
out mineral and walking through his herd of registered Angus.
He enjoyed traveling with Gloria and also took his grandchildren on
special trips. He traveled to France, Scotland, England, Alaska,
Hawaii, Australia, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas and Mexico.
Bob’s extended family was important to him. This was obvious in the
special relationship Bob and Gloria had with niece Laurie Thomas
Daniels, the Smith girls, Merridee Wells and Jill Mackie and the many
other young people they had impacted the lives of.
Bob and Gloria hosted many family reunions on their ranch. Bob was a
gracious host and made visitors feel welcome. He lived life to the
fullest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Jack Thomas and his wife, Gloria.
Survivors include his sister Ruth Grace Lyons, his brothers Jim, Dick
and Bill Thomas, his children and their spouses Kris and Andy Barr, Sue
and Sid Spurgeon, Beth and Frederick Phillips and Rob and Lori Thomas,
12 grandchildren Heather Connelly, Kati Elder, Drew Barr, Will Barr,
Nick Spurgeon, Tim Spurgeon, Jodi Ernst, Lindsey Spurgeon, Ryan
Phillips, Clay Phillips, Ty Thomas and Bryson Thomas, and six great
grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Angus
Foundation through Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey
Avenue, Baker City, Ore. 97814.
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