Robert C. “Bob” Austin
Glenn ‘Gordy’ Nelson
Joseph Barton Ryder
Robert C. “Bob” Austin
(1941 – Nov. 29, 2007)
Robert C. “Bob” Austin, 66, died Nov. 29, 2007, at his home in Imnaha, Ore., of prostate cancer.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, 11 a.m.at Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for lunch and sharing memories at the Wingville Grange Hall.
Bob graduated from North Salem High School in 1959. He later attended Salem Technical Vocational Community College and graduated with a degree in Highway Engineering. He worked in the construction business for about 20 years, then farmed in the Baker City area for 25 years before retiring in Imnaha 3-1/2 years ago.
He loved hunting, fishing and just being outdoors. His example taught his children a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, high moral values, a love of nature and an appreciation for the trueness of a simple lifestyle.
Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty of Imnaha; son Brett and his wife Nicole of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter Amy Smith and her husband Eric of Travis Air Force Base, Calif.; grandchildren: Kiah Baker, Austin Smith, Jennifer Austin, and Nicholas Austin; foster-daughter Judy Ruda and her family of Baker City; brothers: Darrell and his wife Ann of Salem, Ore., Jeff of Turner, Ore., and Jack of San Francisco, Calif.; aunts, nieces, nephews, and many fiends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Glenn ‘Gordy’ Nelson
(Aug. 19, 1934 – Nov. 3, 2007)
Glenn "Gordy" Nelson, 73, died on Nov. 3, 2007 in Hines, Ore.
He was born on Aug. 19, 1934, in Baker City.
Nelson went to school in Baker City, graduating from St. Francis Academy in 1952. He entered the United States Air Force in September of that same year.
Upon completion of his basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California, Nelson served as personnel clerk at Larsen Air Force Base in Washington. In April 1954, he was assigned as administrative clerk with the 1503rd USAF Infirmary, a unit long-noted for its superior performance in handling of air evacuees in the far east. He served with the 1503rd Air Transport Wing, Pacific Division, Military Air Transport Service.
Nelson was selected airman of the month, an award based on morale, leadership, appearance, initiative and application of duty. During the two years he was stationed at Tokyo International Airport, he was an active participant in the intramural sports field and was named all-star shortstop of his league. He was a staff sergeant when he was discharged from the Air Force in September 1956.
In 1957, Nelson married Donna Young. He was employed by Oregon Lumber Company, and Edward Hines Lumber Company as Personnel and Safety Director. When the mill closed, he worked for Western States Equipment until he retired in 1993. In his later years, Nelson worked at the schools as part-time custodian. He made many good friends wherever he was.
Nelson's grandchildren were the focus of his life. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends and relatives, and he sometimes golfed.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Donna of Hines; children, Deni Casteel, Julie King and husband Jim, and Tony Nelson and wife Beverly. He is also survived by grandchildren, Lindsay, A.J and Cameron Casteel, Connor Sydney and Paige King, and Melissa, Jeff and Jacob Nelson; great-grandchild, Levi Mesa; and brothers, Ron Nelson and wife Edie, and Don Nelson and wife Tina.
Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Glenn "Banty" Nelson; mother, Pearl A. Nelson; and infant grandson, Daniel Joseph Nelson.
Contributions in Nelson's memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Bend or Harney County Home Health Hospice in care of LaFollette's Chapel P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.
Joseph Barton Ryder
(March 25, 1924 – Nov. 29, 2007)
Joseph Barton ‘Joe’ Ryder, 83, a lifelong Baker City, Ore., resident, died Nov. 29, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His funeral was Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave. Pastor Tony Brandon officiated. Visitation was Monday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Joe was born on March 25, 1924, to Horace Benjamin (the founder of Ryder Brothers Stationery) and Edna Maude Barton Ryder. He was a 1942 graduate of St. Francis Academy.
After graduation, he moved to Portland with his brothers, Jim and John, to work in the shipyards as a welder. Soon after, he and his brother John entered into the army where Joe became a Staff Sergeant. He was a gun crewman in the 695th Armored artillery. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and others. He was in one of the wars bigger decisive battles, the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged 1945. He was proud of his service, and after a little prodding, he would tell you all about it.
After the war, he returned home to join his three brothers, Ben, Jim, and John, in their business, Ben’s Transfer and Storage, which they operated successfully until 1974, when they sold the business. He continued to work there, and for Baker Redi-mix driving truck, until his retirement.
In 1952, he married the love of his life, Donna Faye Berndt. He was a devoted husband and father. He had a great love for his family. In 1977, Joe became a grandpa, and in 2001 a great grandpa, his love for his grandchildren was evident in the way he would light up when they entered the room. He enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, picking huckleberries, water skiing and working cross word puzzles. Joe and his best buddy and twin brother Jimmy spent many hours together making latch hook rugs, among other things, until Jimmy passed in 2003.
Dad took great pride in his yard for many years. The grass was always green and well groomed, and the leaves were always picked up.
Joe was a 55-year life member of the Baker Elks Club, a 61-year member and past commander of the American Legion, and a Life member of the VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and his sister, Anna May.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Tom,Wayne and his wife, Jeanie, all of Baker City; grandchildren, Christy Ryder of Baker City, Vanessa Tachenko and her husband, Ryan of Baker City, Angie Aldrich and her husband, Rob of Pasco, Wash., and their children; great grandchildren, Katie and Kiley Jo, and Joe’s only grandson, Eric Ryder; several nieces and nephews.
Joe had a heart of gold and he will be greatly missed by family and countless friends of all ages.
Contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the charity of ones choice in care of Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
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