Obituary: Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen, 82, The Dalles

Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen

Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen, born Jan. 5, 1944, in La Grande, Oregon, passed away Aug. 17, 2026. Linda was the daughter of Merton and Vadna Kuhn and sister of Donna Kay Trussell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Lorenzen, and her dear puppy, Mocha.

Linda graduated from La Grande High School in 1962 and Eastern Oregon College in 1963. She married Jay Dee Lorenzen on Sept. 1, 1963. They shared life and family together for 30 years until his untimely passing in 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Albrecht, and son, Jeff Lorenzen, as well as five grandchildren, Kathleen (and Calvin Sawyer), Jake, Sirius, Violet and Porter, and one great-grandchild, Leo.

Like so many other parts of her life, Linda spent her career helping others, first as a secretary at the Oregon Highway Department and the University of Oregon, later as a learning assistant at The Dalles Junior High, and finally as the president’s secretary at Columbia Gorge Community College. She officially retired in 2001 but continued to serve and support others for the last 25 years. For many years, Linda and her dog, Mocha, were familiar volunteers at Mid-Columbia Medical Center.

Linda’s faith and commitment to her Lord were the foundation of her life, whether she was with the Monday Night Bible Study ladies or enjoying morning meditation with her sweet black kitty. Through the years, she attended Longview Community Church, First Christian Church, Hood River Alliance Church and Gateway Presbyterian Church, and was grateful for the fellowship at each.

Linda loved reading, puzzles, building LEGO creations and her family, though not necessarily in that order. She also loved bringing people together, which she did right up to the end.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at Spooky’s Pizza, located at 3320 W. Sixth St., on Sept. 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. Be sure to wear purple, red or yellow, and be ready to share stories, laughs and tears as we remember our Linda Rae.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Springs at Mill Creek and Providence Hospice of the Gorge, with special thanks to all of her wonderful friends who shared their time with her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to Friends of The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library or Providence Hospice of the Gorge.

Obituary: Beverly J. Ackley Tuttle, The Dalles

Beverly J. Ackley Tuttle died peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2026, at her home.

Beverly was the daughter of Beatrice and Chuck Ackley. She was born in Bingen, Washington, and had an older sister, Betty.

Beverly married David L. Tuttle on February 5, 1955, in North Bonneville, Washington. Together, they bought their first and last home in The Dalles, Oregon, where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Happily married for more than 70 years, Beverly and David were truly like two peas in a pod. Their love, companionship, and devotion to one another were an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

They had three children: Kim, Kasey, and Jodi.

Beverly was known by her friends and family as a dear and caring woman. Her family and countless friends were her greatest joy. She was very involved in her community and generously gave her time through volunteer work.

Golf, travel, and pinochle were among Beverly’s greatest passions. She loved the game of golf, enjoyed traveling, and cherished the many hours spent playing pinochle with family and friends. She became a grandmother to six and took great pride in her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother, teaching many of them the rules and etiquette of golf and enjoying watching their sporting events.

Beverly’s generosity, laughter, and endless love touched the lives of so many. She had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and valued. She was truly an amazing woman whose presence brought joy to her family, friends, and community.

Beverly will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her beautiful spirit, warm laughter, generous heart, and boundless love will live on in the many lives she touched.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Dennis Richard Jarding, 83, The Dalles

Dennis Richard Jarding, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 17, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, 86, Hood River

Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, born in Nebraska on January 13, 1940, peacefully left this world on August 1, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Hood River, Oregon, at age 86, following a series of strokes after several years of declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leitha Biggerstaff, and his siblings, Joanne Biggerstaff Keough and Rodney Biggerstaff.  

Richard, who was known for most of his life as Dick but more recently as Rich, moved with his parents and siblings at an early age to Richland, Washington. He attended Lewis and Clark Elementary, Carmichael Junior High, and graduated in 1958 from Richland’s Columbia High School. He attended CBC, then finished his degree in geology at the University of Washington. He pursued his master’s degree in geological engineering at the University of Idaho.

Rich married his neighborhood girlfriend, Sally Hatcher, June 13, 1964 at Richland Lutheran Church. They had three sons together, Thad in 1969, Chet in 1971, and Matt in 1972.  

His work took the family all over the country, including to Oregon, California, Delaware, Texas, Missouri, and Washington. In 1993, they returned to Richland, where Rich worked for several different contractors at Hanford. In 2003, he and Sally purchased 21 acres outside of Goldendale, Washington. They commuted from Richland on weekends to work on establishing a hobby farm and home in the country. A few years later, when Sally retired from teaching and Rich retired as a geological engineer, they relocated there permanently. Rich then obtained his real estate license, and for several years helped many other people find their homes away from city life. 

Rich was excellent at using his hands. He was a wonderful woodworker, producing everything from small carved items to coffee tables to hunting bows to kayaks. He also was a Mr. Fix It, who was disgruntled if he had to hire someone to do any job he could not do himself.

He is survived by Sally, his wife of 62 years, at their home in Goldendale; son Thad of Yakima; son Chet (and companion, Anne) of Goldendale; son Matt (who has been Rich and Sally‘s helper and caregiver since 2019) at their home in Goldendale. Other survivors include granddaughter Kylee Biggerstaff and a great-granddaughter Khalia Biggerstaff in Federal Way, sisters-in-law Darlene Hatcher Tverberg in Pennsylvania, and Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka in Richland, three nieces, five nephews, and 12 great-nieces and nephews. 

Rich loved nature and hiking. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104, or online at www.wta.org

Messages of condolence may be sent to 2257 Glenwood Hwy, Goldendale, WA 98620 or smbigger3@gmail.com .

Per his wishes, there will be no services.

Death Notice: Merl Eugene Sanders, 70, Goldendale

Merl Eugene Sanders, age 70, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on August 5, 2026.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Stephen Paul Bisset, Dufur

Stephen Paul Bisset, the seventh child of Alexis Paul and Marian (Vanderpool) Bisset, passed away May 27, 2026, at Desired for Healing in Pendleton, Oregon, after a long battle with epilepsy.

Steve was the youngest of seven children, with a twenty-year span between him and his oldest sibling. He lived the majority of his life on his parents’ farm on Wolf Run Ridge.

Steve was a bit of a wild child, especially during his high school years at what he referred to as “Dufur Tech,” along with his close friend Dave. Scott pursued common interests with Steve throughout many rebellious years.

Steve enjoyed hunting deer, “diggers,” and fishing. After losing his mother at the young age of 23, he spent many years with his dad working on the farm, changing sprinkler pipes and hauling in hay. He also spent countless hours cutting, hauling, splitting, and carrying in wood among the oaks and pines that surrounded him.

He is survived by his brothers, Tom and John Bisset; sisters Mary Thompson, Margaret Novak, and Barbara Bisset; sister-in-law Sandy Bisset and Carol Bisset; fourteen nieces and nephews; and much extended family.

His horse, Scout, and dog, Peetie, preceded him in death, as did his grandparents, parents, brother James Bisset, and nephews Gregory Alan Bisset and Gerald Thomas McCann.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, with a Committal Service following at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

We will remember you always, “Tiny.”

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Linda Rae Lorenzen, 82, The Dalles

Linda Rae Lorenzen, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 17, 2026. There will be a viewing on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home.

A graveside service will take place at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Obituary: Robert McNary, 90, The Dalles

Robert McNary passed away on August 10, 2026, at Adventist Hospital in The Dalles, Oregon. Bob lived to see his 90th birthday, the first in his immediate family to do so.

Robert Jackson McNary was born May 29, 1936, near Brown City, Michigan. His parents were Howard and Clara Bina McNary. Raised on a farm, he milked cows twice a day and graduated from High School on his 17th birthday. Bob spent two years in the Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany. The country was still recovering from the ravages of World War Two, so Bob became a heavy equipment operator, learning the fine art of dirt moving and road building. After leaving the service, Bob came to Oregon looking for construction work. He found much to do. He worked for a time for the Corps of Engineers and learned dynamite skills while helping complete the Lyle tunnels on Highway 14. In the 1970’s Bob took a job in road construction with J.C. Compton Company from McMinnville, Oregon, and retired from traveling around the countryside in 2000.

Bob married Virginia Turner on July 29, 1963. She was a young widow with two small children to raise. Bob was up for the task. He was a volunteer Scoutmaster, served on various church committees, and served the city of The Dalles on the Landmark Commission. He was often seen volunteering in the booth for the Wasco County Democrats and in the High School looking to register young voters.

Bob loved working outside. He enjoyed his tulip garden that many people viewed while traveling up or down Brewery Grade. He was the master of the hillside.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ginny; their children Dave Turner and wife Paula, Linda Kuciauskas and husband Matthew, Sally McNary Forster and husband Scott; his sister Joice Fredenburgh and her husband David; and his sister-in-law Sandra McNary. Grandson Max Turner, wife Payla, and granddaughter Autumn. He also leaves several nieces and nephews in Michigan and Montana. He was preceded in death by grandson Joseph Kuciauskas.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on Friday, August 21st at the First United Methodist Church, 305 East 11th St., The Dalles, Oregon, at 11 a.m. Viewing and visitation will take place at Spencer, Libby and Powell on Thursday, August 20th, from 2-6 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation, 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.

Obituary: Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., 90, Hood River

Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., age 90, passed away at his Hood River home in the company of his daughters on the evening of August 11, 2026.  Following his birth on August 25, 1935, in Columbus, Kansas, Bud would go on to enjoy many roles throughout his life, including loving husband, devoted father, brother, uncle, grandpa, and dear friend.

Bud’s childhood was one of humble beginnings, and the outdoors was his playground.  He loved to share fond memories of his parents (Clarence Edward Harris, Sr., and Ada Elizabeth Kapple) and his brother (Thomas) as they homesteaded from Kansas to California to Oregon.  His childhood was filled with many moves, but he always found ways to fish, hunt, and roughneck in the wilderness.  The family eventually landed in Grants Pass, Oregon, where they occupied an off-the-grid, one-room log cabin, complete with a “2-holer” out back!

During his junior year of high school, he fell in love with his lifelong partner, Mary Anne Miller, and despite his reputation for shooting squirrels, being a fishing addict, and having a propensity for stealing watermelons, she loved him back!  The two were (according to Bud) attached at the hip from then on.

Not long after graduating from Grants Pass High School, Clarence enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1954, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and he was decorated as an expert marksman.  He was such an excellent shooter that he represented the USMC as a member of its military service marksmen team.  It was also during this enlistment that he earned the nickname “Bud,” which stayed with him for his entire life.

The USMC left a lasting impression on him, but Bud would tell you that the greatest event of his life also happened in 1954.  That was when he and Mary eloped to Las Vegas and began their lives as husband and wife.  After separating from active service in 1957, the couple made their way to Oakridge, Oregon, where Bud began work for a private company called Columbia Utilities.  His 47-year telecommunications career took him from self-proclaimed “line-crew grunt” all the way up to General Network Manager for Sprint NW Operations.

Bud’s adult life mirrored his childhood with a few moves and a few challenges, but he and Mary remained grounded by raising a family and constantly enjoying the outdoors together.  They welcomed their first daughter, Cheryl Lee, on March 9, 1954; next would come Laurie Renee on March 5, 1959; and finally, Linda Sue on September 16, 1963.  As a family, they found their greatest joys on quiet lakes, sitting around campfires, playing the fiddle, and pioneer-style cooking.  When he was at home, Bud loved spending time in his shop woodworking, hitting the golf course, shooting trap, and enjoying the good company of family and friends.

After retiring from the phone company in September 1994, Bud’s greatest challenge came when Mary suffered a debilitating stroke in April 1995.  Fiercely loyal to the wife he loved, Bud faithfully stayed by her side as her full-time caregiver until she passed in July 2012.  Despite his heartache, Bud still held tight to his deepest loves--God, family, and his little dog, “Maggie.”

It was during the last few years of Bud’s life that he committed himself deeply to his faith.  In his personal notes, he wrote about rededicating his life and soul to the Lord, and he proudly professed his faith by being baptized in the East Fork of the Hood River at the age of 85.  He remained a faithful member of Wy’East Community Church until his passing.

Bud was preceded in death by his spouse, Mary Harris; parents Clarence and Ada Harris; brother Thomas Harris; and his daughter, Cheryl Lee Paasch.  He is survived by daughters Laurie Crosswhite (Scott) and Linda Massingill (Doug); grandchildren Jenny Crosswhite (Daniel Sandoval), Brian Crosswhite (Melissa), Robert Paasch (Molly), Gary Paasch (Elle), Kyle Massingill, Justin Crosswhite; great-grandchildren Aubri Crosswhite; Austin Crosswhite; Scout Paasch; niece Janay Serlick; nephew Thomas Harris, Jr.; and niece Catherine Brown.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at Wy’East Community Church, Pine Grove, 2415 Eastside Rd., Hood River, Oregon.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bud’s memory to the “Hearts of Hospice Fund,” through Wy’East Community Church.  Checks and donations can be made out to “WCC” with “Hearts of Hospice” in the memo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Marlene J. Massengale, 67, The Dalles

Marlene J. Massengale passed away on August 17th, 2026, at Adventist Columbia Health in The Dalles, Oregon.   Marlene was born on March 29, 1959, and was 67 at the time of her passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Roy Brandt, 72, Cook

Roy Brandt passed away on August 15th, 2026, at his home in Cook, Washington.   Roy was born on September 1st, 1953, and was 72 at the time of his passing.

The funeral service is planned for 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20th, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1074 West Jewett Boulevard, White Salmon, WA).  Viewing will start at 12 noon, and a reception will follow Roy’s service, then burial at 4:00 p.m. at The White Salmon Cemetery.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: C.E. “Bud” Harris, 90, Hood River

C.E. “Bud” Harris passed away on August 11th, 2026, at his Hood River, Oregon home surrounded by family. Bud was born on August 25th, 1935 and was 90 at the time of passing.

A Memorial Service & Reception is planned for 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 28th, 2026 at the Pine Grove Community Church. Bud will be laid to rest with his wife at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Michael Wayne Keene, 63, The Dalles

Michael Wayne Keene, age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 13, 2026.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Arlene Lambert, 92, Lyle

Arlene Lambert passed away August 12th, 2026, in Lyle, Washington. Arlene was born August 4th, 1934, and was 92 years of age at the time of passing.

A Memorial Service is planned for 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 24th, 2026 at The Lyle Celebration Center (715 Washington St., Lyle, WA 98635). Graveside Committal will precede Arlene’s memorial at West Hills Memorial Park of Yakima, Washington. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.  

Obituary: Rose Marie Schwinge, 86, Underwood

Rose Marie Schwinge of Underwood, WA. passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Rose was born May 11th, 1940, in Oyer, Missouri. She was born to Burrell (Red) Stockstill and Emma Lorriane (Smith) Goodwin. She lived in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, until the age of 15. She moved to White Salmon, WA, in 1955. Rose married James (Jim) Robert Schwinge on December 24, 1985.

Rose worked many jobs throughout her life. She worked at Columbia Materials Co., Town and Country Restaurant, and Heidi's. Rose also sold Avon for many years. She was a volunteer firefighter and also the secretary for the Skamania County Fire Department. Rose worked as a Postmaster Relief at the Underwood Post Office until her retirement.

Rose enjoyed sewing, cooking, trying new recipes, and collecting cookbooks. She also put together a cookbook for the Underwood Fire Department for a fundraiser.

Rose is survived by her husband, Jim Schwinge of Underwood, WA. Sisters: Nita Reeves of Goldendale, WA. Linda Dills of Marysville, WA. 

Children: Laura (Dan) Mack of Lyle, WA. Rosalie (Ken) Henderson of Underwood WA. Diana (Mike) Solomon of Murdock, WA. Debbie (Rios) of The Dalles. OR.

Stepchildren: Karen (Brian) Anderson of North Carolina. John (Lori) Schwinge of Hood River, OR.

Rose has numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Burrell (Red) Stockstill, Emma (Lorraine) Goodwin, and stepfather Buck Goodwin.

Son Merle (Dean) Vezina. Stepson Keith (Alyn) Schwinge. 1st husband Frenchie Vezina.

There will be a graveside service at the White Salmon Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Ave., White Salmon, WA 98672). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family. 

" Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." 

Service Announcement: Frederick “Fred” Alden Mooney, 88, Hood River

Frederick “Fred” Alden Mooney passed away August 10, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon.   Frederick was born on July 5, 1938, and was 88 at the time of passing.

Memorial Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29th, 2026 at Tucker Road Baptist Church (1455 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon).  Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Obituary: Diane Delores Thomas, 90, Hood River

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, Diane Delores Thomas, who passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon.

Diane was born December 15, 1935, in Bingen, Washington, to Alvin “Bud” Henry and Pauline Nystrom. She spent most of her life in the White Salmon area and made many lasting friendships along the way.

Diane married Lloyd “Buddy” Thomas on July 24, 1953. They shared a beautiful life together until Buddy’s passing in 1996.

Diane was a woman who loved the simple things in life—country music, reading, playing cards, telling jokes, and spending time with the people she loved. She especially enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood and telling stories from years gone by. If you knew Diane, you probably heard a few of those stories more than once—and that was part of what made them so special.

She leaves behind her son, Steven and Patty Thomas; grandchildren Andrea and Jeff Vincent and Jerome Kahler; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Emmit, Ana, Joseph, and Abby. She is also survived by her siblings Don “Ole” and Faye, Darlene and Gene, Linda, and Sandee, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy; brothers Dean and Jimmy; and her aunt Shirley.

Diane will be deeply missed, but we are grateful for the many years of memories, laughter, stories, and love she gave us. We will carry those memories with us always.

A graveside service celebrating Diane’s life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at White Salmon Cemetery. Don Morby will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Ave., White Salmon, WA 98672). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

Obituary: Michael Lloyd Coffey, 78, Carson

Michael Lloyd Coffey, of Carson, Washington, passed away July 21, 2026, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.  He was born September 26, 1947, and was 78 at the time of passing.  Michael was born in Portland, Oregon, to Ernest Lloyd Coffey and Mary Ellen (Skinner) Coffey and married to Joyce Ellen Coffey (Williams).

Mike and Joyce married October 29, 1979. He has two brothers and a sister; Alan, John & Charon; a son; three daughters; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

Mike served in the US Navy for over 20 years, working on Naval Aircraft Carriers.  He loved his time at sea and on the ships, and while in the service, he traveled to many places including Italy, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Australia, just to name a few.

He was an avid reader and collector of books; he had a large library in the house with hundreds of books.

After his military career, he began a second career with Boeing, where he worked for 20 years.

Military Honors were performed by the United States Navy on August 11, 2026, at Anderson’s Tribute Center in Hood River, Oregon, and his cremated remains will be scattered at sea by the US NAVY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.   

Death Notice: Shirley Kay Justice, 79, The Dalles

Shirley Kay Justice passed away on August 5, 2026 in Tygh Valley, Oregon. Shirley was born June 26, 1947 and was 79 at the time of her passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Nicholas S. "Nick" Blattner, 73, Hood River

Nicholas S. "Nick" Blattner

February 18, 1953 – July 26, 2026

There are some people whose lives can't be measured by a list of accomplishments. Nick Blattner was one of those people.

If your path crossed his, chances are you learned something. Maybe he taught you to sail, helped you think through a project, or simply took a genuine interest in what you were working on. Nick was reserved by nature and never pushed himself into other people's lives, but if you knew him, he was always happy to step into yours for a while. He asked thoughtful questions, looked at problems logically, and worked through possibilities alongside you. Conversations with Nick were never small talk. They were opportunities to learn, solve a problem, or discover a new way of looking at something. His loyalty ran deep. Once he committed himself to a person or project, he stayed with it until he found a way forward.

Nick met his wife, Renee, while they were working together as lifeguards before college. Together they built a life of learning, adventure, and unwavering trust in one another. When they decided to bicycle across Europe, they realized they didn't know when they would return. What began as a goodbye party before their trip became a wedding, beginning a marriage that would shape the next fifty years.

Nick believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth learning to do well. He never let not knowing become a reason not to begin. He sought out knowledge, listened to people with experience, and wasn't satisfied until he understood not just how something worked, but why. Whether learning a new technology, reimagining the homes he and Renee shared, or preparing for their next adventure, he approached each new challenge the same way. Renee shared that same spirit, and together they built a life filled with adventures, projects, and a quiet confidence that, together, they could figure things out.

Nick believed in working hard and playing hard, and he lived exactly that way. He built a successful career in technology before retiring after more than forty years in the industry. Retirement led to a second career as a general contractor, built on decades spent thoughtfully redesigning and renovating every home he and Renee owned. When the work was done, he was happiest on the water. Sailing and watersports were lifelong passions. He learned to sail before he started school and never lost his love of wind, water, and the next adventure. There is comfort in knowing that Nick drew his last breath at Hood River while wind surfing, one of the many things he loved to do.

Some of the happiest memories shared by family and friends happened around Nick and Renee's table. Nick never cared much for large crowds. He preferred a handful of people gathered on the deck, music playing softly while he worked the grill. Good food, drinks in hand, and great conversation were always the main course. Those evenings reflected the life he and Renee built together.

Nick is survived by his wife, Renee; his brother, Chris (Cynthia McCann); nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, sailing companions, and Carlie, the last of the three dogs he and Renee shared through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Doretta Blattner.

Nick's greatest legacy isn't found in the things he built, but in the way he lived. Seek knowledge. Ask thoughtful questions. Don't let not knowing stop you from beginning. Learn to do it well. Work hard. Play hard. Gather people around the table. And when someone's path crosses yours, take the time to think through their ideas and challenges with them.

In the days ahead, we hope you'll tell stories, laugh together, and remember the many golden evenings spent around Nick and Renee's table. Laughter doesn't diminish our grief. It helps us carry it.

We'll save you a seat at the table, Nick. Until we meet again, fair winds and following seas.

A celebration of Nick's life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the Port Ludlow Beach Club in Port Ludlow, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nick's honor may be made to the Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association to help make The Columbia River Gorge a better place for Wind-Riders or Wylde Wind & Water to provide water safety education and water sports opportunities to both kids and adults in the community.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.