Death Notice: Linda Lee Taylor, 79, Hood River
Death Notice: Linda Lee Taylor, 79, Hood River
Linda Lee Taylor passed away on November 7th, 2026, in Hood River, OR. Linda was born on May 28th, 1947, and was 79 years of age at the time of passing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Obituary: Joan C. Chapman, 92, Hood River
Obituary: Joan C. Chapman, 92, Hood River
Joan C. Chapman, a lifelong Hood River, Oregon, resident, passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2026, at age 92, lovingly surrounded by her family.
Joan Clyde Johnson entered the world on June 8th, 1934, in Hood River, Oregon, as the only child of William & Vera Johnson. She spent her childhood in the small town of Odell in Hood River County, graduating from Wy'East High School in 1952. Throughout her life, she spent some time in Aloha, Oregon, and Beaverton, Oregon.
While at a family picnic while Joan was still in high school, Joan’s Aunt Glendella introduced Joan to the love of her life, Clyde Chapman. He had graduated high school the year prior and had recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Clyde married Joan upon his return from boot camp on March 30th, 1952. During Clyde’s military service, the couple was stationed in both Bremerton, Washington, and San Diego, California. As military duty called, Clyde was deployed to Japan and Korea during the Korean War shortly after welcoming their first son, Steve, in 1953. The war ended, and Clyde honorably exited the military in 1955.
Joan & Clyde were blessed with another son, Kevin, in 1959. The young family settled permanently in the Hood River Valley. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Joan worked full time for US. Bank and Hershner & Bell Insurance Agency, from which she eventually retired. During their retirement, Joan and Clyde traveled extensively in their various RVs; their favorite trip centered around the two seasons they spent as Yellowstone National Park employees.
Eventually longing for home and family, they returned to the Hood River Valley and downsized to a smaller home. They happily enjoyed their retired life together until Clyde’s unexpected passing in 2008 following 56 years of marriage. As a widow, Joan remained independently in her home for many years until 2025, when she agreed it was time to move in with her son Kevin and his family in Parkdale, Oregon. She spent her final days in Parkdale enjoying a peaceful life on the deck, soaking in beautiful views of the Upper Valley and Mt. Hood while in the constant presence of her loved ones.
As a child and a woman, Joan had always been headstrong and independent. In addition to her long working career, she enjoyed reading, crafting, gardening, baking, camping, and traveling. Joan LOVED driving her sleek, powerful cars and was often seen jetting around to various appointments, social engagements, and taking joy rides around the Valley. Her greatest passion, however, was spending time with her family and friends. As a big-hearted, conservative woman, she spent significant time and energy serving the Lord with her cherished group of church gals, who called themselves the “Happy Hands”. Together they crafted, quilted, baked, wrapped and delivered items to those in need. To know Joan was to know a truly beautiful woman inside and out, with a legendary smile that lit up every room she entered. She was also brutally honest, mischievously humorous, and epically stubborn! Her greatest pride was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joan led a long and fulfilling life and left us very blessed to have enjoyed her as long as we did. She was dearly loved and will be forever missed.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents William and Vera, her husband Clyde, her brother-in-law Don, her Aunt Glendella Jones, Aunt Goldie, and others of her generation.
Joan is survived by her sons Steve Chapman and wife Zoe of Vancouver, Washington; Kevin Chapman and wife Pamela of Parkdale, Oregon, former daughter-in-law Mary Chapman of Hillsboro, Oregon, 5 grandchildren; Shane, Melinda, Angie, Brittany and Joshua, 14 great-grandchildren; Garrett, Haley, Hannah, Madelyn, Brynn, Brooke, Samantha, Melyssa, James, Lacayla, Alyssa, Allysandra, Anthony and Johnathan, and her first great-great grandchild Arrabella (whom we were blessed for her to meet just before her passing), along with her many extended family members and her wide circle of friends.
A time to celebrate Joan’s life is planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14th, 2026, at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Graveside Rites will follow at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.
Please visit our website to view and print Joan’s obituary and sign her guest book for family: www.andersonstributecenter.com
Death Notice: Mary Esther Korhonen, 78, Hood River
Death Notice: Mary Esther Korhonen, 78, Hood River
Mary Esther Korhonen passed away on October 25th, 2026, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. Mary was born on December 13th, 1947, and was 78 years of age at the time of her passing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Obituary: David Princehouse, 82, Hood River
Obituary: David Princehouse, 82, Hood River
David Princehouse, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on November 22, 1943, in Hood River, Oregon, David spent most of his life in the beautiful community of Parkdale, a place he was proud to call home.
David was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Along with his wife, Carolyn, he raised their three daughters, Kim, Kristi, and Kellie. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he gave them a lifetime of love, laughter, guidance, and memories that will be cherished forever.
As a young man, David worked at Dee Mill before beginning a career in excavation. With his strong work ethic, determination, and independent spirit, he eventually started his own excavation business. He became known by many as “I Can Dig It Dave,” a nickname that perfectly captured both his work and his great sense of humor.
David loved the outdoors and the beauty of the Oregon he called home. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his close buddies and family. He had a deep appreciation for nature and animals and found joy in the simple pleasures of being outside and spending time with the people he loved.
Those who knew David will remember his huge heart, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and generous spirit. He had a way of making people laugh and making those around him feel welcome. He was not only a beloved father and grandfather, but also a true friend to many.
David is survived by his ex-wife, Carolyn; his three daughters, Kim, and her husband Bernie, Kristi and her husband Randy, and Kellie; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Alice Princehouse; his brother, Frank; and his sister, Mayme.
He may be gone from our sight, but he will forever be a part of the family, the stories, and the memories we carry with us.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Obituary: Lorene Merz Murray, 92, Hood River
Obituary: Lorene Merz Murray, 92, Hood River
Lorene Merz Murray, born on December 18, 1933, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026. She was born in Woodland, WA to John A Merz and Luella Eaton Merz. She lived a life marked by dedication, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to her family, her work, and her community.
She married the love of her life on September, 13, 1951 and they were married 60 years before his passing in 2011. To this marriage, 2 daughters were born. Evie in 1952 and Kathie in 1954.
Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Albert William “Bill” Murray; her brother, John A. “Scooter” Merz; and her step‑siblings Joanne Godfrey Bader, Joe Godfrey, and Joyce Godfrey Cannon.
She is survived by her daughters Evie Hasty (Rod) and Kathie Alley (John) of Hood River, Oregon. Lorene leaves behind her grandchildren Rod Hasty of West Linn, Oregon; Mike Hasty (Rachelle) of Warrenton, Oregon; Matthew Alley (Heather) of Hood River, Oregon; and Katie Breshears (Bob) of Hood River, Oregon. She is also survived by her great‑grandchildren Taylor Plummer, Lilly Hasty, Tanis Hasty, Niko Alley and Mark Peleshok, each of whom brought her tremendous joy. She also leaves behind her sisters Melody Smith of Woodland, Wa and RosAnne Merz of Ecuador and her brothers Ron Merz of Hood River Or and Steve Merz of Lebanon, Or
Throughout her life, Lorene was dedicated to service, craftsmanship, and community. She worked at Kaiser Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, where her reliability and compassion were deeply valued. She later shared her extensive knowledge of plants at the Lake Grove Garden Center in Lake Grove, Oregon. Lorene also played an essential role as a partner with her husband, Bill, in operating Murray’s Bakery in West Linn, Oregon, helping build the bakery into a beloved local institution.
Lorene’s personal interests reflected her creativity, intelligence, and gentle spirit. She found great joy in floral and vegetable gardening, tending her plants with remarkable knowledge and care. A talented seamstress, she crafted clothing and household items with skill and precision. She cherished music, singing faithfully in the church choir and holding a lifelong appreciation for classical music. Lorene was also an exceptional cook, contributing her talents to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Murray’s Bakery.
Lorene will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the deep love she carried for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she nurtured, and the quiet strength she shared with all who knew her.
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: Sherry Phillips, 86, Hood River
Death Notice: Sherry Phillips, 86, Hood River
Sherry Phillips passed away on October 17th, 2026, at Hood River Providence Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Sherry was born on September 22nd, 1940, and was 86 at the time of her passing.
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: Jeanine Mae Jacobson, 85, Hood River
Death Notice: Jeanine Mae Jacobson, 85, Hood River
Jeanine Mae Jacobson passed away on October 15, 2026, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Jeanine was born on October 22, 1940, and was 85 at the time of her passing.
Services are pending, with arrangements 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: Ross Brown, 72, Hood River
Death Notice: Ross Brown, 72, Hood River
Ross Brown passed away on October 13, 2026, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Ross was born on November 22, 1953, and was 72 at the time of his passing.
Services are pending, with arrangements 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: Wayne Allan Settje, 67, Hood River
Obituary: Wayne Allan Settje, 67, Hood River
Wayne Allan Settje, 67, of Hood River, Oregon, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. He was born February 7, 1959, in Pennsylvania to the late Victor Alvin and Ingrid Elizabeth (Larson) Settje.
Wayne spent his youth moving across the country for his father’s road construction work before the family settled on Wy’East Road in Hood River in the 1960s. He began a lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator and paver in the 1970s with Settje Sons Paving. Wayne later spent over 30 adventurous years in Anchorage, Alaska, working as a dedicated paving foreman and proud member of the IUOE, Local 302. An avid outdoorsman, he loved skiing, hunting, and backpacking the northern wilderness.
In 2011, Wayne returned to Hood River, working for regional companies like Granite Construction, Settje Son’s Paving and Knife River. Known for his boisterous voice, infectious laugh, and deep Christian faith, he found true joy in caring for his mother, operating tractors at Kahler Orchards, and exploring the mountains with his loyal German Shepherd, Lucy.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his bonus brother, John M. Curry.
He is survived by his siblings: Victor Settje Jr. (Annie) of Estonia; Connie Fisher (Michael R. Samples) of Reno, NV; Daniel F. Settje of Big Lake, AK; Josephine Davenport (Larry) of Tri-Cities, WA; Katherine Settje-Kahler (Richard) of Odell, OR; Donna A.D. Settje of Portland, OR; Elizabeth Settje-Viavoda (Yani) of Hood River, OR; James E. Settje (Trish) of Estacada, OR; Joseph B. Settje (Bobbi) of Redmond, OR; and Hannah Settje (Lee Kober) of Hood River, OR. He is also survived by his bonus brother, Bradley Berens of Anchorage, AK; 25 nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.
Services were held October 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, Hood River. Wayne will be interned next to his parents in Mt. View Cemetery immediately following the church service. Memorial donations may be made to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Dissection Awareness or the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Obituary: Marva Jo Deal, 84, Hood River
Obituary: Obituary: Marva Jo Deal, 84, Hood River, 84, Hood River
Marva Jo Deal, 84, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on July 16, 1942, in Salina, Kansas, to Howard Leslie Mortimer and Vera Lowine (Isaacson) Mortimer. Marva Jo was the oldest of three sisters.
Marva Jo graduated from Salina High School in 1960. After high school, she began working as an administrative assistant for the Kansas State Highway Commission, where she met Clifton Eugene Deal, a civil engineer. The two were married on October 27, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas.
Marva Jo and Clifton began their married life in Salina, where their two children, Ward and Heather, were born. Clifton’s work took the family to Frankfurt, Kansas, and Lincoln, Nebraska, for short periods before they returned to Salina. In 1982, the family moved to Gresham, Oregon, where Marva Jo and Clifton lived for many years. In October 2025, Marva Jo moved to Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, where she spent her final year.
Throughout her life, Marva Jo enjoyed learning and continued her education at Mt. Hood Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in June 1991. Marva Jo worked in several fields throughout her life, including medical records for a medical office and as an assistant at a law firm in Salina. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found great joy in spending time with the people she loved.
She and Clifton were also world travelers, collecting wonderful memories, stories, and gifts along the way. Marva Jo especially cherished her friendships. One treasured reminder of a friendship lasting more than 40 years was a bracelet given to her dear friend Barb Topham, engraved with the words, “A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart.”
Marva Jo had many interests and enjoyed bowling, sewing, gardening, music, and singing in church choirs. She loved spending time with family and friends and was known for her beautiful smile and loving nature.
Her faith and service to others were important parts of her life. Marva Jo was active at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina and later at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham. Over the years, she served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, treasurer for Church Women United, and was a member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and the League of Women Voters. She also enjoyed being part of her church choirs.
Marva Jo is survived by her husband, Clifton Eugene Deal, of Hood River; her son, Ward Deal, and his wife, Donna, of Nampa, Idaho; and her daughter, Heather Deal-Wellenstein, and her husband, Robert, of Hood River, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Danielle Derig, Devin Deal, Conor Deal, Erika Wellenstein, and Sebastian Wellenstein, and her beloved “grand puppy,” Rosie, a Boston Terrier whom Marva Jo lovingly nicknamed “Rosie Posie.” She was preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce Hill Poague and Donna Lee Johnson.
Marva Jo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warm smile, generous spirit, love of family, and ability to make lasting friendships will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life for Marva Jo will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham, Oregon. The date and time will be announced; Pastor Aimee Bruno will officiate, with a reception to follow. A private visitation for immediate family will be held on September 30, 2026
Condolences may be shared with the family at AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Death Notice: James Douglas Mathews, 73, Hood River
Death Notice: James Douglas Mathews, 73, Hood River
James Douglas Mathews passed away on September 14, 2026, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. James was born on December 7, 1952, and was 73 at the time of passing.
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: Scott Dean Perry, 64, Hood River
Obituary: Scott Dean Perry, 64, Hood River
Scott Dean Perry, of Hood River, Oregon, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on December 22, 1961, in Des Moines, Iowa, Scott was raised by his grandparents, Dean and Virginia Niffenegger, in the farming community of Whiting, Iowa. He spent much of his boyhood there at his grandfather's side on the family farm.
He graduated from Whiting High School and went on to Creighton University to study pharmacy, earning his Bachelor of Science degree there. It was in Omaha, Nebraska, that he met Theresa Cox, the love of his life, whom he married in 1987. They settled in Omaha for six years before their shared love of windsurfing brought them to Hood River, Oregon, in 1993. They have made Hood River their home ever since, enjoying the trails, rivers, and skies with their golden retrievers by their side.
It was outside Omaha in the late 1980s, watching F-16s over Offutt Air Force Base, where Scott’s love of flying began. He started as a student pilot there, and went on to become an instrument-rated commercial pilot and certified flight instructor. In Hood River, he taught ground school at Ken Jernstadt Airfield, and a remarkable number of his students went on to become professional pilots, flying military, commercial, and backcountry aircraft. He also instructed backcountry pilots through TacAero and served on the Port of Hood River Advisory Committee.
Flying was simply part of who Scott was. He piloted his Bonanza and his Super Cub across the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas, though some of his favorite trips were to the Deschutes River and John Day River, where he would land to fish, raft, and camp. Fly fishing, mountain biking, windsurfing, and motorcycles filled much of his time, along with driving with the local sports car group. And he almost always had a golden retriever at his side—five of them over the course of 40 years—whom he walked every day along the waterfront park and Indian Creek trail.
Those who knew Scott remember a man of rare, uncomplicated contentment. He knew exactly what he loved — flying, fishing, mountain biking, his golden retrievers, and Theresa — and was devoted to each. He was kind in the unhurried, practical way of someone who simply enjoyed life and enjoyed helping others. He lived every day true to what he believed in, and he was as generous with his knowledge as he was with his friendship. He will be missed immensely.
Scott is survived by his wife, Theresa Perry, of Hood River, Oregon; his sister, Laura (Michael) Frazer of Chicago, Illinois, and their adult children Mallory (Pete) Sabo, Gage Frazer, and Annabelle Frazer; and his sister Kimberly (Steven) Genovese of Valparaiso, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Perry and Sara “Sally” Haines. A celebration of Scott's life will be held Saturday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m., at Ken Jernstedt Airfield in Hood River.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Death Notice: Rita Ann Henderson, 71, Hood River
Death Notice: Rita Ann Henderson, 71, Hood River
Rita Ann Henderson passed away on September 9, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Rita was born November 26, 1954, and was 71 years of age at the time of her passing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Death Notice: Pastor Donald “Don” Alban Gibbs, 97, Hood River
Death Notice: Pastor Donald “Don” Alban Gibbs, 97, Hood River
Pastor Donald “Don” Alban Gibbs passed away on September 3rd, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington. Don was born on May 5th, 1929, and was 97 at the time of his passing. Services at the Parkdale Community Church, where Don had pastored, are pending and will be announced soon.
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: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River
Obituary: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River
Jim E. Edens, a U.S. Army veteran and long-time resident of Hood River, passed away on August 26, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born in Washington County, Arkansas. Jim served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was assigned overseas in Europe. Jim was proud to serve and of the friendships and purpose he found during his service.
After his military service, Jim built a career as a communications engineer with the United Telephone Company in Hood River. Jim also built a home in Hood River with his wife Margaret. He enjoyed living in Oregon and made many friends in the Hood River Valley. Jim always had a smile on his face and time to talk or to lend a helping hand. He will be missed.
Jim is survived by: his brother, Jody of Arkansas; children, James of South Carolina (wife Lisa, Children Paige and Sarah); Kathy of Arkansas (Children Daniel and Joshua); Lisa of Arkansas (Children Stephanie and Christopher); stepchildren, Holly of Oregon (husband, Phil; children Heather and Tyler), Guy of Arizona (wife Shelly, child Andrew); and 13 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; siblings, Jewel, Emely, Charles, Rubie, and Kennith; and parents Nancy and Jesse. Jim will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, and steady love.
A small family service is planned in October. In remembrance, donations may be made to the Hood River Meals on Wheels organization through the Senior Center located at 2010 Sterling Place.
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: Jolene Godoy, 84, The Dalles
Death Notice: Jolene Godoy, 84, The Dalles
Jolene Godoy passed away August 31, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Jolene was born on September 17, 1941 and was 84 at the time of passing.
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: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River
Death Notice: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River
Jim E. Edens passed away on August 26, 2026, at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. Jim was born on April 8, 1934, and was 92 when he passed away.
Services are pending, with arrangements 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: Larry Wayne Schwartz, 79, Hood River
Death Notice: Larry Wayne Schwartz, 79, Hood River
Larry Wayne Schwartz passed away on August 30, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Larry was born on November 20, 1946, and was 79 at the time of his passing.
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: Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, 86, Hood River
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.
Obituary: Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., 90, Hood River
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