Columbia Community Connection 7/15/26 Columbia Community Connection 7/15/26

Death Notice: Norma Wilkerson, 83, Hood River

Norma Wilkerson passed away on July 6, 2026, at Flagstone Assisted Living in The Dalles, Oregon. Norma was born on March 10, 1943, and was 83 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

Columbia Community Connection 7/15/26 Columbia Community Connection 7/15/26

Death Notice: William Spencer Young, 88, Rufus

William Spencer Young, age 88, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away at home on July 10, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 7/15/25 Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 7/15/25

Death Notice: Stephen R Shockey, 33, The Dalles

Stephen R Shockey, age 33, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 30, 2025.

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

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 7/15/25 Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 7/15/25

Death Notice: Kirby Harold Denny, 87, The Dalles

Kirby Harold Denny, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on July 14, 2025.

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

Columbia Community Connection 7/15/25 Columbia Community Connection 7/15/25

Obituary: Aaron Mark Helseth, 50, The Dalles

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Aaron Helseth, who departed this life on June 23, 2025. Aaron was a devoted father, a fiercely loyal friend, and a man who lived his life with humility, kindness, and quiet strength.

Aaron spent his life finding beauty in the simple and overlooked. He had a gifted eye for transforming the ordinary into something meaningful, whether it was a forgotten piece of furniture or a cooked meal made with love.

Aaron’s greatest joy and purpose in life was being a father. His love for his kids was boundless- a rare, unshakable connection that will endure forever. Their bond was one that words cannot fully capture, built on unconditional love, trust, and a deep understanding. His children were his pride and joy and it was with them he shared a love that will never be replaced or replicated.

To know Aaron was to know compassion. He carried a forgiving heart, never holding grudges, and always offering grace. He was the kind of man who always saw the best in people, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. His presence comforted those around him, and his laughter had a way of softening even the hardest of days.

Aaron will be remembered not just for who he was, but for how he made people feel: accepted, seen, and loved without condition.

He is survived by his three beloved children, Abbey, Gabe, and Jackson, his grandson Mateo, son-in-law Tony, his parents Karen and Bob Fisher, and sister Angie, who will carry his spirit and love with them always, along with extended family and friends whose lives he deeply touched.

A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held @ The Dalles Armory on Sunday, August 3rd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In place of flowers, the family asks that you honor Aaron’s legacy by sharing a meal with someone you love, forgiving freely, and finding beauty where others might not think to look.

Rest easy, Dad. You were deeply loved and will forever be deeply missed