Obituary: James Belknap Wade

Dr. James B. Wade

James Belknap Wade, a 49-year resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on August 13, 2021.

Jim was born in Pocatello, Idaho on May 23, 1931, to Virgil Hopkins Wade and Anne Margaret Belknap Wade. He was the youngest of three children, with brother William Henry Wade being nearly 14 years older and sister Jeanne Adele 11 years older. His father was in the insurance business and the family moved around a lot. As Jim was growing up, they lived in Tacoma, Bellingham, Spokane and Seattle. [When Jim was ten he traveled alone by train to spend the summer on his brother’s sheep ranch in Montana. He was left in the care of his brother’s father-in-law, living in a sheep wagon with no running water or electricity, while brother Bill and his wife performed as professional ice-skaters in Cincinnati for the summer.] The family was of very modest means, complicated by his father’s near-death from pancreatitis when Jim was 11. Jimmy put a collection pot over the fireplace so friends could donate. He started delivering newspapers at about this time, getting up at 4 a.m. every day to deliver the Seattle Post-Intelligencer before school, a job that he continued throughout grade school and high school. Even while attending Reed College in Portland, Jim often had a paper route to supplement the income he received from working in the college’s boiler room in order to pay tuition.  

In 8th grade, Jim met Art Ratcliffe, who would become his co-conspirator in all sorts of mischief, his life-long best friend, and eventually his brother-in-law when the two married twin sisters. Jim graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle in 1948, then attended Reed College in Portland where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. During Spring Break in 1953, he met his bride-to-be, Jacqueline Frost, a senior at the University of Washington, on a blind date set up by her identical twin sister Jill (Giovanna) and her boyfriend, the previously-mentioned childhood friend Art. The two hit it off and were married a year later in a small family home wedding in Seattle one week before Jackie’s father, Vernon Frost, died of kidney cancer.

Jim went on to medical school at the University of Washington. During his senior year, he joined the U.S. Navy and welcomed his first child, Vernon, into the world. Upon graduation from UW Medical School in 1957, the family moved to San Diego for Jim’s medical internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital there, then to Bethesda, MD, where he took an intensive course in psychiatry. Second Lieutenant Dr. James B. Wade was eventually stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago to do psychiatric screening of new recruits. While there, second son, David, was born in Waukegan, IL. Jim transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA where he practiced psychiatry until 1961, at which time his naval service ended and he took a General Practice residency in Martinez, CA. It was right during this transition that third son Andrew was born. 

In the spring of 1962, Jim and Jackie were invited by Alan Henderson, M.D. to visit Hood River and to consider joining his Family Practice. He had invited them to visit on Blossom Festival weekend, which happened to be both brilliantly sunny and windless – and he assured them that Hood River was always just like that. They believed him and, in August of 1962, on a cold, rainy, windy day they drove into Hood River to take up residency. In addition to discovering the truth about Hood River’s very windy weather, Jim also quickly learned that he would be working as the county’s medical examiner in addition to his family practice. The first call he went on as coroner was for a murder-suicide. (Welcome to Hood River, Dr. Wade!)

During the 30 years that Jim practiced medicine in Hood River, he and Jackie went above and beyond in countless ways in serving their chosen community. Jim learned Spanish so he could serve the many Hispanic families in the county. He willingly bartered with anyone who was unable to pay in cash and developed a number of close friendships over the years as a result. In 2019, he was presented with an award from Radio Tierra thanking him for his many years of service to the Latinx community. Jim was instrumental in establishing a Hospice program in Hood River, serving as the first Medical Director for Hospice of the Gorge until 2000, eight years after he’d retired from his medical practice. Jim also started the Hood River yacht club, served as Hood River Port Commissioner in the 1970’s, and was active with his boys in Boy Scouts. 

Together Jim and Jackie were avid world travelers, visiting 53 countries over the years. They also loved sailing, taking numerous week-long sailing trips with their three boys, and were enthusiastic skiers. They were long-time members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church when their children were growing up and later became active at Riverside Community Church, where Jim sang in the choir for many years, having been drawn there by an invitation from Jim’s Community Ed voice teacher. He loved to sing and would burst out in song at the slightest encouragement. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jackie, whom he adored till his last breath; his children, of whom he was incredibly proud: Vernon Wade and his wife Amy Wheeler of Odell, Dr. David Wade and his wife Kellie (Fowler) Wade of Hood River, and Rev. Andrew Wade and his wife Susan (Herzog) Wade of Hood River; his precious grandchildren: Samantha Bredemeier, Bridget Kirkwood, Jonathan Wade and Nicholas Wade; and three great-grandchildren: Ezra and Carter Bredemeier, and Kyra Wade. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and a large contingent of cherished friends, grateful patients, and community members who deeply appreciate his many contributions to their lives.

The family will hold a small private memorial service in the near future. A larger celebration of life for friends and extended family will be held later when COVID conditions allow for safe gatherings. In the meantime, the family encourages memorial contributions to Providence Hospice of the Gorge or Riverside Community Church in Jim’s honor. 

Death Notice: James Belknap Wade

James Belknap Wade passed away on August 13, 2021 at his home in Hood River, Oregon. James was born on May 23, 1931 and was 90 years of age at the time of his passing.  

Dr. James Wade was a family practice and hospice physician in Hood River for many years.  Services are pending at this time and will be announced soon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notices: Sandra Olive Williamson, Rickey Melvin Johnson

Sandra Olive Williamson, age 83, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away on August 17, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Rickey Melvin Johnson, age 78, resident of Wasco, Oregon passed away on August 17, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Demetra Ann Dionas Kramer

Demetra Ann Dionas Kramer, age 86, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away peacefully in her home on August 14, 2021, surrounded by her family and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, details will be posted on the Spencer, Libby & Powell Website once they are finalized.   

Death Notice: Andrie Annalee Dave

Andrie Annalee Dave, age 63, resident of Lyle, Washington, passed away August 15, 2021. The dressing ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. August 17, 2021, at Spencer, Libby & Powell Gathering Hall, Services at the Celilo LongHouse will follow. Sunrise burial will be at 7 a.m., August 18, 2021, at Lyle Balch Cemetery, Lyle, Washington.

Obituary: Ann C Ann Christine (Curran) Perry

Ann C Ann Christine (Curran) Perry

Ann C Ann Christine (Curran) Perry was born on Christmas Day 1930 to Patrick and Margaret (Costello) Curran. She grew up in Noe Valley with her brother Patrick and sister Mary Ellen. She attended St James Grammar School, then went on to Immaculate Conception Academy for high school. While in high school she met the love of her life, Jim Perry, who later became her husband on April 15, 1949.

Ann attended St. Joseph College of Nursing and later worked at Mary's Help Hospital in San Francisco, where she worked until her children were born. Jim and Ann had three children, Christine, Jim, and Brian.

When her children were old enough, she returned to work as an insurance auditor for a labor union. Her knowledge of medical terminology became very useful for this type of work. She worked her way through the ranks until she became a national auditor for the Electrical Workers Union.

When they retired Ann and Jim moved to Hood River in 2000 and spent many wonderful years together with their son Jim and daughter-in-law Claudia who left the Bay Area in 1997.

Many wonderful years were spent enjoying family gatherings, local community events, and the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

Ann's husband passed away in 2016, but the years they had together in this scenic wonderland have definitely enriched both their lives. She is survived by her three children, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ann passed away on August 4th, 2021 at a care facility in The Dalles, Oregon.

Services are planned for 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 10th, 2021 at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  A reception will follow and then Ann will be laid to rest at Idlewilde Mausoleum of Hood River, Oregon beside her husband, Jim.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Donald Ross Cooper

Donald Ross Cooper, age 93, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 11, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Lawrence P. Nyberg

Lawrence P. Nyberg, age 49, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 7, 2021. Arrangements are pending and in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.

Death Notice: Denise Marie Johnson

Denise Marie Johnson passed away August 15th, 2021 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Oregon. Denise was born on December 9, 1961 in Rapid City, South Dakota and was 59 years of age 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.

Death Notices: Darren Warren Buckles, Ethelyn M. Garrison

Darrell Warren Buckles, age 72, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 7, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Ethelyn M. Garrison, age 95, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 14, 2021. She will be laid to rest in a private service next to her beloved husband, Billy Joe "Tex" Garrison. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Death Notices: Gerald M Brooking, Dianna L Oden, Shirley Rose Nelson

Gerald M Brooking, age 79, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 12, 2021. Private family service to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Dianna L Oden, age 73, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 10, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Shirley Rose Nelson, age 83, resident of Hood River, Oregon passed away August 11, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: John Adam Ringlbauer

Obituary: John Adam Ringlbauer

John Adam Ringlbauer died at home with family by his side on Aug. 11, 2021 in Mosier, Oregon. He was 70.

John was born Jan. 16, 1951 in Savanna, Ill. to William F. Ringlbauer Sr. and Lois E. (McMillin) Ringlbauer. 

He graduated from Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, Calif., and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star.

He served in the National Guard for 27 years, 25 of them spent with his close friend Ray Powers. They loved elk hunting together. 

 He loved hunting and fishing with his best friend since grade school, Jim Zilian of Santa Rosa, Calif. Jim's nephew Mark often came along and was a very special part of John's life. 

 John married Shirley (Anderson) Ringlbauer on July 28, 2001 in Mosier, Ore.

He is survived by his wife, stepdaughter Shilayna, three children, several grandchildren, his brother Bill and sister Donna, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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. 

Death Notice”

John Adam Ringlbauer passed away August 11, 2021 at his home in Mosier, Oregon with family by his side. John was born on January 16, 1951 in Savanna, Illinois and was 70 years of age at the time of his 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.

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Death Notice: John Lee Carter

John Lee Carter, age 75, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 9, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, most likely in September, details will be posted on Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home website once they have been finalized.

Death Notice: Betty Maurine McDonald

Betty Maurine McDonald, age 91, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 9, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, details will be posted on Spencer, Libby & Powell website once finalized.

Services: Emilia Barajas

Emilia Barajas, age 65, resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away July 26, 2021. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1222 W 10th. St., The Dalles, Oregon, Rite of Committal will follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Eva Geraldine Phelps

Eva Geraldine Phelps, age 101, passed away August 9, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Travis Michael “Mick” Cummings

Obituary: Travis Michael “Mick” Cummings

Travis Michael “Mick” Cummings went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon surrounded by family.

Travis was born to Travis Cummings and Dorothea Elizabeth Cary on June 12, 1943, in Oregon City, Oregon. He was the second oldest of his three siblings: Ron Cummings, Adrian “Buttons” Cummings, and Cheryl Cummings McDonald. Travis grew up in Madras, Oregon where he graduated high school in 1961. He also attended college courses in the Portland area and lived in various other places including Texas and England while serving in the Air Force. His jobs included working as a manufacturing chemist, Warm Springs trail guide, warehouseman, house framer, and property management maintenance manager. Pearl Severson Thompson became his wife on November 10, 1991, and the rest of his life was lived in blissful companionship no matter his place of residence or occupation.

Travis enjoyed the outdoors, museums, horses, Harley motorcycles, “fun rides”, spending time with his family, and fellowshipping with his friends, including Johnny, Rex, Dan, Tim, and Casey. Travis was actively involved in serving his local youth group for over 10 years and they held a very special place in his life until the end. Travis loved Jesus wholeheartedly and also served on his church worship team singing, playing bass, and running sound. Filled with empathy, compassion, and a quiet sense of humor, he regularly practiced generosity and patience. “Travy” always listened to others intently with love and understanding.

Travis is survived by his wife Pearl Cummings of The Dalles, his children Teresa Farmer and spouse David, Travis “Jack” Cummings and spouse Cindy, Debbie Ames, Willie Funk, and Norma Lande and spouse Travis. He is also survived by his brother Adrian and sister Cheryl. He had 21 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

His life will be celebrated at Life in Christ Center in The Dalles on Saturday, August 7th at 1 pm. At Travis’s request, the service will be officiated by Tim Willis and Tristan Jepson. A reception will follow the service.

During his final days, Travis mentioned hearing the angel choir singing and how beautiful they sound. He had a vision of three flying eagles and asked those who were with him to open the door so that he could tumble through.

“They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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.

Death Notice: Ann Christine Perry

Ann Christine Perry passed away on August 4, 2021, in The Dalles , Oregon. Ann was born December 25, 1930, and was 90 years of age at the time of her passing.  Services are pending at this time with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: James Anthony Mansanarez

James Anthony Mansanarez, age 56, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 1, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: David Eugene Ollikkala

David Eugene Ollikkala

David Eugene Ollikkala, age 62, passed away at home on July 5th, 2021. David was born to Ernest Ollikkala and Constance Mathisen Ollikkala on April 27, 1959, in Sentinel Oklahoma.

David grew up in Portland, Oregon. He spent his summers out at his Grandmother’s home in Dufer, Oregon.

David attended Chief Joseph Elementary School, and then he attended Benson High School with the class of 1973.

David joined the Navy to see the world as his Grandpa had. He never did leave US soil as they de-commissioned his ship for repairs the whole time he was there.

David sold cars for the family business, Victoria Motors, and then continued to sell cars in The Dalles.

David leaves behind his best friend and wife, Donna Ollikkala; two daughters, Taumi Dillon of Salem, Oregon and Drew Allen of Riddle, Oregon; four grandchildren; his sister Victoria Rhoads-Clark of Scappoose, Oregon; A brother, Daryl (Buji) Ollikkala of Portland, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Ollikkala and Josephine Ollikkala, his grandparents, and his brother Dennis Ollikkala.

A celebration of life will be 3:00 P.M., Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 1122 Oak Street at Rivers of Grace Church.  Graveside Committal with Military Honors will be at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Willamette National Cemetery of Portland, Oregon.

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.