Death Notice: Wilbur Ben Harth Jr., The Dalles

Wilbur Ben Harth Jr, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 30, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Kenneth Douglas Leash, The Dalles

Kenneth Douglas Leash

Jan. 4, 1939 - Feb. 4, 2022

From the Leash Family - Claudia, Michael and Taunie:

It is with heavy and sad hearts that the Leash family has to write that our dear Kenneth Douglas Leash, 83 years old, has left us.  

Doug was born on January 4, 1939, in Longview, Washington, to parents, Helen and Kenneth Leash.  The family lived in Cathlamet, Washington.  Doug was the baby of the family.  Doug, his brother Pete Leash and his sister Mary McCoy (Leash) all grew up fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors. They spent a lot of time with their grandparents who also lived in Cathlamet. 

His family relocated to Portland, Oregon when Doug was 2 years old. His father moved them after he began operating the Wire Bound Box Factory.  Doug attended first through 12th grades at Parkrose. 

After graduation, Doug attended college at the University of Oregon and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.  Doug moved to The Dalles, Oregon in 1962 after accepting a position as the Graphic Arts and Photography teacher at The Dalles High School.  Doug taught for 32 years until retirement.

Doug had horses when he came to The Dalles.  He frequently went on hunting trips with his buddies using the horses to pack out elk or deer.  Doug met the love of his life and best friend, Claudia, after knocking on her family’s door looking for a place to board his horses. 

They married in 1962 and were married for 15 years.  Together, they had daughter Taunie in 1964 and son Michael in 1966.  Doug and Claudia had a small family farm raising ducks, chickens, turkeys, guinea hens and other livestock animals and of course, horses.  Doug enjoyed helping with Pony Club that took place on the family property when his children participated.  He enjoyed taking photos of his children riding horses, being outside in nature and just hanging out at home with the animals at the farm.  He captured so many beautiful moments of his children and family that will forever be cherished.

After retirement, Doug helped friends build their houses, including doing work on his own home.  He salvaged bricks, molding and light fixtures from The Dalles 1898 Whittier School Building where he began his teaching career at The Dalles High School.  The building was demolished in the 1970s.  He carefully repurposed the material, made it beautiful and used it all in his home. 

Doug loved and appreciated art and the beauty it brought.  He had an art studio where he created beautiful pottery and sculptures.  Doug also loved painting.  He created many encaustic paintings, a medium where hot wax is added to colored pigments and painted on rice paper.  His paintings were primarily of nature and natural settings.  

Doug created many magnificent works of art.  He was an extraordinarily talented and gifted artist and admired by many.  It brought him a tremendous amount of joy in sharing his work with others.

Doug was very passionate about the preservation of the Old Saint Peter’s Landmark and many other historic buildings in The Dalles. In 1971 he and a group of 5 other community members of The Dalles saved this beautiful building from being destroyed by a wrecking ball by purchasing and restoring it for the community to see its beauty, amazing architecture and history.  Doug spent countless hours fixing, repairing and beautifying this treasure in The Dalles.  Doug was also involved with the Historic Landmark Commission which he very much enjoyed.

Doug cared deeply about the environment, animals and conservation.  This is very near and dear to his heart.  He contributed to several conservations.   He loved to travel and was able to see Spain, Mexico, Europe, China, Africa and many more.  He loved to see and experience different cultures, wildlife and admired historic architecture.

Doug at the Winter Olympics in Utah in 2002.

Doug lived a full life.  He partied in Las Vegas with his son at all the rooftop hot spots.  He hunted in Alaska with his sister, Mary and his late brother-in-law, George.  He went to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah with his son, observing many events and even had seats right on the glass for the Hockey game.  He traveled to New York City to hang out at the Waldorf Astoria and Empire State Building.  Doug was an avid skier and skied at Whistler, Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley.  He loved to attend Rodeos.  He hauled his daughter and her horse to Rodeo’s when she was the Fort Dalles Rodeo Queen in 1982.  Doug also attended the Pro Bull Riding event in Portland with his daughter, son and niece, Michele Arndorfer.  Doug also enjoyed hanging out in the Gorge, near the water, enjoying  Sushi and wine.  The things that Doug has done in his life are endless.

There are so many things that Doug touched in The Dalles community.  Doug’s art, his work, his creativity is everywhere in our small community.   While we are heartbroken that he has left us, we will cherish all the beauty he brought to our lives, our town and the world.  Doug has left us with so much beauty.  We just need to look out and see it because it is there for all of us to enjoy. 

Doug and son Michael in Hawaii in recent years.

Doug is survived by his children, Taunie and Michael, his children’s mother, Claudia Leash, sister Mary McCoy (Leash), sister-in-law Rosemary Leash, many nieces and nephews.  His fishing and hunting buddies, Chuck Kornegay; Ivan Ritchie; Frank Davido; Dan Downend and Art Bull.   He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Simba, many lifelong friends and former students who adored him.  Doug is now fishing in heaven with his brother Pete Leash. A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.

Death Notice: Diana Marie Munsen, The Dalles

Diana Marie Munsen, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 8, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Kenneth Douglas Leash, The Dalles

Doug Leash passed away on Feb. 4. Our community lost one of its most stalwart citizens that day. Leash helped save St. Peter’s Landmark from the wrecking ball in 1971. He served as the President of Old St. Peter’s Landmark Preservation, Inc. for some 50 years. The nonprofit has maintained the former Catholic church as a public events space and preserved the historical integrity of the building. It is unquestionably one of the most iconic buildings in the Gorge. It would have been rubble without the efforts of Leash and other local citizens. We took this photo in November of 2020. Doug was steadfast when it came to the protection and care of the Landmark.

Kenneth Douglas Leash, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 4, 2022. A celebration of life to be held later this Spring. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Seth Aaron Popper, Jr., The Dalles

Seth Aaron Popper, Jr. passed away February 3, 2022, in The Dalles, Oregon.  Seth was born on January 19, 2000.  Seth’s untimely death leaves much heartache amongst family and friends services are pending with arrangements 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: Edward Sterling Beardsley, Ottis D. Holwegner, The Dalles

Edward Sterling Beardsley passed away on February 3, 2022, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon with family by his side.  Edward was born October 13, 1943, and was 78 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. 

Ottis D. Holwegner passed away on February 7, 2022, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon. Michael was born on September 6, 1934, and was 87 years old 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.

Obituary: Cyrus Claud Harris, The Dalles

Cyrus Claud Harris

Cyrus Claud Harris, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away January 28, 2022.

Cyrus Claud Harris was born May 5, 1938, in Mendenhall, Mississippi. His parents moved he and his siblings to Yakima, Washington arriving Christmas Eve 1952. His father worked construction on several dams including The Dalles Dam. Cyrus began working at Harvey Aluminum in The Dalles, when he was only 20 years old, when that plant opened in 1958. He eventually moved to The Dalles. Cyrus worked for the aluminum plants new owners Martin Marietta Aluminum and then Northwest Aluminum, retiring after 41 years of service, June 16, 1999.

Cyrus moved to Vancouver, Washington to be closer to extended family. Due to health matters, Cyrus moved back to The Dalles, in 2018 to be by his two children that live locally.

He loved fishing, especially going to the Snake River for catfish! He loved building his Chevrolet muscle cars, listening and dancing to good music; he was a very social person, playing his guitar and singing as he would be the next “Rick James” and he loved to watch the old westerns of John Wayne. Cyrus enjoyed his retirement working in his yard and rebuilding engines in his garage.

Cyrus was preceded in death by his parents A.C. and Mattie Lee Brown Harris, his brothers, Commic, Eugene and Hertis Hariss, two sisters, Emma Wyatt and Ruby Harris, and his daughter, Diane Harris.

Cyrus Claud Harris is survived by his sons, Tommie, Duane, Marvin and Brian “Buck” Harris, and his daughter Deana Harris Aloh, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, two sisters, Bessie Gratton and Joann Francis. He will be missed greatly by many.

Obituary: Josephine “Josie” Maciel Castaneda, The Dalles

Josephine “Josie” Maciel Castaneda, 76, passed away on February 4th, 2022 at her home in The Dalles, OR surrounded by her family. Josie was an R.N. and worked at Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, CA for 23 years she later worked at Hospice of the Gorge in The Dalles for 14 years and Hearts of Gold in Hood River for 5 years.

Josie was a loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and nurse. She was a loving mentor to her grandchildren. She enjoyed dancing with Manuel, helping the members of her communities, sewing, and traveling.

Preceded in death by her son Ralphie, husband Manuel, and parents Josefina and Rafael Maciel.

Survived by daughters Martha Flores (William), Alice Enriquez (Salvador), grandchildren Andrea Flores (Mike), Salvador, Alejandra, Ricky, great-grandchildren Thomas, Elizabeth, brother Ralph Maciel, sister Ida Ontiveros (Rod) and many nieces and nephews.

Josie’s viewing will be on Wednesday, February 9th from 2-7 pm and Rosary at 7:30 pm at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home. Funeral mass is at 10 am Thursday, February 10th at St. Peter’s Church in The Dalles, OR.

Josie has requested in lieu of flowers; donations be made to Hope Medical Clinic in The Dalles.

Death Notice: Larry Ross Thompson, Sherman County

Larry Ross Thompson, age 82, a resident of Sherman County, OR, passed away on February 3, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Holly Cohn, Hood River

Holly Cohn passed away January 31st, 2022, at her home in Hood River, Oregon surrounded by family. Holly was born December 25th, 1963, and was 58 years of age at the time of her passing.  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.

From Rich Polkinghorn, Superintendent Hood River County School District: 

One of our recently retired employees, Holly Cohn, died on Monday, Jan. 31, as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Holly worked at Hood River County School District between 1999 and 2019, serving as a teacher at Mid Valley Elementary School. Holly was a gentle and thoughtful person who cared deeply for her students, her colleagues, and her family.

Obituary: James O. MCClain, Hood River

James O. MCClain, Jim peacefully passed away on January 28, 2022, at Providence Brookside Manor of Hood River, Oregon.  Jim was born August 16, 1928, and was 93 years of age at the time of his passing. 

Jim was born in Cove, Oregon to James Theodore and Viola Mae (Loree) McClain.  He has been a long-time resident of the Hood River Valley.  Jim grew up in Cove with his older brother, Ace and younger sisters, Virginia and Marjoree. In 1936 the family moved to Central Vale in Hood River County.  In Central Vale, they lived in a small home on a fruit orchard where his father worked as a field hand.  In the late 1930s the family moved to a Highway 35 property near Hanel’s Mill in the community of Mt. Hood.  His father grew a small orchard on the property and began a logging career at that time.  A younger brother, Teddy joined the family in 1939, but he passed in a tragic train accident in 1940.  The youngest sister, Carol joined the family in 1943. 

In 1944-1945, Jim’s parents sent the children to live with his grandmother McClain back in Cove, while they worked in Portland building “Liberty Ships” for the war effort.  After the war ended, they all moved home to the Mount Hood area.  Jim started high school while in Cove and graduated valedictorian at Parkdale High School in 1946. 

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Rose at the Parkdale Presbyterian Church on July 23, 1949 – together they raised three children and in 2019, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Virginia passed away on March 14, 2020. 

He worked early on at the Parkdale Gas Station but eventually found his way back to the woods; falling timber and logging.   Timber falling, logging and contracting became his lifelong career.  He was very happy being in the woods every day working, hunting or fishing.  Jim hunted; deer, elk, antelope, grouse and chukar and he fished anything that swims but especially; trout and steelhead. 

In his youth, while in school he played baseball and basketball and he continued as an adult playing on town teams until the 1960’s when his kids started playing and he coached little league and Babe Ruth baseball.  He enjoyed bowling and participated with several teams until in his late 80’s.  He also took up golf in his later years too. 

He was a prolific crossword puzzle guy.  He subscribed to the Oregonian to get the news but mostly to get the daily crossword puzzle.  He had quite the library of dictionaries and reference books to aid him in this quest. 

Jim was a member of The Parkdale Lions Club and loved to attend the “Lions Follies” every spring and did everything he could to support their cause including cooking and serving breakfast in Parkdale once a month. He was also a long-time member of the Parkdale Volunteer Fire Department; he felt it was his duty to support the community.  He spent many a late night at the Fire Hall playing pinochle into the wee hours with other members and spouses. 

Jim is survived by; daughter, Diana (and husband, Larry) Hitchcock of Milwaukie, Oregon; son, Mick (and wife, Virginia) McClain of The Dalles, Oregon; son-in-law, Rocky Rice of Hood River, Oregon; eight grandchildren, Darci, Rod, Becky, Michelle, Chris, Joshua, Sarah and Elizabeth; and seven great grandchildren, Emily, Garrett, Rose, Riley, Kaden, James and Jordan. 

He was preceded in death by; his wife, Virginia; sisters, Virginia Schrock in 2020, Marie Fitzgerald and Carol Hobart; brothers, Teddy and Ace; daughter, Kathy Rice; and grandson, Jeffry Rice. 

A graveside service for Jim is planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 11th, 2022 at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.  A Celebration of Life for both Jim & Virginia is tentatively planned for May of 2022. 

A very special thank you to Brookside Manor’s staff of angels and Providence Hospice of the Gorge for their care of Jim.

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 Notice: John Walter Fredrick, The Dalles

John Walter Fredrick, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 28, 2022. A celebration of life is to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

From The Dalles High School Athletic Director Billy Brost:

This past week, the Riverhawks’ athletic family lost Mr. John Fredrick. He began the season working his 50th year running scoreboards for various basketball programs, including the last several years in The Dalles. His impact on football, basketball, baseball, Riverhawks’ Boosters, a member of the media, and as a former school board member will never be forgotten.

Mr. Fredrick was the epitome of the Riverhawk, and he cared deeply about our programs and our student-athletes. Our deepest condolences to the Fredrick Family, along with his loved ones and friends. Rest in Peace Mr. Fredrick.

Death Notice: William Francis Simpson, Wamic

William Francis Simpson, age 73, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away on January 30, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: David Eugene Benedetti, Hood River

David Eugene Benedetti

David Eugene Benedetti of Falls Church, Virginia, died on December 29, 2021, in Richmond, Virginia. 
He was 78 years old. 
Born on October 23, 1943, Dave grew up on an apple orchard in Hood River, Oregon. 

Dave graduated from Wy’East High School in Hood River, earned a bachelor’s degree in Advertising/Public Relations from the University of Oregon, and was awarded a master’s degree from the University of Maryland. 
After graduating from college, Dave worked as a 4-H extension agent in Oregon and participated in the IFYE Program in Mexico. In 1968 he moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a development officer for the National 4-H Foundation.
Dave’s final career move was to the Academy for Educational Development (AED) in Washington, D.C. where, over a period of 25 years, he held various leadership positions, mainly in Africa and South Asia. He was Field Coordinator or Chief of Party for projects in Botswana, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Namibia. 
After retirement in 2009, Dave joined Sue to provide leadership for the 4-H History Preservation Program. For their decades of contributions to youth programs, Dave and Sue were inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2020.
Dave was known as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a professional committed to improving opportunities for others; a loyal friend; a superb cook; a skilled writer and editor; and a connoisseur of art, design, and food.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Mary (nee, Spaziani) Benedetti, and by his siblings, Paul Anthony (Tony) Benedetti and Louise White. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Frances “Sue” (nee, Kleen) Benedetti; his children, Gregory (Amy Flowers) of Richmond, Virginia, and Alicia Hammers (Isaak) of Bremerton, Washington; and his grandchildren, Milo Benedetti, Stella Benedetti, Arden Hammers, Malia Hammers, and Maisie Hammers.
A graveside service will be led by his nephew, Dennis P. White of Grants Pass, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hood River, Oregon.  A memorial will be planned for later in the year. 
In lieu of flowers, he asks that you contribute in his name to the National 4H History Preservation Program. History Preservation Program Project Funding Donations (4-hhistorypreservation.com) 
Thank you to all the world over that helped to make his time here enjoyable and meaningful. 
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notices: Martin Edison Oakes, Betty Lou Carr, Wasco, Dallesport

Martin Edison Oakes, age 69, a resident of Wasco, Oregon passed away on January 30, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Betty Lou Carr, age 76, a resident of Dallesport, Washington passed away on January 25, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: James “Jim” McClain, Hood River

James “Jim” McClain passed away on January 28, 2022, in Hood River, Oregon.   Jim was born August 16, 1928, and was 93 years of age at the time of his passing.   

A graveside committal service for Jim is planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 11th, 2022 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery. 

Jim's wife, Virginia passed away on March 14th, 2020 at the beginning of this pandemic, and she was laid to rest with a private family service.  The family is planning a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for both Jim and Virginia later this Spring details will be announced later. 

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. 

Obituary: Jesse Kel Mitchell, Hood River

Jesse Kel Mitchell was born in Bend Oregon on May 13th, 1999, to Crystal Meyers and Nace Michell.

He was a happy, chubby-cheeked, loveable child, lucky enough to have several close cousins to explore the world with. Young Jesse was an avid reader, he loved fishing, camping, shrimping, and snowboarding. He joined the boy scouts, enjoying all the outdoor adventures. Jesse was very social, often found visiting with strangers, fascinated by the experiences of others, and always excited to share everything about the new friend he made on the train or met at the store. He loved Jonnie Cash, the movie Grease and playing with children; frequently found chasing or wrestling with the littlest people at any gathering. In high school, he joined the band and track team but was most often found engaged in an air-soft battle with his buddies. Classmates boast he always had a warm smile, a kind word, and offered help to anyone in need.

Jesse graduated from Sedro-Woolley High school in 2017, with a dream of joining the U.S. Army, from which he was medically discharged. He went on to dabble in construction, retail, carpentry, and various odd jobs, finally finding happiness working in concrete with Schuepbach, in Hood River, Oregon. The Schuepbach gang was Jesse’s family away from home. Jesse spent his final days living with his girlfriend of one and a half years, Morgan. They shared a love of animals and video games.

Jesse is proceeded in death by his grandfather Galen Mitchell. Jesse leaves behind; grandparents, Susan Mitchell along with Jesse and Dolly Meyers; Parents Crystal Geisendorf of Sedro-Woolley Washington and Nace Mitchell of Maupin, Oregon; and Brother, Roger Geisendorf of Sedro-Woolley. Jesse was cherished by several step Siblings, Stepparents, numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins of blood relation and extended family. Jesse will be remembered for his big heart, quick wit, his crooked smile, and unique infectious laugh. Jesse left us too soon, passing away at 22, on Dec. 29th, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon.

A memorial service and potluck will be on Feb. 19th at the Maupin Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/In-Memory-of-Jesse-Mitchell

Death Notices: Daniel Anthony Peterson, Carl Darrel Ashley, Tygh Valley

Daniel Anthony Peterson, age 84, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on January 20, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Carl Darrel Ashley, age 83, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on January 26, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: James “Jim” McClain, Hood River

James “Jim” McClain passed away on January 28, 2022, in Hood River, Oregon. Jim was born August 16, 1928, and was 93 years of age at the time of his passing. Services are pending 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: Benjiman John Hesselink, The Dalles

Benjiman John Hesselink, age 42, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 25, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.