Obituary: John Edmund Smith, 78, Hood River

John Edmund Smith was born in San Francisco, CA on September 27, 1946, to parents James and Lillian, and passed away in Hood River, OR on July 21, 2025.

John’s family vacationed in Yosemite National Park throughout his childhood. He worked there during the summer while attending college at San Francisco State University. In 1970, he moved to Yosemite and lived there for five years. During this time he met his wife, Marilyn. They were married at the Wawona Hotel on February 1, 1975. John and Marilyn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Skamania Lodge in February, joined by family and friends.

Soon after their marriage, they emigrated to New Zealand. In 1977, they returned to the United States and lived in Yosemite for another year before moving to Hood River, OR. They joined several Yosemite friends in Oregon, and became the Dee Highway Gang. The Gang and their extended families have celebrated Thanksgiving together for the last 46 years.

John worked with the Forest Service in Parkdale, then became a mail carrier with the Postal Service in Hood River. He served as supervisor from 1983 to 1993 before finishing his career as the Postmaster in Odell. He retired in 2012.

John often commented that being a father was the best thing that ever happened to him. He loved coaching Noah and Ike’s soccer teams, and joined the Ski Patrol so he could watch them become expert skiers during their years with the Cooper Spur Race Team. He also cherished his time as a grandfather, and in his final years loved watching Savvy and Sam’s soccer, baseball, and softball games.

Outside of family, John enjoyed reading, writing, playing his ukulele, photography, cats, and golf. In 2004 he won the Indian Creek Club Championship. More important than any trophy, however, was the camaraderie of a round of golf with good friends.

John contracted multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2007, and passed away due to disease complications. He wrote at great length about this experience in a blog, goodbloodbadblood.com. In it, he shared reflections on his life, past and present.

John is survived by his wife Marilyn, two sons Noah and Isaac, daughter-in-law Nikki, grandchildren Savannah and Samuel, brothers Jim, Tom (Karen), Earl (Dianne), and a sister, Mary.

There will be a Celebration of Life for John on Sunday, August 17, from 1-4 pm at the Indian Creek Golf Club. A tribute ceremony will begin at 1:30. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Gorge Cat Rescue, PO Box 486, Lyle WA 98635. gorgecat.org

Death Notice: Russell Christian Lynn, 62, The Dalles

Russell Christian Lynn, age 62, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on July 22, 2025.

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

Obituary: Connie Lee Smith, 94, Hood River

Connie Lee Smith, our treasured father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon—the community he called home for over nine decades. He was 94.

Connie was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, the youngest of five children born to William Otis Smith and Frances Marie Carman Smith. Around age three, he moved with his family to the Hood River Valley. From then on, Hood River wasn’t just his hometown—it was the backdrop of his entire life story. Connie built his life here, rooted deeply in family, friendships, community, and a relentless work ethic that defined everything he touched.

He graduated from Hood River High School in 1949, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. More importantly, it was there that he met the love of his life, Joan Caruso. They married in 1950 and spent the next 73 years building a life that was equal parts partnership, adventure, hard work, and devotion. Together, they raised two children—Charlotte and Philip—and created a home that overflowed with warmth, laughter, loyalty, and yes—dogs.

Connie had a natural magnetism that drew people in. He was steady, strong, and principled, yet warm and approachable. He didn’t speak loudly, but when he spoke, you listened. He had a sharp sense of humor, a deep sense of integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

His love of sports was a lifelong passion. In the 1950s, Connie played city league basketball and spent years refereeing high school games across the Columbia Gorge, often alongside his brother-in-law and close friend, Ross Scoville. Even as he aged, he stayed active—playing handball and racquetball into his 70s and hitting the golf course well into his 80s.

But his involvement in sports went far beyond his own participation. Connie helped co-found Hood River Little League with his cousin Marvin Harder and friend Bruce Erickson—a legacy that continues today. He coached Philip’s teams and was an unwavering presence at every game and practice, always encouraging, always steady.

He was equally proud of Charlotte, supporting her passion for dance. Some may remember seeing her perform at halftime during games he refereed—a family memory that still brings smiles.

Professionally, Connie was a self-made man with a remarkable instinct for business. He and his brother Billy launched their first venture in 1950, buying a Texaco station on the Heights. That gas station grew into a successful car dealership—Smith’s Rambler—and over the course of 35 years, Connie built and operated franchises for Nash, AMC, Jeep, Datsun, and Nissan. In 1972, he and Joan opened a modern dealership at 1203 12th Street, which housed a showroom, service bays, a parts department, and office rentals—a testament to their vision and determination.

But Connie’s entrepreneurial streak didn’t stop there. In 1974, he and Joan renovated a charming older home in west Hood River and transformed it into the Stonehedge Inn, a restaurant they ran for ten years. Later in life, they found joy in their winters in Sun City West, Arizona—playing golf and racquetball, walking their dogs, entertaining visiting family, and relishing the slower rhythm of retirement while never straying far from their roots.

Connie also gave generously to his community. He served on the Hood River City Council during the 1960s and was a dedicated member of the Hood River Elks Lodge for decades, where he proudly served as both officer and Exalted Ruler. He believed in giving back and showed that belief through his actions—not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.

Connie was a quiet giant in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was dependable, grounded, and deeply loving. He was there—not just physically, but emotionally—for every recital, every graduation, every game, every moment that mattered. He was a man of few words and strong values, and his legacy will live on not only in stories but in the way we try to emulate his example: to lead with character, to work hard, and to love our families fiercely.

He is survived by his children, Charlotte (Richard) Arnold of Hood River, and Philip (Victoria) Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona; his grandchildren: Jacob Arnold (Jessica Han), Nicholas Arnold (Brian Burke), Meredith Arnold (Harvey Anton), Monica Fitzgerald (Timothy), and Morgan Worrell (Taelor); and his five great-grandchildren: Dyllan Arnold, Lola Anton, Olivia Fitzgerald, Finley Fitzgerald, and Blayne Worrell.

He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, former colleagues, neighbors, and friends—each of whom held a special place in his life.

And of course, Connie’s life wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Golden Retrievers he and Joan loved and adopted over the years. They brought joy, mischief, companionship, and unconditional love into their home—and reflected the warmth and devotion that Connie showed to all living things.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Anderson’s Tribute Center in Hood River. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s name to Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and rehoming Golden Retrievers in need C/O (Andersons Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

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: Elizabeth Rose Richman, 83, The Dalles

Elizabeth Rose Richman, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on July 16, 2025.

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

Obituary: John Cal Taylor, 85, Hood River

John Cal Taylor passed away on June 8, 2025, in Hood River after suffering Parkinson's Disease for a few years. He was born on June 17, 1940, in Wildomar, California, to Frank and Dorothy Taylor. Cal was an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and 26-year veteran and authored

“Remembering An Unsung Giant” is about the Douglas C-133 airplane and its people. He was also an accomplished photographer. He had a deep fascination with flying and airplanes from an early age.

When Cal was 6 years old, the family moved to Lakeview, Oregon. He attended a county school, and from the school grounds, he could see the local airport. That airport was like a magnet to Cal! When he neared the age of 15, he managed to find a way to hang out at the airport. He hung around the airport manager, a former B-24 pilot in the Pacific, to allow him to work at the airport and take out his pay in flying lessons. So on June 16, one day before his 15th birthday, he soloed in a Piper Tri-Pacer. For a day, he was the youngest pilot in Oregon. As a local Civil Air Patrol member, Cal participated in the International Aviation Cadet Exchange as a guest of the Swedish Air Force. After that, Sweden always remained deep in his heart, and eventually, he learned Swedish.

His deep fascination with flying and airplanes continued. During his college years at the University of Oregon, Cal participated in the Air Force ROTC Program and dreamed of becoming an Air Force pilot. However, his eyesight kept him from pilot training, so he opted to become a navigator. During his career as an Air Force Navigator, he flew B-52, C-141, AC-130, C-133, and C-130. In 1968-1969, he flew an AC-130 in Vietnam.

In 1974 through 1976, an interesting opportunity came to Cal. The Air Force sent him to San Diego State University for his master’s degree in Asian Studies to become an Air Force Intelligence officer. He always joked about this wonderful assignment! After the completion of his degree, he worked as an intelligence officer at the Pentagon and the 89th Military Airlift Wing, at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, supporting VIP missions worldwide. There, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1980 he went back to flying again, stationing in Yokota AFB, in Tokyo. During that time he met his wife, Ritsuko at Clark air Base. His squadron had frequent missions to Clark and he opted to use these missions to see each other. After one -year-long distance love affairs, Cal and Ritsuko got married at The American Embassy in Tokyo, in 1982 and they shared their life together in Tokyo.

After 2 years in Korea and 26 years in the Air Force Cal decided to retire in 1989. Cal and Ritsuko settled in Olympia, Washington, and he started his dream project, writing a book , about the Douglas C-133 airplane, which he flew 4 years in Travis Air Force Base.

In June 2005, he completed his book, “Remembering An Unsung Giant”. The book was very well received and sold more than 2500 copies worldwide. His website on Facebook:

“Unsung Giant, the C-133”. In 2017, they moved to Hood River, Oregon, to be near their family. At one point, he said to Ritsuko, “I feel very fortunate to have accomplished so much, having a very satisfying, interesting career.” They have been married for 43 years. he was a very humble and kind person.

He is survived by his wife, Ritsuko, brother, Phillip Taylor, stepdaughter, Michele Dearing, stepson, Kevin Dearing, son-in-law, Steve Olson, and granddaughters, Samantha and Rachael Dearing, Mira and Vivian Olson. Cal’s website on Facebook: Unsung Giant, the C-133.

A committal service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Willamete National Cemetery (11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR 97086).

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

Death Notice: David Rollin Buckbee, 86, The Dalles

David Rollin Buckbee, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans’ Home on July 19, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Mavis Ann Prinzing, 86, Hood River

Mavis Ann Prinzing passed away May 23rd, 2025, at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City, Oregon. Mavis was born January 6th, 1939, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Celebration of Life with reception is planned for 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at   Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.   Graveside committal will follow at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery (1235 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon 97031).

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: Richard “Dick” Bagley, 93, Hood River

Richard “Dick” Bagley passed away on July 14th, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Dick was born January 15th, 1932, and was 93 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: Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, The Dalles

Olivia Seferina Salerno

Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, passed away on July 9, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born in Michoacan, Mexico on August 26, 1922, to Cirilo and Emerenciana Soria.

At a young age, she moved to Portland with her parents and siblings. Olivia attended Sacred Heart Grade School then graduated from Immaculata Academy.

At the close of WWII, Olivia married Dario “Dar” Romeo Salerno on August 17, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. While in Portland, they welcomed a daughter, Darlene, and sons Frank and James. In 1951, Olivia received a Certificate of Naturalization. The family moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1952, then returned to Portland in 1959.

Olivia (aka Lee) was employed by North Pacific Lumber Co., Fabric House, and U. S. Bank in Portland. Following her retirement from the bank, Olivia and Dario moved to Keizer, Oregon in 1996. During their marriage, Lee and Dar traveled to Canada, Mexico, Australia, Tasmania, and Hawaii. In 2011, Olivia, along with Darlene and Bill, ventured through Spain on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France.

Lee had many hobbies and interests throughout her lifetime that included cross-stitch sewing, bowling, gardening, cooking, painting ceramics, puzzles, and watching countless episodes of Perry Mason. She delighted in spending time with her family and numerous friends. Olivia loved cats and dogs, beautiful flowers, the Oregon coast, and family celebrations. She was a very loving, kind, patient person who led a devout prayer life.

Olivia is survived by her daughter Darlene Marick (Bill), son Frank, grandsons Stephen (Justice), Thomas, Anthony, great-grandson Aiden (Shylo), great-great-granddaughter Avalan Rain, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dario in 2010 and son James in 2005, in addition to her siblings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in southeast Portland. Prior to Mass, recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Committal services and interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Obituary: Randy Lowell Elliott, Parkdale

Randy Lowell Elliott passed away on July 11, 2025, at the Providence Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Randy spent most of his life in Oregon and the upper Hood River Valley close to family. He was currently residing in The Dalles, where he had retired. He worked for Duckwall Brothers and Diamond Fruit Growers, which he retired from. Randy was in the Oregon National Guard for over 20 years and was proud of his service, and was held in high regard by his colleagues.

Randy will be remembered for his eclectic sense of humor and his good nature.

Graveside Committal with Military Honors planned for 10:00 a.m., July 16th, 2025, at the Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery.

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: 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.

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.

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

Death Notice: Jackie Ann Ellison, 70, The Dalles

Jackie Ann Ellison, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on July 8, 2025.

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

Obituary: Marylin (Lin) Gayer Redfern, 79, The Dalles

Marylin (Lin) Gayer Redfern passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. Lin and her twin sister, Marlene (Lee), were born on January 20, 1946, in Portland, OR. Their parents, Lucille and Eugene Gayer, founded Gene Gayer Jewelers, in The Dalles. Later their son Scott assumed ownership, relocated, and Gayer Jewelers flourished. Lin cherished her memories of spending time with her family along the Deschutes River, the beach, the Wallowa Mountains, Alaska and many other places.

Lin graduated from The Dalles High School (1964) and soon married Bill Booth. They have three children, Julie, Scott, and James. She moved to the Oregon coast, where she met and married Lee Redfern. She loved living on the Oregon coast, and while there would go beach combing with her father. Together, they collected record collections, including hundreds of washed-up flip-flops. They hung these on a line and called them “Lost Souls”.

Lin had a great sense of adventure. She traveled solo across Europe for several weeks. She enjoyed dressing up and making costumes for Halloween, beach combing, hunting, horseback riding, and sunbathing.

She was a prolific vegetable gardener and was very artistic in her designs, creating stunning rock gardens and landscapes. In the early 80s, she repainted a VW bug to look like a ladybug, using spray cans. She loved entertaining, and one of her favorites was her FAMOUS clam chowder and shrimp salad for Christmas Eve - it was the best!

She is survived by her husband, Lee, her children, Julie, Scott (Kristen), and James (Jennifer), grandchildren (Schano, Lucy, and William), her twin sister, Lee (Scott), her brother, Scott (Nok), her stepsons Todd and Torey (Jenne) Redfern, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at The Bargeway on July 17, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Death Notice: Rose Elizabeth Foster, 74, Arlington

Rose Elizabeth Foster, age 74, a resident of Arlington, OR, passed away at home on June 19, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Fred Henry Stangl, 70, Mosier

Fred Henry Stangl, age 70, a resident of Mosier, OR, passed away at home on July 2, 2025.

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

Connie Lee Smith, 94, The Dalles

Connie Lee Smith passed away on June 27th, 2025 in The Dalles, Oregon. Connie was born June 9th, 1931 in South Dakota and was 94 years of age at the time of passing.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 28th, 2025 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Private Committal Ceremony will proceed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Donna Mae Baldwin, 86, The Dalles

Donna Mae Baldwin, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 21, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Sheryl Jane Kaseberg, 87, Wasco

Sheryl Jane Kaseberg, age 87, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on June 23, 2025.

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