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William Mahoney
William 'Bill' Mahoney, who grew up in Hood River, died last week at his home in Portland, Ore. He was 50 years of age.
Richard Duckwall
Richard F. Duckwall, 84, died peacefully with his family by his side on April 29, 2004, at a Portland hospital.
Dick was born on May 6, 1919, in Hood River, Ore., where he spent his entire life except for his military service during World War II, most of which was spent in the Alaskan Defense Command in Anchorage, Alaska.
He graduated from Hood River High School in 1938 and attended the University of Ore., for one year and business school before joining his father in the fruit business for a short time before joining the Army in February 1941.
On Aug. 9, 1941, he married
Venette Gardner at her parents home in White Salmon, Wash., Dick and Venette were blessed with four daughters: Donna Nockleby of Port Townsend, Wash., and Mary Baskins, Margaret Weathers and Richelle Duckwall, all residing in the Hood River Valley.
Dick's love and passion in life was the fruit industry. He joined the Duckwall Brothers sales desk right out of the Army in 1945, and became a sales manager in 1947. At the ripe old age of 37 he succeeded his father, John, as president of the company in 1956, the position he held until 1993. He was instrumental in helping the company grow and improve its competitive strength in the industry through the Pooley Fruit Company merger with Duckwall Brothers in 1971. In addition to doing his best to serve local growers he was dedicated to helping the industry become strong and competitive.
He was one of the charter members of the Oregon Washington Canning Pear Association; he became a trustee of the Pear Bureau in 1947 and served on the executive committee for 45 years. Dick was extremely proud of being a member of the Northwest Horticultural Council for most of his career, an organization dedicated to achieving and maintaining the Northwest fruit industry's presence in foreign markets. He also served and provided leadership on many other fruit industry related organizations. Dick has been the personification of a quiet, effective industry leader whose advice and judgment were valued by his peers. His 51-year commitment to the industry can best be reflected by the motto from the Duckwall-Pooley mission statement which suggests that we need to 'pay our dues for the space we occupy in our industry and community.' Dick spent his life exemplifying that precept.
In his youth Dick accepted Christ in his life at a presentation by The Gideon's and had been active ever since in his church, serving over the years in various positions. At the present time he had been an Elder in the Hood River Alliance Church, on the committee to build a much needed Youth Center on the property, has been the treasurer and guiding force establishing the Hispanic Christian radio station, KBNO-FM. (And mowing the church lawn every Saturday on his day off.)
Dick was an avid mountain climber and was a member of the Crag Rats mountain rescue organization. He served for many years on the Hood River City School Board. He loved to sing and participated over the years in many community musical productions besides singing in the church choir and solo work. In these last few years one of his biggest delights has been going out fishing with the youth pastor and a boatload of teenagers.
Besides his wife and four daughters, he is survived by his sister, Marjorie Talley; brother John W., Robert and Fred Duckwall; seven grandchildren Mark and Janel Nockleby, Andrea Stoddard, Debra Nguyen, Ed Weathers, Becky and Merrie Richardson; five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His sister, Dorothy Appelgren, preceded him in death.
Private interment will be at Idlewild cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hood River Alliance Church for a Youth Center or to a charity of your choice c/o Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
Marvin Merritt
Marvin Earl Merritt, son of Frank Earl Merritt and Hannah Marguerite Merritt, was born April 4, 1931, in Jerome County, Idaho, and passed away at home with his wife by his side on Saturday, May 1, 2004.
He attended Elementary School in Tuttle, Idaho, and Hagerman, Idaho, and completed his schooling in Wendell, Idaho, where he graduated in 1949.
Marvin learned telegraphy at Nampa Business College and on completion of his studies began working for the Union Pacific Railroad. Shortly after beginning work for the railroad he joined the United States Air Force and subsequently was sent to Korea for tour of duty. In that time he worked in intelligence. During a flight to gather information he was wounded by enemy fire and was awarded the Purple Heart. He finished up his military time stationed in Condon, Ore.
In the winter of 1956 he enrolled at Eastern Oregon College of Education in La Grande, Ore., where he met his future wife Shirley Best from Hood River, who was also a student. Two daughters were born during this time of getting an education and working full time for the railroad. Susan was born in La Grande and Julie was born in Portland, Ore., as he transferred to Portland State College to earn his Bachelors Degree in June of 1959. Marvin earned his Masters Degree in 1977 from M.I.T. Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Mass.
Marvin chose to continue his work with Union Pacific Railroad with whom he served 37 faithful years. He made numerous promotions as he was being groomed for higher management positions within the company. He spent time in various locations in Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Arkansas. In 1986 Marvin retired as General Manager for the South Eastern District in Little Rock, Ark.
He was now determined to return to the Pacific Northwest, where he and his wife Shirley had purchased 10 acres in White Salmon, Wash. His plan was to be a gentleman farmer growing cherries and riding his tractor followed by his two grandsons and two pet dogs. During this time Marvin seriously took up the game of golf at the Desert Princess Country Club in Palm Springs, Calif., where he and Shirley had purchased a condo and spent their winters.
Marvin was appointed mayor for the town of White Salmon, Wash., in 1994 in which he finished out the term of a former mayor. He was encouraged to run for the next term, but was advised by his doctor that his health was too poor. The Benevolent Order of the Elks of White Salmon encouraged him to transfer his membership to their organization. He thoroughly enjoyed serving as chairman of the trustees.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Shirley, of White Salmon, mother Marguerite Merritt of Gooding, Idaho, daughter Susan Lambert and husband, Ross, of White Salmon, grandsons David and Robert Ross and his wife, Tamara, daughter Julie Blake and husband Rick of Salem, Ore., grandchildren Cristi, Matthew and Daniel Blake of Salem, three great grandchildren, Gabriel Ross of Sidney, Neb., Makayla Rose and Brandon Ross of White Salmon, brothers Larry Merritt and his wife Greta of Bryan, Texas, Rex Merritt and his wife Arvella of Wendell, Idaho, and Clell Merritt and his wife Linda of Gooding, and sister Rita McGrath of Spokane, Wash.
A tribute service will be held at Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River Wednesday, May 5, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. Vault interment will be at Idlewild cemetery in Hood River.
The family suggests remembrances to be made to Hospice of the Gorge or the Travis and Beverly Cross Guesthouse, c/o Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
Lynn Scherf
Hood River resident Lynn Martin Scherf died Friday, April 30, 2004, at Hopewell House in Portland, Ore. He was 80 years of age.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 6, at the Church of the Nazarene of Hood River at 1 p.m.
Vault entombment will be at Idlewild cemetery.
Lynn was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Newberg, Ore., to Alfred B. and Francis Ruth (Martin) Scherf. He was raised and educated in the Newberg area.
Following his schooling Lynn went to work in California in the shipyards. He then joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served his country until 1945 when he was honorably discharged. During his service to our country he earned the rank of Corporal.
Upon his return from service he started working in the shipyards in Portland, Ore., as a marine electrician. On July 22, 1961, he married
Julia in Stevenson, Wash. They were married
42 years.
He then began work for Foster and Kaiser Signboards while living in Portland. In 1963 Mr. Scherf and his wife moved to Oregon City. He then went back to work in the shipyards retiring in 1980. In that same year they moved to Hood River, Ore., and have resided here ever since.
Lynn enjoyed meals at 'The Ranch' especially on Sunday mornings. He loved to deep sea fish and hunted all over the Northwest. Most remember him as a friendly guy who loved to chat.
Mr. Scherf is survived by his wife Julia of Hood River, stepson Richard Stearns and his wife Roberta of Hood River, grandchildren Richard 'Rick' Stearns Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Hood River, Debbie and her husband Kevin Land of Boring, Ore., David Stearns of Hood River, and Julie and her husband Dennis Harvey of Hood River, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Anderson's Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Hood River, OR 97031.
Ralph Wonsyld
A funeral service for Ralph Tony Wonsyld will be held Thursday, May 6, at 3 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center with a reception to follow.
Ralph passed away at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital April 30, 2004. He was born May 15, 1922, in Yacolt, Wash., to Tony and Lois Wonsyld. He attended schools in Yacolt, Wash., Toledo, Ore., and Portland, Ore. Leaving home at 13, he served as a cabin boy on a ship to South America. When he returned he moved to Portland, Ore., and continued school while living with his aunt and uncle, Charles and Alma Ackerman. He also worked during high school as a bicycle delivery boy in Portland.
He served in the army for five years, and was stationed in New Guinea and Australia during World War II. After leaving the Army in 1946, he eventually moved to Dee, Ore., where he became involved in logging. He logged with Elmer Potts and eventually formed his own business.
He married
Patricia Faye Skuce in 1950. They raised their three children, Terri, Ron and John in Dee.
Ralph and Pat moved to the coast in the mid-1970s and as a retirement venture, he began commercial fishing. He fished out of Astoria and eventually Newport. He and his wife started a successful charter fishing business, Newport Sportfishing. During this time, Ralph logged hours for his Captain's License.
He received his license in April 1981. He and Pat made many treasured friends during their time in Newport.
In the mid-1980s they began traveling. They made several trips to Hawaii and Mexico, and to Puerto Rico. They also bought a motor home and traveled around the United States, but once again made their home in Hood River.
They had a strong interest in Yuma, Ariz., and began spending their winters there. They looked forward to their trips to Yuma every year, and eventually purchased homes in the area. They have been going to Yuma yearly until this fall when they were physically unable to make the trip.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Wonsyld, his daughter and son-in-law, Terri and John Vann, and his son, John Wonsyld. He has seven grandchildren, Mya Wonsyld of San Diego, Tony Wonsyld of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Russ Wonsyld of Vancouver, Ed Wonsyld, Jason Vann, and Jonquil Vann of Portland, and Jared Vann of Chicago, Ill. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lauana and Melvin Sparks, of Hood River and his brother, Riley Sparks, Jr. of Washington. He was preceded in death by his son, Ron Wonsyld, his father, Tony Wonsyld, his mother, Lois Babcock, his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Mary Wonsyld, and his aunt and uncle, Charles and Alma Ackerman.
Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling. He was quite a dancer, and loved time with his family. He was a generous and loving man, and had a strong work ethic. He had a strong spirit and will be missed by many.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Gorge c/o Anderson's Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Hood River, Ore., 97031.
Wildred Lambert
Wildred Arlene-VanAtta Lambert, a Hood River, Ore., resident died May 2, 2004 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. She was 91 years of age.
Arrangements are pending at Anderson's Tribute Center, 386-1000.
Katherine 'Bette' Kemper
Katherine Elizabeth (Bette) Kemper passed away peacefully at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital May 8. She was 81. Services will be held on Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Riverside Community Church.
She was born July 13, 1922, in Linn Grove, Iowa, to John E. Davies and Ethel C. Davies. She was the fifth of nine children. In her early years she moved to Cody, Wyo., where she attended public school until graduation. She was an avid student, and enjoyed playing trombone in the marching band.
In 1940 she married
Benhard Kemper and they traveled throughout the U.S. during his Marine Corps career. In 1950 they moved their family to Parkdale and became interested in orcharding.
Bette became a passionate gardener, preserving food to feed her growing family, and continually filling flowerbeds. She faithfully volunteered in her childrens' classrooms. She was Guardian for Job's Daughters, active in many roles in the Parkdale Community Church, a 4-H leader, and participated in Home Extension courses.
She was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothing for all six of her growing kids. Bette required all of her children to take music lessons, often trading sewing for music instruction. She taught herself painting with acrylics and water colors. Bette packed fruit for many years. After Benhard and Bette divorced in 1973, she moved to Hood River and began working at Jantzen.
In 1976 Bette moved to Portland and worked for Binford and Mort Publishing Co. until she began her satisfying career as an accounting technician for the State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, retiring at the age of 72.
She returned to Hood River to enjoy her retirement. She was a member of Riverside Community Church, and enjoyed volunteering for FISH. Bette was preceded in death by her son, Bill, in 1988. Also preceding her were brothers Bob and Max Davies, sisters Wilma Sykes and Margaret Shultz. She is survived by sisters Martha Nan James of Wyoming, Pat Harris of California, Delores Blanc of Nebraska, and David Davies of Colorado.
Her surviving children: DiAnn and Bob Crapper of Hood River, Bob and Mimi Kemper of Sandy, Ore., Susie and Rich Cronkrite of Tigard, Ore.; Kathy and David McClure of Mt. Hood, Ore., and Dennis Kemper of Portland.
Bette had 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be made to Hood River Library Foundation or FISH, c/o Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
Flossie Crapper
Hood River resident Flossie Pearl Crapper died Friday, March 19, 2004, at the Hood River Care Center. She was 91 years of age.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center
Flossie was born Sept. 22, 1912, to Marion Frank and Mary Elzady (Hulzey) Grogan in Emmett, Idaho. She was raised and educated in the Emmett, Idaho, area. She moved to Oklahoma for a short time and then moved to Hood River, where she has lived ever since.
In 1932 Flossie married
William Jack Crapper in Stevenson, Wash. Together they shared 63 years of marriage.
Flossie was a member of the Hazel Rebekah's Lodge and the Royal Neighbors of America.
She enjoyed socializing at the Elks Lodge, playing cards, and liked all animals. Flossie was an active member with the Good Sams Club and made many camping trips over the years.
Mrs. Crapper is survived by her son Jerry Crapper of Hood River, brothers Orville Grogan of Port Orchard, Wash., and Roy Grogan of Hines, Ore.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association c/o Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
Helen White
Hood River resident Helen H. White died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Fairlawn Nursing Home in Gresham, Ore.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 13, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at Idlewild cemetery.
Helen was born Nov. 8, 1919, in Parkdale to Harvey and Tressie (Hardman) Hutson. She attended schools in Parkdale. On Nov. 1, 1939, she married
Oscar White in Kelso, Wash.
Together she and her husband owned and operated an orchard in Parkdale. In the mid 1960s they moved to Hood River due to Oscar's health. Helen continued working in the packing house for Stadelman's Fruit Company.
Mrs. White is survived by her sisters Lillian Hutson of Hood River, and Betty Harter of South Prairie, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar, brothers Harvey, Albert, Jess, Bill and Emmett Hutson and sister Barbara Place.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Project Patch Fund, c/o Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
