Class of 1962 - Battle Ground High School Classmate Obituaries

In Honor...

Royce V. Caldwell

September 29, 1943 - June 25, 2019

Royce V. Caldwell, 75, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Battle Ground, WA, passed away Tuesday morning, June 25, 2019 at his home. Royce, son of Elmer Strong and Beverly (Hall) Caldwell, was born September 29, 1943 in Payette, Idaho. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1962. While in high school, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1960, and after graduation started active duty with the Navy. In 1961, Royce met the love of his life, Phillis Borton. They were married March 30, 1963. To this beautiful union they welcomed their two children, Christopher and Angela. While raising their family in Battle Ground, Royce worked at various jobs in the sanitation industry.

In 2003, Royce and Phyllis moved to Devils Lake, ND and for the next ten years, they owned and operated the ND Coffee Connection on College Drive -the first ever drive up coffee shop in town. They created many new and cherished friendships. They may not have always remembered your name, but they always knew your drink! Royce had many hobbies, most of which were outdoor hobbies. These included hunting, fishing, metal detecting, dredging for gold, and of course bowling, but most of all he loved being with his family and sharing stories. To say the least, Royce had the gift of gab.

Royce is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis, son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Gayle Caldwell of Baldwin, ND, daughter and son-in-law Angela and Joseph Graham of Devils Lake, ND, grandchildren Quinn Caldwell of Vancouver, WA, Tasha (Matt) Cookman of Grand Forks, ND, Jordan (Joshua) Knutson of Bismarck, ND, Miranda (Lorne) Silbernagel of Bismarck, ND, Kyle Leining of Williston, ND and great grandchildren Layne Cookman, Thadeus and August Silbernagel, and his namesake Ole Royce Knutson, as well as his sister, Cindy Stacy and brother, Bill Caldwell of Rochester, WA. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

There will be a celebration of life and military honors for Royce on Monday, July 22, 2019. Time and location to be determined

In Honor...

Elaine Hilda Lindberg-Johnston

October 24, 1944 - June 2, 2019

Elaine Hilda Johnston, 74, passed away peacefully June 2, 2019 at home in Yacolt, WA. She was born Oct. 24, 1944 in Dickenson, ND, the only child to Sven and Hilda Lindberg. Elaine was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Her Christianity was always first and foremost. She had such a gift of making everyone feel special.

Elaine is survived by her dear husband, Jack ”Roger”, of 57 years; daughter, Julie (Dan) Halberg; sons, Keith (Brenda), Andy (Katrina), all of Yacolt, WA, Ken (Gina) of Duluth, MN and Joel (Jolene) of Battle Ground, WA. also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a host of Christian friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother when she was 3 and her father when she was 18; daughter, Janine; grandsons, Bryce and Spencer; and great-grandchildren, Bethanne, Janene, Trey and Grayson.

In Honor...

Mary Fund McCray

January 21, 1944 ~ November 24, 2018

Classmate Mary Fund-McCray was born on January 21, 1944. In recent years Mary had suffered a number of strokes and died on November 24, 2018 at 74 years old. Mary’s siblings were: John Fund (deceased), Sally Fund (deceased), Carol Fund, Robert Fund, and Patricia Fund. Mary’s son is Tim McCray and her Grandchildren: Levi Love, Misty Love, Kyle McCray and her Great granddaughter: Riley. As in life Mary did not distinguish between grandchildren and step grandchildren. So be it with her passing.

Mary worked in the office at the Chelatchie Prairie Mill. She also worked for the Telephone company, Nick’s Tavern, First Independent Bank, and as a legal secretary at an Orchards law firm.

In Honor...

Robert "Bob" Joseph Carter

July 15, 1944 ~ November 7, 2018

Robert Joseph Carter died on November 7, 2018 at 74 years old.

He was in Puglia for one of his annual visits to his longtime friend Bob Burdeau when he collapsed because of a stroke and died while walking a friend's dogs in the countryside, where he had been involved in making a feature-length film about a youthful experience he had in Puglia in the 1970s. He was a renowned and beloved Alaska fishing boat captain, raconteur extraordinaire, religious walker and film-maker.

He was born in Los Angeles on July 15, 1944. His father was Clark Gable's boat mechanic. He was one of three boys and he grew up as a Quaker. He grew up on his family's farm and at a young age was one of the first locals to buy a hay baler, testing out his precocious entrepreneurial skills. Bob spent a year of high school in Guatemala, where he earned the nickname “Salchicha,” and helped his basketball team to second place in the championships. He was also involved in student-led political protests there.

One of his many accomplishments was writing the alma mater of Battle Ground High School with classmates, to his mother's musical composition. As a young man, he worked as a political intern in Washington, D.C. As a Quaker, he was a conscientious objector. One story he loved to tell from those years was how he was kissed by the future queen of the Netherlands during a parade in Canada. He had entered the parade on a whim, riding a bicycle as the sole representative of his home state of Washington.

He journeyed to Alaska by boat, and became the sole member of the East Addington Trading Company. He sold hard-to-come-by items to residents up and down the Alaskan panhandle, announcing his arrival at harbors in his boat by firing off cannons. The sea remained a constant in his life. For more than 20 years, he worked on fishing boats and tenders, much of the time as a captain. His life on boats led to more stories, including one of being lifted onto the back of a whale while in a boat with his family as they crossed the Tongass Narrows from a house he built on Gravina Island to Ketchikan, his home for many years. He also lived in Ingolstadt and Bochum, Germany, with his then-wife Ursula, a native of Germany, and their two children.

Later, he worked as a tow boat and barge traffic controller on the upper Mississippi for Ingram Barge Co. while living in Bishop Hill, Illinois, a Swedish settlement of religious pilgrims. His family traced their ancestry to founders of the Janssonist colony. Bob briefly ran a coffee-roasting business in the small town, where farmers had the keys to the local diner-coffee shop so they could get an early start.

With the death of his beloved younger brother, Richard Carter, who was an avid cyclist, Bob turned to the Cammino di Santiago di Compostela in Spain for solace, beginning many years of arduous walking through Spain. He covered hundreds of miles on his walks. In his final year, he walked through Bosnia, Macedonia and Albania. His final walking trip, in Assisi, Italy, was with dear friends from Anacortes, Washington.

He was intensely spiritual throughout his life and liked to attend religious ceremonies wherever he went, regardless of denomination. Indeed, he was known for his modesty: He owned few possessions, preferred a jacket rather than a pillow to rest his head on and routinely gave away his belongings. In Bosnia, he gave his sleeping bag and bedroll to a Syrian refugee he met in a park.

Among his many talents, Bob built houses for himself and his family; made boats; remodeled homes; learned to make fine pastries in Germany; made friends despite language and cultural barriers, including in numerous bars in Ceglie Messapica; built verandas in Italy; and taught children how to play chess.

In his final years, he cultivated a new passion: film-making. A strange encounter he had in the 1970s with a mysterious Italian from Puglia who called himself “Rodolfo Valentino the Second” became the inspiration for “Nasumice,” a feature-length movie he made with Caleb Burdeau, the director. The movie was premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival in August, with Bob in attendance. Bob was working on the script for a new film based on his experiences with the East Addington Trading Company when he died. It was tentatively called “The Fisherman From Gallipoli.”

He is survived by his children, Oliver Carter and Iola Carter of Germany; his step-daughter Mira Kovacova of New York City; one grandchild; one brother, Roger Carter; and a host of friends throughout Italy, Germany, Washington state, Illinois and many other places he lived in and traveled.

In Honor...

David Eugene Morehouse

June 11, 1944 ~ August 25, 2018

David Eugene Morehouse died Saturday, August 25, 2018, at his residence. Funeral Services held at the LDS Church, 1285 S. Elm St., Canby, OR 97013, Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:00 am, luncheon to follow.

David was born on June 11, 1944 in Denver, CO. David spent most of his career as a truck driver, the last 23 yrs he drove for Fred Meyer. He served as a Shop steward for his local union and he also coached baseball.

His retirement years were spent doing volunteer work for the Canby Softball Association, being a Prop Pop for Canby High Dance Team. He was an active member of the LDS Church here in Canby and cherished his time spent with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife of 53 yrs, Sheila and his four children, Michelle (Ron) Hiller of Beaverton, Tracy Castor of Canby, Amarissa Morehouse of Utah, and Brook Morehouse. Grand children, Courtney Reed of Portland, Mackenzie Reed of Oregon City. Sister Joan Morehouse of Battle Ground, WA.

David was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Wilma Morehouse.

Kenneth Allen Wanke

November 30, 1944 ~ July 26, 2018

Kenneth Allen Wanke, 73, of Vancouver, WA, passed away July 26, 2018. He was born Nov. 30, 1944 to Bill and Myrtle Wanke in Grafton, ND and graduated from Battle Ground, WA High School in 1962. Ken joined the US Army and went to a Signal Corps school at Ft. Gordon in 1963. He spent 18 months near Ankara, Turkey and from there he went to Ft. Lewis for about a year then to Viet Nam. Ken served in the US Army, Army Security Agency during the Viet Nam War.

He retired from Silgan Containers as a manager. Ken was an avid horseman. He enjoyed the cowboy lifestyle, especially the Annual Conrad Meadows Cattle Roundup.

~ He was a gentle soul and a peace maker. ~

Ken is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Brenda, Robert, Lanette, Michelle and David; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ann, Marcia, Lee, Chuck and Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Paul and Chad; his daughter, Amy; a granddaughter, Mandy; and a great-granddaughter, Sara.

There will be no memorial service per Ken's request.

Note: The second photo is of Ken's confirmation at Grace Lutheran Church in 1959, standing on the left. It includes his sister Ann standing on the right side.

In Honor...

George "Butch" Jess McCray Jr.

August 10, 1943 - May 22, 2017

George "Butch" McCray, Jr., 73, living in Elma, WA, passed away peacefully following a battle with cancer. He was born in Morton, WA. Butch graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1962 and attended Clark College. His career was in construction, primarily driving truck. Butch was .a life member of the Masonic Lodge, Mount Hood #32, Order of Eastern Star, Henry Wentworth and Elma Eagles.
He enjoyed all sports, especially NASCAR. Butch liked to work in his shop restoring vehicles, especially older Suzuki Samurai's.

He will be missed and always loved.

Butch is survived by his wife, Louella McCray; son, Timothy McCray (wife Sandra); step-son, Dave Towner (wife Brandi); grandsons, Kyle McCray and Michael Towner; and one great-grandchild, R-ylee McCray. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Jean McCray; and sister, Patricia (McCray) Ashley.

No memorial services, we ask that you spend some quality time with family and friends.

Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

In Honor...

Elizabeth "Betty" Hamilton-Berard

August 14, 1944 - April 23, 2017

Betty shared the same birthday as her mother and was born August 14, 1944 to William C. and Jean E. Hamilton in Portland, Oregon. She was raised with 3 siblings in Salmon Creek, a suburb of Vancouver, Washington. In 1992 Betty was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). After a courageous 25 year battle with MS and recent complications due to pneumonia she passed peacefully April 23, 2017.

Betty graduated 50 years ago in 1967 from Washington State University (WSU) with a degree in Home Economics. She was a devoted WSU Cougar fan (GO COUGS!). She taught Junior High Home Economics in Olympia and Kirkland, Washington for 13 years. Betty felt her "real career" began when she started working in Waste Management for King County. She worked 25 years as a Cashier at the Houghton (Kirkland) Transfer Station and later in the downtown Seattle Accounting Office when she could no longer stand on her feet all day.

In February, 1977 Betty met her life-long love, Don. They soon married in August 1978 and made a wonderful life together, 15 years in Woodinville and 23+ years in Bothell. She loved to travel (mostly to the Big Island of Hawaii), cruise on smaller cruise ships to various locations like the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska and most recently Tahiti, and attend live theater performances locally and for the past 30+ years attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). Dining out or on-board was an added benefit.

Betty is survived by her husband, Don; sister Linda Springer of Beaverton, OR; brother Bill (Merilee "Mimi") Hamilton of Arlington Heights, IL; brother Charlie (Holly) Hamilton of Anchorage, AK. She is also survived by her niece Sabrina Hamilton of Anchorage, AK; Crystal (Kyle) Anderson and their 4 children of Anchorage, AK; and nephew Nathan (Kai) Springer of Oakland, California. She was preceded in death by her parents William C. and Jean E. Hamilton and her beloved nephew Mark A. Shannon.

Betty loved the Lord with her whole heart and soul and truly blessed all who were fortunate enough to be part of her extraordinary life. She will be remembered for her love of chocolate, great sense of humor, beautiful smile, fun loving spirit and kindness to all she met.

A memorial service will be held at the Woodinville Community Church at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater NW Chapter, 192 Nickerson St., Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 284-4236.

In Honor...

Vern Dollar

November 24, 1943 ~ December 10, 2016
Vern will be remembered by the enthusiastic way
he shared his knowledge and passion for
fishing and hunting with others
but his family was most important to him.

Vern passed away Sat. evening, Dec. 10th at home with his family. He was born on Nov. 24, 1943 in Vancouver, WA and was a lifelong resident of Clark County.

Vern was married for 52 years to Rene Dollar and was a beloved father to Lori Young (Barry) of Ridgefield, Molly McCauley (Michael) of Anchorage, AK and Mike Dollar (Michele) of Battle Ground. Vern's pride and joy were his nine grandchildren: Kale, Cori Jo, Dylan, Hannah, Garret, Miles, Kevin, Jacie and Tommy. Also held dearly to his heart were his loving niece, Michele Church Sawyer and nephew, Greg Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Verna Dollar; sister, Virginia Church; and brother, Vaughn Dollar. Vern was proud of his Battle Ground roots and always referred to Dollar's Corner as the, "Hub of Clark County." He enjoyed his last occupation as owner of D&E Rods, where he designed and manufactured custom fishing rods. His passion for hunting and fishing was evident to all and was demonstrated in many ways. Among them was promoting the preservation of Salmon and Steelhead habitat in the Lewis River by working with Fish First.

Memorial service will be held Thurs., Dec. 29th at 2p.m. in the afternoon at Battle Ground Baptist Church, 1110 NW 6th Avenue, Battle Ground, WA 98604.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Home Health and Hospice, 14508 NE 20th Ave., Ste. 201, Vancouver, WA 98686 or Fish First, Box 1505, Woodland, WA 98674.

In Honor...

Robert R. "Bob" Laughlin Jr.

August 12, 1944 ~ March 1, 2016

Bob Laughlin joined the choir of angels on March 1, 2016. He was 71 years old. A life-long Clark County resident, Bob was born in Vancouver, WA and grew up in Battle Ground on his father's dairy farm. He graduated from Battle Ground High School. Bob married Barbara Joan Woodworth in 1967, the summer of love, and never stopped loving. Bob graduated college from the University of Portland and immediately began working at the Port of Portland Marine Department, where he retired after 30 years in middle management.

Bob loved to travel, and he and his family went on many camping trips with the trailer while the kids were young, and then he and Barb traveled together to England, Ireland, Egypt, Israel, Costa Rica, Panama, and all over the United States after retirement. His dedication to the church was a big part of his life, and he went on mission trips to Alaska and Louisiana, among others, to give back.

Bob is survived by his sister, Patricia of Dallas, OR; his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara of Vancouver; a son, Rob (wife Victoria) and their son, Josiah of Vancouver; and a daughter, Cindy of Tucson, AZ.

A Celebration of Life was be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 401 East 33rd St., Vancouver, WA.
Donations can be made to the Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center, PO Box C, Ocean Park, WA 98640.

A letter from Bob Laughlin to Family and Friends
This was shared by his wife, Barbara, in December of 2016 and she gave me permission to share it here.

"Bob had mentioned to me several times that the Song, "When you walk through a storm", from the musical Carousel needed to be sung at his memorial Service. Then I found these words that were written by him just a few days before the Memorial service. The message below shows his faith and his hope."

“When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark...” The storm here, can be any of life's struggles, such as a death, failed marriage, loss of job, or any such trauma. Hold your head up high means keep a positive outlook, don't look down and get depressed over it Don't be afraid of the dark means don't give in to those depressive or self-destructive urges of Satan, of evil. And why not? Because “at the end of the storm, is a golden light, and the sweet silver song of a lark.” The Golden Light, is God in Heaven, and the lark's song is the calling by Jesus, reassuring us that no matter how bad things may be in this life, He and the One who sent Him awaits our arrival when the final Storm is over.

“Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though you’re dreams be tossed and blown...” The wind and the rain are the trials and tribulations of life, your dreams are the way you would like to live your life, but due to experiences here on earth, things don't turn out quite like you had hoped.

“Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone. You’ll never walk alone...” This is God's promise. The hope is there because of Jesus and His sacrifice for us all. Whatever you problems and pain are in life's journey, remember He walks beside you. Like "footprints in the sand", He carries you through the journey as long as you keep that hope in your heart.

What a message. What a glorious message, delivered in a way that will forever be remembered by me, and hopefully, will help those to whom I might have been close enough to, that my passing might be a storm for them to weather. My prayer for each one of you is that as you walk through your own life's storms, that you might keep this song in mind, and that it might help you, too, as it is helping me.

In God’s hands and His son’s name,
I leave you for now… BOB

Here is a YouTube version of this song for those who want to watch it!
When You Walk Through The Storm

In Honor...

Edward W. "Ed" Ritola

Edward W. "Ed" Ritola, a graduate with us in 1962 at Battle Ground high school, passed away on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2012. The memorial service was held at the "Old Apostolic Lutheran Church" in Brush Prairie, Washington on Tuesday, September 1. We extend our best wishes to all his family and friends.

In Honor...

Garold "Gary" Malvern Whitney

April 3^rd, 1943 ~ February 24^th, 2015

Garold Malvern Whitney, 71, of Battle Ground, WA, passed away peacefully on February 24^th, 2015. Over the last several years, Gary had endured Parkinson's disease, diabetes and heart disease. Throughout his illnesses, he always maintained a positive attitude and his signature sense of humor.

He was born at home, April 3rd, 1943, on the family farm and lived his entire life in the Battle Ground, WA area. He was the youngest and only son of five children born to Garold L. Whitney and Elizabeth Brown Whitney. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1962. In December 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Susie Wilson. During the 51 years they were married, they had four children. Gary was a skilled and hard worker. Some of his occupations included logging, construction, and working for Grover Electric. In 1972, he started his own electrical contracting company, Whitney Electric, which he successfully ran for 25 years.

Gary had many gifts. He had a quick wit and could tell a joke with impeccable timing. He was also athletic and enjoyed golf, slow-pitch, basketball, bowling and horseshoes. He loved board games, cards and anything competitive. But his greatest passion was his love for the Green Bay Packers which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He was a talented builder. He built many houses over the years, including the home he raised his family in. He could write poetry and was a great storyteller. Other loves of his life included being outdoors, going to tool sales and flea markets, a good steak dinner, campfires, beach trips, fireworks and any activity that involved time with his family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughters, Heidi (Jim) Hobson and Amy (Mike) Buma of Battle Ground, Kathryn (Doug) Denney of La Center; and his son, Grant (Amy) Whitney of Battle Ground. He is also survived by three sisters, Betty Sullivan and Doris Brooks of Battle Ground, and Jan Pettit of La Center. His legacy will live on in his beloved grandchildren who he lovingly referred to as "The Naughties", Emily, Bradley, Lydia, Veronica, Ashley, Calvin, Rachel, Justine, Charlotte, Adam and Joel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Smith; brothers-in-law, Ed Sullivan, Howard Brooks, Rich Pettit and Steve Smith; and nephews, Dennis Sullivan and Tim Pettit.

Gary lived an amazing life surrounded by family and friends and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held at Charter Oak Church, 12212 NE 299th St., Battle Ground on Saturday, March 7^th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Any donations can be made to the Parkinson's Research Foundation @www.parkinsonhope.org.

In Honor...

JUDY "JUDE" MAY NERTON-CALDERWOOD

May 18^th, 1944 ~ February 2^nd, 2015

A classmate in Battle Ground 1962 Judy is listed in the Bengal as participating in Home Economics and Library. She is well remembered by many of her classmates and we join her family in our thoughts and prayers on her passing. The following information is taken from the Columbian newspaper.

Judy passed away from natural causes February 2nd, 2015 shortly after 8 a.m. Judy was a loving mother of three sons, two of which are twins and was also a devoted wife to her husband of almost 46 years. Judy adopted the nickname of Jude from The Beatles hit song, "Hey Jude" which was one of her favorite songs. She was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 12 which limited her ability to work. As a result, she worked as a keypunch operator and later in life, she volunteered throughout her life at various second-hand clothing stores and dedicated her time to raising her three sons after their births. Judy loved dogs and had owned several dogs throughout her life. She was a loving memory for all those that met her due to her bright spirit and iron-clad resolve. She instilled her spirit and her resolve into her sons from an early age. Judy had a very proactive approach to life and would not accept no for an answer on what was important to her. The love that she gave and the vitality of her spirit will be greatly missed by all of those that were blessed by her presence.

Judy "Jude" May Calderwood is survived by her caring and devoted husband, Kenneth Charles Calderwood 81, of Vancouver, WA; her sons, Darren Charles Calderwood, 44 of Vancouver, WA, twin sons, Chad Lee Calderwood, 41 of Sweet Home, OR and Brad Lewis Calderwood, 41 of Chicago, IL. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Krystle Lynn Marie Calderwood and Hunter McLain Calderwood. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

In Honor...

Janice Larraine Wulff

April 4^th, 1944 - April 5^th, 2014

Janice Wulff was born on April 4, 1944 in Vancouver, Washington and died in Vancouver, after a brief battle with cancer, on April 5, 2014.

When she was six months old she moved to Sioux City, Iowa with her parents and brother, Rollie. They lived on a ranch as her father, Harold, trained show horses. They returned to Vancouver in 1951 and Janice attended Barberton Grade School and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1962.

Jan worked in the construction and real estate fields before her career in the restoration and remediation industry. She was passionate about her work and was respected by colleagues and co-workers for her expertise and her work ethic. More importantly, Jan loved those she worked with as family, making her career one of the most fulfilling parts of her life.

The center of Jan's life was unfailing family and faith. Everyone who had the privilege to know her called her mom, grandma (mom-mom), sister or friend. The same words emerge when anyone is asked to describe her most notable traits: grace, humility, kindness, goodness, compassion, strength, faithfulness, and love.

Janice was always a quiet and unassuming woman, yet lived her life with her heart wide open. Everyone deserved respect; a place to belong, a family to be a part of, or another chance. These things she gave freely and without any expectation. For these reasons, her life was filled with so many people who loved her, causing her to reflect often at how blessed she was and how much she had to be grateful for.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Berton Wulff and Lily Cecelia Soelberg Wulff, and her brother, Roald (Rollie) Wulff.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Other survivors included the father of her children and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be made to Ray Hickey Hospice House.

In Honor...

Gary Hensley

October 29^th, 1943 - August 23^rd, 2013

Gary Hensley was born on October 29^th, 1943. His parents and family moved to Clark County, WA where his father began a farm raising chickens and pigs and Gary began attending Battle Ground where he graduated in 1962. After graduation Gary spent four years (1962-1966) in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the navy he worked as a mechanic and did woodworking as a hobby including jewelry boxes and specialty items for family, especially for his grandchildren.

Gary's health began to deteriorate and it was found that he had colon cancer, which he was able to overcome. In July of 2012 Gary wrote that he was fighting lung cancer, that the doctors had done all they could do and he was awaiting the result. Just over a year later Gary passed away in his sleep with his companion, Barbara, and brothers Cap and Vern with him.

In Honor...

SANDRA "BECKY" LEE (BECHTOLD) STEIGMAN

April 22^nd, 1944 ~ December 31^st, 2011

At age 67, Sandra Lee Steigman of Battle Ground, WA, lost her long battle with ovarian cancer in the early morning of December 31st. She was determined to make it the whole year.

Born in Eugene, OR to Emil (Dutch) and Mildred Bechtold. Sandy married Ronnie Lee Steigman on December 7^th, 1968. They had two handsome and wonderful sons, Kelly and Troy. Sandy has six spirited and amazing Grandchildren, Christianna, Stephenie, Jordan, Tallula, Finny, and Ezra. She was also blessed with one Great- Grandson, Avery.

To every person Sandy meant something different. Perhaps you know her from School, Second Look Hair Salon on Main Street Battle Ground, by The Steigman pool, The Prairie Tavern, or maybe you met on one of her many adventures. We all know Sandy's curly hair and strong opinions flew wildly. She was feisty and vivacious. As long as Sandy had good music and good company she had a great time. Her smile could light up a football stadium.

We could list Sandy's many hobbies, (traveling, dancing, concerts, fitness, hiking, decorating, fashion, crafting, metal art, practical jokes, etc.). She will forever be known for her dedication to her family. Whether it be running the boys to every sports practice, doctor appointment, or dance, she maintained a full time job and still had time to be an amazing wife. Even if she considered a good home cooked meal to be scrambled eggs. More than 43 years together and Ronnie and Sandy's love was something to be admired. You sure would know it if you have ever seen them dance together.

Sandy had an amazing ability to find friends wherever she went. She saw something fascinating and wonderful in every single person she met. A trait she shared with her mother, Millie. Sandy cherished her family and her friends. If she could leave us with one final thought it would be "More Love-Less Attitude"

In Honor...

Donald Allen Clark

May 24^th, 1944 ~ March 7^th, 2011

Donald Allen Clark, 66, died March 7^th, 2011, at home in Brush Prairie, WA. He was born May 24^th, 1944, in Beach, N.D.
Don grew up in Vancouver, graduating from Battle Ground High in 1962. He also graduated from Clark College, the University of Colorado (1968), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (Masters).

He spent 20 years in the Air Force retiring as a major, then settled in Brush Prairie 1984 with his wife, Jane (married in 1964) and children, Bradley And Donnelle.

He worked for 16 years at the Vancouver Housing Authority, and was Executive Director at the Housing Authority of Yamhill County for 5 years where he retired in 2006.

Don was very active in his church in the music ministry and as an elder. His favorite activity in recent years was spending time with his three grandchildren and traveling with his wife.

Don was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) in June 2009 and bravely battled the disease for 21 months.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Clark in 1994, his mother, Hazel (Lawhead) Clark in 1997, and sister, Joanne Wells in 2000.

He is Survived by his wife, Jane E. Larson Clark of Brush Prairie; son, Bradley (Shelley Hawkins) Clark, Emmett, Idaho; daughter, Donnelle (Bryan) Rodriguez, Brush Prairie; brother-in-law, Frank Wells, Vancouver; sister, Arlys (Eddie) Barnes, Vancouver; sister, Dorothy (Bob) Miller, Bass Lake, CA; brother, Rex (Karen) Clark, Vancouver; grandchildren, Jarred, Connor and Amanda Rodriguez, Brush Prairie, brothers-in-law, Bud (Janet) Larson, Ron (Deanna) Larson; sister-in-law, Nancy (Steve) Stout; 21 nephews and nieces.