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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 26, 2016)
October 26, 2016 Page 13 Obituaries Jefferson Athlete Remembered Gary Allen Ladd Sr., a basketball leg- end from Jefferson High School’s Class of 1968, died on Oct. 12, 2016 in Seattle as God called him to be one of his Disci- ples in Heaven. Also known as Niam Aziz, Ladd was born Feb. 13, 1950 in Commerce, Texas to Virgene Roberts and Billy Ladd Sr. His family left Texas and moved to Portland at an early age where he attend- ed grade school and high school. He was an outstanding student athlete, known for leaping and jumping out of the gym. It was during his time at Jefferson that he met his soulmate and best friend, Gloria Jean Johnson. As he became a basket- ball phenom, she cheered him on as a Jefferson cheerleader. He was recruited to play basketball by multiple Division I colleges. Arizona State University had offered a full ride, but Seattle Universi- ty had the offer of a lifetime by giving him a lifetime scholarship and a partial scholarship for his fiancée, Gloria, who had aspirations of becoming a school teacher. Gary took the offer and the cou- ple moved to Seattle. They started their family in 1968 and on March 31, 1969, they were married. Gary loved to have fun in life. His joy was watching his children grow into adults and being around his 18 grand- children and three great grandkids. They adored their “Big Daddy!” Everywhere Gary went, he would strike up a conver- sation, flash his smile and leave his posi- tive energy. He was an ultimate optimist and a good friend to many. He worked as an instructional assistant substitute with Seattle Public Schools until his death. He Gary Ladd was a beaming light and spread joy in the schools. He was a remarkable leader who touched lives from the basketball court, to the barbershop, and on to the pulpit. He opened Gary Ladd’s Studio 620 Hair Sa- lon in 1979, where he continued impact- ing lives from the barber chair. He later became an ordained minister, spreading the word of self love. He believed in spiritual empowerment and preached it everywhere he went. He touched lives at a monumental level. Everyone loved his energy, his spirit and his smile. He was In Loving Memory Ronald D. Slider Ronald D. Slider, our honorable father, husband, son, brother, and man of God, died Oct. 11, 2016. He was born Aug. 3, 1950 in Portland to Leon Charles Sr. and Marjorie Lee Slider. He attended Humboldt and Boise elementa- ry schools and enjoyed playing Little League baseball and had many friends in his youth. He worked for Pacific Power & Light Com- pany and retired in 2012 as a line equipment operator after 44 years of service. He married Sandra in 1975, a union which celebrated 41 years of marriage. He had four children: Felicia, Andre, Jermaine, and Latausha. He received Christ in his life and began serving the Lord. He was a deacon at Greater Solid Rock Church of God Christ. He will be deeply missed by his family. He leaves to cherish his loving memories, his wife Sandra; children, Felicia Slider, Andre Pennington Sr., Jermaine Slider, and Latausha Slider (Kyrus); brother Leon Charles Jr. (Dolly); brother in law, Gerald Menefee; sister in law, Patricia Menefee; grandchildren Adrian Pen- nington, Joquan Pennington, Andre Pennington Jr., and Olivia Slid- er; 11 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will never forget him. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at Em- manuel Church, 1033 N. Sumner St. A public viewing will be held the evening prior, on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Terry Family Funeral Home, 2337 N. Williams Ave. a phenomenal father and husband who cherished family. He loved basketball and so did his children and grandchil- dren. His offspring has played at Raini- er Beach High School and at the college level from Washington State University, Central Washington University to San Jose State. He always had a new idea or a new venture that he would be excited to talk about. He was funny and always enjoyed a good conversation, especially a religious debate. There are few men who can impact the lives of so many like Gary Ladd. He has left a lasting, lifelong impression on his family, community and friends. His kind words and love will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Gary was preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include his siblings Billy Eugene Ladd, Sheila Barber, Vernon Ladd (Beverly), Kim- berly Ladd, Pamela Ladd, Vickie Ladd and Ronnie Ray Ladd; children Dinah Jean Ladd, Gariane Lavette Ladd-Davis (Glenn), Mychal Ahzunique Ladd, Gary Allen Jr., (Shandra), Gabriel Ahmad Ladd (Kiaira), Keenan Allen Ladd and Gimari Alieke Ladd-Jones (Champlin); grand- children Najee Ladd-Ali, Asia Ali, Samari Ali, Aliyah Davis, Ahmad Davis, Jamir Davis, Mychal Ladd, Khadijah Ladd, Myzhunique Ladd, Naim Ladd, Nyjah Ladd, Kavay Miller-Ladd, Imani Ladd, Gabriel Ladd, Kapri Ladd, Kaiya Jones and Champlin Jones III; and great grand- children Lauren Ladd, Kyrie Ladd and Mylah Brown A memorial services was held on Sat- urday at River of Life Fellowship in Kent, Wash. In Loving Memory William F. Johnson William F. Johnson, a Vietnam vet- eran, also known as “Heavy,” died Oct. 15, 2016 at his home in Portland. He was born Oct. 17, 1952 in Kansas City, Mo. Services will be held Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Moore Street Salvation Army, 5325 N. Williams Ave. Viewing will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Rose City Funeral Home, 5625 N.E. Fremont St. William and Ruby were married in Portland in 2005. However they had been together for 32 years. Besides his wife, he leaves behind five children, William Jr. of Kansas, Moeshie of California, and Jeannie, Donta and La- Nae of Portland; many grandchildren; a great grandson; and several nieces, neph- ews and cousins.
