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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 2021)
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 RECORDS East Oregonian A5 OBITUARIES David Wayne Metz Evan L. Larsen Pendleton October 5, 1951 — February 13, 2021 King City March 10, 1934 — February 12, 2021 On February 13, 2021, his retirement in November David passed away in his of 2018. During his time at home with his beautiful bride Walmart, he earned numer- by his side. David was diag- ous transportation safety nosed with kidney cancer in awards. Prior to driving for February of 2020 Walmart, he drove for Viking. In 1993, and fought hard Viking awarded to overcome this him Outstanding horrible disease. Driver of the Year. His fighting spirit On April 19, and positive atti- tude inspired the 2009, David met many lives he his real-life prin- cess and love touched during his illness. The focus of his life, Judy of this memoriam Carol Norden. Metz will not be on his They were set up on a blind date by illness. The focus here forward will be squarely Ryan Cecil (their Cupid). on the beautiful and witty Judy was princess of the fair person that is David Wayne in Grant County, Oregon, in Metz. 1970 and was affectionately David Wayne Metz was referred to as “Princess” by born in Amityville, New her “Loving Man.” The two York, on October 5, 1951. wed on June 12, 2010, on the His father, David Wittington Soggy Bottom Farm in Sheri- Metz, was the sole provider dan, Oregon. It was one of the and rock for David and his most beautiful days imagin- two brothers. David was able. The two had waited an the middle son, with older awfully long time to find each brother James Wittington other. Each had the privilege Metz and his baby brother of marrying their best friend. Thomas “Pee Wee” Metz. It was a life of love and fun. As a boy growing up in Judy loves the humor and Syosett, New York, David excitement that was brought enjoyed raising bunny rabbits to her life. She would always and being a prankster. He say “there is never a dull always kept the people around moment.” Finding Dave was him on their toes. David was greatest blessing in her life, a hard worker. In his youth, and the feeling was more he made money delivering than mutual. It was a beauti- newspapers. He also worked ful union indeed. with his father, who was a Dave became stepfather bricklayer. In his early adult- to Judy’s children Pamela hood, he worked with his Ramsey, Timothy Stratton father building McDonald’s and Sandra Egan. He also restaurants up and down became Grandpa Dave to the East Coast. His father Blake Ramsey, Elsa Soles was also a police officer and (Ramsey), Kailee Failla, investigator for the Nassau Claire Stratton, Cooper Strat- County Police Department. ton, Sofia Egan, Tyson Egan, David’s father modeled the Pierce Egan, Maverick Egan, values of hard work, respon- Jax Egan and Ivy Egan. He sibility, and having fun, all loved Judy’s kids and her traits David inherited. There kids’ kids as his own. He took was a distinct emphasis on his responsibility as husband, having fun, which he always father and grandfather very modeled brilliantly. When- seriously and became a strong ever he walked into a room leader for the family. He was or entered any type of estab- loving, forgiving, protective lishment, David made his and most of all fun. presence known and lit up the David was preceded in room with his humor and wit. death by his father David In 1969, David graduated “Dave” Wittington Metz and from Syosset High School. older brother James Witting- In 1970, he joined the Syosett ton Metz. David is survived Fire Department and served by his beautiful wife Judy as a volunteer until 1982. His Norden Metz, younger younger brother, Pee Wee, brother Pee Wee, children also served as a volunteer and grandchildren, nieces and reminisces fondly of the and nephews, beloved sisters- firehouse antics he and David in-law Kathy and Bruce, and engaged in. too many friends to count. As a young man, David His closest pals are Kerry had a love for fast cars, Amer- Kipps and Steve “Gabby” ican muscle. In later years he Lefore. David was a faithful moved on to a love of luxury automobiles, such as Cadillac supporter of St. Jude’s Chil- and Mercedes-Benz. dren’s Hospital. In his honor, Another love of David’s it is asked that donations be is the New York Stock made to this organization, in Exchange. We are certain he his name, in lieu of sending is still monitoring the market flowers. To donate, please visit www.stjude.org. from Heaven. One of David’s other There will be an intimate, prominent traits was coming informal service held at up with clever nicknames for Pendleton Pioneer Chapel on February 17, 2021, at 3 p.m. all his loved ones. In 1981, David started a The address is 131 S.E. Byers career as a truck driver, or Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801. transportation engineer, if The service will be led by you will. Truck driving took Chaplain Rick Oliver. Chap- him to the West Coast. He lain Oliver has been an amaz- lived for several years in the ing support to our family, and state of California, but ulti- we are forever grateful. mately settled in Oregon. Share online condolences He drove for Walmart for 17 with the family at www. years, starting in 2001 until pioneerchapel.com. Evan L. Larsen passed served as service missionaries away suddenly at his home in at Deseret Industries and then King City, Oregon, on Friday, in the Portland LDS Temple. He is survived by his wife, Feb. 12, 2021. He was born March 10, Virginia Larsen of King City, 1934, in Centerfield, Oregon; his daugh- Utah, to Glen J. ters Debra (Darwin) Larsen and Roberta Rasmussen of Fjeldsted Larsen. Tualatin, Oregon, He was the third of Christine (Duane) five children. Their Baxter Wood of family lived in Ely, Pendleton, Oregon, Nevada, then La Carol (Tom) Pres- ton of Pendleton Grande, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon, and Teri La Grande High (Jim) Dunlop of School in 1952. Larsen Aloha, Oregon; Evan married 21 grandchildren; his high school sweetheart, 45 great-grandchildren; two Virginia Brown, on August great-great-grandchildren; 15, 1952. They are the parents his aunts Bea Fjeldsted, Veon Fjeldsted and Caro- of four daughters. In 1965, they moved to lyn Harris; his sisters-in-law Pendleton, Oregon. Evan and Peggy Taylor, Dawn Larsen his brother, Darvell, went into and Marie Larsen Baker; and business owning Penland many nieces, nephews and Bros. Moving Co., later renam- cousins. ing it to Larsen Transfer Co. Evan is preceded in death Evan also owned and operated by his parents, Glen and the Pendleton Bowling Lanes Roberta Larsen; his broth- from 1975 to 1985. ers Dale Larsen, Darvell (and He was an avid Trailblazer Maxine) Larsen and Roger fan. He loved to bowl and golf. Larsen; his sister Sharon (and He played a lot of basketball Ralph) Nelson; his son-in-law and softball in his youth, and Duane Baxter; granddaugh- was invited to play on a semi- ter Lori Baxter; and nephew Derek Nelson. pro basketball team. He was a member of The Due to pandemic only a Church of Jesus Christ of family service will be held. Latter-day Saints all his life. Interment will be at the Grand- After retiring he moved to view Cemetery in La Grande, Portland where he and Virginia Oregon. UPCOMING SERVICE TUESDAY, FEB. 16 No services scheduled WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17 METZ, DAVID — Informal service at 3 p.m. at Pend- leton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop, 121 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton. THURSDAY, FEB. 18 No services scheduled VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: www.EastOregonian.com Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-557-1912 FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value! Off er valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021 Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. Richard Tracy ‘Dick’ Ervin Bouse, Arizona January 2, 1934 — December 16, 2020 Richard Tracy (Dick) Ervin died on December 16, 2020, from COVID-19 in a hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 86. Dick was born on Janu- ary 2, 1934 (1-2-34), in Prai- rie City, Oregon, to Tracy Edward and Elsie Adelia Bacheldor Ervin. He is survived by his current wife, Darlene Huckaby; his third wife, LaVarre Hibl; and by his first wife, DeVonna May Cox, and their chil- dren Devon Ervin and Linda Minthorn. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Ervin, and his second wife, Betty Jean Ervin. He is also survived by his sister Janice Lay, her husband Kerry Lay, and their family. He is su r vived by six grandchildren: Alex Ransom, Alec Tur ner, Whitney Minthorn, Chelsey Minthorn, Lienne Miller and Malaya Miller, as well as their partners and families. Dick was born and raised in Eastern Oregon. He grad- uated from Baker High School in 1952 and then served four years in the Navy — stationed at the airbase in Fallon, Nevada. He served as an aerial photographer. After the Navy, he moved to Alaska where he lived with his first wife and two children. He then migrated back to Eastern Oregon where his third child was born. He especially loved the area around Dayville where his parents lived and are now buried. In his life- time, in addition to Oregon, Alaska and Nevada, he also lived in Idaho, California and Arizona. Dick loved small-town life. Being part of a commu- nity was important and sustaining for him. He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He worked a lot of different jobs over the years, always with his eye on buying a small farm. When he finally did buy a farm outside of Pendle- ton, Oregon, he continued to work to make ends meet and to be able to maintain connections. He loved farm- ing and he loved animals and always seemed to have a job that allowed him to chat with people or tend to animals. His favorite job was working as an animal health specialist for Pendleton Grain Growers in Eastern Oregon. Dick loved playing the fiddle and listening to fiddle music. He learned to play the violin as a child and continued playing throughout his life. He was a member of the Blue Moun- tain Old Time Fiddlers Associa- tion and, after retiring, spent many years traveling around the western states playing in jams. When not travel- ing, he played in jams with friends, often several times per week. These music jams were a large part of his sense of community. Dick also loved storytell- ing. He loved talking up a storm to anybody and every- body and was often late to everything as a result. Dick loved building things and fixing things and encouraged his kids to be creative and find ways to do more with less. He was a recycler before recycling was a thing. He was thrifty and energetic. He wanted a boat, so he built his own canoe. He wanted a fence, so he upcycled an old picket fence that had been torn down. He wanted to raise chickens for eggs, so he built a large chicken coop. He raised cattle for beef, chickens for eggs, and alfalfa for his cows and horses. He loved living close to the land. He liked to fish and camp and, as he got older, loved camp hosting while traveling around the Pacific Northwest in an RV. Dick was someone who believed in serving his community and his coun- try. In addition to serving in the Navy, he served in the Naval Reserve for a number of years, was a volunteer fire- fighter, was active in the PTA when his kids were young, was active in Future Farm- ers of America, served as a deacon in several churches, and served on many commit- tees in various organizations. Dick fell in love with western Arizona after retir- ing. He spent winters in Arizona for many years and then eventually became a permanent resident, travel- ing to cooler places in an RV in the heat of the summer. He lived in the small community of Bouse in west- ern Arizona at the time of his death. His plan was to return to his homeland in Eastern Oregon in December 2020 to be closer to his family. Those plans were unfortunately cut short by his illness and death. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers Association or any music-related program. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Walter Woodrow Smith Pendleton January 27, 2000 — February 10, 2021 Walter Woodrow Smith every day. Walt is survived by his reluctantly entered this world at 5:30 a.m. on Janu- mother, father and brother. ary 27, 2000. Julie and Timo- He leaves behind a large thy Smith welcomed him extended family: Vesta and with all the love they could Jim Smith, paternal grand- parents; Jennifer possibly give and and Dave Carter, named him after Tim’s grandfather. p at e r n a l a u nt He was a curious and uncle; Kathy Leff ler, mater- and bright child. nal grandmother; He welcomed a Lloyd and Lois brother, James (Jim) Smith, to the Piercy, maternal family in 2004. grandparents; and Wa l t e r h a d Amy and Blake a dry and sharp Ambridge, Gina Smith wit. Underneath and Bob Tyhuis, his stoic presence Angel Ledesma, was a playful, smart, tender- Jared and Colleen Piercy, hearted young man with Tiffany and Derek Bruehl, huge dreams. Walter made Sara and David McGuire, this world a better place. Brie and Brian VanCleave, Tragically, we lost Walt and and Christian Leffler, mater- two other young souls in a nal aunts and uncles. Walt had car accident on February 10. a whole host of cousins who He and a group of cowork- will miss him as well. His ers from Mt. Hood Meadows family will mourn his loss were heading to the beach for for their remaining time on a birthday celebration. Walt’s this earth. two favorite places were the Walter Smith was a kind- mountains and the beach. hearted, giving young man His immediate and extended who gave what he could to family mourns, along with make this world a better two other families who lost place in his short time here. their children that day. His family wants to thank Walter took pride in being their friends and commu- part of the Pendleton High nity for wrapping their arms School FIRST Robotics around them during this diffi- Championship Team from cult time. A memorial service will its inception. He had a rich community of close friends be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, in Pendleton and in the online February 20, 2021, at Peace realm. He loved computers Lutheran Church. Attendance and computing but was really will be limited because of just beginning to know what COVID but will stream live. he wanted out of life. He loved Share online condolences working at Mt. Hood Mead- with the family at www. ows and being on Mt. Hood pioneerchapel.com. James A. McAlavy Helix December 20, 1938 — February 12, 2021 Graveside service for James A. McAlavy will be Friday, February 19, at 2 p.m. at the Helix Cemetery. James Alfred McAlavy was born December 20, 1938, in Pendleton, Oregon, to Frank C. and Ruth (Schil- ling) McAlavy. Jim passed away February 12 in Walla Walla, Washington. Jim attended school in Helix, graduating in 1958. He worked at Brogoitti Ranch in Helix, retiring in 2000. He is su r vived by his brothers Guy (Edie) McAlavy and Ray (Karon) McAlavy; nieces Terri McA lav y a nd Cher yl McAlavy; and grand-neph- ews Kenny McAlavy-Es- toy and Trevor Rhodes. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth McAlavy. In lieu of flowers, dona- tions may be made to the Helix Church. Arrangements are with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop. Share online condolences with the family at www.pioneerchapel.com. Blazing Fast Internet! Imagine The Difference You Can Make DONATE YOUR CAR 1-844-533-9173 ADD TO YOUR PACKAGE FOR ONLY 19 . 99 $ /mo. where available 2-YEAR TV PRICE GUARANTEE FREE TOWING TAX DEDUCTIBLE $ Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually 64 99 MO. America’s Top 120 Package 190 CHANNELS Including Local Channels! CALL TODAY - For $100 Gift Card Promo Code: DISH100 Ask About A FREE 3 Day Vacation Voucher To Over 20 Destinations!!! for 12 Mos. 1-866-373-9175 Offer ends 7/14/21. 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