COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 19, 2022
East Oregonian
A7
COMMUNITY BRIEFING
Oregon sheriffs’
association offers
scholarships
Ben Lonergan/East Oregonian
A quilt for the EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation Auction, created by Annette Frye of Pendleton, hangs on the wall Thurs-
day, March 17, 2022, at Mama Bear’s Quilt Shop in Stanfield.
Pendleton woman stitches support for troops
Quilt to benefit
wounded warriors
scholarship fund
By TAMMY
MALGESINI
East Oregonian
PENDLETON — About
eight years ago, a proud mili-
tary mom learned a new
craft. Annette Frye, whose
son, Air Force EOD Master
Sgt. Ronnie “Bo” Brickey,
asked her to create a quilt
honoring his 20 fallen Explo-
sive Ordnance Disposal
comrades.
Despite the fact she hadn’t
used her sewing machine in
more than three decades, she
took on the assignment. Call-
ing herself a “military brat,”
Frye has a special place in her
heart for those who serve in
the military.
“Over the past 20-plus
years of my adult life, I have
felt like I too am in the mili-
tary,” she said. “It is a chal-
lenging lifestyle for the entire
family.”
The finished product was
up for bid during the 2015
EOD Wounded Warrior
Foundation Auction. Since
then, the Pendleton woman
has spent a lot more time in
front of her sewing machine.
In 2018, she began working
on a second specialty quilt
for the 2019 EOD auction.
And she recently finished
up a third one, which will be
auctioned off May 6 at the
Emerald Coast Convention
Center, Fort Walton Beach,
Florida. While select items
will be available for online
bidding, Frye is uncertain if
her quilt will be among those.
With each of the three
quilts, Brickey, who retired
from the military Dec. 1,
2021, after serving 22 years,
has provided his mom with
basic design guidance. The
most recent one is based on a
mural that fellow EOD Tech.
Charles de Guia painted on
the wall at Hurlburt Field,
an Air Force installation in
Okaloosa County, Florida.
Gaining inspiration from
Michelangelo’s “Creation of
Adam,” the mural features
an EOD technician with his
robot.
“The mural is a repre-
sentation of how important
the robot is to us, much like
how important we (Adam/
humans) are to God,” Brickey
said.
In addition to creating the
quilts for the EOD, Frye has
worked with others to send an
endless number of care pack-
ages to the troops — every-
thing from dried apples,
homemade jerky and coffee
to cookies, medications and
Christmas cards. And when
COVID hit, she rallied “her
troops” and created more
than 2,000 masks, which
were shipped to soldiers
across the globe.
In an article provided
through the Defense Visual
Information Distribution
Service by Sgt. Andrew
Robert 'Bob' Edwin Thompson
April 19, 1952 - March 8, 2022
On Tuesday, March 8, Bob Thompson,
loving husband, father and grandpa, passed
away in his home at the age of 69.
Bob was born on April 19, 1952, in
Portland, Oregon, to Sid
and Dottie Thompson. The
family moved to Pendleton
in 1953 and were known
for their family-owned and
operated car dealership. Bob
attended and graduated from
Pendleton High School in
1970, and went to college at
Blue Mountain Community
College.
He later took on the legacy
of his father and continued to
be in the auto industry. As an
avid motorcycle racer, Bob
also sold Hodaka motorcycles, made in
Athena Oregon. Bob had many adventures
racing all over the Pacific Northwest on his
motorcycle with his closest friends. This
was only the start of a long history with
dirt bikes, street bikes and other power
sports. Bob was also an avid hunter and
fisherman and loved to go camping. His
love of camping grew into adding RVs and
campers at his auto dealership, which later
became Thompson RV.
In 1976, he met the love of his life,
Carolyn Lawson, while she was working
for U.S. Bank. The two were wed a few
months later, and in 1979 welcomed their
first child, Burton Thompson. In 1982,
they welcomed their second child, Corrin
Thompson. Bob was an excellent father
and was very committed to his children.
He spent many hours on the ballfield
coaching his children and others in
baseball, softball and in later years
supporting all youth sports.
Bob spent much of his time in the
mountains, hunting and fishing with his
brother, his son and his hunting buddies. As
an avid hunter, he hunted in New Mexico,
Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho and
Oregon, and was often the one who came
home with a trophy. He would often say
that it was just good luck…
His love of hunting transitioned into
his love of competitive shooting. He
enjoyed shooting trap and tsporting clays
but really thrived competing in the USPSA
Handgun and 3-Gun Events. For over 10
years Bob and his son, Burton, competed
in handgun and 3-gun matches. Bob being
of a competitive nature from his earlier
years in motorcycle competitions seem to
carry over into the competitive shooting
world. Bob thoroughly enjoyed the travel
to and from all the events throughout the
United States with his son. Bob enjoyed
spending time with friends in the shooting
world as a member of the Pilot Rock Gun
Club USPSA, 3-Gun Nation, Rattlesnake
Mountain Shooting Club and other gun
clubs he could find that were putting on a
shooting event.
Bob was very active in the community
serving as an ambassador
for the Pendleton Chamber
of Commerce, supporting
the Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation,
and
was
president and served many
years on the National Wild
Turkey Federation. He was a
vital helper in reintroducing
the wild turkey all around
Oregon. He loved to help
out Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife trap and
relocate turkeys.
Bob lived an extremely
active lifestyle. In 2011, he and his wife
hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. They
could also be seen tooling down the road
on his Moto Guzzi enjoying the day.
Members of the community would often
see Bob walking around Pendleton training
for his next hunt.
In the last few years, Bob retired from
the daily duties of Thompson RV but was
still active behind the scenes. He enjoyed
spending time in his shop with his classic
cars, motorcycles and hours of adventures
with grandchildren.
Being a former car dealer, Bob was also
a car buff. He loved to tinker in his shop on
his old trucks and cars. In 2021, he got to
cross off a bucket list item by participating
in the “Great Race,” in which drivers
race across multiple states in a vintage
or antique collector car, his being a 1969
Corvette Stingray Convertible. Along with
his lifelong friend and navigator, Wade
McDougal, they placed sixth in the rookie
division out of 40 rookie teams, and they
placed an impressive 46th overall out of
105 teams.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn;
his son, Burton, and wife, Jamie, and
two grandchildren, Gwen and Bryce;
his daughter, Corrin, and her three sons,
Grady, Riven and Thor.
A celebration of life will be held
Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 3 p.m. in
the Roy Raley Room at the Pendleton
Roundup Grounds.
In lieu of flowers, please consider
making a donation to: Blue Mountain
Shooters (Funding for Youth Shooter
Training), 1428 S.W. 45th St., Pendleton,
OR 97801.
Other donation suggestions would be
the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation,
National Wild Turkey Federation, NRA
or the United States Practical Shooting
Association.
Winchell, Vietnam veteran
Bill Dochnahl had high
praises for Frye and her
efforts. The Pendleton man
called his friend a “modern-
day Rosie the Riveter.”
Her first two quilts, Frye
said, raised $2,000 for the
EOD Foundation. Frye said
the money goes to a scholar-
ship fund for children of EOD
technicians who paid the ulti-
mate price.
The quilt is on display
through the end of March at
Mama Bear’s Quilt Shop, 170
S. Main St., Stanfield. For
more about the EOD Wounded
Warriors Foundation and the
auction, search www.eodwar-
riorfoundation.org.
SALEM — Students
interested in pursuing
a career in law enforce-
ment can apply for $1,600
scholarships awarded by
the Oregon State Sheriffs’
Association.
Each year, the associa-
tion awards multiple schol-
arships, both to graduating
high school seniors and
students who are already
enrolled and attending
a community college or
university. The scholarship
committee may interview
finalists.
Applicants will be eval-
uated on a submitted essay,
scholastic achievements
and attention to detail in
completing the application
process. Winners will be
notified by July 15.
The deadline to apply is
May 1. For additional infor-
mation and the application,
visit www.oregonsheriffs.
org/scholarship.
Abortion survivor
shares story at
TruCare event
H ER M ISTON —
Weeks after undergoing an
abortion, Claire Culwell’s
mother still was pregnant
— she had survived the
procedure that took her
twin’s life.
An international speaker
and author of “Survivor:
An Abortion Survivor’s
Surprising Story of Choos-
ing Forgiveness and Find-
ing Redemption,” Culwell
will share her story during
a Tr uCare Pregnancy
Clinic fundraiser. The free
event is Sunday, March 20,
5-7 p.m. at Eastern Oregon
Trade and Event Center,
1705 E. Airport Road,
Hermiston. The evening
includes dinner and an
opportunity to donate to
TruCare.
After giving birth to the
surviving baby, the teen
mother put Culwell up
for adoption. Although it
was a closed adoption, she
reached out and met her
birth mother in 2009.
For more information
or to register, visit www.
eventbrite.com or via a
link on TruCare’s Face-
book page. For questions,
contact 541-567-2393 or
info@trucarepc.com.
BMCC Foundation
seeks scholarship
applicants
PENDLETON — The
2022-23 application for
Blue Mountain Community
College Foundation Schol-
arships is available on the
WolfWeb Student Portal.
The deadline to apply is
March 31.
To access a link to the
Wolf Web, visit www.
bluecc.edu/about/foun-
dation. The foundation
webpage also has infor-
mation about additional
scholarships and tuition
assistance programs. For
questions or additional
information, call 541-278-
5762 or email ecorbett@
bluecc.edu.
— EO Media Group
Andrea R. Timmermann
July 24, 1939-March 10, 2022
Pendleton’s “First Woman Citizen” of
1988 passed away on Thursday, March 10,
2022. Andrea R. Timmermann died with
family nearby following complications
from
an
autoimmune
disease. In early February,
she was life-flighted to St.
Alphonsus Medical Center
in Boise, Idaho, where she
was on a ventilator for more
than two weeks. Choosing
not to have a permanent
tracheostomy, Andrea chose
to return to Pendleton and
hospice comfort care. She
returned home to McKay
Creek
Estates
where
their wonderful staff and
the Hermiston Hospice
Care team helped make her last days
comfortable. Andrea was filled with
happiness as neighbors and other friends
came by to briefly visit. This home reunion
was very gratifying and gave her peace
during her last days.
Born July 24, 1939, in Pendleton, she
lived her early years with her parents,
Raymond and Lorna Rees, and her
younger brother, Raymond “Fred” Rees,
on the family farm just north of Helix.
Her cousin, Carol (Rees) Monahan, was
a constant companion starting as early
as their memories began. They remained
close all these many years. Having skipped
first grade in elementary school, Andrea
graduated from Helix Griswold High
School in 1956. In school, she began her
lifelong commitment to participating fully
in a variety of organizations. She held
offices in student council, Girls’ League
and edited the school’s printed newspaper.
Throughout, she participated in school
plays and played in the band. Her piano
skills allowed her to accompany soloists
and groups which continued into her adult
years.
Following high school, Andrea
attended the University of Oregon and
while there continued her strong academic
and volunteering ways. She was chosen
for the sophomore women’s honorary,
was selected for Mortar Board women’s
honorary, was treasurer and president
of her Delta Delta Delta Sorority, was
the secretary of the Panhellenic Council
and held several professional honoraries.
She graduated from the University of
Oregon in 1960 with a degree in business
administration and merchandising. After
graduation, she worked as a buyer for
Joseph Magnin in San Francisco before
returning to Pendleton where she owned
and operated a children’s clothing store.
She married Lynne E. Timmermann in
September 1961. The store was sold, and
she became the office manager for their
heavy equipment business and farming
operation.
Volunteerism continued for Andrea
even as she and Lynne raised their two
children, Katherine (Katy) and Mathew
(Mat) Timmermann. AAUW, Altrusa,
Christmas Cotillion, Salvation Army
board, Current Literature Club, Daughters
of The Nile, Tuesdays At Two (TAT),
Umatilla County Historical Society board
and Round-Up Republican Women found
Andrea’s commitment to volunteerism an
integral part of their organizations.
AAUW selected Andrea as their vice
president in charge of membership within
her first year in the organization. She
held the office of treasurer
several times and chaired
the Education Foundation
Program, which provides
scholarships for women
returning to school. One
year, the local chapter named
their contribution to that
fund for Andrea, the highest
tribute that can be paid to an
AAUW local member.
Altrusa, also, benefitted
from Andrea’s volunteerism
and leadership skills. She
served on their board as
president, first and second vice president,
corresponding secretary, the bulletin editor
for District 12 and chaired anniversary
celebrations over the years. On Jan. 7 of
this year, she received notice of the honor
of achieving Emeritus status in Altrusa
International of Pendleton, Inc.
While serving on the Salvation Army
Board Of Directors, she was involved in
the development of Pendleton’s Salvation
Army Community Center. Not to be left
out Current Literature, Daughters of the
Nile, and Round-Up Republican Women
had Andrea hold offices while she actively
participated in their organizations.
It is without a doubt why she was
named Pendleton’s “First Woman Citizen”
in 1988. She said of that selection, “It is
really an honor!” At that time, she said,
“I am not a perfectionist but I want to
make sure that I cover all the bases.” She
attributed her leadership commitment to
her parents and the Helix community.
In current terminology, Andrea “paid it
forward.” She strongly felt if she were
capable she would find a way to serve her
community and find great joy in doing so.
She will be missed by many.
Andrea was predeceased by her parents
and her husband, and is survived by her
children, Katy and Mat; her brother,
Raymond “Fred” Rees (Mary Len); local
cousins, Carol Monahan, Nancy Rees Duff
(Frank) as well as other cousins, nieces and
nephews around the world.
Andrea’s family expresses thanks to
the caring medical, McKay Creek Estates
and Hermiston Hospice staff who watched
over her so lovingly. They especially want
to convey appreciation to the many friends
whose condolences and story sharing have
included their admiration for Andrea’s
warmth and generous spirit.
The funeral service will be held at
Pendleton Pioneer Chapel on Friday, April
1 at 10 a.m.,
followed by a reception at the Pendleton
First Presbyterian Church until 1:30 p.m.
The burial will be 3 p.m. at the Helix
Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Andrea’s honor
can be given to the Pendleton Presbyterian
Church or any of the organizations to
which she gave so tirelessly in care of
Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, 131 S.E. Byers
Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801.
Share online condolences with the
family at www.pioneerchapel.com.