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FEBRUARY 1,2013
Michael "Mike" Larsen
Aug. 6, 1948 - Jan. 14, 2013
Tribal Elder Michael J. "Mike" Larsen, a resident
of Willamina, Ore., walked on Monday, Jan. 14,
at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMin
nville. Mike was born on Aug. 6, 1948, in McMinnville,
the son of Edward and Verna Riggs Larsen. He
graduated from Willamina High School in 1966.
The Grand Ronde Tribal Council issued a statement that said, in part,
"Mike was a beloved Tribal Elder and member of the Confederated Tribes
of Grand Ronde family. Mr. Mike Larsen, 64, has walked on. It is with
great sadness that we say goodbye to a man who influenced many and
played a pivotal role in the formation of the community we have today.
Mike meant a great deal to many and always offered and extended a
hand to those in need. He helped countless Tribal members seek and
gain employment, mentored those who needed help and helped keep
them on their paths. Mike was a proud Navy veteran and had worked
for the Tribe in various positions for more than 20 years before retiring
on June 29, 2012."
Mike had been the interim general manager of Spirit Mountain Casino.
He served on the board for 12 years and was board chair for seven years.
He later served as facilities manager where he oversaw all grounds and
building maintenance on the Tribal campus. He married Karen Hargitt.
He enjoyed playing softball and interacting with people, and he loved
his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Jeff Larsen, Joey Larsen,
Jennifer VanScoyk and Craig VanScoyk; 10 grandchildren, Devin,
Kenna, Corey, Nick, Caden, Ray, Edi, Bobby, Imarianah and Isaiah;
brothers, Eddie and Kenny Larsen; and sisters, Susie Gilliam and Carol
Larsen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanne.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, in the Grand Ronde
Tribal gym to be followed by a meal service in the Elders' Activity Cen
ter. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the
Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center in Dallas, Ore.
Donna Christine Strafford
Nov. 19, 1946 - Sept. 16, 2012
The angels came for Christy on her journey to
heaven. She was pain free! I think she danced her
way into heaven.
Her husband, Joseph (Syd) and loved ones were
close by, Adrian, Greg and Gina, and her pets:
Bridget, Missy, Spunky and Stormy.
Christy passed away from bile duct cancer. She chose hospice care so
she could enjoy visits from family, friends, cousins, play the slots at "that
place" and plant flowers and more flowers, shopping, beading, eating
prawns and bingo on Fridays. Her favorite colors were turquoise and
purple and she had an affinity for Spellbound perfume.
Christy was born in Portland, Ore., at the old St. Vincent Hospital to
Danny and Patricia Mansayon. Both parents worked so our maternal
grandmother raised Christy from birth to adulthood. During this time,
they lived in Portland, Gresham, Moody and Milwaukie. Christy's brother,
Greg, joined them in Maupin, Ore., where they enjoyed a fun-filled child
hood and grandma's home cooking.
Christy met her future husband just before her 21st birthday. They
married in September 1970, divorced in 1975 and remarried in 1994. Syd
and Christy enjoyed their trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Thank you to my brothers, Adrian and Greg, for your telephone calls,
prayers, shopping trips, and trips to Yakima and Portland to visit rela
tives. Adrian, I loved all the fresh flowers you sent, especially the last
rose which I held and never let go of. Greg, we share so many memories
keep them close. Jamie, you're very special to me, remember that, and
thank you for the work you did when I was too weak to do it myself.
Thank you to my sister Gina for allowing me to drive her car to Grand
Ronde to accept Christopher's award. I really missed driving so this was
fun for me. Preceding Christy in death were her parents; beloved grand
mother; father-in-law, Gerry Strafford; siblings, Margo, Mark and Michael;
and many other relatives and friends. Survivors include her husband,
Syd, and his siblings and mother-in-law, Anne Strafford; brothers, Adrian
(Cheri) and Greg (Darlene); sisters, Dolores (Charles), Gina and Antonette;
nephews, Jeff, Damian, Jamie, Shane and Christopher; and great-niece,
Cheyenne Mansayon. Her family gives special thanks to the staff at the
Celilo Cancer Center, Dr. Stephen Becker, Providence Hospice of the Gorge
and home services, especially nurse Colleen. Also, thank you to the Red
Hot Sisters and my special sister Carol and her husband, Steve Moore. A
big thank you to my friend, Dora Mee, for coming to my last powwow in
August 2012. We all had fun. Also thank you to Claudia Angelo, Cathy
Lancaster and Lucille Stevens for their prayers and support.
"A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says,
'Grieve not for me.' Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good
life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage. I'm counting on you.
"My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remember all, how I truly was
blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life,
don't worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until
the day comes we're together again." Author unknown
Burial of ashes will be at Mountain View Cemetery next to her beloved
grandmother, Bessie, in Hood River, Ore.
Request for Proposals
HVAC Repair & Services
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Grand Ronde, Oregon
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of
Oregon and the Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority seek the
services of a qualified Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) contractor to provide hands-on maintenance and repair
services for HVAC units throughout the Tribe's and Housing
Authority's buildings.
Electronic copies of the RFP documents are available by e-mailing
Larry Leith at Larry.Leithgrandronde.org. A mandatory pre-pro-posal
meeting was held Thursday, Jan. 24.
Respondents shall provide an electronic or written proposal by
3:15 p.m. Feb. 8, to Larry Leith, Procurement Manager, at 9615
Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, Ore. 97347. Specific information
regarding document submittal procedures and due dates will be
found in the RFP. B
Some of our friends and family use drugs andor alcohol. There
may be times when friends or family members ask or pressure you
to use drugs andor alcohol. It is important to understand that drugs
andor alcohol may drown out the problems we have for the moment
but they don't get rid of them. Here are some ways you might say
NO to these pressures:
I have better things to do!
No thanks it makes me feel sick.
I just remembered I have to do something.
No thanks, but if you change your mind you can come join me later.
Sorry but drugs are not for me!
NO! (You don't always need to give a reason not to use drugs and
alcohol).
Youth Prevention staff will be attending the "It's Your Game; Keep
it Real" sexual health curriculum training. This curriculum was
chosen based on the results of the Community Needs Assessment
conducted in May 2012 This evidence-based sexual health curricu
lum will be implemented in the Willamina School District for 7th
and 8th grade students beginning in Spring 2013.
Canoe Family Meeting:
Feb. 2 in the Tribal Gymnasium from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch will
be provided.
Any questions or needed resources contact the Youth Prevention
team: Lisa Leno- 503-879-1471, Cristina Lara- 503-879-2040, Amber
Mercier- 503-879-2162 or Shannon Stanton- 503-879-1489.
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Save The Date!
JULY 9 - 12, 2013
GRAND RONDli, OR
Drug and Alcohol free Event
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Health and Dental Can
Veteran Benefit Information and Coordination
Healing Village
Traditional Garnet
FREE TO A1X VETERANS, BaMTUKS OF
VETERANS, AND 1KRVIGE PROVIDERS
OAMPINO AVAILABLE
MEALS PROVIDED
MORE INFORMATION FORTHCOMING
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