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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (April 4, 2018)
A2 Family Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, April 4, 2018 O BITUARIES Larry V. Hensley Feb. 28, 2018 Stephen D. Finlayson Stephen D. Finlayson of Burns, Oregon, passed away March 21, 2018, at Harney District Hospital. A memorial service for Finlayson is scheduled for Friday, April 6, 2018, starting at 11:00 am in the Burns Elks Lodge at 118 N. Broadway, Burns OR, with a meal to follow. Steve was born on May 11, 1944 in Buffalo Center IA, to John and Alta (Zenor) Finlayson, one of 12 children. Steve served as a senior airman in the US Air Force during the Cuban missile crisis and loaded B-52s with bombs on Guam during the Vietnam war. Four years later, Steve attended and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwest Missouri State in 1971. In 1967, he had met and married Stephanie Joy Peterson of Ames IA, who worked as a nurse while Steve earned his juris doctorate from University of Missouri Law School in 1974. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 26, 2017. Steve and Stephanie first came to Harney County when Steve was hired as legal counsel for Burns Paiute Tribe. As the Finlayson family was growing – Amy and Alex were born – Steve opened his own law office and also served nearly 30 years as the Burns City Attorney. In his private practice, he shared a building with longtime attorney Wendell Gronso, and earned his place amongst the heavy hitters of the Eastern Oregon Bar Association, including Gronso, Bill Cramer Sr., Carl Burnham, Mike Kilpatrick and Milo Pope. There were occasional evenings when, after a hard fought courtroom battle, the cigar smoke, clink of glasses and testosterone filled the back conference room. Steve’s high level of ethics and passion for the law were admired by his fellow attorneys and he was respected throughout the state. In later years, Steve served as legal counsel to Harney Electric Cooperative, and as Hines City Attorney, all the while continuing his private law practice. After the kids had graduated high school and gone on to college, Stephanie stepped in to serve as legal assistant to Steve, and they worked well together, specializing in real estate and probate cases. In December 2013, Steve officially retired from the City of Hines and they wound down the private practice, setting about enjoying their grandchildren. Steve suffered from rheumatoid arthritis throughout his adulthood, but did not allow it to keep him from the hobbies he loved – motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He was also a member of the local chapters of Lions, Masons and Elks. Larry V. Hensley, 64, passed away Feb. 28 in Salem. He was born in Prairie City but spent his younger years in On- tario and later moved to John Day, where he attended and graduated from Grant Union High School in 1972. He pro- ceeded to further his education and attended Lane Commu- nity College, eventually moving to Salem. He later met his wife, Susan L. Hensley, and they married in Ontario. He worked as a logger and diesel mechanic, but spent his free time attending almost every activity and sports event of his grandsons, hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with friends and family, along with attending the Peoples Church. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hensley, Salem; sister Aloma Kay Watson of Ontario; daughters Jenifer Hensley and Angela Bond of Salem; two grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. Steve is survived by his wife, Stephanie; daughter Amy Johnson of Cypress CA; son Alex Finlayson of Canyon City OR; three grandchildren: Dane Finlayson and Greyson and McKenzi Johnson; his siblings: Bonna Pineke, Audrey Sansgard, Miriam Boettcher, and Don Finlayson, all of Iowa; Lois Elson and Dave Finlayson, both of Arizona. He was preceded in death by both parents, as well as brother Roger, sisters Elaine Nye and Arlis Tuttle, and two brothers who died as infants. Memorial contributions in the memory of Stephen D. Finlayson may be made to Boys Town or Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd. John Day, OR 97845. Arrangements by Driskill Memorial Chapel of John Day, with interment in Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley OR. To light a candle in honor of Steve or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.driskillmemorialchapel.com Paid for by the family of Steve Finlayson Jennie Lynn Messmer (McPherren), beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, and friend, passed away at her home in Silverton, Oregon, on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the age of 58. Jennie’s family was blessed by many friends who shared love and stories with Jennie during her final days. We take comfort in knowing that she was loved and had a positive impact on many during her time on Earth. Jennie was born in Eugene, Oregon, on January 30, 1960, to Paul and Ruth McPherren. The McPherren family moved to Prairie City Oregon, in 1969, Libby Montana in 1974 and back to Oregon in 1977. Jennie graduated from Oakridge High School in 1978 and Eastern Oregon State College in 1995. Jennie met Rhine Messmer in 1985 and they were married in the fall of 1986 in Prairie City, Oregon. They lived in La Grande where Jennie continued to work on her degree while working full time, being a wife and becoming a mother to Megan Lynn and Jacob Rhine. When Rhine took a position in Klamath Falls, Jennie started her career in government by working for the City of Klamath Falls. Later, when they moved to Silverton, Jennie worked for the League of Oregon Cities and then the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments. Jennie also spent several years serving as interim city manager for 50183 several communities around Oregon as they worked to find a full-time manager. Jennie never had a negative word to say about anyone. She worked hard and loved much. She was a true friend and was always helpful and kind. Her children and husband were her priority and she was very proud of their accomplishments. Jennie was kind and loved family and friends with her whole heart. She was an available ear and gave sincere, quality advice when asked. Jennie set a goal to live a year when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2015. She exceeded her goal just like she exceeded all expectations in all aspects of her life. Those of us who were blessed by having her in our lives will miss her very much but know that she is at peace, pain free, and in a better place now. Jennie was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents (Paul and Ruth McPherren), aunts, and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Rhine Messmer, daughter, Megan Messmer, son Jacob Messmer (Jessica), brother Patrick McPherren, and sisters Leslie Repman (Jim), Kathy Johnson (Roger), and Sharon Fritsch (Mark), as well as many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life to be held at the Festhalle in Mt. Angel, Oregon, April 14th, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Beverages, snacks, and deserts to be provided. 500 Wilco Highway Northeast, Mt Angel, OR 97362. Donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or flowers are welcome for the celebration of life. Paid for by the family of Jennie Messmer 50048 Mr. Lelus “Pete” Baucum, 93, of Canyon City, Oregon passed away Tuesday, March 20th, 2018 at his home outside of Canyon City. A viewing will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 at Driskill Memorial Chapel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on April 7, 2018, at 1:00 PM in the new gym at the Grant Union High School. LJ “Pete” Baucum was born December 28th, 1924 to John and Irene Baucum in Denver, Colorado. The first of four children, he spent part of his early childhood near Hood River, Oregon. Moving to Grant County with his family in the early 1930s, he attended elementary school at the Moon Creek schoolhouse west of Mt. Vernon. It was during his senior year of high school at Grant Union when he was drafted into the US Army at 18 years old, serving 2 1/2 years in the Army as a squad leader (corporal) in the 246th Combat Engineers. He was part of the D-day forces, landing in the third wave on Utah beach in the invasion of Normandy. The combat engineers were demolition specialists, clearing the roads for other troops. He was eventually wounded twice, the second time by a land mine, and sent home to the veterans hospital for eighteen months in Portland for surgery and rehabilitation. He recalled the red willows near where he was wounded with fondness, as he used them to drag himself to safety and hide until our troops found him. He received two bronze stars and two Purple Hearts for his service in the European campaign, which included the capture of German troops. At the hospital in Portland he met a nurse named Ella Eichler. The two were married on Dec. 2, 1945 and lived in Vanport until they lost everything in the flood there. They moved back to Grant County with their two small daughters in 1950. With the support of his wife, Pete graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in 1951. He spent the better part of his teaching career at Grant Union High School, where he retired in 1984. He was presented at that time with his high school diploma, which he had never received due to WWII. Pete loved the outdoors, and loved to share it with others. Teaching biology and conservation classes, driving school bus, and coaching track, he is fondly remembered by many of his students as “LJ” instead of Mr. Baucum. During the summers Pete loved to ride, spending many hours in the saddle packing salt or moving cattle for various ranches. Come spring time he always looked forward to a good branding; roping calves was something he enjoyed immensely, as well as the good times spent with his neighbors. In later years Pete traded the horse and saddle for a four-wheeler, and it became his legs for the remainder of the time he spent in the woods. He loved fishing and hunting, and the camaraderie of time shared with family and friends was something he looked forward to each fall. Some of his favorite hunting stories included his group of friends in the “over-the-hill gang”. Pete’s wife Ella passed away on Feb. 17, 2007. He re-married the following year to a longtime friend from church, Barbara Pollak. They spent many happy years between the ranch up Canyon Creek and Barb’s place in John Day. Four years ago Pete took a fall resulting in an injury that required surgery. He never fully recovered from the fall, and stayed his remaining years at Valley View Assisted Living. Barbara continued to be ever faithful at his side, bringing him much joy and happiness. Pete is survived by his wife Barbara, and his four children, Patricia McArthur (Gary), Rebecca Hagen (Robert), Richard Baucum (Karen), Jeffrey Baucum (Terri) and stepchildren Kathy and Terrance Pollak; and grandchildren, Jay and Troy Carniglia, Paula Jefferson, Shawn Hagen, David, Kevin, Travis, Mathias and Abbie Baucum. He also has 11 great-grandchildren: Garrett, Ely, Kayla, Ashley, Quinn, Steven and Audrey, Levi, Hayden, Ruby and Barrett; and three great-great-grandaughters, Ally, Brylie and Harlyn. Pete is survived by his brother Bill Baucum, and sister Jean Willey, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ella, brother Jerry, and two infant children. Patricia ‘Pat’ Heroff-Fielding Jan. 27, 1936 - March 12, 2018 Patricia “Pat” Heroff-Fielding, 83, died March 12 at St. Alphonsus Hos- pital in Baker City. A celebration of life wake will be held at a later date, the time and date to be announced. She was born on Jan. 27, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was raised and educated there, graduating from South High School. She married Don- ald Heroff, and they had three children. They later divorced, but always remained good friends until his passing in 2008. She met Mitch while working at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. The medical center had eight high rises and 3,000 employees. They were married on Sept. 3, 1983. In 1995, they got away from the city life and moved to Granite. He built the Granite Lodge from 1995 to 1998, and soon after they were open for business. She was a teacher and mentor who led by example and stood up for those who had trouble standing by themselves. She was preceded in death by her daughter Dawn Rae in 1967. She is survived by her husband, Mitch; daughter Jai Cee Heroff; son Michael Heroff; and sister-in-law Andy Mash of Sumpter. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House, which provides veteran families a place to stay when a veteran is in the hospital, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispinevalleyfuneralhome. com. Thelma Jean Vaughan 1932 - March 28, 2018 Thelma Jean Vaughan, 85, of Burns passed away March 28 at her home. Vaughan was born in 1932 in Prineville to Harry and Mil- dred Evans, one of seven children, including a twin sister, Velma. She attended middle school in Brothers at the little red schoolhouse, often commuting via horse and staying in town for the school week. The Evans family eventually settled in Burns where she graduated high school in 1950. Shortly after graduation, she met Donald Vaughan at the Harney County Rodeo. The two, along with Faye and Roy Tra- vis, were wed in a double ceremony in 1951. She worked for many years for The Modern Laundry. She took care of many children for working parents and often took them in as her own. She always had a roof and a meal for any of the children that came into her home. Many of those parents became her lifelong friends. Vaughan was involved in her community through several activities through the years. Her creative nature led her to the Harney County Arts & Crafts Association, which connects Har- ney County artists through artists’ workshops, meetings and the sponsorship of community art events such as the Quilt and Art show. She was a talented painter, seamstress, crocheter, knitter and pianist. She was also an avid amateur genealogist and spent many years pursuing her family’s history. This search would eventually lead to her publishing a book, “Harriet’s Journey,” which detailed the migration of her grandmother, Harriet Wil- liams Comstock Evans, from Wales to America. Always will- ing to lend a hand, she assisted many other families with their own research and was a frequent contributor at Find-A-Grave and Ancestry websites. When she wasn’t involved in the arts or family research, she could be found with a glass of iced tea and a book. Reading was a passion for her, and she instilled that same passion in her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children Brian and wife, Becky, of Bend; Ken Vaughan of Burns; Jeanne Strange and husband, Bruce, of Kimberly; Paula Vaughan and Jeff Rohwer of Burns; sister Fay Travis and husband, Roy, of Burns; twin sister Velma Whitson and husband, Howard, of Bend; five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son Rodger; infant grandson Evan Vaughan; brothers Bud, Don and Bill Evans; and sister Norma Evans. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Burns Christian Church, 125 S. Buena Vista. A potluck gather- ing of friends and family will follow. Pete will long be remembered for his great smile, sense of humor, his ability to make people feel welcome, his quick wit, and his love of the Good Lord. He was a very special man who saw a lot of change in his lifetime. They don’t make them like him anymore. A celebration of life and potluck reception for C.D. Dale Morris will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at Contributions can be made to Blue Mountain Hospice, Grant County Ranch and Rodeo Museum, or the John Day United Methodist Church through Driskill’s Memorial Chapel. To light a candle in Pete’s memory or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.driskillmemorialchapel.com. Paid for by the family of Pete Baucum L AST W EEK ’ S T EMPS J OHN D AY ..................................................................... HI/LO T UESDAY ....................................................................... 55/33 W EDNESDAY ................................................................... 58/37 T HURSDAY ..................................................................... 59/31 F RIDAY .......................................................................... 58/35 S ATURDAY ...................................................................... 56/37 S UNDAY ......................................................................... 59/32 M ONDAY ........................................................................ 44/26 24/7 F ORECAST A UTOMATED : 541-575-1122 R OAD CONDITIONS : 511; TRIPCHECK . COM NOAA W EATHER R ADIO FOR J OHN D AY 162.500 MHz C.D. Dale Morris the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. All friends are wel- come to attend. Morris, 98, passed away Jan. 28. More Obituaries, Page A3 50154 W EATHER F ORECAST FOR THE WEEK OF A PRIL 4-10 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Cloudy with showers A couple showers Afternoon showers Windy with rain Cloudy with showers Cloudy Clouds and sun 57 59 63 58 53 59 61 41 43 49 41 36 27 29