System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Joseph Meier
Joseph Henry Meier, 74, a former Baker City resident who purchased Leo Adler's magazine and book wholesale distributorship in 1977, died Feb. 6, 2004, at Portland after suffering a massive stroke related to Alzheimer's disease.
His funeral was today at Tualatin.
Mr. Meier was born on Aug. 15, 1929, in the home of his grandparents' in the then-rural Gardenville section of northeast Baltimore. He was the oldest of four children of the late Catherine Ann Worline Meier and Joseph William Meier.
He grew up helping his grandfather work his farm, including work with a team of horses. Part of that farm was later sold to the city and became Radecke Park.
"After those early years of experience from working the farm, Joe decided to pursue a new career in sales, " said his brother, Robert H. Meier of Monkton, Md. "His first job in a lifelong sales career was distributing "Liberty Magazine" within the local Gardenville area when he was just 12 years old. He then moved on to delivering the Baltimore News Post."
Mr. Meier graduated from Polytechnic Institute in the early 1950s and went on to join the Maryland Air National Guard. He served eight years at the guard's home base at Harbor Field, the present Dundalk Marine Terminal, prior to the Maryland Air National Guard's move to its present location at Martin State Airport. He earned a degree in history from Loyola College at Baltimore.
"Joe met the love of his life, Ellen Patricia "Pat" Fogarty, at a local dance when he was 19, and they married in 1955, " his brother said. She became his confidante and best friend for the rest of his life.
Mr. Meier then continued his career in sales and followed in the footsteps of his father, a career milk deliveryman, first with Koontz Creamery and later with Sealtest Dairy.
"After a few years, Joe decided that milk was not going to be the provider for his long-term objectives, " his brother said. "He left the milk route business and went on to bigger and better things.
"After a few years selling for Johnson & Johnson, selling Band-Aids and likes, up and down the East Coast, he returned to his roots in publication distribution, and joined Time Inc., " his brother said.
In 1969, Mr. Meier transferred to a Time Inc. office in New York City and relocated his young family to Wilton, Conn. During his stay in the New York area, he worked for several publishing companies and traveled the country extensively calling on magazine wholesalers and retailers. He later returned to Time Inc. as an executive vice president, where he was instrumental in the newsstand launch of "People" magazine.
In 1977, Mr. Meier realized his entrepreneurial dreams when he moved his family West and purchased Leo Adler's company. The business grew and eventually served retailers in more than seven Western states.
In 1984, Mr. Meier and two friends purchased a similar business in Corvallis. Later, he merged the two companies into INCOR Periodicals Inc., a multi-million dollar distributorship. He retired in 2000, having earned a stellar reputation for innovation and integrity throughout the publications distribution industry.
Mr. Meier was beloved by his children as a great family man, and was known for his humor and storytelling. He loved traveling, woodworking, golfing, gardening and photographing his grandchildren. He read extensively and acquired a large history library.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Ellen "Pat" Fogarty Meier; and their four children, Mary Patricia Cieri of Redding, Conn., Joseph M. Meier of Boise, Timothy Meier of Portland and Kathleen Flores of Lancaster, Pa., and their spouses; seven grandchildren; a sister, Margaret M. Rolfes and two brothers, William J. and Robert H. Meier, all of Baltimore County; and many relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 1311 N.W. 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97209.
Kyle Kennison
Kyle Blake Kennison, 51, of Hermiston, a former Baker City resident, died Feb. 4, 2004, at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital in Portland.
His memorial service was Monday at the Hermiston High School gymnasium. There was a private family graveside service at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Mr. Kennsion was born on Sept. 30, 1952, at La Grande to Harry and Mary Jackson Kennison. He was raised at Wallowa, Pilot Rock, Omak, Wash., and Baker City. He was a 1971 Baker High School graduate.
Kyle than attended the University of Idaho at Moscow where he was a student athlete, competing in track. He graduated with a double major, bachelor's degrees in sociology and education, in 1975.
Kyle taught school at Middleton, Idaho, from 1976 to 1979 when he moved to Hermiston. He taught government and economics classes as well as coaching track. He also was an assistant football coach and Key Club adviser for many years.
He served as the head track coach through the spring of 2001. Kyle married Dawn Voll on July 28, 1995, in the Cook Islands.
Kyle was very active in the community. He ran the swimming pool for many years, established the youth track program and the Track Officials Federation and was a member of the Bulldog Booster Club.
He was also a member of the oregon Athletic Coaches Association, and a University of Idaho Alumni member. He enjoyed sports, exercise, cars, traveling, music and working with the youth track program. He had great pride in watching his daughter, Kali, swim competitively, and his daughter, Shay, dance.
Survivors include his wife, Dawn Kennison of Hermiston; daughter, Kali Frisbee of Eagle, Idaho, and Shay Kennison of Hermiston; parents, Harry and Mary Kennison of Salem; a brother, Gary Miller of Bend; a sister, Kara Kennison of Vancouver, Wash.; and two granddaughters, Emily and Megan Frisbee.
He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Janine Kennison.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kyle Kennison Scholarship Fund through Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, OR 97838.
‘Tim' Martin
Timothy D. "Tim" Martin, 40, a lifelong Baker City resident, died Feb. 6, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Ed Niswender of Calvary Baptist Church will officiate. Visitations will be until 7 o'clock tonight at Coles Funeral Home.
Tim was born on March 11, 1963, in Baker City to Robert R. and Lezetta Pridgen Martin. He was raised and educated in Baker City. Tim was a very loving son and brother and enjoyed taking care of his mother. He had a great love for animals and enjoyed being around little children. He also enjoyed music and fishing.
Survivors include his mother, Lezetta Martin of Baker City; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Judy Martin of Hillsboro, Keith and Janet Martin of Baker City, and Rodney and Brenda Martin of Baker City; sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Cal Cantrell of La Grande; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; sister, Karen; and an infant brother, Kenneth.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR 97814.
Ira Curtis Griffith
Ira Curtis Griffith, 76, of Baker City passed away on Feb. 4, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel with Pastor Jack Bynum of the United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery with Military Auspices by the Oregon Army National Guard.
Hours of visitation will be today until 8 p.m. at Gray's West & Co.
Ira was born on June 30, 1927, in Blackduck, Minn., to Freeman and Margaret (Paul) Griffith. In 1940, he moved to Baker City with his family.
On August 26, 1948, Ira married Carleen Cook in Baker City and together they raised five children. He began his career in 1950 working for his father-in-law at Cook and Emele Sheet Metal Works.
In June 1960, he became manager and in 1970 he purchased the business and ran it until he retired in 1992, turning management over to his sons, Scott and Kevin.
Ira was a member of the Oregon State Homebuilders and served as the Baker County chapter president for several years. He was named Oregon State Homebuilder Associate of the year in 1994.
He was a member of the Baker City United Methodist Church and had served four years as Lay Minister at the Methodist Church in Richland.
Ira was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time in the outdoors. He was also a loving family man and was chosen as the Baker County Father of the Year in 1990.
Ira is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carleen; his sons, Larry and his wife Cathie of Spokane, Wash., Scott and his wife Donna, and Kevin and his wife Debra, both of Baker City; a daughter, Susann Hinkley of Baker City; a brother, Norman and his wife Gloria Griffith of Hermiston; sisters-in-law, Betty Allen, Gail Cook, Phyllis Wilcox and her husband, Richard, and Sue Griffith; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and lots of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Margaret Griffith, his brother Paul Griffith and his son David Griffith.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ira's name to the Baker City United Methodist Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in care of Gray's West & Company, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Clarence ‘Don' Merritt
Clarence "Don" D. Merritt, 81, a longtime Baker City resident, died Feb. 4, 2004 at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel with Pastor John Goodyear of the Baker Valley Church of Christ officiating.
A celebration of life at Settler's Park Assisted Living Center will follow the memorial service at 2 p.m., with a snack tray potluck reception.
Clarence was born June 25, 1922, in Baker City to David and Grace (Srack) Merritt. He attended school in Baker and after graduating joined the United States Army.
While in the service, he began learning the trade of tool and die making. Upon his discharge from the military, Clarence moved to Downey, California, and went to work for Lockheed, where he continued his trade of tool and die making.
On Oct. 27, 1951, he married Matilda Barry. They remained in California until 1972. The couple later moved to Baker City where they worked managing motels.
He enjoyed going camping with his family to Selmack Lake in California. They enjoyed going on tourist travels to Tucson, Ariz., and Cucamonga, Calif. He loved to travel and visit new places and they especially enjoyed Disneyland.
He loved the family life. Don had a heart of gold and loved everyone. He did not have a mean bone in his body. He had a Christian attitude toward people and always tried to make the family laugh to get them out of the gloom.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Matilda "Tillie"; a daughter, Tammy Marie of Baker City; one brother, Ray Merritt and his wife, Aris, of Baker City; and one sister, Opal Laween Ball of Baker City; two nieces; two nephews; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Grace.
Memorial contributions may be made to Matilda "Tillie" Merritt in care of Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
‘Al' Jury
Allen W. Jury, known to all as "Al, " 82, a lifelong rancher, died Feb. 1, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center of heart disease.
There will be a memorial service in honor of his life in the spring. Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Al was born and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area town of Hayward, Calif. He married his high school sweetheart, Lila Estell, at Reno, Nev., in 1941.
They moved to the San Joaquin Valley town of Oakdale, Calif., raising hogs and dairy cows.
Their son, Walter, was born there in 1948. They bought a ranch and moved to the Sierra foothills town of Sonora, Calif., in 1951, raising hogs and dairy cows there also, later switching to beef cattle.
In 1983, Al lost his wife, Lila, to cancer.
He married his current wife, Mildred Lane, in 1985.
Above all, Al valued his family. He loved to hunt, fish, garden and travel. He also loved a good horse and pie. He traveled into Oregon, Washington and Alaska each summer fishing and always looking for the perfect ranch.
In 1988, he found and bought a ranch in the Keating Valley. His family moved there and ran the ranch, with Al and Millie enjoying their "retirement, " taking Al's role of ranch advisor seriously and being free to fish and travel.
Al also enjoyed the branding get-togethers and all the community potlucks and gatherings to visit and enjoy good food.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred; his son, Walter, and his wife, Kitty; and grandchildren, Tom and Sara Jury, all of Keating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Keating Quick Response Team through Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Robert Ellis
Robert Wayne "Gootch" Ellis, 80, died Feb. 1, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
At the family's request there will be no funeral. A viewing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave.
Robert was born in Baker City, on May 25, 1923, to Charles and Florence Ellis.
He attended Baker schools and was a 1941 Baker High graduate. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, football, and track in his younger years. He served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy before and during World War II. He logged 314, 000 nautical miles on the U.S.S. Nassau aircraft carrier.
He married Leona Ray, the love of his life, in August of 1946, and celebrated 50 years of marriage with her.
Robert worked at Lew Bros. Tires and later as a custodian at Baker High School and the Baker School District office building.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family and later on with his grandchildren. He had a passion for elk hunting and looked forward in anticipation to opening day.
He had a gift for telling humorous stories to his family and friends. Robert liked to watch sports on TV, especially college basketball. He will be missed.
Survivors include his sons, Terry, and his wife, Raylene, of Pendleton, and Stan and his wife, Lori, of Baker City; grandsons, Daniel, and Raymond and his wife, Jessica, of Pendleton; granddaughter, Tarah of Eugene; great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Hailey; and a nephew, Mike Ellis of Pendleton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Florence Ellis; a brother, Charles "Chick" Ellis; and his wife, Leona Ellis, all of Baker City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through Gray's West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Barbara Raney
Barbara Raney, 69, a longtime Huntington and Baker City resident, died Jan. 11, 2004, in Baker City.
There will be no funeral.
Barbara Jean was born on Feb. 3, 1934, to Roy Grant and Helen Koolukosky Phillips at Sioux City, Iowa. She was raised in Iowa and graduated from Sioux City High School.
She moved to Baker City in 1958 and went to work for the Democrat-Herald. She was employed in the classified and circulation departments for 13 years.
After her children were grown and on their own, she decided to go back to school. She attended Eastern Oregon University and majored in psychology.
In 1985 she moved to Huntington. She married Percy Raney at Winnemucca, Nev., in 1987 and they made their home in Huntington. She and Percy loved to do everything together, whether it be camping, fishing or gardening.
Barbara also enjoyed craft work. She enjoyed volunteering for the Senior Center as well as the elementary school at Huntington.
In the year of 2000, due to her failing health, she moved in with her daughter in Baker City. Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor. Her family and friends were very special and most important in her life.
Survivors include her children, Laurie Jean and Mike Iverson of South Carolina, Vickie Lynn Wagoner of Phoenix, Ariz., Carrie Lee and her husband, Scott Maliwauki of Baker City and Eric Phillip Olson of Huntington; grandchildren, Cassandra K. Olson of Huntington, Chris Wagoner of Phoenix, Ariz., and Gordon Buchanan of South Carolina; great-granddaughters, Lauren Ashley and Kellen Cheyenne Buchanan; and special companion, her little dog, Mitzi.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Sherrie Kaye Olson, who died in January of 1978 at the age of 15; and her beloved husband, Percy, who died in 1995.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
