DAVID ESPEY
David Laurance Espey, 69, was born Oct. 30, 1939, and died on June 10, 2009, in his home. He was the oldest of three children, with sisters Laurene and Jennifer.
Mr. Espey grew up in Medford, Ore., and attended St. Mary's Catholic School, where he played football and was also active in theater. He graduated in 1957 and was immediately appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy, studying civil engineering.
In 1963, he married Janet Kay Merrill, who blessed him with three children, Michael David, Julie Kay, and Lisa Jean. He lived in Lyle, where he served on the Lyle school board, and as co-chair of The Lyle Pioneer Days and various other organizations.
Mr. Espey was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following all of his children and grandchildren in their various sports and extracurricular activities. He will be fondly remembered for adopting other people's children in their various sports as well; venturing well beyond his own family circle to support them.
In 1988, he married Chick Ashley, loving her three sons as his own; Fred, Morris and Chuck.
Mr. Espey was no stranger to adventure of any kind. His interests were varied and multifaceted. He served on many boards, and as an elder in his Church. He loved to travel; do puzzles, sing in the Community Christian Choir, Rotary and act in several theatre company productions. He was crazy about Jeopardy, and loved all sports.
He also looked forward to a little time each day with his best friend, yellow tabby cat "OJ." He was probably most proud of his 25 years in Alcoholic's Anonymous. He spent over 10 years visiting the state prison systems with his message of hope for struggling addicts and he was always available for anyone else who called.
Mr. Espey's work history was as long as his interests; working most recently as a bookkeeper for Hattenhauer Distributing. After a long career at Baxter/Kerr McGee, (where he would often bring his children along in the earlier days); he also worked as a Secret Shopper for gas stations and the Postal Service. He worked as a travel agent for Dream Destinations, worked at the John Day Dam, and the Arlington Landfill. He also administered the ASVAB test for local high schools, worked as a teacher's assistant at both the high school and middle schools, and drove and delivered cars for Griffith Motors. He was a NIKKEN rep and also sold Amway in his spare time!
In addition to all of his jobs he also found time to run the family farm for 20 years, raising cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, goats, geese and even two peacocks for awhile. He loved animals and would take care of any other animals that ventured on to his 88 acre property. He also helped raise his three children and was a very involved parent, inspiring his children to become involved in all that school had to offer.
Mr. Espey is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Arlene Espey.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Chick (Leanna) Espey; children Mike Espey, Cottage Grove, Ore., Julie Espey, Tigard, Ore., Lisa Puckett, and her daughters Camille and Laura, Radford, Va.; sisters Laurene Lacaden and Jennifer Fox; niece Catherine Osterman and son Andrew; nephews Greg Osterman, Paul Osterman and daughter Lauren, Ryan Fox and children Sofia and Jacob; stepsons Chuck Ashley, The Dalles, Fred Ashley, Tygh Valley, and Morris Ashley of Milwaukie, Ore.; and grandchildren Alyssa and Brandon Ashley, and Jake and Jesse Byron.
A celebration of Mr. Espey's life will be held at Gateway Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.
Memorials may be made to Home at Last Animal Shelter, 200 River Road, The Dalles, Ore. 97058.
DERALD BARNES
Derald Elwin Barnes was born to Verl and Ellen (Green) Barnes in Dixie on May 20, 1927. He joined the U.S. Navy May 16, 1945, and married Mildred Stevens on May 9, 1948.
Over the years, Mr. Barnes held various jobs including working for the U.S. Forest Service, a survey company and Union and Texaco Oil. Most recently, he worked for Pacific Power and Light as a truck driver and line equipment operator and later as a dispatcher and office manager. In 1990, he moved from Bend, Ore., to Carson.
Mr. Barnes died on June 8, 2009, in Portland, Ore., at the age of 82.
He is survived by sons Randy, White Salmon and Roger, Salem; seven grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Pamela and granddaughter Courtney.
A memorial graveside service was held Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the Wind River Memorial Cemetery in Carson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Gardner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 390, White Salmon, Wash. 98672, who was in charge of arrangements.
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