Obituaries

He was born in Salina, Kansas on Sept. 14, 1918 the youngest of four children and the only son to Henry and Florence A. (Brockleman) Leis. In the early 1920s, his family moved to the Willamette Valley then to Waldport, Ore. After his parents' divorce his mother and he moved back to Aurora, Ore. After his mother got a job in High Prairie, they moved there, where he worked for a farmer and attended Lyle school graduating from there.

Mr. Leis married Vesta E. Cimmiyotti in Lyle on Sept. 20, 1939. They lived in a home in Lyle, where they started their family, and eventually purchasing a small ranch on the Canyon Road. There they built their dream home and raised their four children. Both their love of the outdoors showed in their yard and garden overflowing with flowers, vegetables where the family and neighbors would all be recipients. Mr. Leis loved raising his animals and growing his alfalfa and barley, and he took such pride in his home. His love of woodworking, and welding was enjoyed by all as he built and gave the family plant stands and his special projects.

In 1993 they moved to Dallesport, feeling it was time to downsize and then after a few years they moved to Flagstone Assisted Living in The Dalles. Mr. Leis remained there until he moved to the Oregon Veteran's Home where he lived until his death.

He worked in many jobs over the year in construction and as a mechanic. From Hunsaker Chevrolet where he worked as a mechanic till he took a job as a mechanic for Klickitat County, where he retired from in 1980.

He was drafted into the US Army at the end of World War II in the Corp of Engineers to help rebuild Japan after the bombing, his experience with large equipment always helped in his life work.

His heart was gentle and full of love that he shared with everyone. His eyes the bluest of summer skies, and a twinkle we all remember so well. He was devoted to his family, his beliefs strong, generous in helping others and always there to listen to all. He was well respected and loved by all.

He is survived by his wife Vesta, of The Dalles; daughter, Elizabeth Leis, Ogden, Utah; sons Henry F. Leis, Port Angeles, and Richard Leis, Portland, Ore.; and his pride and joy his 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and his youngest son LaRoy L. Leis.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Lyle Balch Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Oregon Veteran's Home, 700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Ore. 97058, or the Alzheimer's Assoc., 1650 NW Naito Pkwy #190, Portland, Ore. 97209.

WILLIAM BIRKENFELD

William Joseph Birkenfeld, Carson, died at the age of 65 on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, surrounded by his family. The eldest son of Wilhelm and Emmy (Erickson) Birkenfeld, he was born in Portland, Ore., on July 12, 1944.

After high school, he attended Oregon State University for a short time, and then returned to Skamania County to work with his brother Joe where they eventually became owners of the Wind River Logging Company. On March 10, 1973, he married the love of his life, Mary Lee (Ridnour) Birkenfeld, and they made their home in the Wind River Valley. Shortly after their union, they were blessed with their first child, Heidi Lee, and three more girls followed: Ann Marie, Heather and Toni.

Mr. Birkenfeld lived to enjoy every part of life. He loved to travel as much as he like entertaining people, family gatherings and campouts. He was an avid reader and especially liked playing cards and teaching his grandkids how to play a mean game of cribbage. He always stood up for what he thought was right, was somewhat rowdy in his younger years and grew calmer with age -- his bark was always worse than his bite.

Mr. Birkenfeld is survived by his wife Mary Lee; daughters Heidi, Ann, Heather, and Toni; four granddaughters (Seraya, Lilyanna, Sidney and Emma); brother Joseph; nieces and nephews; and numerous family members who reside in Germany.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at 3 p.m. at the Rock Creek Center in Stevenson with a potluck to follow.

Memorials may be made in his name to Skamania County Fire District #1 Building Fund, PO Box 309, Carson, Wash. 98610.

RED SMITH

Harvey Jack Smith, known to many as "Red," died at his home in White Salmon on Aug. 6, 2009. He was 84 years old. He was born in Hood River, Ore., to William and Nora (Cole) Smith on May 6, 1925.

He grew up with 13 brothers and sisters. Mr. Smith attended the Barrett School in Hood River and later worked at a tent pole factory. In 1946, he married Marjorie "Margie" Snyder. The family moved to White Salmon and Mr. Smith worked in the timber industry as a lumber grader for Broughton Lumber Company.

Mr. Smith was also the minister at White Salmon Christian Assembly (now New Beginnings Church). The work was close to his heart; he would like to be remembered as a pastor. He was named New Beginnings' first Pastor Emeritus.

In 1994, after 48 years of marriage, Margie passed away. Mr. Smith found love again with Babs Prosch. The couple married Sept. 30, 1995, in White Salmon.

Mr. Smith had a real "green thumb" and enjoyed his flower and vegetable garden. He also liked fishing for sturgeon. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and husband who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife Babs, White Salmon; children Sharon Smith, Wapato, Sandy Douvia, Hood River, William Smith, White Salmon, Sharla Smith, North Carolina, David Prosch, Ted Prosch, and Sandy Wessels; sister Mildred Fey, Goldendale; brother Jesse Smith, Hood River; 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margie; son Howard Leroy Smith; and siblings Betty Smith, Alice Smith, Florence Smith, Roy Smith, Frank Smith, Hazel Smith, Maude Nelson, Clarence Smith, Jim Nelson, Dolly Nelson and Gerthie Nelson.

A celebration of his life was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at New Beginnings Church in White Salmon followed by private interment at White Salmon Cemetery.

Gardner Funeral Home handled arrangements.

ELIZABETH BARRESSE

Elizabeth Travis "Betty" Barresse was born July 20, 1930. She died on Aug. 5, 2009.

She had eight children: Bruce, Andrew, Catherine Mary, John, James, Anne and Donna. She has 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Her love was for her family and many loving spiritual friends. She was humble, loving, kind, funny, a truly spiritual woman. She had a profound love for Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ. She confidently and proudly remained faithful.

Her joy was her ministry. She loved to preach and share the good news of God's kingdom. She loved to sing, especially praises to our heavenly father Jehovah.

She was young at heart. She loved her little dolls, pretty cups, flowers and the smell of fresh rain. She had friends from New Jersey to Florida to Oregon to Washington.

A memorial service for her will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Loop Rd., 1312 Riggleman Lane, White Salmon. Doug Avon will be officiating.