Obituary: Jared Weedman

A proud Sherman High School Husky, Jared lettered in football, basketball, and baseball before graduating in 2005. After high school, he attended Walla Walla Community College, where he earned his diesel mechanic’s degree and began riding bareback. Rodeo was a love he shared with his family, and Jared found his own place in the sport, eventually competing in the NPRA and later the PRCA.

On May 1, 2010, Jared’s life changed when he was injured while bareback riding in Arlington. The years that followed were marked by trials, tribulations, and hard-won triumphs. His journey took him through Kadlec, then Craig Hospital and Swedish Medical Center in Colorado, and eventually nearly every major hospital in Portland. In the early years after his injury, Jared worked hard at physical therapy, including time at Project Walk, and traveled to Louisiana for stem cell treatment. Alongside his family, he continued searching for possibilities and pushing forward until further health problems made that road more difficult. Through it all, Jared met each challenge with stubborn strength, humor, and a will to keep going.

Despite the hardships, Jared found ways to live fully and remain part of the people and places he loved. Countless sprint car races were spent supporting his dad, while basketball games gave him the chance to cheer on his niece and nephew. Harvest kept him connected to the farm, even though simple traditions like bringing ice cream out to the field. Travel remained part of his life as well, taking him to Ireland and Scotland, to the NFR with friends and family who shared his love of rodeo, and most recently on a cruise to Mexico to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Alaska held some of Jared’s favorite memories. Before his injury, time there was spent fishing and working on the family cabin with his dad, uncle, and cousins. After his injury, Jared returned many times with family to the place he loved so much. There, he watched his niece roll over for the first time, saw a moose walk right up to the cabin, and spent quiet moments at the front window watching his nieces and nephew play outside, sometimes with a local fox nearby, while the rest of the family cleaned the day’s catch. Those ordinary moments at the cabin became some of the brightest and most treasured memories of his life.

Travel across the United States with his parents and loyal companions gave Jared the opportunity to explore historical sites and soak in the stories of the past. History fascinated him, particularly Civil War history, a passion the Weedman family shared with him. That love of the past was closely tied to his love of country. Deeply patriotic and proud to be an American, Jared flew the American flag every day. With his enthusiasm, sharp memory, and genuine curiosity about this nation’s past, he would have made an excellent history teacher.

Jared was also a collector at heart, especially when it came to coins, gold, and Civil War memorabilia. Abraham Lincoln and Civil War firearms were particular interests of his. His love of coin collecting became something he shared with his niece Andalynn, passing along an interest the two of them could enjoy together. Gold panning was another enthusiasm Jared was determined to share. Whether it was in the John Day River below the ranch or at the family cabin in Alaska, Jared was pretty sure the rest of the family ought to be out there looking for gold with him.

Above all, Jared adored his nieces and nephew. Rarely were Andalynn, George, and Elenor far from his thoughts, and each had a special nickname all their own. They were incredibly lucky to have an uncle who loved them with his whole heart. Even when health challenges kept Jared from attending many of their activities, the time they spent together was meaningful and full of joy. He made every moment count.

Through all the challenges he faced, Jared was never left behind. Friends and family made sure he remained part of camping trips, poker nights, hunting and fishing, and life’s big moments. Being honored as a groomsman was among those special occasions. Again and again, people made the effort to come get him, include him, and simply spend quality time together. Their loyalty reflected the loyalty Jared gave in return and the kind of man he was: steady, funny, and deeply loved.

Jared is survived by his parents, Guy and Barbara Weedman of Moro; his sister, Erin Weedman of Arlington, and her children, Andalynn, George, and Elenor; his uncle, Mike Weedman of Wasco; cousins Colby, Zeena, Creed, and Vince Weedman of Wasco; cousins Whitney, Eliot, Reagan, and Adley Kaseberg of Wasco; and his caregiver and friend, Joey Alsup of Moro.

Beyond those named is a circle of extended family and friends far greater than any list could hold, including those who continued to call, visit, travel, laugh, reminisce, and simply show up for Jared throughout the years. Their presence, especially in his final days, was a reflection of how deeply he was loved.

Jared cherished the people who shared his life, and through all the years and all the challenges, they never stopped showing up for him.

Jared will be laid to rest privately at the family ranch, returning to the land that was such an important part of his life. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a memorial service on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Grass Valley Pavilion. A reception will follow.

At Jared’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Jon Simantel Memorial Scholarship, Wounded Warrior Project, Sherman County Historical Society, or Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please leave your condolences for the family at sweeneypaytonmortuary.com.

Columbia Gorge News, Nov. 18, 2026