Garold Ray Collett, 63, journeyed from this earth into Glory on Feb. 14, 2008. He passed into the Father’s arms at home with his family by his side after discovering he had cancer.

Gary was born Dec. 23, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to John and Mary June Collett, where John was stationed with the Navy. Growing up his parents instilled a love for the Bible and a great respect for Israel and Archeology.

At the age of 16 Gary, with the help of others, started the horse program at the Warm Beach Retreat Center, with three horses. To this day the horse program is thriving and blesses many children.

It was at Warm Beach Camp that Gary met Donna Diane Dorsten. They were married from 1965 until 1986 and had three children: Andrew, Jeffrey and Melissa. Gary worked for Boeing in Washington state before the family finally made its home in Arlington, where Gary began working at the Arlington School District as the custodial and grounds maintenance supervisor. He retired in 1988.

During his time in Arlington Gary was a farrier, and in the 1980s he began teaching Bible studies on Friday and Saturday nights at the Coffee House. He was a great father who loved animals and the outdoors, and passed on that love to his children.

Beginning in 1983 Gary had several opportunities to travel to Israel, where he became involved with an archaeological dig at the Dead Sea. His parents and his sons, Andrew and Jeff, worked alongside him. Gary was given an honorary doctorate degree from Wings of Faith Graduate School in 1988 for his studies in Biblical Prophecy and Interpretation.

Gary was married to Debra Kay Ervin from 1988 to 2007. They started and incorporated the nonprofit ministry known as Jerusalem Ministries International of which they were the international directors/founders. In 1990 they moved to Jerusalem, Israel, along with Debra’s son, Jeremy, to continue their work in archaeology, focusing on the Dead Sea region. For 16 years they had opportunities to sponsor several digs and fund technology research.

While living in Israel Gary had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Jim Fleming, Director of Biblical Resources, building archaeological hands-on displays. Gary was also very concerned for the poor in the West Bank, where he raised funds to help purchase food and help the needy with their bills.

Gary found his greatest joy in teaching God’s word. He loved sharing the truth he found within the pages of the Word of God. In 2003 Gary and Debra adopted their daughter, Tynnae. In 2005 they returned back to the States to live.

Gary is survived by his son, Jeffrey Collett (wife Jennifer), of White Salmon; his daughter, Melissa Ocampo, of Seattle; and Tynnae Collett, of Oakville, Wash.; his stepson, Jeremy Ervin (wife Sarah), of Ft. Lewis, Wash.; and seven grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary June Collett; his brother, Jim, and his son, Andrew.

The family would like to thank the Gorge Hospice nurses and aides for all of their wonderful help. We are so very grateful for the loving care they showed Gary.

A memorial honoring Gary’s life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church, 2650 Montello Ave., Hood River, Ore.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000; www.andersonstributecen-ter.com.

Perry H. “Bud” Paasch, a lifelong Hood River, Ore., resident, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at Brookside Manor. He was 93 years of age.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery.

Bud was born Oct. 31, 1914, in Hood River, Ore., to Hugo and Grace (Perry) Paasch. He was raised and educated in Hood River and spent his entire life here except for his service in the Army during World War II.

Bud was the third generation orchardist on his family farm. He was a charter member of the Pine Grove Fire Department where he served for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks.

Bud loved to hike, fish and hunt. He climbed Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens and also climbed a few times with the Legion Club. He was never happier than when he spent time in his rose or vegetable garden.

His parents, Hugo and Grace Paasch, and sister, Virginia Fox, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his nephews, Mike Fox, of Kennewick, Wash., and Richard Fox and his wife, Lana, of Hood River, Ore.; five great-nephews, Kevin and Ben Fox of the Tri-Cities and Robert, Randy and David Fox, of Hood River, Ore.; and two great-great-nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Hospice in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000; www.andersonstributecen-ter.com.

Lawrence Noble Miller, 85, affectionately known as “Larry,” passed away Feb. 15, 2008, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles.

A service to celebrate Larry’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Anderson’s Tribute Center. Military honors will be performed by the Oregon Honors Team. Celebrant speaker Bob Huskey will officiate.

Larry was born Nov. 5, 1922, in Placentia, Calif., to Ephraim Ashley and Marion (Hollinshead) Miller. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II as a combat infantryman. He was a recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, the Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He fought in the Luzon battle and also received the Philippine Liberation Service Medal with one Bronze Star. He was very proud of his service and upon his return to Hood River has been active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, volunteering as Quartermaster of the local VFW Post 1479 in Hood River.

After returning from the war Larry worked at Diamond Fruit Company, until his retirement in 1985. He worked in labeling and packaging. On Oct. 29, 1949, he married Lila B. Tanner in Hood River and they had three boys: David, James and Elwin.

Immediately after he retired, he became the full-time volunteer at the visitors center in Hood River due to a strong desire to stay busy and involved in the community.

And stay busy and involved he has: He helped the chamber of commerce during transition times; he watched the small, 都leepytown of Hood River evolve to the busy sports, culinary and cultural town that we致e become. He retired from this his position with our chamber of commerce in 2005.

One of Larry痴 favorite pastimes has been photography, and he is a superb photographer using his ViewMaster camera. His collection of photographs span over the past 30, 40 or 50 years and chronicle the vast changes in the Hood River Valley, on Mount Hood, at the local dams and rivers, the people, stores and events of our region. Locals and visitors both have enjoyed his pictures in the ViewMasters at the chamber office and visitor痴 center over the years.

Larry is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife of 58 years, Lila Miller; three sons and their spouses, David (and Janet) Miller, James (and Tina) Miller and Elwin (and Denice) Miller, all of whom reside in Hood River, Ore.; grandchildren, Mindy, Isaac, Duane, Phillip, Michelle, Joe, Tanner, BJ, Branden, Heith, Nicholas, Andrew, April and Kelly; great-grandchildren, Shawn, Hanna, Westley, Elijah, Lily, Shyane, Drake, Michael and Kindra; a sister, Susan Martin, of Culp Creek, Ore.; and many friends that he has collected over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Donald, Kenneth and John.

The family suggests that any contributions be made in memory of Larry to the local diabetes foundation in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000; www.andersonstributecen-ter.com.