Richard ‘Dick’ Colclesser

Dick was born Oct. 3, 1932, in Hood River, Ore., to Frank and Margaret F. (Stratton) Colclesser. He attended grade school in Parkdale, Ore., through the fourth grade. His parents then moved to Portland, Ore., where he went to Gregory Heights School fifth and sixth grades.

His parents then moved to a farming community east of Oregon City called Lower Highland, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse with all eight grades in one room.

In his freshman year, he moved to Boardman, Ore., and there graduated from high school in 1950. He has lived in Eastern Oregon the remainder of his years.

He married Carla Reimer, of Pilot Rock, Ore., in November 1953. He is survived by his best friend and wife, “Carla Sue,” and three children: Shannon Gamble, of Toppenish, Wash., Chris Colclesser, of Pendleton, Ore., and Sue (Rob) Hein, of Grand Rapids, Mich. He is also survived by a brother, “Snuffy” Harold Colclesser, of Stanfield, Ore., two nieces, Cindy and Rhonda, and by three grandchildren: Chance, Abby and Bekka Gamble.

Dick would especially like to thank his family, who are the greatest, and also to thank all his many friends and acquaintances, including his newest friends at Umatilla Electric Co-op.

You all provided one “hell ova” ride, and I enjoyed it all. Thanks again.

- As a footnote, his family would like to add that Dad was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis five years ago. This is a rare disease, with unknown causes, which is incurable. Dad fought it valiantly until he had a stroke Feb. 4, 2008. Mom cared for him at home until his passing, March 7, 2008, on his grandson's18th birthday.

Dad has always valued strong work ethics that started at an early age. Throughout his young adult life, his work experience included working in the fields, working with shearing crews, in potato fields and on haying crews, and he helped build McNary Dam. Dad built and plumbed new homes. He began working at General Tire in Pendleton in 1952, and moved to John Day, Ore., in 1961, where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service, while running a small hay ranch.

We moved back to Pendleton, where he continued his career at General Tire for a total of 25 years retreading tires. During this time he added “landlord” to his long list of work experience.

Dad retired from General Tire and he and Mom moved to Poverty Flats in 1983. Dad got his real estate license and sold real estate for a few years. Then he decided to “work” again, for Harris Pine in Pendleton. When Harris Pine went out of business, Dad went back to BMCC under the displaced worker program, where he got his cement certification and then went to work for LP in Pilot Rock, where he became a millwright carpenter and helped rebuild the new mill. When he retired from LP he was voted in as the director on the board for Umatilla Electric Co-op District 6. Dad held this position for three years and loved it.

Dad was always for the “working guys,” and his vast knowledge and common sense were always available for anyone willing to listen and learn. Dad built a sauna at the Poverty Flats place, where one of the favorite pastimes was to sit in the sauna with Chris, drink in hand, sweat rolling, to solve all the world’s problems.

We looked to Dad for answers to many things. It seems the answers were (almost) always right. We loved him as huge as his heart, and we will miss him horribly. Build those cathedrals in the sky Dad, there's no one better suited for the job.

At his request, there will be no services. Disposition was by cremation. Arrangements were under the direction of Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, (541) 276-2331.

Donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 N. Halsted St., Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60622; (312) 587-9272.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Finn

Thomas Edward “Tom” Finn, a Hood River, Ore., resident, died March 1, 2008, at Providence Medical Center in Portland, Ore. He was 64 years of age.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Tom was born Dec. 13, 1943, in Indian Creek, Md., to Jack and Marguerite (Kells) Finn, and moved to California as a child.

Tom was a friend to all and a stranger to none. He loved hunting, fishing and treating a friend to a meal. In life Tom has worked as many things but most notably he enjoyed working with people.

He is survived by two sisters, Corleen Hamilton and Jean Santavicca and her husband, Art; and nieces and nephews Kevin Finn, Greg Hamilton, Tim Hamilton, Brooke Kelley and Mark Jaynes. Four great-nephews and two great-nieces also survive.

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

Death Notices:

Alma Vanek

Alma Vanek, a Hood River, Ore., resident, died at home March 13, 2008.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 21, at 11 a.m. at Mosier Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 20, from 2-5 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center.

A full obituary will appear in the next edition of the Hood River News.

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

Maribel McJunkin

Maribel Ellen McJunkin, 68, passed away at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital on March 13, 2008. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson;s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000; www.andersonstributecenter.com.

Wolfgang Sterr

Wolfgang Sterr passed away March 14, 2008, at Brookside Manor of Hood River with family by his side. He was born Aug. 2, 1917, husband to Anna, father to Lore and Karl and will be dearly missed.

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