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Joan Burchell
Joan’s life journey began in
Manhattan,
N.Y., April 25, 1923
— and what a journey it was.
Joan grew up in
Chappaqua,
N.Y., as a proper lady; exposed to opera,
social etiquette, art; all while being the “tomboy” who sledded
the fastest down the steepest hills.
As a young woman, she defied tradition,
moving to Venezuela
to work as a decorator and furniture designer. She traveled
extensively in South and Central America,
mostly alone, in her Karmann Ghia.
With a third revolution brewing, Joan
decided it was time to leave
Venezuela. She lived for a time
in Scotland,
then moved back home to Chappaqua, working for Reader’s Digest
until retirement.
During those years, she was an avid
swimmer and kayaker. She kayaked and camped, alone, along the
Danube
River, and traveled extensively in
Europe.
After retirement, Joan decided that
Chappaqua had become too urban, and traveled the country looking
for a suitable home. The fact that she found, and chose, the
community of Mt.
Hood, attests to her good judgment.
She lived there for 20 years.
Joan loved the community, and the
community loved her. She was self-educated, mechanically clever
and artistic. Her spirit, humor, independence, and interest in
all things endeared her to many people. Joan is a true example
of living life on one’s own terms.
She passed away peacefully, with friends
at her side, on
Dec. 14, 2008.
She is survived by her sister, Josephine
Burchell, of Mount Kisco,
N.Y.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Janet.
In lieu of traditional services, a
celebration of Joan’s life will be planned for early summer,
when her ashes will rush away with the flow of the river. One
last float trip. She’ll go with love.
Memorial contributions in Joan’s name
may be made to Hospice of the Gorge (1630
Woods Court, Hood River,
OR 97031)
or the Joan Burchell Fund at the Gorge Community Foundation (P.O.
Box 1711, Hood River,
OR
97031).
Ray Sato
Ray Sato passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2009, at the
Brookside Manor of Hood River. Ray was born April 3, 1917,
in Parkdale, Ore.,
and was 91 years of age at his passing.
Ray was the son of Tadao Sato and Shin
Hara. He graduated from Parkdale
High School and continued his
education at Oregon
State University
and graduated with a degree in horticulture.
When World War II broke out, he was
interned at a war relocations center in
Tule Lake, Calif.
In l943, he moved to Cleveland,
Ohio, where he was employed as a
mechanic.
Ray was one of the first Nisei to return
to the Hood
River Valley
in June of 1945. He had left the family farm in the care of his
neighbor and friend, John Cooper, and upon his return, was
fortunate enough to be able to resume ownership.
On Feb. 12, 1950, he
married Dorothy Suguro, of Seattle,
after postponing the wedding once during a record snowfall in
Parkdale. To this union were blessed three children: Gordon,
Peggy and Sally.
Ray’s community involvement included:
Orchardist of the Year, 1965;, Diamond Fruit Board of Directors,
1968-75; member of Shriner’s; member of the
Masonic Temple;
and he served as president of the Japanese American Citizens
League.
In his younger years Ray enjoyed
bowling, hunting, swimming and boating. He was an avid
outdoorsman, having climbed Mount Hood
three times.
His greatest passion was his orchard;
producing high-quality fruit was a constant challenge. He was
also passionate about fishing. He took great pride in his
garden; redesigning and improving his koi ponds was an ongoing
project.
Ray and Dorothy have enjoyed travel to
many countries over the years. More recently, trips to
Las Vegas became a favorite pastime. He
and Dorothy have seen the beauty of many lands but always
happily returned to their Parkdale home, thoroughly convinced
that truly there is no place as beautiful as the
Hood River
Valley.
In his later years, he took great joy in
his grandchildren and being a part of their lives.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his
three children, Gordy, of Parkdale, Peggy, of
Salem, and Sally and Joe Parker, of
Lake Oswego; three grandchildren:
Madeline, Julianne and Zach; and his sister, Lillian Toyota, of
Portland.
A time to celebrate Ray’s life is
planned for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Gorge Room
at the Best Western Hood River Inn, with a luncheon to follow.
The family suggests that memorials be made in his memory to the
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation and sent in
care of Anderson’s.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Anderson’s
Tribute Center
(Funerals, Receptions, Cremations),
1401 Belmont Ave.,
Hood River, OR
97031;
(541) 386-1000.
Please visit
www.andersonstributecenter.com to sign the family guest
book.
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