Gordon Aldrich, 78, a lifelong Haines resident, died Sept. 30, 2007, surrounded by his family at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise.
His graveside funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Haines Cemetery, with Cliff Cole officiating. A reception will follow at the Haines United Methodist Church.
Visitations will be Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
Gordon was born Jan. 29, 1929, to Lewis and Edna (Burnside) Aldrich. A terrible snowstorm prevented the trip to Baker City, so Gordon was born in Haines in the house currently owned by Betty Brown.
Gordon grew up on a horse and was always seen riding to and from the Muddy Creek School. He attended Muddy Creek School from first grade to 12th grade and he was a member of the last class to graduate from Muddy Creek High, in 1947.
After graduating, Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was sent to San Antonio, Texas, where he did his basic training. Then he spent two years in Oakland, Calif., as a medic and ambulance driver. He finished out his service as a dispatcher in Tripoli, Libya.
After Gordon was discharged from the service, he returned to Baker County, where he met Eula Mae Hung. They were married on May 28, 1955.
Gordon and Eula lived in Rock Creek and Gordon worked at a sawmill out of Union. He then got employment with Standard Oil Company and he and Eula moved to Baker City. He also worked for Valley Motor Company as a shop foreman.
Soon, Gordon and Eula purchased the Utoco Service Station (present site of Coles Bros. Service Station). Eula ran the Pine Cone BBQ and Gordon ran the service station and lube room.
In 1965, Gordon and Eula purchased the old Ashwood place and they have lived there for the last 41 years. During this time, Gordon worked for Dick Camp and Henry Steele, and he spent 15 years working at North Powder M&M Company. Gordon retired after the mill burned, but continued to cattle ranch on their place.
Gordon and Eula celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2005. They had been married 52 years.
Gordon enjoyed his nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren very much. The highlight of his summer was spending two weeks with them camping up Rock Creek. Gordon always knew how to make people laugh and loved to visit with everybody at the Haines Sell-Rite store. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Eula; a daughter, Pamela Mathson and her husband, Dave, of Dillon, Mont., a daughter, Sally Scelson, of Baker City; a son, James Gordon Aldrich and his wife, Chris, of North Powder.
Gordon was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lewis and Edna Aldrich; his brother, Lewis Aldrich Jr. (Bud); and his son, Ronald Hung.
Contributions in Gordon’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, October 3, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
