Richland, Oregon
John E. Chandler, 77, of Richland, died June 30, 2006, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His graveside service was at 11 a.m. today at the Eagle Valley Cemetery in Richland. Pastor Gordon Bond of the Richland Christian Church officiated. There was a reception afterward at the Eagle Valley Grange Hall in Richland.
John was born on Sept. 1, 1928, at Richland to Lloyd Estes and Mabel Rose Brown Chandler. He lived his entire life at Richland. He participated in all sports and was an outstanding athlete.
John worked as a rancher and dairyman, helped build the Brownlee and Oxbow dams, was a delivery man for Standard Oil and finished his working career with the Baker County Road Department.
John was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He loved fishing, trapping, prospecting, camping and getting wood. For John, there was no place on Earth like “the mountains.” There was nothing better than picking huckleberries, finding mushrooms or looking for wildlife. And, of course, there was always that “perfect tree” for the next woodcutting adventure.
Gardening also was one of his favorite activities, and if you wanted to do a mean two-step, he was the perfect partner.
“We have truly lost a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed,” his family said.
Survivors include his wife, Lorene; seven children and their spouses, John and Linda Chandler, Sarita and Mike Raney, Bill Chandler, Terry and Janie Chandler, Carol and Fred Gehring, Mike and Thelma Chandler and Tod and Cindy Chandler; four stepchildren and their spouses, Sandy and Bill Crampton, Bob Hewitt, Lorri and Steve Platt and Walt and Darla Hewitt; nine grandchildren; 18 stepgrandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Imogene Rawls, Bonnie Wilson and Odetta Morrison; and a grandson, David John.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Valley Ambulance Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 10, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor