Jack Darrah, 70, died on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 in Richland, Ore. A Memorial Service – Celebration of Jack’s Life was held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at the Reasoner Retreat where Jack had resided this past year.
Jack Irwin Darrah was born on Oct. 4, 1937 in Cody, Wyo., to Harrison and Mable Dix Darrah. He was raised and educated in Cody, Wyoming. In 1953 Jack joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean Conflict until 1958.
Jack began working early in his life. He started driving horse teams hauling logs when he was 9 years old. He enjoyed working construction most during his life and worked for Peter Kewitt Construction in Wyoming. He also drove truck for quite a while until he was involved in an accident which resulted from numerous injuries leaving him unable to work.
Jack met Betty in Hermiston, Ore. Although they never married, they were together for 16 years until his death.
Jack “loved” to fish and did so whenever he got the chance. He also liked to stay busy, he always had something to do and definitely had a dry since of humor.
This last December Jack and Betty moved to the Reasoner Retreat Foster Care home in Richland. Jack enjoyed spending his time there, he enjoyed the countryside and beauty that surrounded him in every direction that he looked.
Jack is survived by his companion of 16 years Betty Gray of Richland, Ore., sons James Darrah of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Don Darrah of Palm Springs, Calif.; daughter Angela Heiser of Montana, step-daughters Nancy Nelson of Baker City and Melanie Chadwick of Cheyenne, Wyo., mother Mable Dix of Wyoming, sisters Sandy Reynolds and Linda Lorenz of Powell, Wyo., brothers Bill Hunter of Kennewick, Wash., and Joe Darrah of Powell, Wyo.; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Jack may do so to Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home to help the family with the funeral expenses P.O. Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, November 8, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor