Steven Douglas Gooderham, 62, of Vancouver, Wash., and formerly of La Grande died Oct. 12 at the Veterans Hospital in Portland. A military service was held at the Willamette National Cemetery Oct. 17.
Steven was born on May 30, 1945, to Wayne and Lois in La Grande. In 1952 his mother married Alfred Martens and the family moved to Portland. His siblings, Susan, Pam and Bill, were born. The family traveled around Oregon as Alfred helped build the I-84 and I-5 freeways.
Steven graduated from Madison High School and joined the Army. He served two of his four years in Germany. Two hours after receiving his discharge papers, his platoon was deployed to Vietnam.
Steven married Carol and had two children, Wayne Lee and Wendy Dee. He then married Linda and the couple had William and Wanita. Those who knew him say he was a loving father to his children as they were the love of his life.
He learned his love for hunting and fishing from his father, and brother, Mike. Four years ago, COPD caused him to give up his hobbies in the outdoors and the hunting and fishing he loved so much. He had spent much of his lifetime on his boat with many friends and family.
During the last 18 months of his life, he lived with his daughter, Wendy, and her partner, Joe, where he enjoyed the house full of grandkids and had much joy and happiness.
Survivors include his children, Wayne, Wendy, William and Wanita Gooderham, six grandchildren, siblings and their spouses, Mike and Patty Gooderham, Bill and Denise Martens and Pam and Dan Maggs; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Martens; father, Wayne Gooderham; stepfather, Alfred Martens; sister, Susan Hart; and nephew, Ryan Hart.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries for the week ending October 20, 2007 – Published: October 20, 2007