Ronald D. Perkins, 62, of Haines died June 30, 2008, at his home.
His graveside memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Haines Cemetery. Mike Trindle will officiate, accompanied by Pastor Jack Hatfield. There will be a reception afterward at the First Baptist Church in Haines.
Ron was born on July 3, 1945, at Baker City to Dwight L. and Viola Green Perkins. His parents were the inspirations in his life. He attended Muddy Creek School during his grade school years and was a 1963 North Powder High School graduate.
He enjoyed playing football in high school. Ron attended Eastern Oregon University at La Grande and California Poly Tech College at San Luis Obispo, Calif. He also participated in some college rodeos.
Ron met Shelly Moorhead, whose parents were his neighbors, when she moved up from California. Ron and Shelly were married in 1991.
Ron had worked in horseshoeing, farming and ranching. He shoed all of the horses for the “Paint Your Wagon” movie. He became pretty good friends with the actor Richard Farnsworth and they used to exchange Christmas cards and letters.
He still corresponded with friends he met during the filming of the movie. Ron even had a chance to visit with Lee Marvin, one of the stars of “Paint Your Wagon.”
Ron has been involved with the community all of his life. He was past president of the Baker County Cattlemen’s Association, past president of the Powder Valley Water Control District and the Haines Cemetery Board. He enjoyed skiing, fishing and hunting for deer and elk.
Ron was most recently named the 2008 Haines Fourth of July Parade grand marshal. Haines is very proud to have had such a wonderful and tremendous asset to the community.
Survivors include his wife, Shelly; his mother Viola Perkins, two brothers, William “Bill” Perkins and his companion, Cherie Hall of Ravenden, Ark., and Lynn Perkins and his wife, Gina, of Enterprise; one sister, Debbie Hummel, and her husband, Melvin, of Winnemucca, Nev.; and several nieces and nephews and a community of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight Perkins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald Perkins Trust Fund, to help cover medical expenses. The contributions may be sent to Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 3, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
