Johnny Fred Rorden, 59, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, at the Clarkston, Idaho, Hospital.
Johnny was born in Culberson, N.C., July 19, 1947. His family moved to Adrain, Ore., immediately after his birth, settling in the Big Bend area, on the banks of the Snake River.
Johnny loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter till ill health took its tole on him. He still would ride out into the woods with his brother Clarence and help him “sight out the game,” and “keep him from getting lost.”
He was an Auto Mechanic, learning very young from his uncle Earl Rorden that used to be the head Mechanic at the old Bronson Wrecking Yard between Union and La Grande. After crushing his hand at the job, Johnny went to trade school to learn to be an Auto Parts Salesman. He worked at Boardman for many years. After leaving there Johnny moved to Enterprise, Ore., in 1986, where he was a Carpenter-Handyman. Johnny loved working with his hands, even though one was severely crushed.
Johnny loved children. He was a caring and gentle man, always giving to others even when it meant going without for himself. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need.
Johnny had a happy and contagious sense of humor, and a strong will to live and accept life as it came, always finding the good in each situation. He loved making others laugh, even when he was in severe pain himself.
He battled many severe illnesses, the main ones being Congestive Heart Failure, and Diabetes. He underwent heart by-pass surgery about 10 years ago, and was thankful for each day the Lord gave him.
He was a strong Christian, reading his Bible daily until poor eyesight prevented him from doing so.
Johnny fought a good fight to live, but is finally at rest and peace, and rejoicing in heaven with family and friends, and with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Fred Rorden; half brother, Jim Payne; all of Union, Ore.
He is survived by his sister and husband, Barbara (Payne) and Gary Erwin of Otis, Ore.,; nieces, Lori Robinson of Salem, Ore., Gail Powers, of Sequim, Wash., Darcy Bruijn, of Seaside, Ore., Kimberly Hulser, of Puyallup, Wash.; brothers, Clarence Rorden of Enterprise, Ore., Ted Rorden of Union, Ore., nieces, Barbara and Lindy; numerous cousins.
Johnny’s cremated remains will be buried at the North Powder Cemetery.
The family is planning a graveside service on the Memorial Day weekend, 2007. An announcement will be made close to that time.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, November, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor