Haines, Oregon
Russell N. Thoreson, 81, of Haines, died June 22, 2001, at the Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande.
A private memorial service will take place later. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.
Mr. Thoreson was born Oct. 20, 1919, in Minnesota to Mr. and Mrs. Thoreson. He later moved with his family to Gresham, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II. He was a heavy equipment operator for many years.
On Nov. 30, 1979, he married Maxine Boese in Portland. They later moved to Eastern Oregon.
Mr. Thoreson was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Lodge for many years. He enjoyed operating heavy equipment, fishing, hunting, and most of all will be remembered for being a good dad, granddad, and foster dad.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Thoreson of Haines; his children, John Thoreson of John Day, David Cannon of Cascade Locks, Sam Snyder of Gresham, and Sonja Lyman of Baker City; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande, Ore., 97850.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, June 29, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor