Obituaries for April 14, 2009

Arlene Miller

Arlene Miller, 80, died April 3, 2009, surrounded by her family.

There was a reception at Arlene’s home Saturday for loved ones and friends.

Arlene was born and raised at Halfway. She was the daughter of ranchers. She married Forest Miller, also from Halfway, in 1948.  Upon Forest’s graduation from Oregon State University at Corvallis, the couple made their home in Hillsboro where they raised three children: Scott, Macie and Marty.

Their house was a popular gathering place for their children’s friends and many sought her out for her sage advice and sharp wit. Arlene was an avid reader, gardener and student of history and current events. She was a lover and protector of animals her entire life.

She was preceded in death by her son, Marty.

Survivors include son, Scott Miller, and his wife, Glynda, of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Macie Brightman, her husband, Ed, and her grandson, Evan Brightman, of Portland.

In lieu of flowers, Arlene requested donations to Washington County Hospice, The Oregon Food Bank and the Humane Society.

Funeral arrangements are by Fir Lawn Mortuary.

Virgil Britain

Virgil Ray Britain, a former Baker City resident, died April 6, 2009, at Aberdeen, Wash.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. April 24 at Burns Mortuary in Pendleton. Inurnment will be at Olney Cemetery near Pendleton.

Mr. Britain was one of nine members of the 1951 graduating class at Stanfield High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and spent most of his service time in Germany before being honorably discharged.

He began working for Cascade Natural Gas in November 1956 and continued with the company until his retirement in October 1995. He was a Top 10 salesman for several years and district manager in three different cities, including Baer City from 1975 to 1980.

He was the Company Boss of the Year award while working in Baker City. He also was heavily involved in the Rotary Exchange program while living in Baker City and a member of the Baker YMCA Board.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter and also enjoyed golf.

Survivors include his son, Jeff Britain of Hood River; daughter, Ceridwen Attwood of Aberdeen, Wash; his former wife, Lora Looman of Bend; sisters, Edna Peterson of Pendleton and Pat Massie of Hermiston; granddaughter, Caitlin Attwood of Olympia, Wash.; grandsons, Jamie Colin and Alex Attwood, all of Aberdeen, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Britain; brothers, Jack Britain, Frank Britain Jr., Gene Britain and Charles Britain; and sisters, Bertha Britain, Marie Blakley and Ruth Hoover.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or Toys for Tots.