Obituaries for June 15, 2009

Bob’ Haberland

 Robert D. “Bob” Haberland, 84, of Haines died June 11, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.

A memorial service for Bob will be on Wednesday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Haines. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Haines Cemetery.

Bob was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Yonkers, N.Y. In 1942, he graduated from a Poly Tech High School in Yonkers and started his 20-year military career when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy Corpsman during World War II in Korea and China. 

In 1948, while stationed in San Francisco, Bob met and married Irene Collette Murphy while she also served in the Navy as an RN.

Following a short time in the Air Force and after becoming a father, Bob left the service to graduate from Tri-State College in Indiana, earning his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. 

Bob continued his military service in the Army and the Air Force traveling throughout the United States at various military bases as well as two overseas European assignments in the 1960s. He was posted to many military jobs during his service including soldier, medic, linguist, communications, Green Beret paratrooper trainer and jungle survival trainer. 

Bob enjoyed the outdoors, the mountains, camping and animals.  While living in Poulsbo, Wash., in the Seattle area near Irene’s family, Bob enjoyed renovating boats and sailing around the Puget Sound.  He loved music, singing and playing the mandolin and banjo. Bob enjoyed people, practicing locally with several musicians at jam sessions and visiting and sharing stories with friends. He worked as a volunteer ranch hand at the 7 Diamonds Ranch into his 80s.

He was a God-loving Christian and attended the First Baptist Church in Haines. He was also a financial supporter of the Appalachian Christian Children’s Fund and the Native American Children’s Fund.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Marita Haberland of Salt Lake City; and longtime companion Helen Carter of Haines.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Haberland.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Appalachian Christian Children’s Fund in care of Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR  97814.

Gregg Sherman

Gregg Harlin Sherman, 79, of Baker City, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died June 10, 2009, with his family by his side.

He fought courageously against his battle with cancer and we are all very proud of him.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral.

He was born April 22, 1930, to Vernon and Marguerite Sherman, in Baker. He graduated from the St. Francis Academy in 1948. He then served in the U.S. Army in Okida, Japan, during the Korean War. After his military service he came home to marry the love of his life, Jeanne Carole Moeller, on Oct. 31, 1953, in the St. Francis De Sales Cathedral.

He went to work for Ben’s Transfer where he was a truck driver and later was a truck dispatcher. He was then employed by Powder River Enterprises as a long-haul truck driver. He also worked for Trans Con and after retirement he worked part time in the family-owned trucking company. He always loved driving truck and made his last run just four weeks ago.

Dad loved his garden and shared his bounty with everyone. Camping and hunting were some of his favorite activities. He especially loved to make his woodworking projects for all of us in his family and we will treasure them always. 

We all know because Dad had such a deep faith, he is in a better place with Mom and he is only gone from this earth in body, but in soul he will forever remain with all who loved him.

He is survived by his children: Scott Sherman and his wife, Kerry; Sheree Groat and her husband, Tom; Shelly Shively and her husband, Scott; grandchildren, Angie Slothower and her husband, Matt, Casey Baxter and his wife, Carrie, Jeff and Dan Sherman, and Courtney, Ashley and Zach Shively; two great-granddaughters, Rylee and Brynn Slothower; his brother, David Sherman and his wife, Kathy; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jeanne; his brothers, Norris and Gerald; his parent and grandparents.