Obituaries for Sept. 30, 2009

Ray McCracken

Ray “Cracker” McCracken, 95, of Baker City died Sept. 28, 2009, at Settler’s Park Assisted Living Center.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Assembly of God Church in Riggins, Idaho.

Ray was born on Nov. 13, 1913, at Farmington, Iowa. He came to Idaho at the age of 14 with his parents. Their car broke down at Council so he stayed and worked at ranching and mining at Hornet Creek, Bear Cuprum, Idaho.

Ray worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. In 1935 he started work for the Circle C Ranch at New Meadows, Idaho where he met his wife, Ruth Todd. They were married on Oct. 23, 1942.

Ray continued to work for the Circle C Ranch at New Meadows, Baker City, and at Rapid River in Riggins until 1965. He then worked at the lumber mill in Riggins until his retirement.

“We love you Daddy, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa — you finally got to go home,” his family members said.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Ronald and Jeri McCracken of Boise, Karen and Red Woods of Pollock, Rosalie and Kirk McCollough of Kuna, Idaho, and Corinna and Kevin Butler of Baker City; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, who died in 2005 after being married to Ray for 63 years.

Coles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Erma Oard

Erma Lee Oard, 83, of Baker City, died Sept. 25, 2009, at Meadowbrook Place.

A private family celebration of her life will be scheduled later at the Burns Cemetery in Burns.

Mrs. Oard was born on Dec. 1, 1925, at Burns to Harold and Ethel Hankins Cawlfield. She received her education in one-room schools and graduated at Burns.

She grew up on several ranches in Harney and Grant counties. After graduating she worked at the Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington as a civilian during World War II. She married Albert Oard on Dec. 9, 1943, at Burns.

They made their home in various locations in Oregon while Al worked for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1975, they came to Baker City where her husband was promoted to forest supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

After his retirement, the couple moved to Colorado for five years and retained a home in Baker City. They traveled to Yuma, Ariz., for the winter for 12 years, which Mrs. Oard loved.

Her married years were dedicated to her family and she worked hard to be a special wife and mother. Mrs. Oard loved horses and enjoyed the retirement years with her husband.

Survivors include a son, Michael, of Telluride, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law, James H. and Svetlana Oard of Baton Rouge, La.; and a daughter, Jane Lee Case of Redmond; brother and sister-in-law, Gaylen and Mary Lou Cawlfield of Seattle, Wash.; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Oard was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Al.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR  97814.

Barry Chapman

Arnold Barry Chapman, 48, of Baker City, died Sept. 24, 2009, in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. There will be a gathering afterward, the location of which will be announced at the service.

Barry was born on June 13, 1961, at Portland. He graduated from high school at McMinnville.

As a young man, Barry was employed in home construction before working as an elevator mechanic in Portland. He lived on his 50-foot classic wooden Ketenburg sailboat on the Columbia River in Portland and later moved it to Scappoose. He then bought a houseboat and rebuilt it.

Barry moved to Baker City in 2004 where he built handcrafted canoes, kayaks, and furniture. He joined the local Woodland Association and earned a certificate as master woodlander.

Barry was proud of his Native American heritage. He was an accomplished scuba diver and loved kayaking. He was a great cook.

“A bright light went out with the passing of Barry Chapman ... he was a big spirit who lived his life with zest. If anyone needed help he was always there to give it. Those of us who knew Barry will be forever grateful that he crossed our paths,” his family members said.

Survivors include his four children, Megan, Ryan, Jonathan and Savannah; father, Frank Chapman; stepmother, Jean Chapman; brothers, Doug W. Kellie, Donald J. Chapman and Mike Crabtree; sisters, Darla J. Bradley and Teralee L. Balcom; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Cancer Association, 433 N.W. Fourth Ave., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97209.