Death Notice: Norma Springston, 89, Hood River

Norma Springston passed away on September 16, 2025, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Norma was born April 30, 193,6 and was 89 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Steven “Steve” James Paasch, 65, Hood River

Steven “Steve” James Paasch passed away on September 14, 2025, at his home in Hood River, Oregon.

He was born on October 22, 1959, and was 65 years of age at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. You can visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Mary Jane Roddy, 85, Hood River

Mary Jane Roddy passed away on September 6th, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Mary was born September 24, 1939, and was 85 years of age at the time of passing. 

Thursday, September 11th, 2025, a Graveside Committal Service at Willamette National Cemetery, where Mary Jane was laid to rest beside her husband, Phillip Roddy, Jr., and a time to celebrate her life will be later in the month at Parkhurst Place of Hood River.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Kathryn DeLois Davis Wolfe, 84, Hood River

Kathryn DeLois Davis Wolfe passed away on August 25th, 2025, at Pacific Living Center in Hood River, Oregon. Kathryn was born on October 26th, 1940, and was 84 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Doris Lewis, 97, Hood River

The family of Doris Lewis announces her passing into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doris passed at 8:35 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at My Place to Call Home in Hood River, age 97 years, following a lengthy and difficult degenerative illness.

Doris Jane Meyers was born at home on July 19, 1928, in Hood River to Elmer Ray and Alma Minnie (Kitchel) Meyers, the youngest of their three children. Doris has made this beloved community her home for most of her life, graduating from Hood River High School in 1946. After graduation, she moved to Portland with three high school girl friends to attend Northwest Business College, then worked for Meir & Frank Department Store in their Accounting Department until 1952, at which time she returned to Hood River, where she applied for the job of receptionist for the Hood River Medical Group. It was here that Doris met the love of her life; she and Dr. Herbert D. 'Herb' Lewis were married on August 10, 1968, at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Following their honeymoon in Victoria, Canada, they made their home in Manzanita, Oregon. They returned to Hood River in 1985 following Herb's retirement, and responding to the need of Doris's recently widowed mother. Doris continued to live in the same home she shared with Herb following his passing on December 24, 1989, until March 2024, when she moved into A Place to Call Home.

Doris was a people person who made the people she loved her first priority, and she loved many friends as well as family. Those of us still living can remember the first home she and Herb shared, while waiting for their house to be built in the forested hills of Manzanita, a house high on a hill which was blessed with a bird's eye view of the ocean and perfect for whale watching. But before they moved into this lovely retreat, they lived in a small apartment on Cannon Beach in Manzanita. To this nest, they welcomed a steady stream of friends and family who sought out time with this charismatic, happy, fun-loving couple. So numerous were the guests to their home that they had to set up a calendar, and one had to book a reservation several months in advance. It was always worth the wait. Herb and Doris were married for well over a year before they had a weekend entirely to themselves. We can still remember eating our breakfasts and dinners in shifts at their small kitchen table, while a feast was presented to us, one plate at a time, of some of the best home-cooked food we've ever eaten. Herb taught Doris how to cook, yes, he did. But no matter where she lived, as daughter, as roommate, as wife, as widow, her door was always open to expected -- and sometimes unexpected -- guests.

Of her hobbies, there were few, as so much time was taken up with others. She played a little piano, was a book-loving and avid reader, and loved to bowl and play bridge back in the day when it was popular. She filled countless photo albums with the pictures taken over a 97-year lifetime of precious moments spent with family and friends, sharing holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, sightseeing and travel, lunches, and church activities. She has been a member of Hood River Valley Christian Church throughout her life, the church her parents raised her in. For many years, she volunteered as a beautician at the Hood River Care Center Beauty Shop, receiving recognition in 1995 from HR Valley Christian Church for "exemplary Christian service to the community." As a member of her church, she had, throughout the years at one time or another, sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, been a faithful attendee of the weekly Women's Bible Study, and spent much volunteer activity in the Church's Thrift Shop until too ill to carry on. One friend wrote, "She is truly a Prayer Warrior keeping track of many friends and relatives and remembering to pray for each of them and their families by name." Doris never forgot anything important when it came to the lives of those she loved. Although frugal in her spending, she was generous to others with her time and gift-giving; she never forgot a birthday, graduation, wedding, or Christmas.

In addition to her husband and parents, Doris was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Isabel Ann (Meyers) and Arthur Andrew Kirscht of Richardson, Texas; her brother and sister-in-law Marvin Blair 'Cy' and Bonita Joan (Judd) Meyers of Winlock, Washington; and step-daughter Marcia McGinnis-Kelliher of Portland, Oregon.

She is survived by her nephews and nieces Andrew (Judy) Kirscht of Roselle, Illinois; David (Virginia) Meyers of Vancouver, Washington; Karen (Michael) Murray of Fairview, Texas; Lisa (Meyers) Stalnaker of Winlock, Washington; Jason Meyers of Henderson, Nevada; Alan (Wendy) Kirscht of Sherman Texas; and Samuel (Eby) Meyers of Winlock; by great-nephews and nieces Jeremy and Matthew Kirscht; Christopher and James Kirscht; Rachel (Meyers) Blomgren and Marie Meyers; Kirsten Stalnaker; and John, Cy, and Rebecca Meyers; and many great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving step-daughter Julie (Roger) Shiels of Portland; her step-grandsons Duncan Shiels of Aloha, Oregon; Jason (Jill) Shiels, and Ethan Shiels of Portland; Daniel (Cat) McGinnis of Albany, Oregon, and Ryan McGinnis of Vermont; and step great-grandchildren Elliott McGinnis, and Jason, Olivia and Isabella Shiels.

Doris would often express how grateful and blessed she was to have the parents she did. Then she would look me in the eye and say emphatically, "And you were blessed, too, to have Elmer and Alma Meyers as your grandparents." I would reply, "I know, Doris, I know! I miss them, too." And now we must sadly bid farewell to this last living elder in our family who could link us to those who have gone before and tell us the old stories. To all who knew Doris, this sometimes stubborn, always opinionated lady, who delighted in the company of those around her, who welcomed many into her life with a big smile and open arms, she will be greatly missed, too.

A memorial service will be held at Hood River Valley Christian Church on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow. Interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery in the afternoon. All arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River.

The family would like to thank Rebecca Lee and all the caregivers & hospice workers at My Place to Call Home, and the many relatives, friends, and neighbors who assisted in Doris' care through her final years. A special thank you to her cousins, Mimi Williford and Joni Logan, daughters of Iris (Meyers) Lingren, and Linda Meyers, daughter of Herschel Meyers, for being there when needed most. Her family is grateful that she received the best of care and love from all.

Death Notice: Charles W. Keller, 86, Hood River

Charles W. Keller passed away on August 20, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Charles was born August 19th, 1939, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Glenda West, 83, Hood River

The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 22, 2025 — Glenda West, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Carson, WA, on August 15, 2025. Though her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her family takes comfort in the promise of reunion in Heaven.

Born in Arkansas in 1943 to Harold and Lorene Beth, Glenda later moved with her family to Hood River, where she grew up on the family farm. She went on to share 64 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, David West. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Glenda was the cherished mother of Litha Starks (Patrick), Teresa Klein (William), Jerry West (Christina), and Cathy Chaffin (Rick), who were the joy of her life. She also held a special place in her heart for her siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who knew her as a source of unwavering love, support, and encouragement.

She and David treasured their years in Alaska, creating lasting memories in Ketchikan and Whale Pass, where they lived off-grid and embraced the beauty of fishing, hunting, crabbing, and shrimping. Above all, Glenda’s greatest love was her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived as a true servant of the Lord, constantly giving of herself and radiating His love to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Glenda was preceded in death by both of her parents.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1–7 p.m. at Anderson Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Carson Bible Church, 1131 Wind River Rd, Carson, WA, with a potluck gathering to celebrate her life immediately afterward.

Death Notice: Opal Irene Wilson, 86, Parkdale

Opal Irene Wilson passed away August 18, 2025 in Mount Hood-Parkdale, Oregon. Opal was born July 17, 1939 and was 86 years of age at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. 

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Verna Lynne Martin, 74, Hood River

Verna Lynne Martin, age 74, passed away on August 8, 2025, at Portland Providence Medical Center.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hood River Church of the Nazarene (2168 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031). A graveside committal will follow at Mt. View Memorial Cemetery in Hood River.

Arrangements are in the care of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

To share condolences or memories with the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Death Notice: Verna Lynne Martin, 74

Verna Lynne Martin passed away August 8th, 2025 at Portland Providence Medical Center. Verna was born December 21st, 1950 and was 74 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Paulina Pearle Updyke, 93, Hood River

Paulina Pearle Updyke passed away on July 22, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Paulina was born May 26, 1932, and was 93 years of age at the time of her passing. A Memorial Service for Paulina will take place at 10:00 A.M. on August 16th, 2025, at Cascade Locks Community Church (5 SW Benson Ave, Cascade Locks, OR 97014).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Hugh Whitson, 73, White Salmon

Hugh Whitson passed away on July 22, 2025, in White Salmon, Washington. Hugh was born September 15, 1951, and was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, Hood River

Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, of Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted Kolbaba was born in Hayden, Colorado, on December 6, 1934, to Fanny (neé Farnsworth) and Henry Richard Kolbaba.

He spent most of his childhood in Kalama, Washington, where he was a three-sport athlete (He was particularly proud of his basketball team) and graduated from Kalama High School in 1952. After a brief, unhappy experience in college (What he really wanted was to fly.), he entered the Air Force, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1953, he married Marian Irwin. In addition to the usual rigors of training and service, Ted entered a writing contest with a short story, “Be A Man,” which won first place in his squadron, first place in the 15th Air Force, and third place in the Strategic Air Command. After he left the Air Force in 1957, he worked at various jobs before returning to school at the University of Washington in 1958, where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1964. He was admitted to the Bar of Washington State in 1965 and practiced law briefly in Seattle. Then he and a partner bought an attorney’s practice in White Salmon, Washington, where he practiced law until he was elected Judge for the Superior Court of Klickitat and Skamania Counties in 1972. He continued as a Superior Court Judge for 22 years, a post to which he was re-elected five times. He served on the Southwest Washington Educational Services District Board for several years and was an active member of the Washington Superior Court Judges’ Association, where he served as President in 1991-1992.

Ted was a loving father and community leader. As soon as he was able, he bought horses for his children and began a lifetime of trail riding. With Marian, he led the West End Wranglers, a horse 4-H club, for 15 years. On many weekends, he loaded a herd of horses into a huge stock-truck (It was a sight to see.) and hauled them off to horse shows. He was also a well-known sight in community parades, leading the club on horseback, although his favorite horse-related activity was the annual roundup of cattle in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (aka Kow Kamp).

He coached community basketball and loved to attend his children’s football and basketball games, sometimes traveling two, three, or even four hours after work to make it to district games. An advocate for his basketball-playing girls, he fought to ensure that the girls’ basketball team had equal access to training facilities. He learned to downhill ski in his 50s so that he could spend more time with his son.

In the empty-nest phase of his life, he took up bicycle touring in a serious way, and became a familiar sight on the road between Husum and Trout Lake. He completed many double-century rides, including the Seattle-to-Portland ride. Eventually Marian joined him on a tandem bike, with which they continued to participate in long rides, such as the Cross-Oregon ride.

After retirement, Ted and Marian moved into their motor home and traveled throughout the United States, with excursions into Mexico and Canada, pursuing their lifelong interest in all aspects of American history. Few presidential libraries, historical museums, or battlefields escaped their notice. Eventually they settled in a stationary home (or homes), spending their winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, and their summers in Hood River, Oregon. Ted worked as a truck driver for Paasch Orchards during harvest for many years, “retiring” from that job only in 2014. When they settled in Bullhead City, Arizona, he volunteered at the senior center, driving the senior bus a few times a week. Ted was utterly committed to giving back to his community and his family, and he acted on that commitment every single day. Since 2019 Ted and Marian had resided in Hood River—first, in Providence Down Manor, then in Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living, and finally in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted is survived by his wife of 71 years Marian, of Hood River; his daughter Rani Merz (Bob), of Husum; his daughter, Tia Kolbaba (Jim Masschaele), of East Brunswick, New Jersey; his daughter, Tedi Paasch (David), of Hood River; and his son Kyle (Jayme) of Prineville, Oregon. He will also be missed by his grandchildren and their partners: Connor Williams of Husum, Alexa Williams Savard (Turner) of BZ Corners, H. Forrest Williams of Husum, Leandra Paasch of Hood River, Duran Paasch-Catalano (Liz) of Spokane, Kolton Kolbaba of Los Angeles, Derek Kolbaba (Aymie) of Walla Walla, Cameron Masschaele of East Brunswick, Elodie Masschaele of San José, California, Kenna Kolbaba of Portland, and Cole Kolbaba of Prineville. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren. His daughter Candace Kay Kolbaba and his sisters Berniece Wheeler and Dottie Barreith pre-deceased him.

Judge Kolbaba requested a private memorial service for family only. For those who wish to recognize Ted’s life with a donation in his memory, the family recommends a gift to Washington Gorge Action Programs, wagap.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: John Edmund Smith, 78, Hood River

John Edmund Smith was born in San Francisco, CA on September 27, 1946, to parents James and Lillian, and passed away in Hood River, OR on July 21, 2025.

John’s family vacationed in Yosemite National Park throughout his childhood. He worked there during the summer while attending college at San Francisco State University. In 1970, he moved to Yosemite and lived there for five years. During this time he met his wife, Marilyn. They were married at the Wawona Hotel on February 1, 1975. John and Marilyn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Skamania Lodge in February, joined by family and friends.

Soon after their marriage, they emigrated to New Zealand. In 1977, they returned to the United States and lived in Yosemite for another year before moving to Hood River, OR. They joined several Yosemite friends in Oregon, and became the Dee Highway Gang. The Gang and their extended families have celebrated Thanksgiving together for the last 46 years.

John worked with the Forest Service in Parkdale, then became a mail carrier with the Postal Service in Hood River. He served as supervisor from 1983 to 1993 before finishing his career as the Postmaster in Odell. He retired in 2012.

John often commented that being a father was the best thing that ever happened to him. He loved coaching Noah and Ike’s soccer teams, and joined the Ski Patrol so he could watch them become expert skiers during their years with the Cooper Spur Race Team. He also cherished his time as a grandfather, and in his final years loved watching Savvy and Sam’s soccer, baseball, and softball games.

Outside of family, John enjoyed reading, writing, playing his ukulele, photography, cats, and golf. In 2004 he won the Indian Creek Club Championship. More important than any trophy, however, was the camaraderie of a round of golf with good friends.

John contracted multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2007, and passed away due to disease complications. He wrote at great length about this experience in a blog, goodbloodbadblood.com. In it, he shared reflections on his life, past and present.

John is survived by his wife Marilyn, two sons Noah and Isaac, daughter-in-law Nikki, grandchildren Savannah and Samuel, brothers Jim, Tom (Karen), Earl (Dianne), and a sister, Mary.

There will be a Celebration of Life for John on Sunday, August 17, from 1-4 pm at the Indian Creek Golf Club. A tribute ceremony will begin at 1:30. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Gorge Cat Rescue, PO Box 486, Lyle WA 98635. gorgecat.org

Obituary: Connie Lee Smith, 94, Hood River

Connie Lee Smith, our treasured father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon—the community he called home for over nine decades. He was 94.

Connie was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, the youngest of five children born to William Otis Smith and Frances Marie Carman Smith. Around age three, he moved with his family to the Hood River Valley. From then on, Hood River wasn’t just his hometown—it was the backdrop of his entire life story. Connie built his life here, rooted deeply in family, friendships, community, and a relentless work ethic that defined everything he touched.

He graduated from Hood River High School in 1949, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. More importantly, it was there that he met the love of his life, Joan Caruso. They married in 1950 and spent the next 73 years building a life that was equal parts partnership, adventure, hard work, and devotion. Together, they raised two children—Charlotte and Philip—and created a home that overflowed with warmth, laughter, loyalty, and yes—dogs.

Connie had a natural magnetism that drew people in. He was steady, strong, and principled, yet warm and approachable. He didn’t speak loudly, but when he spoke, you listened. He had a sharp sense of humor, a deep sense of integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

His love of sports was a lifelong passion. In the 1950s, Connie played city league basketball and spent years refereeing high school games across the Columbia Gorge, often alongside his brother-in-law and close friend, Ross Scoville. Even as he aged, he stayed active—playing handball and racquetball into his 70s and hitting the golf course well into his 80s.

But his involvement in sports went far beyond his own participation. Connie helped co-found Hood River Little League with his cousin Marvin Harder and friend Bruce Erickson—a legacy that continues today. He coached Philip’s teams and was an unwavering presence at every game and practice, always encouraging, always steady.

He was equally proud of Charlotte, supporting her passion for dance. Some may remember seeing her perform at halftime during games he refereed—a family memory that still brings smiles.

Professionally, Connie was a self-made man with a remarkable instinct for business. He and his brother Billy launched their first venture in 1950, buying a Texaco station on the Heights. That gas station grew into a successful car dealership—Smith’s Rambler—and over the course of 35 years, Connie built and operated franchises for Nash, AMC, Jeep, Datsun, and Nissan. In 1972, he and Joan opened a modern dealership at 1203 12th Street, which housed a showroom, service bays, a parts department, and office rentals—a testament to their vision and determination.

But Connie’s entrepreneurial streak didn’t stop there. In 1974, he and Joan renovated a charming older home in west Hood River and transformed it into the Stonehedge Inn, a restaurant they ran for ten years. Later in life, they found joy in their winters in Sun City West, Arizona—playing golf and racquetball, walking their dogs, entertaining visiting family, and relishing the slower rhythm of retirement while never straying far from their roots.

Connie also gave generously to his community. He served on the Hood River City Council during the 1960s and was a dedicated member of the Hood River Elks Lodge for decades, where he proudly served as both officer and Exalted Ruler. He believed in giving back and showed that belief through his actions—not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.

Connie was a quiet giant in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was dependable, grounded, and deeply loving. He was there—not just physically, but emotionally—for every recital, every graduation, every game, every moment that mattered. He was a man of few words and strong values, and his legacy will live on not only in stories but in the way we try to emulate his example: to lead with character, to work hard, and to love our families fiercely.

He is survived by his children, Charlotte (Richard) Arnold of Hood River, and Philip (Victoria) Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona; his grandchildren: Jacob Arnold (Jessica Han), Nicholas Arnold (Brian Burke), Meredith Arnold (Harvey Anton), Monica Fitzgerald (Timothy), and Morgan Worrell (Taelor); and his five great-grandchildren: Dyllan Arnold, Lola Anton, Olivia Fitzgerald, Finley Fitzgerald, and Blayne Worrell.

He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, former colleagues, neighbors, and friends—each of whom held a special place in his life.

And of course, Connie’s life wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Golden Retrievers he and Joan loved and adopted over the years. They brought joy, mischief, companionship, and unconditional love into their home—and reflected the warmth and devotion that Connie showed to all living things.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Anderson’s Tribute Center in Hood River. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s name to Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and rehoming Golden Retrievers in need C/O (Andersons Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: John Cal Taylor, 85, Hood River

John Cal Taylor passed away on June 8, 2025, in Hood River after suffering Parkinson's Disease for a few years. He was born on June 17, 1940, in Wildomar, California, to Frank and Dorothy Taylor. Cal was an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and 26-year veteran and authored

“Remembering An Unsung Giant” is about the Douglas C-133 airplane and its people. He was also an accomplished photographer. He had a deep fascination with flying and airplanes from an early age.

When Cal was 6 years old, the family moved to Lakeview, Oregon. He attended a county school, and from the school grounds, he could see the local airport. That airport was like a magnet to Cal! When he neared the age of 15, he managed to find a way to hang out at the airport. He hung around the airport manager, a former B-24 pilot in the Pacific, to allow him to work at the airport and take out his pay in flying lessons. So on June 16, one day before his 15th birthday, he soloed in a Piper Tri-Pacer. For a day, he was the youngest pilot in Oregon. As a local Civil Air Patrol member, Cal participated in the International Aviation Cadet Exchange as a guest of the Swedish Air Force. After that, Sweden always remained deep in his heart, and eventually, he learned Swedish.

His deep fascination with flying and airplanes continued. During his college years at the University of Oregon, Cal participated in the Air Force ROTC Program and dreamed of becoming an Air Force pilot. However, his eyesight kept him from pilot training, so he opted to become a navigator. During his career as an Air Force Navigator, he flew B-52, C-141, AC-130, C-133, and C-130. In 1968-1969, he flew an AC-130 in Vietnam.

In 1974 through 1976, an interesting opportunity came to Cal. The Air Force sent him to San Diego State University for his master’s degree in Asian Studies to become an Air Force Intelligence officer. He always joked about this wonderful assignment! After the completion of his degree, he worked as an intelligence officer at the Pentagon and the 89th Military Airlift Wing, at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, supporting VIP missions worldwide. There, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1980 he went back to flying again, stationing in Yokota AFB, in Tokyo. During that time he met his wife, Ritsuko at Clark air Base. His squadron had frequent missions to Clark and he opted to use these missions to see each other. After one -year-long distance love affairs, Cal and Ritsuko got married at The American Embassy in Tokyo, in 1982 and they shared their life together in Tokyo.

After 2 years in Korea and 26 years in the Air Force Cal decided to retire in 1989. Cal and Ritsuko settled in Olympia, Washington, and he started his dream project, writing a book , about the Douglas C-133 airplane, which he flew 4 years in Travis Air Force Base.

In June 2005, he completed his book, “Remembering An Unsung Giant”. The book was very well received and sold more than 2500 copies worldwide. His website on Facebook:

“Unsung Giant, the C-133”. In 2017, they moved to Hood River, Oregon, to be near their family. At one point, he said to Ritsuko, “I feel very fortunate to have accomplished so much, having a very satisfying, interesting career.” They have been married for 43 years. he was a very humble and kind person.

He is survived by his wife, Ritsuko, brother, Phillip Taylor, stepdaughter, Michele Dearing, stepson, Kevin Dearing, son-in-law, Steve Olson, and granddaughters, Samantha and Rachael Dearing, Mira and Vivian Olson. Cal’s website on Facebook: Unsung Giant, the C-133.

A committal service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Willamete National Cemetery (11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR 97086).

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Richard “Dick” Bagley, 93, Hood River

Richard “Dick” Bagley passed away on July 14th, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Dick was born January 15th, 1932, and was 93 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: B. Sue Paige, 89, Mount Hood

B. Sue Paige passed away on June 23rd, 2025, in Mount Hood, Oregon. She was born in 1936 to Fred and Nell in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sue was an avid sportsman and gardener. She excelled in Skiing, golf, and sailing. Skiing alpine mountains by helicopter, sailing a single-person Hobie Cat, and traveling the world.  She transformed everywhere she lived into lush, beautiful gardens and had a flair for interior design. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Trish Paige, friend Sandy Bissell, Tess, and Rocky. She was a remarkable and determined woman in all that she did, including her relationship with cancer.    

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Kelly Knopp, Hood River

Kelly Knopp passed away June 18, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Kelly was born February 27, 1958, and was 67 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Margaret Ellen Dolan, 84, Hood River

Margaret Ellen Dolan passed away May 19th, 2025, at Providence Dethman House in Hood River, Oregon. Margaret was born May 20th, 1940, and was 84 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.