Obituary: Frances Lillian McCall, "Fritz", 92, White Salmon

Frances Lillian McCall, "Fritz" of White Salmon WA. passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at the age of 92; exactly 20 years to the date that she lost her husband of 50 years.  

Fritz was born to Gertrude and George Moore on April 9th, 1931 in The Dalles OR, she was the youngest of ten children and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1949.  After high school, Fritz began her life as an avid member of the community where she welcomed all people with open arms, if anyone ever needed anything, she was there to lend a helping hand.  

In 1952, she first laid eyes on her husband, Virgil W. McCall, or "Tuffy" as most knew him while cruising the gut between second and third street in The Dalles. They briefly saw each other at that moment, but later fate brought them together again when they connected at a local ball game and the rest was history; they were married on October 10th, 1953.  From that time of commitment, they created a beautiful legacy that involved five children, fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren in their 50 years of marriage.  

Fritz loved all people that she came across, no one was ever a stranger to her. Her garden was always the most beautiful and well-maintained, her grandchildren loved going to pick flowers with her and make beautiful bouquets. She loved to dance and sing to all varieties of music, but Christmas music was her favorite.  Fritz loved cooking and baking for everyone; no one ever left her house hungry or without a plate of food and/or treats. She was also involved in the St. Joseph Altar Society, the Pioneer Senior Center, and a long-standing member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Alongside these caring attributes that Fritz brought to anyone she met, her smile was the best of it all; it could light up any room she was in.  She will be missed dearly, however, we are forever grateful to have been amongst a wonderful woman who created a long-standing legacy both in the community and amongst her family.  

Fritz is preceded in her death by her parents, Gertrude A. and George E. Moore, her beloved husband, Virgil W. McCall, "Tuffy", her granddaughter Becky McCall-Rees, and her nine brothers and sisters.  She is survived by her children, Stephen (Pam), Thomas (Kathy), Carol (Dennis), Mary (Alan), Jim (Tracy), her 14 grandchildren, her 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  

A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, in White Salmon WA. on December 9th 2023 at 12:00 pm; a luncheon will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home • 156 NE Church Ave, White Salmon, Washington (509) 493-1323. 

Death Notice: Steve Harold Wilkins, 70, The Dalles

Steve Harold Wilkins, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 5, 2023. A Memorial will be held at a later date.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.

Obituary: Trudy Anne Hull Ferguson, 69, Tygh Valley

Trudy Anne Hull Ferguson went home to Jesus on November 7th, 2023.

Trudy was born to Eunice and Irwin Hull on April 7th, 1954, and grew up in Tygh Valley. 

There she embraced the beautiful countryside where she shared fond memories of raising animals and fell in love with riding horses. 

After graduating high school, Trudy quickly started building a beautiful life and raising her family, eventually settling in The Dalles. She became a paraeducator at Dallesport Elementary where she met her soulmate, Dan. Together they began their adventurous life shared with family and friends.

Trudy and Dan spent many years traveling, attending concerts, going to Seahawks games, and so much more. They also spent many blissful days at “Fergie’s Bar and Grill” where many people have come together to share memories. 

Trudy joins her daughter Harmony, her parents, and her siblings Gerry, Margery, and Timothy in Heaven. 

She is survived by her husband Dan, her brother Gaile (Lois), her children Crystal, Miranda (Joe), and Jay; her stepsons Brandon and Cameron; her niece Michelle (Travis); her grandchildren Courtney, Erin, Michael, Kayle, and Blakely; her great-grandchildren Rafaella and Regina, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Trudy will be missed greatly by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at Ramsey Grange Hall, 81184 Dufur Valley Road in Dufur, OR on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Exodus 23:20

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Obituary: Allan Wimberly Schulz, 83, Goldendale

Allan Wimberly Schulz

From Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel:

By Jack Trumbull

Allan Wimberly Schulz was born in Chehalis, Washington on January 16, 1940.  The son of Margaret (Smithson) and Jack Schulz.  He grew up in West Seattle then moved to Puyallup and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1958. 

He went to work at Boeing out of high school as a hydraulic plumber.  In February 1959 Allan enlisted in the United States Navy where he was an air traffic controller on the USS Ticonderoga carrier ship until 1963.  He returned to Puyallup after his service and married “The Girl Next Door”, a friend and the love of his life, Cheryl Lynn Wunch.  They married on September 7, 1963, in Puyallup Washington where they settled.  Allan worked in the trucking industry for a number of years before fulfilling a dream of buying his own truck.  Allan ended his working career as a mechanic for Sealand in Tacoma where he also served as the Shop Steward for the Teamsters union.  Allan retired in 2001.  He enjoyed classic cars and garage time with his 1931 Ford.  In 2010, Allan moved to Goldendale after losing his wife Cheryl after 46 years of marriage.  He enjoyed the community, classic cars, and freedom on the open road. 

Allan went peacefully on November 17, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Goldendale, Washington.  He was 83 years old and survived by his sons James Schulz, and David (Gail) Shulz, his daughter, Lynette (Brian) Enstad, his grandchildren, Dylon, Morgan, Ethan (Emily), Dean (Haily) and great-grandchildren, Terrence, Kennedy, and Della.  Allan was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl, Brother John, and his parents. 

Allan’s family will be holding a private memorial. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636.  Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.      

Obituary: Larry V. Davidson

Larry V. Davidson

Larry V. Davidson passed away on Nov. 17, 2023.

He was born on September 4, 1963, in Portland, Oregon, to Don and Joan Davidson. He moved to The Dalles at 11 days old, where he loved to play baseball and basketball, fish, and hunt “varmints.”

Larry stayed in The Dalles until he left for his Mission in New Orleans. When he returned from his Mission, he married his first wife Maria Harrison, and together they moved to Rexburg, Idaho to attend Ricks College (BYU’s junior college). After receiving his Associate’s Degree, he and Maria moved to Portland where he attended Portland State University to major in Criminal Justice. That is also where he had his first child, Dylan Davidson.

A few years after graduating from college, he landed his dream job with the DEA (even as a little boy he always said he wanted to be a G-Man). As a DEA Agent, he traveled the world and held posts in Seattle; Jackson, MS; and Nicaragua to name a few.

After his career with the DEA was over, he became a Forensic Accountant, which took him all over the Country, investigating suspected money laundering schemes, and other potential bank crimes.

In 2002, while working for the DEA in Portland, he met and married his second wife Allison Drake, and she had his second child, Sofi Davidson. However, the life of a DEA Agent soon took its toll, and they amicably parted ways.

As they say, “third time’s a charm,” and it was his third and last marriage to Rebecca Seely that provided the glue that stuck. Together, they traveled, enjoyed family and friends, and activities centered around their church.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his children, Dylan Davidson, Sofi Davidson, and Spencer Johnson; his sister Linda Davidson-Joy; his nephew Brian Joy; and good friend Melanie Alley. He was preceded in death by his brother Mark Davidson; his father Donald Davidson; and his mother Joan Davidson (Tunison).

Donations in his name may be made to the Last Chance Cat Ranch of Lethbridge, Canada at https://www.thelastchancecatranch.com/donate-1.

Death Notice: Mary Joanne Cain, 62, Stevenson

Mary Joanne Cain passed away on October 29, 2023, at home in Stevenson, Washington. Mary was born on February 11, 1961, and was 62 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home • 156 NE Church Ave, White Salmon, Washington (509) 493-1323. Please visit www.GardnerFH.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Rodney Lee Lentz, 68, Goldendale

Rodney Lee Lentz passed away on October 22, 2023, at home in Goldendale, Washington.

Rodney was born July 12, 1955, and was 68 years of age at the time of passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway, Goldendale, Washington 509-772-2636.

Death Notice: Daniel Jackson, 73, The Dalles

Daniel Jackson passed away on October 24, 2023, in The Dalles Oregon. Daniel was born on February 16, 1950, and was 73 years old at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Obituary: Stephen F. Corno, 82, Tigard

Stephen F. Corno

Stephen F. Corno, 82, of Tigard, Oregon, passed away at home on October 10, 2023, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Steve loved his family, golf, and a good glass of red wine.

He will be missed by many and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maxine, and their daughter, Jill; his brothers, Mike and Ron and their wives, children and grandchildren.

A “Celebration of Life” for Steve will be held at Tualatin Country Club in Tualatin, Oregon, on November 3rd, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 pm.

Obituary: Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Franklin, 69, The Dalles

Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Franklin, age 69, passed away, on Sunday, October 8, 1954, at his home in Marion, North Carolina. Kenny was born in The Dalles, Oregon, to the late Paul Franklin, Sr. and Doris Faye Bennick.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Franklin, Jr.

Kenny was raised in Maupin, Oregon, and attended South Wasco Union High School. In the mid-70s he relocated to Marion, NC with his parents where he worked in cabinetry. Kenny was a very talented artist, even teaching his painting and drawing techniques at the local community college. He also loved sharing his own personal works of art with everyone. Ken found beauty in everything including the many different mediums of art he collected, sculptures, and art from around the world. He found great joy in music, jewelry, and foreign cars. Kenny was happiest in the company of others, sharing his love, and friendship. He had a great heart, caring deeply for friends, neighbors, families, and animals. His smile and kindness will be missed dearly.

Those left to cherish Ken’s memory are his brother, Mike Franklin, and his girlfriend Linda; niece, Carol Mitchell; Carol’s children, Ellis and Noel; along several cousins located in both Oregon and North Carolina. A service will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. Ken's final resting place is next to his parents and brother at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery.

Death Notice: Paul Stolhand, 101, The Dalles

Paul Stolhand passed away on October 10, 2023, at Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon.  Paul was born November 17, 1921, and was 101 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: Timothy (Tim) John Timmer, The Dalles

Timothy (Tim) John Timmer

Timothy (Tim) John Timmer passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon surrounded by his family. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend to many.

The youngest of six children, Tim was born in Butte, Montana, on February 10, 1959, to John and Ione (Linton) Timmer. Tim attended school in Butte until he moved to The Dalles in 1976, where he graduated in 1977 from Wahtonka High School. It was during his attendance at Wahtonka where Tim met the love of his life Patti (Deg).

Patti and Tim were married on March 3, 1979, and lived a fulfilling life raising their two children, Heather and John. He played a dynamic role in the lives of their grandchildren, attending countless sporting events, school programs, birthday parties, and family gatherings.

Tim, always known as a hard worker, held several jobs at Northwest Aluminum, where he worked until 2002. In 2002, inspired by his infamous love of spreadsheets, Tim decided to attend Columbia Gorge Community College to study accounting. Tim not only graduated with a degree in accounting but graduated with honors, including an award for Student of the Year. Following his graduation Tim began work as a Finance Specialist at Columbia Cascade Housing.

Tim will be remembered as a kind and patient man with a great sense of humor. Tim had many interests including fishing, cheering for his Dallas Cowboys, and listening to his favorite bands (especially AC/DC). He was an avid volunteer who had helped coach several local sports teams over the span of two decades. However, Tim had no greater pleasure in life than spending time with his family. He was a man whose presence touched the lives of many and he will be greatly missed.

Tim is survived by his wife, Patti; daughter, Heather Ornelas; son, John Timmer; grandchildren, Natalie, Eric, Alyssa, Jaxon, and Elliette; siblings, Gayle, Jack, Bonnie, and Cheryl. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ione Timmer, and his sister Gladys.

A viewing will be held for Tim at Spencer, Libby & Powell on Friday, October 6th from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, with the funeral to follow at 1:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held later that day at The Civic Auditorium (Community Room) at 3:00 PM.

Death Notice: LeRoy Melvyn Hayes, 85, Goldendale

LeRoy Melvyn Hayes passed away September 11th, 2023 at his Goldendale home surrounded by family.

LeRoy was born September 6, 1938, and was 85 years of age at the time of passing.  Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 15th, 2023 at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel.  Graveside Committal will follow at The Goldendale Mountain View IOOF Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway, Goldendale, Washington. 

Death Notice: David Poland, 57, Goldendale

David Poland passed away September 4th, 2023 at Klickitat Valley Health in Goldendale, Washington.

David was born on October 20th, 1965, and was 57 years of age at the time of his passing. Services are pending under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway, Goldendale, Washington (509) 772-2636.

Obituary: Mary Amelie Kirchhofer, 74, The Dalles

Mary Amelie Kirchhofer

Marijke Amelie Bors was born on September 8, 1948, at home in Tegelen, The Netherlands, her parents’ first child.

Both her grandmothers delighted in her arrival as she was also their first grandchild. In fact, with her big blue eyes and head full of natural curls, she was the delight of a very large family of 28 aunts and uncles and was loved like the favorite doll her pre-teen aunts thought she was. 

Only three years since the conclusion of World War II fought heavily in the German border town Mary was born in, Mary’s young aunts were gradually adapting to a new world of peace, dependable meals, and light-hearted pastimes of which playing with their very own living doll was a most enjoyable part. They loved to read fairy tales to her and Mary lavished in the attention and openly reciprocated all the love given her. Surrounded by adoration of such a large family, Mary’s amiable nature, willingness to please and an instinct to give trouble a wide berth made her a pleasant and easy child to be around. These complaisant traits ingrained in her earliest years would follow her into adulthood.

Mary would quickly become the big sister of two brothers and three sisters in rapid succession. At 3 she started pre-school where she relished the camaraderie of friends. At 7 the family moved to the little coalmining town of Munstergeleen where she attended grade school with a 10-class daily curriculum. Not deterred, she continued to be a diligent student. On weekends, to give her coalminer father quiet time to sleep, her mother took the young family on frequent 2-mile strolls to visit their ailing grandmother in the neighboring town. Mary, always bundled up for she did not like the cold, did however love feeding the ducks along the way and adored watching ducklings swimming behind their mamas because it reminded her of her own mom with her six children in tow. On special occasions, taught by the now-teenage aunts, the children would act out a play for their bedridden grandmother and their many aunts and uncles. When Mary was 9, her 4-year-old sister went missing from the home and the entire neighborhood set out looking for her, Mary took her bicycle out into the cold & dark to search for her. Upon returning hours later, she found her sibling had been hiding and fallen asleep under a heavy quilt draped over the footboard of her parent’s bed.

As an eldest daughter Mary had a special bond with her mother as they shared family care. At 12 years old Mary helped to handle the young brood on the family’s 11-day transatlantic journey from The Netherlands to New York City and the pursuing transcontinental trip to Portland, Oregon where, eventually they settled in the countryside of Redland, Oregon. Likewise, she was tasked with smaller chores like helping her mom peel, cut, and fry 20 lbs. of potatoes on birthdays as French fries were the favorite treat of every child. At 15 she became a big sister for the last time when her youngest brother was born the only natural American citizen of the family.  At 17 she and her parents passed the U.S. Citizenship exam and became American citizens. The remainder of the children who immigrated became naturalized citizens.

Mary continued to excel in her studies and though she was not fond of cleaning and cooking, she was a talented seamstress. She was a favored babysitter throughout the neighborhood and among her parents’ friends and acquaintances. At Estacada High School, she was a Yearbook Editor and was crowned the Homecoming Queen a testimony to both her aptitude and friendliness. She went on to College at Oregon State University against great odds. During a career counseling session during her senior year in high school, she revealed she could not afford to attend college. An excellent student, her counselor worked to show her ways she could accomplish this. While she diligently pursued the guidance, she worked at the local BirdsEye Cannery alongside her mother during the summer months. In 1970, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In her big sister role, she had quietly set a path for all her brothers and sisters to follow.

Mary moved to The Dalles as a newlywed in 1971 when Vic accepted a teaching position at Wahtonka High School. During those early years, she worked as a care provider for a Child Care Center in The Dalles. Soon, taking care of Doug and Angie became her primary focus and proudest role.

When Angie and Doug started school, Mary found a position at an insurance agency as a secretary. A few years later, she took the necessary exams and obtained the licenses required to open her own insurance agency. She was very successful in this endeavor as she had an easy rapport with her clients and always had their best interests at heart.

Busy as she was with her family, their sporting events, and working full time, Mary found time to create beautiful cross stitch pieces that were displayed throughout their home.

She was never too busy to have a cup of coffee with friends or to play a competitive round of Canasta with family.

Her other notable interest was being a member of the Cascade Singers. She loved the camaraderie and the music. The choir performed concerts near and far and gave Mary a chance to travel as part of this well-loved group. A highlight for Mary was performing at Carnegie Hall!

There is a picture of Mary as a young child with a beagle at her side. All through her childhood, there was always a dog in the family. As soon as Mary and Vic acquired their first home, a dog was a continual part of the package. Mary loved her dogs and they, in turn, were devoted to her.

While she treasured her home and connections in The Dalles, Mary was drawn to the sunshine that Arizona offered. In 2016, after their retirements, Mary and Vic moved to Buckeye, AZ to spend the winter months. She truly basked in the sunshine. She looked forward to the water aerobics classes and became a member of the choir there. Summers were spent in their cabin at Lake Merwin in Washington which was a sanctuary of tranquility and breathtaking views. The proximity of the cabin afforded an annual opportunity to visit Angie and Doug and connect with friends in The Dalles.

Mary leaves a legacy of family who will continue to honor her memory. Her spirit will also live on as friends reflect on the times they were fortunate enough to share.

Celebration of Life for Mary is to be held at Bargeway Pub Banquet room on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.

Obituary: Laurie Nichol, The Dalles

Laurie Nichol

Laurie Nichol’s legacy is one of looking upward and outward. Her last Facebook post was on Easter, expressing her hope in Jesus. Her love of people was lifelong and her ability to connect with others a true gift. Even as she was facing cancer treatments, before leaving a hospital bed, she would pray for the person who would occupy that space next.

Laurie Ann (Lyons) Nichol was born on Oct. 2, 1961, in Flint, Mich., and died on June 19, 2023, in The Dalles, Ore. She was the second of three daughters born to John (Jack) Patrick and Jean Therese Lyons. Her older sister Jeanne Marie was 2 at the time, and little sister Mary Therese came along two and a half years later.

The family moved to Bethel Park, Penn., in 1967 when Jack got a promotion with General Motors. Bethel Park was a wonderful place to grow up. Jack would randomly take the family on a “mystery trip” vacation, and they were always special to Laurie and her sisters.

Laurie loved the social side of the school. She met her lifelong friends in eighth-grade cheerleading. In high school, she was involved in all kinds of clubs, but she was most proud of being in the Bethel Park Bethettes — a part of the marching band. She raised her pom poms high at every football game, parade, and marching competition.

The family moved to Boulder, Colo., in 1978 after another job promotion for Jack. Laurie stayed behind as a part of the Kern family to finish her senior year of high school before heading west. Although she missed her family, that year was full of fond memories and a special sisterhood bond with her best friend, Traci. Laurie continued to stay close to her high school friends over the years, including traveling together, further strengthening their friendship.

Once in Colorado, Laurie got a job at StorageTek in Louisville. She and Mary loved doing aerobics together at Flatiron Athletic Club in Boulder. In January of 1986, Jeanne gave Laurie’s phone number to a medical student named Tom in the dental office where she worked, and Laurie and Tom were married on June 14 of that year. Together with the man she later referred to as her “True North,” she and Tom started the first of their 37 years as a team. They moved to Phoenix, Ariz., shortly after for his medical residency. In December of 1988, Christina “Tina” Marie was born.

After looking for a community for Tom to begin practicing medicine in 1989, Laurie and Tom settled on The Dalles. Little Tina kept Laurie busy, but Laurie volunteered at the children’s museum nevertheless. Tina became a 4-year-old big sister when Devin Lyons was born in 1993. Laurie always had her hand in their activities, whether it was Tina’s dance recitals and soccer games, or Devin’s tennis matches and musical pursuits. She even stepped waaay out of her comfort zone to coach Devin’s peewee soccer team when no one else could. Laurie loved being a mother.

Laurie’s years in The Dalles were marked by generosity, encouragement, and service to others. There was a stint where she was a “Cookie Lady,” one of several group members who would take dozens of cookies to the high school at lunchtime as a way to connect and minister. One time, Laurie was heartbroken to see a pregnant girl sitting all by herself. To her, a student like that was the reason for the ministry. Laurie continued to have a heart for the adolescent age group. Many young people considered Laurie to be a mother figure and she loved them all dearly. However, Laurie had a special place in her heart for Tina’s college roommate, Sadie, and later for the family’s Belgian exchange student, Tim. The connections she formed as the teaching director for Teen Community Bible Study (CBS) were also strong. She was even asked to officiate a wedding! Laurie was also active in CBS as the area director and enjoyed attending all types of community events.

Naturally, Laurie’s love of people extended to hospitality. Perhaps due to her Italian heritage, she opened their home to countless people of all ages and served delicious meals, no matter the size of the crowd. She loved feeding people. Bringing together the Nichol side of the family from five different states for every-other-year Thanksgiving gatherings was Laurie’s terrific idea. For years, she hosted a Fourth of July celebration for family friends in the community that even included a kids’ mini parade with decorated bikes and wagons. Each year, a king and a queen were crowned and Laurie played the Star Spangled Banner while they completed a victory lap.

Laurie loved to cook, host, entertain, dance, and have fun with family and friends. She was delighted on the occasions when she met famous people when traveling, including Carol Burnett and Cameron Diaz, and never shied away from talking to them. She loved flowers, good food (especially “snackies” made by her brother-in-law Ronnie), and her Yorkies. She was always able to portray elegance; she had a good eye for creating a beautiful yard, home, and event. For special occasions, she was always polished and stylish. She had a close bond with her sisters and mother and would visit as often as she could. She had a great sense of humor and loved laughing, especially at Tom’s antics.

She and Tom enjoyed traveling, sometimes just the two of them, sometimes with family and friends. She was thrilled when Jeanne and her husband Greg could join them in Turks and Caicos. Her favorite place on Earth was Cannon Beach. The family took a special trip after Tina’s high school graduation which included visiting Lucca, Italy, where her maternal grandfather Arthur Consani was born. That meant a lot to Laurie. Another highlight was visiting Tim and his family in Belgium a few years later.

Laurie joined cheerleading in eighth grade, but essentially never stopped cheering for others her whole life. She was a nurturer, encourager, life coach, mother figure, and friend. One of her favorite roles, though, was becoming “Nona” to her granddaughter Lucy Sofia Perez in July of 2021.

Laurie loved all the people in her life and embodied this message that she shared in the wedding service she performed: “Love is fundamentally action … and when the Bible speaks of love, it measures it primarily not on how much you want to receive, but by how much you are willing to give of yourself.”

Laurie is survived by her children, Tina Perez and Devin Nichol; son-in-law Luis Perez; granddaughter Lucy Perez; mother Jean Lyons; sisters Jeanne Myers and Mary Gillam; and numerous extended family members and countless friends.

Memorial donations can be made to The Laurie and Tom Nichol Memorial Fund through The Gorge Foundation. https://gorgecf.org/donations/

A memorial will be held in honor of Laurie and Tom Nichol at the Columbia Gorge Community College Amphitheater on Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Obituary: Thomas Andrew Nichol, M.D., The Dalles

Thomas Andrew Nichol, M.D.

Thomas Andrew Nichol, M.D. was born in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 30, 1960, and died in The Dalles, Ore., on June 19, 2023. Tom was the second child of Dr. Thomas William and Barbara (Barby) Williamson Nichol. His older sister, Cindy, had just turned 1 when he was born, and within the next 10 years, he became a big brother to sisters Suzanne, Andrea, and Meredith.

Tom spent his early years in the mountains of western Ethiopia, where his parents served as medical missionaries. His experiences included playing soccer with the local children, learning Amharic, and exploring in a swarm with the other missionary kids. Tom, along with sisters Cindy and Suzanne, attended Good Shepherd boarding school outside the capital, Addis Ababa, starting in third grade. Ethiopian food remained his lifelong favorite fare.

The family returned to Colorado in 1971, settling in Longmont for a year before moving to Estes Park in 1973. Tom attended the Estes Park schools, where he excelled in basketball and track and was crowned prom king. His name is the first inscribed on a sportsmanship plaque reflecting selflessness and character.
Tom followed his parents’ footsteps and enrolled at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill., eventually deciding on a chemistry major. He and his friends wanted to have fun and make a difference, so they created the Q.T.G.s … Quite the Guys. The Q.T.G.s’ philanthropy projects included a run benefitting the American Cancer Society. While at college, Tom played on the golf and soccer teams. He followed his parents’ lead further by deciding to enter the medical field upon graduation. He wanted to help others.
Tom attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver from 1982-1986. He became close friends with others in the Nu Sigma Nu rentals and enjoyed highly competitive foosball games during study breaks. The spring before he graduated, he proposed to Laurie Lyons, whose sister had arranged a blind date with him that January. Laurie said yes. They were married on June 14 of that year, and Tom had 37 anniversaries with “the most amazing woman I know.”

Tom’s residency in Internal Medicine was a three-year stint in Phoenix, Ariz. Their first child, Christina “Tina” Marie, was born there in 1988. The draw of the cooler Pacific Northwest, windsurfing, and the opportunity to join a medical practice brought the little family to The Dalles in 1989. A few years after the move, his son Devin Lyons was born in 1993.

Tom touched so many people with his medical acumen, compassion, and humor during the 33 years he served as an internist and then hospitalist in The Dalles. He is remembered for his generosity (offering to mow a lawn when a patient was in the hospital), his calming demeanor (a fellow doctor who immediately felt relief when Tom arrived on the scene of an emergency), his brilliant mind and persistence (saving a man’s life when others were preparing family members for the worst), and, of course, his humor and passion for life (joking with patients by pretending he didn’t know where the end of the stethoscope went, and skateboarding on the fourth floor of the hospital when it was being renovated). Being a doctor was a calling more than a vocation for him.

Tom made the most of his off-hours, too. He loved the outdoors, carefully tending his garden, and was always environmentally conscious. He enjoyed a wide variety of sports including golf, windsurfing, kite-boarding, snowboarding, and riding his road bike. If having a one-wheel is a sport, add that to the list. Once he challenged himself to ride it from home to work, making it all the way to his desk! He enjoyed gruyère, game nights, and get-togethers with his friends. His hobby farm gave him a special connection to his late grandfather Nichol’s chicken hatchery, and he was a third-generation Denver Broncos fan.

His playful nature was on display at community events, especially Dancing with the Gorge Stars in 2016. He loved coaching and helping with Devin’s and Tina’s youth teams, including soccer, basketball, and hockey. The investment was long-term, playing goalie while players practiced shooting during high school, and driving three of the boys to Portland to try out for a college soccer team. That mentorship extended to having talks with the kids that visited their home for Teen CBS and offering a balanced, thoughtful response when his children and their friends would seek his counsel. He always knew what to say.

Besides giving time, Tom and Laurie were also marked by generosity with their resources. Someone would have a need and they would cover it. Whether it was the use of their belongings or their home or financial help, they quietly contributed.

Tom enjoyed traveling as well. For Tina’s graduation, the family went to Italy, and years later visited their exchange student Tim from Belgium. Tom and Laurie vacationed at numerous beaches where he could be on the water and she could relax on the shore. He returned to his childhood home in Ethiopia in the winter of 2013-14 with Cindy, packing medical supplies and soccer balls. Tom often played soccer with local kids, sometimes missing the ball to make them laugh. In 2018, Tom and Devin took a trip to Scotland to explore their ancestral home.

Tom’s trademark gift was his humor, and he was more than comfortable using it. He enjoyed sharing his off-the-charts creativity and singing skills in the videos he made for special occasions. His storytelling, often of his own mishaps, could make others laugh, often to the point of tears. He had a quick wit and a creative perspective that brought joy and laughter.

Tom’s greatest joy was his family. “I thank God every day for blessing me with this woman and our two children.” He was thrilled to become a grandfather when Lucy Sofia Perez was born in July 2021. In classic Tom fashion, he chose to be called “Palapa,” a word he picked up in Turks and Caicos meaning “beach hut.” Tom called little Lucy one of the “great joys of life.”

The ripple of Tom’s effect on others extends to the patients he healed, the young adults he guided, the friends he loved, and the family he left with a gaping hole in it.

Tom’s legacy lives on through his children, Tina Perez and Devin Nichol; son-in-law Luis Perez; granddaughter Lucy Perez; mother Barby Nichol; sisters Cindy Nichol, Suzanne Tennent, Andrea Kell, and Meredith Heikes; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Memorial donations can be made to the Laurie and Tom Nichol Memorial Fund through The Gorge Foundation. https://gorgecf.org/donations/

A memorial will be held in honor of Laurie and Tom Nichol at the Columbia Gorge Community College Amphitheater on Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Obituary: Jefferson John Davis, 51, The Dalles

Jefferson John Davis, age 51, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 6, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in The Dalles, OR, on September 23, 2023, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Home At Last animal shelter, 200 River Rd. in The Dalles, OR 97058, or at Cove Ascension School 1104 Church St. Cove OR, 97824. Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Gerald "Jerry" Michael Kelvin, age 75, Dufur, OR

Gerald "Jerry" Michael Kelvin, age 75, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away August 14, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Georgann Grace Powell, age 95, The Dalles, OR

Georgann Grace Powell, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 12, 2023. A Graveside will be held at the Condon Cemetery in Condon, OR, on September 15th, 2023 at 1:00 pm with a lunch to follow. Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.