Albany SOAR Chapter 12-7

08/07/2025

Recently I have been told of a passing of a Local 6163 retiree.
Stan Bender was a Millwright in Sand Chlorination. He died on
July 28th, 2025. He was 86 years old.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

07/21/2025

Chuck (Charles) Moore
May 23, 1942 — July 10, 2025
Salem
Chuck (Charles Ray) Moore peacefully entered the presence of his Savior the morning of July 10th at age 83. He was born in Westwood, California on May 23, 1942.
Chuck spent his growing up years in Scio, Oregon where he attended all 12 years of school. He received both his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Education at Oregon College of Education (now known as Western Oregon University). Chuck taught in the Albany School District and was an administrator for the Title I Programs. He developed the Albany Education Center where parents and teachers alike could acquire learning and teaching resources. The Oregon Department of Education honored him as the Oregon Title Distinguished Educator for 1995-1997. Chuck worked for the Oregon Dept. of Education as a consultant for reviewing Title I programs throughout the state.
Chuck married Barbara Jean Kilmer on July 28,1967. They were married for 58 years. They have 2 children, their son Shane Moore (wife Stacey Moore) and daughter Tonja Patterson (husband Trevor Patterson). Their grandchildren include Taprie Hayes, Dallas Hayes, Brenna Moore, Kayla Moore, and Zach Moore. Chuck loved and cherished his family deeply.
Chuck served in the Army Reserve for 6 years from 1965 until 1971.He enjoyed sports. In college he played basketball at Portland State College and handball at Oregon College of Education. He made the baseball team at OCE, but had to quit to go to work at Wah Chang. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed fishing and spent many summers with family and friends fishing in Canadian and Alaskan waters. He built drift boats and loved floating the rivers, especially the Deschutes and the Santiam.
Upon retirement, Chuck's goal was to visit all 50 states. With his wife and friends, he made that happen. Out of country, the travel highlight for him was touring Israel.
He attended Salem Heights Church and served as Lay Elder for many years. He was a teacher, mentor, encourager, and friend to many. He was a special man who will be missed.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

07/21/2025

Floyd Dean Garrison Obituary
Floyd Dean Garrison of Lebanon, Oregon passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 85. A devoted husband, proud father, skilled craftsman, and ardent fisherman, Floyd lived a life rooted in integrity, creativity, and quiet strength.
Born on August 11, 1939 in Lebanon to Francis Downing and Charles Garrison, Floyd grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and perseverance. After his school years, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with pride and distinction. Stationed in Japan, Floyd played the clarinet a testament to his lifelong appreciation for music and the arts. His time abroad left a lasting impression, and he spoke often and fondly of those years.
On February 8, 1964, Floyd married the love of his life, Ruthann Claire Rau, in West Orange, New Jersey. Together they settled in Lebanon, Oregon, where Floyd quite literally built their life from the ground up constructing the family home on Mount Hope Drive with his own hands. There, he and Ruthann raised their three children and built a legacy of love and resilience.
A skilled carpenter by trade, Floyd spent much of his career working for Teledyne Wah Chang before retiring. Outside of work, he was rarely idle. Whether sketching, painting, building intricate model ships, or shaping wood into beauty and function, Floyd found joy in crafting with care. Yet among his many hobbies, nothing brought him greater peace than casting a line and spending quiet hours fishing.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Leonard Garrison and Gary Watson. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Renee Bias, Robert Garrison, and Brian Garrison; his grandchildren: Troy Bias, Kayla Bias, Jake Bias, Peyton Garrison, Kaitlynn Rosin, Justin Garrison, and Ashley Garrison; and his great-grandchildren: Jade Bias, Levi Garrison, Ryan Garrison, Jaxon Bias, and Jenafer Garrison.
Floyd’s legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the home he built, and the stories he leaves behind told in wood, in water, and in memory.
May he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

07/12/2025

Damon Lee Smith Tribute
Damon Lee Smith, born on March 4, 1958, in Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, in Albany, Oregon. His departure from this world was due to a heart attack, but his legacy of love, laughter, and the great outdoors will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
A man of the wilderness, Damon found his greatest joy in the simplest of nature's offerings. He was a seasoned hunter and an avid fisherman, with each sunrise bringing the promise of a new adventure in the forests or along the riverbanks he so cherished. His respect for nature was evident in the way he treads lightly on the earth and taught others to do the same. His stories, often shared around a crackling campfire, were filled with the excitement of the chase and the tranquility of the water's edge. Throughout his life, Damon formed lasting friendships that were as deep and enduring as the woods he roamed. He was a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and passion for the great outdoors with anyone willing to learn. His guidance was gentle, his patience endless, and his influence on fellow nature enthusiasts will be felt for generations to come.
Damon's passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who walk the trails, cast a line, and appreciate the beauty of the world as he did. As the sun sets on his time with us, we take comfort in knowing that Damon Lee Smith lived a life full of adventure, camaraderie, and joy. His memory will be treasured always.
Damon worked at Wah Chang in Chlorination.
Damon is survived by his wife Lisa, son Travis (Danielle), his brother Kelly (Cori) and many other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly. There will not be a service as Damon wanted to be remembered as a husband, father, brother, son in law, uncle and friend.
Damon was proceeded in death by his Dad Ron and his mother Shirley and by his brother-in-law and friend Greg Buchert.
May he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

07/12/2025

Obituary for Richard "Rick" Briley
Richard Allen Briley Sr., a proud native Oregonian, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025. He was 78 years old.
Rick lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life he carried with pride and humility. After his military service, he continued to serve his community through many years of involvement with the Talbot Volunteer Fire Department, where his commitment and camaraderie left a lasting impact.
He retired from Teledyne Wah Chang in 2008, closing a long and respected career. In retirement, Rick embraced his passions— family, friends, and the outdoors. Whether cracking jokes or enjoying nature, he loved the simple pleasures of life.
Rick’s greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sandy, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised six children: Sheri, Tina, Shelly, Skee, Carly, and Ryan. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and pride.
Rick will be remembered for his strength, humor, wisdom, and the deep love he had for his family and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

05/08/2025

Uwe Felgentraeger Obituary
Uwe Felgentraeger of Albany Oregon passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2025. He was born on February 20, 1950, in Langen horn Germany to Gerhard and Erna Felgentraeger. His family immigrated to the United States on a sponsorship to Oklahoma and eventually bought land and settled in Oregon. Uwe worked at Teledyne Wah Chang for 39 years and retired in 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Darlene Felgentraeger, children Jennifer Peterson (Keith) and Paul Felgentraeger (Sandra), four grandchildren Chase, Cambria, Delaney Hagfeldt and Belen Felgentraeger, as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Uwe enjoyed his coffee no matter the time of day. He was an avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed outings with his family, particularly fishing trips to Central Oregon and yearly Diamond Lake vacations. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife Darlene to Canada, San Juan Islands, a train trip to Glacier National Park, Hawaii, exploring Central and Eastern Oregon and his month-long visit to his family in Germany was a highlight.
Uwe was a jack of all trades and was always ready and willing to help wherever needed with a toolbox in hand, lawn tools big or small, paint and paintbrushes. If you needed help, he would be there. He knew he would eventually lose the battle with AML, but he fought it fiercely and bravely to the very end. His strength was inspiring. His life journey was not alone as he had the most caring nurses at the Albany Transfusion Center who he called friends, and he truly loved and cared about. Dr. Fletcher, his oncology doctor, was always caring and supportive. He marveled at Uwe's tenacity. Uwe also seemed to connect to nurses who cared for him and his trial nurse Nichole always brought him joy during their visits. While our family will miss him dearly, we will always remember his Love of family, strength, kindness, his sense of humor, bravery and selflessness.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Mennonite Village Lakeside Center – 2180 54th Ave SE, Albany, OR 97322.
To honor Uwe’s memory, the family suggests contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
My daughter found this poem. It fits him perfectly:
He never looked for praises.
He was never one to boast.
He just went on quietly working,
for the ones he loved the most.
His dreams were seldom spoken.
His wants were very few.
And most of the time
His worries went unspoken too.
He was there ...
A firm foundation.
Through all our storms of life.
A sturdy hand to hold on to,
In times of stress and strife.
A true friend we could turn to,
When times were good or bad.
One of our greatest blessings.
The man that we called Dad.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

Events
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 21, 2025
1:00PM
Lakeside Center at Mennonite Village
2180 54th Ave. SE
Albany, OR 97322

04/24/2025

James Denham Obituary
James H. Denham
September 26, 1952 - December 9, 2024
Jim was born in Klamath Falls, Ore. to Cleo (Lee) and Fred Harvey Denham. He graduated from Klamath Union High School, earned a bachelor's degree from University of Washington, and a Law degree from University of Oregon in 1977. Jim met his wife, Vickie Murdoch in 1972 on a study abroad program in Heidelberg, Germany.
Jim and Vickie married in 1975. They moved to Albany, Ore. in 1977 so Jim could take a position at what was then Wah Chang. They raised two boys, Jesse and Mac, grateful for their peer groups and terrific Albany teachers. After thirty years and outlasting a lot of change, Jim retired in 2016 from ATI Metals. The couple moved to Florence, Ore. in 2019.
Jim was involved in and served on boards of many Albany organizations throughout his life, including Boys and Girls Club, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Samaritan Health, and Central Willamette Credit Union. He was honored with the Chamber's Distinguished Service award in 2010.
He was a man who put family first, loved serving his community, and was always willing to ask the hard questions. He was notoriously persistent with those questions until he got answers.
Jim died at home of pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife; sons; daughters in law, Sara and Kayla; sisters, Jeanne and Janet; and four grandchildren.
An open house celebration of life will be held at the Albany Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Drop in for food and drink and if possible, a story to share.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

04/11/2025

Death of a Union worker
Uge Felgentraeger passed away the 1st week of March from AML (acute myeloid leukemia).
I will post the obituary when it is posted.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

04/09/2025

Leslie Steeprow Obituary
Leslie "Les" Oren Steeprow are saddened to announce his passing on March 27th, 2025. Les was born in Corvallis, Oregon on May 7, 1944, to James and Naomi Steeprow and raised in Alsea, Oregon where he graduated from Alsea High School in 1962.
After a stint in the Air Force, Les came home and worked in the timber industry for a time eventually moving to Pendleton, Or to continue his education at Blue Mountain Community College. It was there he met his future wife, Yvonne. After their marriage, they moved to Corvallis, Or and eventually, to Albany, Or. to raise a family. It was during this time that Les started working at Wah Chang in Albany, where he worked for 42 years until he retired as a millwright.
In his spare time, he enjoyed his hunting, fishing and casino trips with family and friends, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On the weekends, when he was not working at the farm in Alsea, he spent time watching NASCAR, football or whatever sport tickled his fancy at the time.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard and two grandchildren, Anthony and James (JJ)
Les is survived by his wife, Yvonne, of 58 years, children Kimberly and David, brothers James and Ed, two grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.Les will always be in our hearts. One grandson said it all when he said that Les was one of a kind and couldn't be replaced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Shriners Childrens Hospital in Portland."
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11;00 am at Alsea Cemetery in Alsea Oregon. Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

03/07/2025

Thomas Norris Etzel Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Norris Etzel of Salem, Oregon, who passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
In the hush of twilight, as the stars twinkle in silent homage, we reflect on the legacy Thomas Norris leaves behind and his impact on the lives of his loved ones. Though Thomas Norris may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the memories held dear by his family and friends, a guiding light that illuminates their paths in times of darkness.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17th 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service (605 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301).
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

02/18/2025

James D. Pitts
August 25, 1940 – February 13, 2025
James Deward Pitts, 84, of Lebanon, died, February 13, 2025 at his home.
Jim was born August 25, 1940 in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas the son of Lora Deward and Lillian (Bates) Pitts. Jim resided in Arknasas until moving to Roseburg, where he graduated from high school.
He entered the US Army in 1958 and was discharged in 1963. He later settled in Lebanon and worked for Wah Chang until his retirement.
Jim had coached softball, enjoyed bowling and spending time with friends and family.
He is survived by his children Diana Brown, Debbie Cleveland, Vicki Oldaker and Richard Pitts, brothers Jerry and Sam Pitts, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
His parents and brother Bob Pitts preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Private burial will be at Roseburg Memorial Gardens in Roseburg, Oregon.
May he rest in peace,
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy

02/14/2025

Charles Cass Obituary
Charles "Wayne" Cass passed away on February 10, 2025 at the age of 84 in Albany, Oregon, leaving a legacy of laughter, generosity, and unwavering faith. Wayne was born on July 26, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, to the late Charles and Evangeline Cass.

Wayne was a dedicated husband to Kay Cass and a loving father to Wayne Lee (Dori) Cass, Stephanie (Jonathan) Holiman, and Shane (Melissa Blue Sky) Cass. He was also a proud grandfather to Josh (Kimberly) Cass, Rachel Gortsema, Jordan (Ruby) Holiman, Cameron (Michelle) Holiman, Dakota (Susie) Holiman, and Esme Blue Sky Cass, and a great-grandfather to Zachariah Gortsema.

Wayne worked as a journeyman pipefitter at Teledyne Wah Chang where he was known for his camaraderie and willingness to help others. His adventurous spirit and love for travel took him to many places, where he found fulfillment working on both overseas and local mission projects. Always ready with a helping hand or a shared laugh, Wayne touched countless lives through his generosity and dedication.

Wayne's life was a testament to his values: faith, family, and service. Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. The memorial service will be held at Hope Church on Wednesday, February 19th at 11am.
May he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Garry Steffy