Another year has come and gone, and here at the Pioneer, we reflect on the lives and stories that have marked the year. In remembering those we’ve lost, we find not just sorrow but also the celebration of lives that have touched us deeply. This is not a complete list. Please reach out if you would like to include someone in this memorial post, if you’d like to include an image, or if you’d like to expand or correct.
Obituaries
As the year draws to a close, we look back and honor the lives of those we have lost. Each person played a unique role in the fabric of our community, leaving behind memories and legacies that will not be forgotten. Here, we remember and celebrate their lives:
Thomas Carl Gienger (November 12, 1937 – January 16, 2023) was the first to leave us this year, a beloved figure whose life was marked by kindness and resilience. Thomas Gienger, age 85, passed away in his home surrounded by his family, in Tillamook, OR on January 16th, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Wendell Phillips Blum (January 1, 1923 – January 17, 2023) passed shortly after. His life, spanning a century, was filled with stories of the past and wisdom for the future. Wendell Phillips Blum was born January 1, 1923 in Tillamook, Oregon, and passed away from this life to spend eternity with our Lord on January 17, 2023 at his home in Tillamook.
John Walter “Walt” Rigterink (May 11, 1932 – January 21, 2023) left us next, remembered for his life rich with experiences. Walt was born on May 11,1932 in New Haven, Connecticut to Albert and Harriett Rigterink.
Thomas Leslie Ellwood (November 12, 1938 – January 23, 2023) followed, a man whose life exceeded his own expectations, leaving a legacy of love and strength. Thomas Leslie Ellwood, born November 12, 1938, age 84, passed away peacefully holding his wife’s hand on the evening of January 23, 2023. He thought he wouldn’t make it past 40, but he lived more than twice that.
Brian Eugene Holbrook (January 21, 1973 – February 20, 2023) is remembered as a loving family man, survived by his parents and children. Brian was born in Hazelwood, Missouri.
Michele Longo Eder (July 4, 1954 – March 12, 2023) left an indelible mark through her life, filled with celebration, honor, and inspiration. A life worth celebrating and honoring and an example for all of us.
James Timothy Goddard (June 19, 1940 – March 22, 2023) was a beloved husband, father, and friend to all, leaving a void in the hearts of many.
Scott James Blount (October 12, 1982 – April 17, 2023) departed after a valiant battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love. Scott “Scottie” James Blount passed away peacefully on April 17th, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with late-stage cancer. He was born at Tillamook General Hospital on October 12, 1982.
Steven Harvey Reeves (October 22, 1942 – April 20, 2023) moved from North Dakota to Seattle, touching lives along the way with his warmth and kindness. Steven Harvey Reeves was born on October 22, 1942, to Clayton and Adele Reeves in Bismarck, North Dakota as an only child.
Dal Henry Carver (November 29, 1956 – May 6, 2023) will be remembered not just for his life but also for the band scholarship established in his honor. Dal Henry Carver was born in Bay City, Oregon on November 29, 1956, to Donna Rowe Carver and Dallas Carver. He grew up attending Tillamook schools, graduating in 1975 from Tillamook High School.
Jacob E. Vance (June 30, 2003 – May 8, 2023) left us too soon, a young life that touched many hearts in its brief span.
Elda Bess “Bunny” Hyatt (December 11, 1919 – May 31, 2023) lived a life that spanned over a century, leaving behind a legacy of love and memories.
Kyle William Brown-Robinson (March 13, 1989 – June 3, 2023) passed unexpectedly, remembered for the joy and love he brought into the world.
Vincent Charles Blount (December 28, 1969 – April 17, 2023) passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2023, in Bend, Oregon, leaving his friends and family deeply saddened. Known for his warmth and kindness, the 53-year-old’s sudden departure has left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Gene Paul Starr (December 30, 1936 – June 7, 2023) is remembered for the memories and experiences he shared with those around him. Gene Paul Starr was born on December 30, 1936 in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Mollie Starr and passed away on June 7, 2023 in Nehalem, Oregon.
Robert R. Leighton (October 14, 1928 – June 17, 2023), known as Bob, passed surrounded by love, leaving a legacy filled with family memories. Robert R. Leighton died peacefully at home in Nehalem, Saturday, June 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Phyllis Stephens Marti (May 23, 1931 – June 19, 2023) is remembered for her sunny days in California and a life spent spreading joy. Phyllis Nadine (Stephens) Marti was born May 23, 1931 in Santa Barbara, CA to Monte and Florence (Booth) Stephens. Her early years were spent enjoying the California sunshine and beaches and her last days spent in Tillamook’s green fields.
Ruth Marie Grasseth (October 6, 1939 ~ July 2023), a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in 2023. Born on October 6, 1939, Ruth’s loving presence and nurturing spirit will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.
Philip Nelson Magwood (August 6, 1949 – June 22, 2023) lived a life exemplifying the virtue of being gentle in manner but strong in deed. Phil Magwood was a man who embodied the Latin phrase “suaviter in modo, tortiter in re.”
Virgil L. Staben (July 27, 1928 – July 20, 2023) left us at the age of 94, a life well-lived and full of memories. Virgil LaVerne Carver Staben died at the Nehalem Valley Care Center on July 20th, 2023. Virgil was born in the City of Wheeler, Oregon in 1928.
Roberto “Bobby” Aparicio (September 16, 1992 – July 22, 2023) left us unexpectedly, remembered for his spontaneity and vibrant spirit. Roberto “Bobby” Aparicio was born in Tillamook, Oregon on September 16, 1992 to Daniel and Kathleen Aparicio. He passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2023. Bobby graduated from Tillamook High School.
Peter C. Byrne (August 22, 1925 – July 28, 2023), a WWII Veteran and conservationist, passed peacefully, leaving a legacy of adventure and dedication. Peter Cyril Byrne: WWII Veteran, Conservationist, Explorer, Author At age 97 Peter Byrne passed peacefully in Tillamook, Oregon on July 28, 2023. He was born August 22, 1925 in Dublin, Ireland.
Dan “Dannie” Repass (September 28, 1949 – August 13, 2023) is remembered as a proud resident of Garibaldi, leaving behind a legacy of community pride. Dan “Dannie” Repass was born in Tillamook, Oregon on September 28, 1949 to Daniel and Lucile Repass. He passed away on August 13, 2023. Dan was raised and proudly lived in Garibaldi.
Scott Kyle Krueger (May 26, 1952 – August 18, 2023) passed in Portland, leaving memories of his time in Oregon and Wisconsin. Scott Kyle Krueger, age 71 of Manzanita, Oregon, and formerly of Madison, WI, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland.
Janice “Jan” Marie Edgar (September 20, 1939 – August 30, 2023) is remembered for her strength and grace, even in her final days. Janice “Jan” Marie (Coughran) Jacobs-Edgar (86) of Nehalem, OR, was called to her heavenly home on Aug. 30th, 2023, after suffering a stroke.
Adam Brecht (October 3, 1978 – September 8, 2023) passed tragically and unexpectedly, leaving a legacy of love and friendship. Adam Brecht passed away tragically and unexpectedly at his home that he loved, and with his best friend by his side on September 8th, 2023, he was 44 years young!
Gordon Leonard Smith (January 13, 1932 – October 5, 2023) is remembered for his life in Elsie and the many stories he shared. Gordon Leonard Smith, 91, of Elsie, died on Oct. 5 in Seaside. Gordon was born in Astoria on Jan. 13, 1932, to Frank Albert Smith and Elizabeth (Larson) Smith.
Julia Maxine Scovell (February 7, 1932 – October 23, 2023) passed peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. Julia Maxine (Lundberg) Scovell was born February 17, 1932 to Elmer and Mable (Wilson) Lundberg joining her brother Elmer and sister Florence. She was known as Maxine her entire life.
Tommy White (July 15, 2002 – October 26, 2023) missing for weeks, Tommy’s tragic death still impacts many in Garibaldi and throughout Tillamooki, his mom Cheryl and twin Robby. Tommy White celebration of life is planned for this Sunday, November 5th, 1pm-4pm at the Garibaldi Portside Bistro. Cheryl Gierga, Tommy’s mother extended this invation, “Robby and I would like to invite you to join us. This is a public event to celebrate my boy, exchange stories and mourn together.
Stella McDonald (July 1, 1927 – October 28, 2023) is remembered for her 96 years of life, filled with love and family. Stella McDonald passed away surrounded by family at home on October 28, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born to George and Ona Fry in Nugent, Texas.
Guv Baker January 17, 1936 – November 5, 2023) passed surrounded by his family, leaving a legacy of love and family values. Guvner Harlow Baker passed away peacefully November 5th, 2023 at his home in Garibaldi, Oregon surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.
Gary Albright (November 22, 1949 – November 3, 2023) is remembered for his generosity, humility, and private nature. “Just tell them I am out of town.” These are the words Gary told his family for years to use as his death notice.
Karen Lee Williams (October 11, 1941 – November 4, 2023) passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and family bonds. Karen Lee (Lyster) Williams, age 82, passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany.
Victor Wendell Lane (May 12, 1923 – November 27, 2023) is remembered for his early years in a one-room schoolhouse and a life well-lived. Victor Wendell Lane was born May 12, 1923 in Cloverdale, Oregon to Welta Victor Lane and Dure Rogers Lane.
Keith Eldon Hatfield (February 11, 1962 – November 29, 2023) leaves behind memories of his years in masonry and the impact he had on those around him. Keith was born on February 11, 1962, to Eldon Hatfield and Glennis McFarland in Tillamook, OR. He graduated from Tillamook High School and entered masonry from 1980 to 2000.
Virginia Fern Prowell (March 14, 1925 – December 1, 2023) is remembered for her life’s journey through different states and her lasting impact. Virginia was born in Bisbee, AZ on March 14, 1925. As a kid, she moved anywhere between Arizona, Washington and all points in between.
Tina Ann Weeks (July 10, 1967 – December 13, 2023) In 1996, Tina and Roger moved to Tillamook and Tina became a full time mother of five boys. She was extremely proud of all her sons and watched her youngest boys graduate valedictorian and salutatorian of their class and have three weddings in the last three years. In 2011, Tina returned to her passion and began teaching in Special Education. Her dinner table was one of her most prized possessions and she loved to gather around with all her boys for dinner, conversation and laughter.
Shirley Y. Burt (January 8, 1929 – December 19, 2023) spent her early life on a farm, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and family values. Shirley was born to Orval and LaVelle Johnson on January 8, 1929 and passed away on December 19, 2023.
Lee Blackmon (February 19, 1968 – December 18, 2023) The Tillamook County community mourns the loss of Lee Blackmon, the compassionate founder of Animal Haven by the Sea, whose dedication to animal welfare left an enduring legacy. Lee’s unwavering commitment and impactful work have left a lasting imprint in the hearts of many, both human and animal alike.
Orella Holloway Chadwick (1919 – December 24, 2023) lived her life her way, leaving us at 104 years old, exactly how she lived—on her own terms. Born in the family Cedar Hills, New Mexico adobe home and deceased in her Tillamook, Oregon dream home 104 years later, Orella Holloway Chadwick died naturally Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2023
Achilles Rae Clark – Born March 4, 2021 to Kyle A. Clark of Nehalem and Emily Faith of Parker, Colorado. Leveled up November 19, 2023 leaving behind a large, extended family throughout Tillamook County, Portland, Washington, California, and Colorado. He knew nothing but love in this lifetime.