Wilbert Franklin Tay, 77, died April 24 at Blue Mountain Care Center in Prairie City. Mass of Christian Burial was May 2 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in John Day, followed by interment at Canyon City Cemetery.

Mr. Tay was born Feb. 1, 1937, in Chicago, to Frank and Dorothy (Negrich) Tay. He was active duty in the U.S. Air Force from Dec. 1955 to Sept. 1959, stationed in Japan as a cartographer and draftsman. He continued to serve in the Air Force reserve, retiring as master sergeant in 1997.

He worked for the city of Pendleton as an engineering technician from Nov. 1960 to May 1966. The following month, he began a career with the Forest Service, until his retirement in 2006.

He enjoyed the outdoors, music and singing. He was a member of the Juniper singers, the Juniper Arts Council, St. Thomas Episcopal Church and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

Survivors include his son, Erin Tay of Baytown, Texas; and daughter, Melissa (Jim) Davis of Kennewick, Wash.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.