PORTLAND – Leonard E. Oster, 77, formerly of John Day, died Jan. 8 at Park Forest Care Center in Portland. No services will be held.

Mr. Oster was born May 16, 1937, in Madras, the youngest son of L.E. “Red” and Fannie Oster. He attended school at the one-room school in Frenchglen. He spent his younger years in the Burns area, before the family relocated to the Dayville area, where he graduated from Dayville High School. It was there he met and married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Cant.

They lived in the John Day area for many years. They moved to Baker City, where they raised their family.

He retired from Ellington Timber Company, after supervising the construction of miles of logging roads. He also had a saddle shop for over 35 years, catering to the working cowboy with saddles in many states and Australia.

He was a member of the John Day Elks Lodge for over 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; daughters, Luann (Ed) Cook and Linda (Brian) Oster-Bainnson; granddaughters, Brynne and Elyah Oster-Bainnson, all of Portland; a brother, Clarence Oster of Richland, Wash.; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arlie and Jess.

Memorial donations may be made to the Grant County Ranch and Rodeo Museum, 241 E. Main St., John Day, OR 97845.