James ‘Jim’ Kopp

Dec. 9, 1933 – March 5, 2018

James “Jim” Kopp, 84, of Seneca died at his home on March 5.

Kopp was born in Mount Kisco, New York, Dec. 9, 1933. His parents died when he was very young. He quit school in the sixth grade, but was self taught. He went to work with his uncle on the fishing boats back east in his early years. He married and had four children, later divorcing. He continued his life education by studying, taking classes and reading.

Kopp moved to Alaska and became a trapper. He married a woman by the name of Masanga, and held fond memories throughout his life for her. They had one son, who was lost while they were on a seal hunt. He and Masanga later divorced.

Kopp then married Izzy. Together they enjoyed trapping and finding artifacts in archaeological sites and more. They too later divorced, but always kept in touch.

For a time he worked and managed the Rainier brewery plant in Seattle, Washington. Kopp was also a helicopter pilot in Nicaragua. He was what they called a “flintknapper,” and handcrafted blades out of obsidian. This craft dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by cultures around the world.

Kopp was an artist who painted beautiful scenery. He sketched, made ceramic pieces and enjoyed woodworking. He made several wood pieces for his home, including a kitchen table and bookshelves. He enjoyed listening to classical music when he was working in his shop. He loved the taste of Hamm’s beer, and he rolled his own cigarettes until the day he died. He moved to Seneca 20 years ago and was embraced by it.

He was preceded in death by two sons.

He is survived by his children, Ray Kopp, Cherylee Hack, Darlene Dos Santos and Kerry Clady; sister Jane and Gary Pantry of Bermuda; longtime friends Tammy Cartner and Rick Saul; ex-wife but always a close friend Izzy Kopp; and Sue Holiday, who never failed to bring him a Christmas dinner.

Honoring Kopp’s request, he will be resting at Glass Butte in Harney County. For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Kopp, the family suggests Hope 4 Paws: Grant County through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.

Michael A. Davidson

June 23, 1942 – March 19, 2018

Michael A. Davidson, 75, of Seneca passed away March 19 at Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day. His family will honor his wishes of scattering his ashes at a later date.

Davidson was born June 23, 1942, to Richard Davidson and Milderde Madson in Oregon City. Davidson served in the United States Navy and then worked as a timber faller for many years after his military service.

He loved animals and was a responsible outdoorsman. He also loved hunting, fishing and trapping.

He will be forever remembered by his loving partner, Sherry; two brothers; three sisters; three sons; three daughters; and several grandchildren.

To leave condolences for his family, visit driskillmemorialchapel.com.

Larry V. Hensley

Feb. 28, 2018

Larry V. Hensley, 64, passed away Feb. 28 in Salem. He was born in Prairie City but spent his younger years in Ontario and later moved to John Day, where he attended and graduated from Grant Union High School in 1972. He proceeded to further his education and attended Lane Community College, eventually moving to Salem.

He later met his wife, Susan L. Hensley, and they married in Ontario.

He worked as a logger and diesel mechanic, but spent his free time attending almost every activity and sports event of his grandsons, hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with friends and family, along with attending the Peoples Church.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Hensley, Salem; sister Aloma Kay Watson of Ontario; daughters Jenifer Hensley and Angela Bond of Salem; two grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

Dale Thomas Ingle

Sept. 28, 1926 – March 14, 2018

Dale Thomas Ingle, 91, of Hermiston passed away March 14 at a facility in Hermiston. He was born Sept. 28, 1926, in Mt. Vernon to Benton George Ingle and Ida Bell (Premo) Ingle. He grew up on a cattle ranch near Mt. Vernon. He attended school in Mt. Vernon.

As a teenager, he decided to join the Navy but was not old enough to enlist. His mother had to sign a paper to make him eligible. He was in the Seabees for the Navy. He served in World War II in the South Pacific Islands. He received two medals: a Pacific Campaign Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.

He worked for Blue Mt. Mills in John Day, Harris Pine Mills in Pendleton and his last employment before he retired was Rainbow Fasteners in Sacramento, California. He was responsible for all of the shipping at these jobs.

He was the past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a life member of VFW and a Main Street Cowboy, all in Pendleton.

Although he was very active in community activities and organizations, his No. 1 priority was his family. He loved to spend time with them. He was especially close with his niece Gloria Whale. He was known for his generosity, loyalty and honesty.

He is survived by his son John (Lori) Ingle of Hermiston; daughter Teresa Lynn Biggs of Hines; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Thomas L. Sheets

A celebration of life for Thomas L. Sheets will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the John Day Golf Course. Sheets passed away Feb. 25 with his family by his side at his son Daniel “Boone” Sheets’ home in Chehalis, Washington.