Michael D. Wright

Former Illinois Valley resident Michael Duane Wright, 63, of La Grande, Ore. and previously of Union, Ore., died at his home July 18, 2007.

He was born on July 26, 1943 to Willis Pershing and Hazel Ruth (Arvidson) Wright in Walla Walla, Wash. After high school graduation he served with the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964.

Known as a man of many trades and talents, Mr. Wright moved to O’Brien in Illinois Valley after working as a cowhand on the Gambel Ranch in California. He then worked in Nevada as a deep-well driller. He also worked for the former Westbrook Logging Co. in Illinois Valley for several years; and worked as a bartender at the former O’Brien Tavern (now McGrew’s) while doing carpentry on the side.

From 1987 until his death he worked as a mechanic for Grayback Forestry. As well, from 1996 to 2000 and during other times, Mr. Wright worked for Bowman Trucking in La Grande. During the 1990s he purchased a ranch in Union and raised cattle and alfalfa besides maintaining his other endeavors.

In December 2006 he sold his ranch and moved to La Grande. He enjoyed ranching, elk hunting and fishing.

Mr. Wright is survived by three sons, Willie Wright, of Washington, Utah, and Glenn Wright and Lloyd Wright, both of Cave Junction; a stepdaughter, Ray Swift, of Cave Junction; a brother, Larry Wright, of Carson City, Nev.; two grandchildren; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Frank; and his younger sister, Ruth.

At his request, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Cancer Center or the Oregon Cancer Society in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande OR 97850.

John Earl Britt

Cave Junction resident John Earl Britt, 65, died Aug. 4, 2007 at Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass.

A service will be held at the family home on Friday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. Mr. Britt requested memorial donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

He was born on May 22, 1942 in Mississippi. He was known as a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. His family said that they will miss him greatly, and always remember his love.

Mr. Britt is survived by his wife, Mary Britt, of Oregon; two sons, David Britt, of Oregon, and Steven Britt, of California; brothers and sisters, Noah Lee Shaw, of Alabama, Laverne Leonard, of Oklahoma, Billy Shaw, of Mississippi, Dorothy & Jim Barron, of Alabama; Genene Britt, of California, Earlene Baldwin, of California, Linda Carol Robertson, of Oregon, Nancy Cross, of Alabama, and Sara Lawasy; and nine grandchildren.

God looked around his garden

And found an empty place

He then looked down upon the Earth

And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you

And lifted you to rest

God’s garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best

He saw the road was getting rough

And the hills were hard to climb

So he closed your weary eyelids,

And whispered, “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn’t go alone

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home

Darrell Orr

Darrel Orr, 77, of Cave Junction, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 at his home.

Arrangements are pending at Stephens Family Chapel in Grants Pass.

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