Obituaries
From our weekly issue dated November 25, 2009
Harold Teague
Harold C. Teague, age 89, of Cave Junction, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 28, at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors Chapel with Pastor Ron Marsh officiating. A gathering will follow at 1 p.m. at the Illinois Valley Senior Center in Cave Junction.
Remembrances can be made to the Josephine County Food Bank, 1470 S.E. M St., Suite 1-C, Grants Pass OR 97526.
Sign the family guest book at www.since1928hull.com.
Mr. Teague was born July 17, 1920 in Prescott, Ariz. to Claude & Wilda (Boren) Teague. A World War II U.S. Navy veteran, he was stationed at White City, Ore. as a firefighter and later saw action in the Philippines.
Mr. Teague was a 60-year resident of Coos Bay and Cave Junction communities where he worked, raised family and made lifelong friends. Harold was a mule skinner for the U.S. Forest Service and a trail foreman for 15 years with his beloved burro, Monique. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher and bridge tender, and as foreman for Coos Head Plywood Plant. He also worked at a lumber mill in Cave Junction as a night watchman.
A master baker and candy maker, he was well known for his Almond Roca, which he either sold or gave away when traveling as a host on tour buses. Mr. Teague would entertain the passengers by his vast knowledge of the local folklore and history of the land they were traveling through. He retired as the oldest active firefighter in the Forest Service at the age of 66.
The history and details of his life rest in the memories of everyone who knew and loved him. Mr. Teague was involved in local activities and was Grand Marshal in the I.V. Lions Club Labor Day Parade in September 2009. He enjoyed the forest, and hunting and fishing in the Illinois Valley. He was a rock hound and collector of Oregon history.
Mr. Teague had a great love of children and always carried candy in his pocket for them. He was often called Santa Claus, Candy Man or Mountain Man by those who knew him best.
He is survived by his long-time companion, Millie Chadderton; his former wife, Louise Teague; a son, Leon Teague; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Jessie and Lois; a brother, Robert; and a son, Larry.
The next time you walk through the beautiful Oregon countryside, pause a moment and listen for the soft whistling of the wind, and you will know Harold and his trusted friend Monique are still walking yet another trail in the forest.
(Sponsored Memorial)
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