Walking On - Nov. 15, 2011

Ray Gilliam

Aug. 28, 1942 - Oct. 29, 2011

Tribal spouse Ray Gilliam, a resident of Dallas, Ore., died on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Salem Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 28, 1942, in Moscow, Idaho. He graduated from Potlatch High School in Idaho in 1960. Ray worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1969. He married Grand Ronde Tribal member Susie Larsen on March 19, 1971, in McMinnville and they settled in Dallas, Ore., that same year.

Ray was an Industrial Arts teacher for 37 years at Willamina High School until his retirement in 2006. He taught woodworking, arts and crafts, technical drawing and drafting. He was a senior class adviser, assistant wrestling coach, announcer for football games and scorekeeper and announcer for basketball games.

He also drove school bus for the district and for other activities, including sporting events. He was a dedicated teacher who was loved and respected by his students, fellow teachers and the community.

Ray enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, water and snow skiing. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. His family was very important to him and he loved spending time with them. He enjoyed trips to the coast with Susie and working on various projects at their home.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susie; son Todd; daughters, Nikki (Dan) Hughes and Bekki (Chris) Youso; five grandchildren, Cassie, Genevieve and Olivia Hughes, and Cole and Isabelle Youso; and a sister, Karen Tish. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Wilma Gilliam, and brothers, Gary and Norman.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Grand Ronde Tribal gymnasium at Grand Ronde. Interment followed in the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Salem Cancer Institute or Willamina High School Booster Club in care of Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center 287 S.W. Washington St. Dallas, OR 97338.

Rory D. Lash

July 4, 1957 - Oct. 31, 2011

Tribal member Rory Dean Lash, 54, of Ketchikan, Alaska, walked on Oct. 31, 2011, at Ketchikan General Hospital. He was born on July 4, 1957, in McMinnville, Ore., to Clarence and Vera (Leno) Lash.

Rory was the life of every party and had an outgoing and fun personality. He owned Rory's Marina, a fiberglass repair company and loved the life it gave him. He lived for the moment and enjoyed every day. He was a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, snowmobiling and playing pool.

Rory is survived by his two children, Mandy (AJ) Fourier of Toledo, Ore., and Cory Lash of Newport, Ore. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Caleb and Avery Fourier; brothers, Jack (Suzie) Lash and Mike Lash of Grand Ronde, Ore.; three sisters, Sandra (Lynn) Gatchell of Lebanon, Ore., Betty Kumpula of Grand Ronde and Linda Kleinschmidt of Albany, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews.

Rory will be missed by a large extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Lash and Vera Leno-Lash.

A funeral service was held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the Grand Ronde Tribal gymnasium. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rory Lash Memorial Fund, which has been established at Wells Fargo.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dallastribute.com