Walking On -- William Durschmidt; Jay Surber

William E. Durschmidt

Sept. 2, 1926 - April 15, 2013

A graveside memorial service to celebrate the life of Tribal Elder William E. Durschmidt, 86, of Coos Bay, Ore., was held Saturday, April 20, at Ocean View Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1525 Ocean Blvd., in Coos Bay, with pastor Ron Karsen presiding.

Bill was born Sept. 2, 1926, in Portland, Ore., to William Durschmidt Sr. and Florence (Pichette) Durschmidt. He passed away peacefully on April 15, 2013, in Coos Bay.

Bill was raised in Grand Ronde, Ore. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he moved to the Coos Bay area and worked for Georgia-Pacific for more than 20 years. He enjoyed his daily gardening, listening to music and was an avid reader.

For many years, Bill took loving care of his mother, Florence Freelove. They really enjoyed their traditional Sunday drives. One of Bill's other pleasures was family gatherings.

Bill was loved very much by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his sister, Catherine Russell, and her husband, Curtis, of Coos Bay. He spent the last few years being cared for by his loving niece, Tricia Houck, and her husband, Pat, of Charleston. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Durschmidt, and a sister, Virginia.

Arrangements were handled by Coos Bay Chapel.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guest book at www.coosbayfh.com.

Jay Lee Surber

Dec. 16, 1970 - April 11, 2013

Jay Lee Surber of Rose Lodge, Ore., died at his home on April 11, 2013, of natural causes. He was born in Newport, Ore., to Jerry and Nancy (Jenkins) Surber on Dec. 16, 1970.

Jay attended Rose Lodge, Oceanlake and Taft High School and lived his entire life on Bear Creek Road with his family.

The brightest star of Jay's life was his son, Jeremiah, who he cherished with all of his heart. He loved riding his four-wheeler and dirt bikes or just watching movies, video gaming or working on cars with him. He was a great backhoe operator and loved running it.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Nancy; son, Jeremiah Surber; aunts, Judi Berglin, Dorothy Short, Betty Surber, Nancy C. Surber and Patricia Weippert; uncles, Jack (Victoria) Norcross and Jim (Darlene) Norcross; and numerous cousins.

Jay will be missed by his many friends and family whom he loved so much. We will hold him dear in our hearts.

Jay will be buried on Spirit Mountain with a private interment.

Pacific View Memorial Chapel handled the arrangements.