David Richard DeMayo
February 20, 1948 ~ December 15, 2020
David Richard DeMayo of Heppner was born Feb. 20, 1948, in Geneva, New York, the son of Kenneth and Beverly (Clust) DeMayo. He went to be with his Lord on Dec. 15, 2020, in Heppner at the age of 72, after injuries stemming from a Parkinson’s related fall.
Dave spent his childhood in Painted Post, New York, where he graduated from high school in 1966. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw the world, seeing action in Vietnam. His home base was in Hawaii, with many R&R times spent in Hong Kong and in the Philippines. He had fond memories of times spent in Hong Kong where he sponsored a boy at a Roof Top school. He was honorably discharged after four years of active duty.
Upon reentry to the civilian world he pursued his education. He attended Monroe Community College, then traveled to the Missouri Ozarks to attend Baptist Bible College, where he met and married his wife of 47 years, Neva Cheyenne Randall. After receiving a BA in Theology, he attended Missouri State in Springfield, attaining a BS in Geology. He graduated with honors and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi. He also was a member of the Pershing Rifle Club, as a part of his ROTC commitment. This launched phase two of his military career, which comprised 16 years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a part of its Engineer Corps. This career allowed him to experience more of his own country, being assigned to Forts Leonard Wood (Missouri), Bragg (North Carolina), Belvoir (Virginia), and Wainwright (Alaska). He also had a three-year tour in Wildflicken, West Germany, and was a recruiting commander in Boise, Idaho. While in the military he did graduate studies at Ohio State University, and Webster, where he received his master’s in public administration. He retired with the rank of O4E (Major with prior enlisted time).
As a civilian he first settled in Boise, working for five years with MICRON Technology. Being the restless person he was, it was time to move on. He decided to put his master’s degree to use finding employment as a city manager, first in Vale, Oregon, for five years, then in Heppner for another five years. The troubles in Iraq triggered yet a phase 3 of Dave’s military career. At the age of 60 he was called up to active duty in 2008 as a part of Iraqi Freedom. He used his skills to help rebuild a war-torn country, helping to rebuild schools, hospital, and roads, as well as teaching them how to set up good city governments in their region. He learned to speak Arabic while there.
David’s hobbies included rock hounding, birdwatching, reading, and Bible Study, especially the Old Testament. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth DeMayo; mother, Beverly Burnside; and beloved stepfather, Robert Burnside, as well as several cats who meant the world to him. He is survived by his wife Neva; brothers Steve DeMayo (Rochester New York), Robert Burnside (Rochester), and Scott Burnside (Watkins Glen, New York); three nephews, one niece, and Max the cat.
David will be laid to rest at Heppner Masonic Cemetery. Due to Covid, there will only be a graveside service, with face masks and social distancing observed. Memorials may be sent to local Humane Society organizations, or to Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, Maryland 21298-9832.Sweeney
Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements. You may sign the online condolence book at www.sweeneymortuary.com.
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Charles Yancey Becker
November 2, 1941 ~ April 28, 2020
Charles Yancey Becker loaded his raft and departed on his final river trip on April 28, 2020. Family and friends, including Pastor Tim, were with him to pray for his safe journey. After Tim played “Red River Valley” on his harmonica, we sent him on his way with cheers and tears.
CYB arrived in Ontario, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 1941, to Cotton Becker and Phyllis Chester Becker, joining big sister Sharon Becker Jarman.
As an adventurous first-grader, he discovered a garage with fun things to do on his way to school, until his mother caught him long after he should have been in school.
A portion of his youth was spent on the Becker Ranch started by great-grandfather Charlie Becker, a pony express rider. It was on the ranch where he “earned” the first scar on his head by disobeying his father who had reprimanded him for flipping burning embers in the air.
CYB enjoyed a kid’s idea of a great childhood in Vale, Oregon. Running away from home for adventure was almost a hobby; always returning in time for dinner. Athletics became important when he reached middle school and could play football; eventually as a Vale Viking playing with, among others, Jay Johnson, Dick Fulwyler and Dave Wilcox on three state championship teams during his high school career. He wrestled because he was to small for basketball as a freshman. As a sprinter, he missed the state track meet because of mono.
With a football scholarship to Eastern Oregon College, he entered his college years. He learned a whole bunch his freshman year ending it on social and academic probation. Phyllis, his mom was not pleased. After meeting his future wife during his sophomore year, maturity set in.
CYB graduated with a degree in elementary education, taught three years in La Grande, Oregon, earning his first master’s degree in education in 1966, before moving his family to Gold Beach, Oregon.
Moving to the Beach was a whole new world. Fishing with Sam Sharp and Tim Timeus, joining the volunteer fire department with Chief Howard Hauschild and embarking on a teaching and coaching career that spanned three decades and impacted multitudes of young people. His many years of coaching middle school with Sam Sharp, Pete Payne, Keith Fleshman, and Glenn Litterell gave Charles the opportunity to be a mentor, and be mentored.
Basketball coaching at Riley Creek with Sam Sharp, Chris Thelin, and Glenn Litterell, and (with Russel Crook as bus driver) were a prelude to many years coaching JV at the high school with Brad Flanary that were all meaningful and memorable. As varsity basketball coach, he took his team to the state tournament spring of 1984. Because several of these young men had never experienced Mac Court (The Pit), he rented a black tux with a gold shirt to help them relax.
Many years of coaching track with Brad Flanary and Terry Hoogester meant hours on the bus with driver Margret Hobson and many meets “enjoying” spring-on-the-coast weather; rain, wind, hail, etc.
The year 1981 found Charles tearing down a wall at home. Jay Johnson arrived and invited Charles on his first rafting trip on the Rouge which led to many years of rafting. Rivers he rafted were, Colorado (3), Snake, Salmon, While Salmon, Grand Ronde, Deschuttes and the Green, along with many floats on the Rouge. These trips were responsible for forging lasting and special friendships with Allen Wilson, Ed & Tereasa Hirte, Beanie Moore, many Larssons, Tad & Jill Bell, Ben Winters and Mary Daniels. Thanks to Jill for making sure he was fed. Although he put in for a Rogue permit from 1981-2020, he was never drawn!
After a stint as principal at Riley Creek Middle School, Charles retired only to continue coaching for many years, often with Glenn Letterell. He was an excellent administrator.
Departing this earth proceeding Charles Yancey: all grandparents, my parents, his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Remaining behind to remember a great guy; husband, dad, brother, grampy and friend, are Michael S. Becker, Gard & Vickie Becker, her children Cydne, Natassia, Kendyl (Will) only son Noah and Christopher S. Becker of Scottsdale, AZ. Our grandsons, Tres Walker and Colton Shane Becker of AZ. Charles had four sisters: Sharon Jarman, Karen Longoria, Linda Kohl and baby sister Bonnie Becker Heinz, and Dan, as well as a bunch of nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Dan Heard (Sylvia) of Lake Oswego.
Charles had many loves: his wife, kids, Vickie, grandsons, tons of friends, (rafting, coaching, teaching), and telling stories. His motto: “Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.”
Oh, yes, his do-or-die rituals: mocha at the coffee dock with Scotty Knox, Tony Jackacky, Timothy Brieckner, and John Lander plus others. Often times it was mocha at Rachel’s with Glen, Bob Casper, Reuben Hanson, Joseph and Carolyn and Bob Chester. Following the mail run, it was coffee and Keno.
He walked Callie our wonderful Lieuallen setter to Otter Point. He walked three miles, and Callie ran 20! Sundays, his ritual consisted of picking up Jim Sharp so they could attend Bethany Lutheran Church.
Thank you to our amazing family and friends for being so loving and supportive during this time. My heart felt gratitude to Gold Beach and this entire community of friends and multitudes of former students who have been outstanding in helping to make this transition so much easier and less painful. Big hugs and thank yous to Hospice and Redwood Chapel. Thanks, Reg, always.
Yes, there will be festivities celebrating CYB just as soon as we can gather! Be ready with amusing stories to share, please. If you have any wild ideas, please call me, 541-698-8253.
Big thanks to those who have made previous remembrances in Charles’s name Those of you who would like to do so in the future, please consider Bethany Lutheran Church or the Gold Beach High School Athletic Fund.
DEATHS
• Duane James “Jim” Chamberlain, 84, of Nyssa, died Dec. 13 at a local care facility. Lienkaemper Chapel, Nyssa.
• Maria Leon Vargas, 68, of Nampa, died Dec. 13 at home. Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel in Payette.
• Alena Apodaca “Helen” Ybanez, 87, of Nyssa, died Dec. 15 at a local hospital. Lienkaemper Chapel, Nyssa.
• Betty Ann Corfield, 78, of Ontario, died Dec. 16 at a local care facility. Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel.
• Patricia Boyenger, 80, of Nyssa, died Dec. 16 at home. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Terry DeVier, 66, of Nyssa, died Dec. 17 at home. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Harold David Alexander, 90, of Ontario, died Dec. 13 at home. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
• William Bond, 92, of Ontario, died Dec. 18. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
• Elizabeth A. Flowers, 80, of Ontario, died Dec. 19 at home. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario.
LEARN HOW TO PLACE AN OBITUARY: Contact Autumn Butler, Enterprise office manager, at [email protected] or call 514-473-3377.