In Memoriam Grange Members are listed alphabetically.
Alan Abramson
Linden Burk
Brad McCarty
Steve Moening
Charles Smith
Ethel Smith
Alan Abramson
February 26, 1943 - February 26, 2017
Alan Abramson was born February 26, 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up in both Winnipeg and Vancouver, Canada, where he spent much time outdoors fishing and pursuing outdoor activities. Joining the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlander Regiment at 16 initiated his life-long interest in military history, as well as history in general.
At 18, Alan moved to the U.S. to attend college. Crewing on Alaskan fishing boats in the summers led to his life’s passion—owning and operating his own commercial fishing business. Alan and his wife Michelle purchased both a seine permit and set net permits with sites on the Kodiak Bear Refuge at the southwest corner of Kodiak Island. For 27 years, Alan and the family spent half of each year fishing salmon and crab—both King and Dungeness. Alan built the family’s cabins in Moser Bay, enjoying the interesting and anachronistic life of making a living from the sea, and traveling only by seaplane, skiff, or boat. The strong friendships forged then have lasted a lifetime. He partnered in a marine fabricating business in Portland, Oregon for several years, and built and ran vessels up to 65’ in length.
With his wife and son, Alan traveled widely throughout Australia, India, Mexico, and Europe. Since 1990 he has resided in Corbett, Oregon, and has volunteered at local 501(c)3s.
Alan was an involved member of Columbia Grange #267 for several years. He was Grange Master at the Columbia Grange from 2008 until 2011, leading significant improvements and upgrades to the Grange. Among his many improvements was securing proper liability insurance for the building and Grange members. His wife, Michelle, continues as an active Grange member.
Alan was also a member of the Crown Point Country Historical Society, Banzai, and The Military Vehicle Collector’s Club of Oregon.
Alan died on his birthday in his Corbett home with his wife and family at his side. Survivors include his wife, Michelle, his son, Gunnar, cousins David Lindsay, Don Abramson, Rick Abramson, and Heather Freeman, and nephew Markus Abramson.
Linden Burk
January 19, 2020
Linden was born in Casper, Wyoming, the second daughter of Yvonne an artist, and Creighton, who was a graduate student in geology at the time. Her memories of that time in her life are pretty idyllic. She spoke of hiking with her parents and sisters, Diane and Adrienne, backpacking trips, the mountains, learning to love the fairies. At the age of 7, the family moved to Princeton, NJ so her father could continue his education. She spoke fondly of living in married student housing, with families from all over the world. She was not happy with the move, however, as she missed the mountains and the wildness of Wyoming. That never faded, and when she graduated from Princeton High School, she started college at the University of Wyoming, studying anthropology. She and her dog Scooter would go backpacking by themselves, up into the mountains, and she felt at home again.
The sexism of anthropology was hard for her to accept - she knew the study of ‘man’ was just that. She also was present when a man was shot and killed in a bar, and she had had enough. She moved to Berkeley to start her junior year of college, and switched her major to art at California College of Arts and Crafts. She came out as a lesbian, and was in Berkeley in the 70’s, which was a very fun, exciting time. She became part of the women’s community, explored art in the political context of the time, which was pretty much ‘Anything goes’. Although she missed the wilderness, I think she felt she found her people.
She graduated with a degree in sculpture, and got several CETA ( government ) grants to create large public sculptures. She decided she needed more experience in building large scale installations, and started working construction. She had learned the basics when her family remodeled their home in Princeton, and developed many skills. She worked with Seven Sisters, a women’s construction collective and later formed a construction company with her friend Sandy.
She moved to Portland in 1987 after falling in love with lifelong partner Jan, forming a home with son Kerry and a menagerie of pets. Linden went on 2 trips to Nicaragua with the Ben Linder Brigade, worked construction, taught a pre apprenticeship program at PCC, studied ceramics at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, and MHCC. She got Lyme Disease, and was weak and sick for several years. She had to stop construction work. She also worked at McMenamins for 8 years, finally leaving after a hand injury from which she never fully recovered.
Son, Jacy was born in 1991. She adored Jacy with every fiber of her body, and taught him how to be a confident, competent person in so many ways. She became a cub scout leader when Jacy was in Grade School, embracing it with gusto. She arranged for star gazers to set up telescopes for a cub scout campout, she took them on hikes, did art projects with them. She was eventually edged out by the Troop Leader when the boys graduated to Boy Scouts, as he thought the boys needed only male role models. That was a big loss for her.
Throughout this time, Linden built herself an art studio, nearly on her own. She also built a wood fire kiln and a kiln barn. She kept an enormous garden growing, and nurtured her beloved blackberries. She created the now famous Blackberry Bash to celebrate the berries. She was extremely serious about her berries. Hup Ho Farm became organically certified by Oregon Tilth and and she sold berries as well as wild crafted herbs throughout the area.
She was intrinsically involved with the Grange since the early 1990’s, and was a big part of its revitalization. She was on the Grange Executive Committee and responsible for many Grange Hall improvements including a new chimney and chair storage system. She served on the Multnomah County Land Use Commission for 18 months. She was always available to help a neighbor and believed deeply in the necessity of speaking truthfully with those with whom she disagreed. She went to the Senior’s lunch on Mondays at the Grange, and to the Trumpers, would say, “So, what do you think of your guy now’, and then actually discuss good naturedly about it.
Linden was incredibly creative, imaginative, an amazing problem solver, a devoted mother, and extremely funny. She was cranky, self doubting always, easily irritated, and bossy. She was extremely organized, although everything looks chaotic. She knew where everything was. She was methodical to a fault, having figured out the right way (her way) to do everything. She called herself ‘an acquired taste.’ Mirth, Magic, Mischief and Mystery - these were the ideals to which she aspired. She was brash, introspective, bristly, soft, kind, passionate, thoughtful, complicated, hilarious and, and, and….
Brad McCarty
April 13, 1957 - April 16, 2017
Brad McCarty lived his 60 years on the roads and rivers of Oregon. With his family, he moved from Condon and Prairie City on the east side of the mountains, to the west side's Oregon City, Gresham, and Corbett. Brad is one of 6 children, and he is survived by his mother, Alice Masterson, and four siblings, including his sister Patti McCarty, who works with Helping Hands. Brad’s other siblings include his sisters Chris Gaines and Jonna Normo, and his brothers Fred and Billy (deceased) McCarty. He was a companion and helper to his mother, and to Judy Meacher, whose property he lived on, helping with shopping and home tasks.
Brad celebrated his 60th birthday on Thursday April 13 by going to one of his favorite places, Olive Garden. Brad also had Easter dinner with his family that Sunday, his final visit with his family. That night, Patti says she teased her brother about taking a long walk after their big meal, and he laughed at her joking. Years earlier, Patti remembers taking long walks with Brad along the Springwater Corridor. They would hike from Gresham to Boring, and from Cedarville to 148th.
Brad was no stranger to the outdoors, and called himself a "country boy at heart." Much of his work life was spent shuttling U-hauls and working with cars. Brad also served his country in the U.S. Army. Fishing was a grand pastime for Brad. Along with his friend and roommate Dave Jackson, Brad spent time with fishing lines in many waters around Oregon City, Estacada, Mt Hood, and the Pacific Ocean. Brad’s family will spread his ashes among those treasured fishing spots. Brad was a man of many words, and most of them were spent trying to pull your leg! Anyone who volunteered at Helping Hands, or belonged to the Columbia Grange, knew this about Brad. He was a jokester and a storyteller—that was for sure! Also, Brad was seemingly always there to lend a helping hand. He spent many long hours and most days hanging out at the Grange, working as a driver for Helping Hands, and taking care of the Grange Hall. For 7 years, he drove for Helping Hands, picking up and delivering food donations. During that time, he also stepped up as Grange Master, serving October 2011 to October 2014 to keep our Grange in working order.
The Columbia Grange membership is grateful to Brad for keeping our rich history alive, and keeping the doors open. While working with Helping Hands, Brad would stay to the end of the day, locking up the building, and as everyone was getting in their cars to head home, he would wait to be the last one to leave the parking lot. Brad made sure everyone was able to start their cars in the cold and bad weather, and safely be on their way. This was one of Brad’s quiet ways of being there for people, and making sure they were safe. We are grateful to Brad for all the ways he cared for the people in our community, and the countless hours he helped out at the Grange as the Grange Master, and as a volunteer at Helping Hands. Now, as Brad has "left the parking lot," his family and friends are gathering together, to thank him and to wish him a safe journey home.
Steve Moening
September 25th, 2023
Steve was a treasured member of our Grange and volunteered in countless ways. He, along with his wife Lori, were integral in the establishment of the new neighbor gift packets. He collected the AAA maps, the Coffee Cabin coupons, sample bars of soap, and all the rest of the goodies that are delivered to people new to our area. He was brimming with pride to share the resources our Grange had to offer. As co-chair of the Events Committee he spear-headed the building of the 4th of July Grange float, established a much-needed protocol for launching new event ideas (which he had more of than days in the year), he was the chair (and sole member), of our IT department and set up numerous Zoom meetings so we could continue to meet and serve the Corbett region during the pandemic.
Steve could be seen operating the video and sound system for most of the Grange’s movies and speaker events. Steve worked and attended 100% of our Grange events. He willingly helped the Benevolence Committee by locating and repairing used bicycles for gift giving. Steve was the Grange “Gate Keeper” arriving early and greeting members to our meetings. He excelled at creating fun ideas for kids attending our Halloween open houses. Some would say that he never really grew up if they witnessed him giggling while pumpkin carving. And yes, that family photo booth was thanks to Steve and Lori and their professional lighting and photography skills.
Steve joined the Executive Committee of the Grange to assist in making it the best it could be. As Steve’s health challenges increased, he doubled down on his commitments to the Grange. Steve gave of his time, donated his expertise, contributed his equipment and financially supported each event he worked at. He also provided many summers worth of mowing, promoted the Grange programs, and positively impacted each person he met by always wearing a smile, exhibiting his can do attitude and responding “yes” to every request. Thank you for your willingness to be a volunteer extraordinaire. You will be missed and remembered.
Charles E. Smith
August 17, 1924 - December 1, 2015
Charles was born in Fennimore, Wisconsin, on August 17, 1924. When he was five, his family moved to Oregon, where he lived the remainder of his life. His wife, Ethel Smith, was also born in Wisconsin, on a farm about 60 miles from Charles’s home. Ethel also moved to Oregon with her family when she was about five. Years later, the two of them would meet in Oregon, become friends, and eventually marry later in life after their children from previous marriages had grown.
Ethel was Charles's third wife of 14 years. She describes Charles as a hard workingman, and a happy man. He also enjoyed people, and was friendly to all. Ethel said, “Charlie used to talk to everyone. He never knew a stranger.” She said he was quite happy in their retirement years, and the two of them traveled quite a bit, including a train trip across the length of Canada. For many years prior to their marriage, Ethel and Charles were friends, along with their respective spouses. All of them often played pinochle together. Ethel admits she wasn’t too impressed with Charles’s pinochle playing! After the death of each one’s spouse, Ethel and Charles decided to marry in 2002, and they had many happy years together. Around the house, Charles was energetic, always fixing things, accompanied with his storytelling and jokes.
The Columbia Grange is proud to have had Charlie as a member for 14 years. He participated in many Grange activities, and always had a good time, visiting and laughing with fellow Grange members. Charlie served on the Grange Board as the Steward for one term. Straight out of high school, Charles joined the Navy and headed into World War II. As his ship neared its destination, the Hawaiian Islands, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Charles served at Pearl Harbor for the next three years. When he finished with the Navy, he pursued a career with the Oregon Steel Mills. Ever persistent, Charles showed up at the factory looking for work everyday, for a week. He was hired on and quickly moved up in rank, eventually promoted to manager in charge of running an entire mill. Charles worked with Oregon Steel for forty years.
Charles died of heart failure under hospice care in Portland, Oregon on December 1, 2015. Charles is survived by his children, Frederick (Kathy), Georgina (Bob) and Amelia; a granddaughter; and two great- grandsons. His step-children from his marriage to Ethel include Donna Bierer, also a Grange member and current board member (Pomona). Donna describes Charles as “the best dad I ever had.” A memorial service was held Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Charles’s longtime favorite church, The Church at Rockwood, 17021 E. Burnside St., Portland. It was a special service and reception celebrating Charles’s life, with many in attendance. Ethel and her family provided a wonderful photo display of Charles’s long and rich life, filled with many family and friends.
Some of Charles’s other interests included square dancing, and games. He was a Master Gardner, although Ethel laughs that he never once got on the riding lawn mower, or did much gardening at her farm on Larch Mountain. Could be that he was too busy fixing things Donna brought back from her job at Made in Oregon—or telling stories, making jokes, and laughing.
Ethel Smith
October 13, 1930 - May 12, 2016
Ethel was a member of Columbia Grange 267 since the 1970s, and a Corbett resident for more than 50 years. Ethel was born on October 13, 1930 in Wisconsin, and died May 12, 2016 in Oregon, after a brief illness. She was the oldest and longest living of three siblings. Ethel’s husband, Charles E. Smith, was also a Grange member, and he died on December 1, 2015.
Ethel was full of life and her life was very full—full of Family, community, history; full of joy, and full of change. Throughout the course of her life, Ethel was a mother to twelve, a wife to three, and a strong member of the Corbett community for five decades.
Many at the Grange will remember Ethel for her forthright attitude and her ready smile. She easily said what she thought, and she was not shy with her opinions. Ethel was committed to the Grange and its importance in the community. Until the end, Ethel would show up for monthly Grange meetings, even on rainy, windy nights, willing to share her thoughts and participate in any discussion. Ethel held several Grange board positions, most recently as the Chaplain until October 2014. In addition, Ethel was an area pioneer, artist, historian, and collector of memorabilia pertaining to Oregon, building an impressive family museum with her second husband.
Bottom line, we will miss Ethel and her vibrant presence. We will remember Ethel, and we are sure her laughter and strong presence will resonate throughout the Grange Hall for many years to come.
Ethel’s firstborn child, Donna Bierer, is a long time member and board member of the Columbia Grange, and a currently in 2016 serves as Pomona. We share our condolences with Donna at the loss of her beloved Mother.