Obituaries for Jan. 2, 2019

Published 12:40 pm Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Harley Spriet

Baker City, 1968-2018

Harley Dean Spriet, loving husband and father of three children, died unexpectedly at age 50 on Dec. 20, 2018.

His memorial service will be Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Baker County Events Center, 2600 East St.

Harley was born on June 13, 1968, at Hood River to Harley and Zoe Anne Spriet. He grew up in Baker and graduated from Baker High School in 1986. In November 1989 he married the love of his life, Myka, and they remained in Baker City as they proudly raised their family.

His three children, James, Levi and Daney, thought the world of their father and he deeply loved each one of them. He had three grandchildren and one on the way; and they, too, were his pride and joy.

Harley was a sergeant in the transport unit of Oregon Department of Corrections most of his 27-year career. He was a role model for marriage and fatherhood. Harley was grateful for the many blessings in his life; he loved with his whole heart and was happiest when spending time with his family. By family and friends, he was known for his big heart, incredible work ethic, honor, integrity, humbleness, sense of humor and infectious smile and laugh.

Harley had a huge impact on the lives of everyone in both his personal and work life. He readily provided support, encouragement and uplifting words to all who sought his advice. He was a highly impactful and influential leader who led by example with his head as well as his heart. He didn’t ask of others what he wasn’t willing to do himself.

Harley had a passion for reading and he enjoyed cooking, Viking history, shooting, weightlifting, music, singing, dancing and camping. He was a proud American, great poet, and an honorable, trustworthy friend. He brought out the best in others and inspired those around him to be more. He also loved peanut butter, ice cream, coffee, his cat Miss Kitty and his dog Bailey. Some of his favorite sayings included: “If I was any better, I’d be twins” and “There is not enough room in this world for hate.”

Harley’s passing is a huge loss as he was an amazing, deeply loved and respected husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Harley is survived by his loving wife, Myka Spriet; son, James, and his wife, Vanessa Spriet, and their two children, Sulea and Harley; son, Levi Spriet; daughter, Daney, and her husband, Keenan Barfuss, and their children, Avery, and soon-to-be-born son; brother, Rick Spriet of Springfield; sister, Jodi Spriet of Baker City; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Toby Hacker of Haines; brother-in-law, Kyle Hacker of Joseph; sister-in-law, Brandy, and her husband, Monty Bennett of Molalla; brother-in-law, Bryce, and his wife, Jennifer Hacker, of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother-in-law, Tom, and his wife, Pam Maliwauki of Pendleton; sister-in-law, Tammy, and her husband, Michael Sawyer, of Granite Falls, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends.

Harley was preceded in death by his father, Harley Deal Spriet; mother, Zoe Anne Spriet; brother, Mike Spriet; brother-in-law, Darrel Hacker; sister-in-law, Cindi Spriet; and grandmother, Arlene Spriet.

Donations in Harley’s memory may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/aGrandfathersLove. Online condolences and special memories may be made at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

Daniel Thee

Formerly of North Powder, 1956-2018

Daniel Scott Thee was born in Santa Monica, California on May 22, 1956, to Dr. Lloyd H. Thee and Mary “Polly” Pollard Thee and was the youngest of six siblings, Thomas, Susan, James, John and Nancy. Dan is also survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen Barker Thee and her children, Howard Dyer and Amy Wenzloff, both of Redmond, Oregon. Together they established a small farm in North Powder, “Thee Farm,” where they lived for more than 20 years.

Dan was first and foremost a conservationist. As a young man he worked for the USDA as a soil conservationist. He served his community on the Baker County Watershed Council and did research for the BLM and ODF&W.

Dan was a man lucky enough to live his passion, breeding endangered birds of prey and exotic animals, taking him to many far parts of the world. He was a man of many words, yet each and every word was filled with his energy, passion and intensity for life and the value of caring for nature and the world around us from South America to the Middle East. He left his permanent imprint on the Falconry community by improving the techniques for breeding endangered birds of prey. Dan never did anything in a small way; he was either all in or on his way to other interests. We will miss him, as his presence took up the entire room, yet we are reassured knowing he is free of pain and finally able to rest.

Dan was a world traveler mainly as a falconer and breeder of peregrine and gyrfalcons and hybrids thereof. He released the first peregrine falcon in Oregon for the purpose of their re-introduction as well as having bred the first white gyrfalcon in the state. Always with the welfare of the animals, he ran a quality breeding program for llamas and yaks as well.

Some of the words of his friends describing Dan are: falconer extraordinaire, humble, a good aura, kind, a good friend, fun, had a huge laugh, a lover of nature, a music lover, excellent animal trainer,

Two of Dan’s most favorite songs were Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me.” This says it all.