James Edison Jr.

City, 1970-2019

James L. Edison Jr., 48, died suddenly on May 6, 2019, at Tigard.

A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, May 24, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Club, 2005 Valley Ave., in Baker City, to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, eat. As the celebration of life is also a potluck, guests are encouraged to bring a favorite dish and an appetite.

James was born on Oct. 15, 1970, at Baker City to James Sr. and Della Edison. He was a 1989 graduate of Baker High School and went on to attend the University of Oregon on a football scholarship. He married Leanne Edison on July 10, 1999. He worked for the Oregon Department of Corrections as a correctional lieutenant for 19 years, upholding a strong sense of justice and integrity.

James enjoyed many things in life including hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and sporting events, mainly cheering on his alumni at the University of Oregon — Go Ducks! He was also a problem solver who took on many of the difficult and unwanted tasks around the house; if it was broken he could fix it. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his father, James Edison Sr.; his wife, Leanne Edison; his children, Cheylan Edison, Raymond Edison and Kirsten Edison; and his sisters, Cathy and Carrie Edison

He was preceded in death by his mother, Della.

Suzann Hinkley

Baker City, 1961-2019

Suzann Carleen Griffith Hinkley, 58, of Baker City, died May 16, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Her funeral will be Friday, May 31, at 1 p.m. at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery following the service. Friends are invited join the family for a reception at the Baker United Methodist Church, 1919 Second St., after the interment.

Sue was born on May 2, 1961, at Baker City to Ira and Carleen Griffith. She graduated from Baker High School in 1979 and attended ITT Institute at Boise. She worked for the U.S. Forest Service and for Mitchell, Guyer and Lindley.

Sue married Milo Hinkley on Oct. 24, 1981, and with him supported a home for troubled kids whom she loved deeply. After several years she had to change plans because of personal health reasons. She amazed all who met her in her struggle with multiple sclerosis, keeping a loving and positive attitude and a smile on her face she would say “I take it one day, one minute or one second at a time and that will get me through.”

She will be missed by all the wonderful caregivers who treated her so well through the years and the family is profoundly grateful for them.

Sue loved to swim, camp, and hang out with family and friends. She was a member of the Baker City United Methodist Church and the Esther Chapter of Rainbow for Girls.

Sue is survived by her mother, Carleen Griffith of Baker City; her brothers, Kevin Griffith and Scott Griffith (Donna) of Baker City, and Lawrence Griffith (Catherine) of Vanderpool, Texas; her aunt, Gail Cook of Portland; and a huge array of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving father, Ira C. Griffith; her brother, David Griffith; her aunts, Betty Holden Allen and Phyllis Wilcox; her uncle, George E. Cook; as well as numerous grandparents and family.

Memorial contributions in memory of Sue can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Baker United Methodist Church through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814.

To light a candle in memory of Sue go to www.grayswestco.com

Rick Gryder

Baker City, 1971-2019

Malcolm Richard “Rick” Gryder Jr., 47, of Baker City, died May 9, 2019, at his home.

His memorial service will be Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Following the memorial service, friends and family are invited to a celebration of life potluck at Sonja and Ty Lawrence’s residence, 2925 Seventh St. in Baker City.

Rick was born on Sept. 30, 1971, at La Grande to Malcolm Gryder and Retha (Hudson) Gryder. He attended Baker High School and graduated in 1989. After high school, he did some training at West Coast Truck Driving. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, journeyman, and welder for numerous companies.

Rick enjoyed golfing, fishing, football and going to concerts. He loved to play video games and spend time with friends. He took pride in everything he did, from big to small. He loved to tell stories of golf courses he played on. He also had a secret passion for writing.

Survivors include his mother, Retha Gryder of Bend; his father, Malcolm Gryder Sr. of Virginia; his sisters, Kathy Gryder of Baker City and Karen Harney of Twin Falls, Idaho; his brother, David Gryder of Baker City; his daughter, McKayla Gryder of Baker City; his son, Brandon Kincade, who is stationed at the U.S. Air Force Base in Atsugi, Japan; two stepsisters; one grandchild; and numerous nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Griswold.

Memorial contributions to assist the family with funeral expenses may be sent to Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.

To light a candle in memory of Rick, go to www.grayswestco.com

Bill Bishop

Baker City, 1943-2019

William Wriley “Bill” Bishop, 76, of Baker City, died May 1, 2019, at his home.

Urn placement with military honors will take place July 26 at 2 p.m. at the Willamette National Cemetery Columbarium. The American Legion Riders will escort his urn to the National Cemetery.

William was born on March 28, 1943, at Litchfield, Illinois, to Hersey and Francis (Weir) Bishop. He attended Litchfield High School and graduated in 1962. Shortly after graduating high school Bill joined the Navy.

He married Ruth E. Martin in 1962 in Litchfield, and they were married for 18 years. He was married to his second wife, Wilma May Francis, for more than 30 years.

Bill was a truck driver for most of his career, and he also pastored the United Methodist Church in Union. He was actively involved in the American Legion, serving as the chaplain and commander. Bill was also a part of the Post 43 American Legion Riders; he was one of the charter members when the American Legion Riders formed in 2011.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Owens of Junction City, Angela Cooper of Seattle and Susan Ellis of Apple Valley, California; his son, Michael Denning of Republic, Washington; and several stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His wife, Wilma May Bishop, preceded him in death.

To light a candle for Bill or to leave a condolence for his family, go to www.grayswestco.com