Michael Raymond Gehring

Michael Raymond Gehring was born June 9, 1947, in Noblesville, Indiana, to Richard K and Rebecca E. (Carey) Gehring. He spent his early years in Indiana, but the family moved often before finally landing in Hillsboro, Oregon. Michael was the second oldest out of four siblings; Daniel Gehring, who preceded him in death, his sister, Linda, of Aumsville, OR, and his brother, Patrick, of Massachusetts. Michael graduated from Hillsboro Union High School in 1965. He played basketball while in school but his passion was working and rebuilding hot rods with his life-long friend, Norman Harner. Upon graduation, Michael married Dayna Smith. They had two children, Scott Michael and Chance Allen. In 1976, Chance passed away as a result of cystinosis. Michael and Dayna’s marriage ended several years later.  Michael’s career path was as a newspaper-man. He worked at various printing companies until finding the perfect fit at Eagle Web Press in 1971. After forty years of dedicated service, Michael retired from Eagle Web Press as general manager.  Michael’s true passion was bass fishing. His close friend, Mike Connor, and he would travel throughout Oregon in hunt of the perfect bass lake. Both Mikes were members of Polk Bass Busters, a bass fishing club, and they participated in numerous fishing tournaments where many awards were won. In 2012, Michael met the love of his life, Vivian Pioco, in the Philippines. He and Vivian married on November 12, 2013. With their marriage, Michael also became father to their daughter, VJ. He also welcomed Vivian’s extended family as his own and took care of those still living in the Philippines. After a big Keno win, Michael bought a motorbike for Vivian’s father in the Philippines. He was just that kind of guy, always taking care of his family. He was extremely loyal to his friends and family.   Michael and Vivian were very close and did everything together. They enjoyed drives through the beautiful Oregon countryside, seeing beautiful parks and covered bridges, taking walks at Silver Falls State Park. They enjoyed the theatre and taking VJ to Wunderland. They also loved to have getaways at Spirit Mountain. Even if they were just watching TV at home or doing puzzles and games like Scrabble as a family, their time together was what mattered. Vivian even accompanied Michael fishing and swimming if the weather was nice.  Michael was friendly and gregarious and enjoyed time spent with friends and family socializing. He was quite the jokester and had a great sense of humor. Although stubborn at times, Michael was never unkind or cross. He loved animals, most recently his beloved cat Sherwin.  On October 16, 2021, Michael passed away in Stayton, Oregon, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Rebecca Gehring, his brother Daniel Gehring, and his son Chance Gehring. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Vivian Gehring; sister Linda Hoerer(Curly); brother Patrick; son Scott (Kathy) Gehring; daughter VJ Pioco; grandchildren Alexis Wilen, Monique Gehring, and Mackenzie Gehring; and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in his honor on November 6, 2021 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law located at 2645 Tyler Court NW, Salem, OR 97304. The celebration will be open house style from 1pm to 6pm.