Vern Ohrt

VERN  OHRT Feb. 19, 1931 – Oct. 15, 2011 Gates, Oregon Vern passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at the age of 80 years old.  Vern was born to Leroy and Mildred Ohrt on February 19, 1931 in Bennington, Nebraska.  He was one of eight siblings and got an early start working on the farm helping his parents.  He married Carol Jean Holly on August 16, 1953 in Caldwell, Idaho.  They moved to Oregon where Vern worked as a logger for a short time.  He then went to work for Simpson Lumber Company and the local Chevron Service Station.  Vern worked part time for the Shell Service Station in Mill City and upon the mill closing he and Carol took over the station and operated it for about the next twenty years.  Vern’s Shell was a daily stop for many people in the community for gas and automobile repairs.  He also operated a towing service in the canyon and many times came to the aid of stranded motorists.  He loved spending time at the coffee shops and during his service station days he often claimed that he drummed up much business over coffee and breakfast.  He later worked for Frank Lumber as a night watchman and retired in 1995. Vern’s life centered around family and friends.  He so enjoyed his visits to the coffee shop even up until his death.  Vern held up his end of the round table every morning and didn’t miss a chance to outwit anyone present.  He was always up for a game of pinochle and enjoyed monthly game nights at his house with his large family.  Being a prankster at heart he would often call his grand kids at 4:30 in the morning to wish them a happy birthday.  If he could he would always try to pull a joke on you without you knowing about it. Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, parents, his brothers, Marlin, Byron, Raymond and his sister, Ramona.  He is survived by his four children and their families: Christine & Randy of Gates, Cathy ad Don of Gates, Leland & Carla of Mill City, Mike and Judy of Mill City; sisters, Marlene of Wilsonville, Delores of Caldwell, Idaho, and Marcia of Nampa, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at the Santiam High School Commons on Saturday, October 22nd at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gates Cemetery in his name or a charity of your choice.