Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

Clive Barnes, Dance Critic

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:38:21 +0000

New York Times dance critic Clive Barnes passed away early today, Wednesday November 19, 2008 at the age of 81. His wife indicated that Barnes passed away from complications due to cancer at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Barnes was considered a driving force in bringing dance to a broader audience with his charismatic style. [...]

Douglas C. Strain, NW Tech Pioneer

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:54:52 +0000

Electro Scientific co-founder and Oregon high-tech industry pioneer Douglas Strain passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the age of 89. His company was one of the region’s first technology companies in what Northwesterners lovingly call the “Silicon Forest.” Strain made a name for himself in the community as a giving philanthropist that provided [...]

In Memory of Jeffrey Glen Norris

admin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:12:45 +0000

Our prayers and thoughts of comfort are with the children of Jeffrey Glen Norris today. Two years ago, they lost their father to throat and brain cancer. Their grief has been deep and it is our hope that they get the support of friends and family as they honor their father today and for years [...]

Memorial Keepsakes: Canvas Art and Afghans

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:26:23 +0000

I have been seeing a wider variety of memorial gifts available these days. Added to the traditional gifts like picture frames, vases, and gift baskets are canvas art pieces and afghans. I have been trying to figure out why these would be growing in popularity and what I think it can be partially attributed to [...]

In Memory of Hazel Diane Kent (Lord)

admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:06:58 +0000

“The real mark that Hazel has made in this world, was to define and live the true meaning of love.” This is the sentiment of Hazel Kent’s family who loved her tremendously and who are mourning her death today. Hazel passed on just one year ago today but her memory and her legacy lives on [...]

Mitch Mitchell, Drummer

admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:41:38 +0000

Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead in his hotel room early today, Wednesday, October 12, 2008. Mitchell was just 61 years old and the last surviving member of the legendary 1960s band. Mitchell was found in his Benson Hotel room in Portland, OR after performing for the Experience Hendrix Tour on Friday in [...]

Green Burials A Return to Simpler Times

admin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:18:31 +0000

The green movement is taking root all over the world and in all facets of our lives. We try to eat foods that are sustainable or organic, we try to buy eco-friendly household products. We are now even buying fuel-efficient cars all in an effort to protect the earth and live a healthier life. Those [...]

In Memory of Helena Claudine Kimball

admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:05:39 +0000

The children of Helena Claudine Kimball are in our hearts today as they mourn the loss of their mother three years ago today. Helena was a hardworking, selfless mother of 13 children who worked hard to raise them and take care of them after their father passed away. Her life story is full of struggle [...]

Holiday Grief Support Groups Will Help

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:23:36 +0000

The holidays are a trying time for anyone who has lost a loved one this year or years ago. The joy of the holidays feels heavy in the shadows of death. Many find that they feel guilty for being happy when the season comes around knowing that their loss is great. Holiday Support Groups can help. Find [...]

Michael Crichton, Author

admin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:44:23 +0000

The creator of Jurassic Park, Timeline, The Andromeda Strain and the television show ER passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 of cancer. Michael Crichton was just 66 years oldwhen he passed away. He was privately battling cancer his family said. Michael Crichton was an inspirational figure to a generation of science fiction readers, writers and [...]

In Memory of Jeremy R. Haywood

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:06:57 +0000

Our prayers are with the family and friends of Jeremy R. Haywood who passed away too soon just one year ago today. It is our hope that his mother, father, sister, fiance and the rest of his family are able to find some peace today. View Jeremy R. Haywood’s Life Story Create Your Own Virtual Memorial

In Memory of Abigail Madison Wofford

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:05:23 +0000

Remember the parents of Abigail Madison Wofford today. They lost their beloved little girl to Hishsprung’s Disease four years ago today. Losing a child is the most painful experiences any family can go through. We at Valley of Life encourage the Wofford’s and anyone who may be struggling with grief to share their stories with [...]

Madelyn Dunham, Grandmother

admin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:57:44 +0000

Barack Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, the woman who raised him throughout his young adult life, passed away today in Hawaii. She was 86 years old. All American’s, no matter what party you are affiliated with, can understand the tragedy this loss is at such a time in Senator Obama’s life. Just one day from the election, [...]

John Daly, Film Producer

admin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:26:59 +0000

The Oscar winning producer of such great films as The Last Emperor and Platoon passed away on Friday, October 31, 2008. John Daly died of cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 71. Daly won 13 Academy Awards (as well as several other Golden Globes and other awards) during his [...]

Jacques Piccard, Explorer

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:54:22 +0000

From the Associated Press: GENEVA – Jacques Piccard, a scientist and underwater explorer who plunged deeper beneath the ocean than any other man, died Saturday, his son’s company said. He was 86. Piccard died at his Lake Geneva home in Switzerland, the company Solar Impulse said. Exploration ran in the Piccard family. Jacques’ physicist father, Auguste, was the [...]

Studs Terkel, Author

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:35:09 +0000

“Who are the best historians? Who are the storytellers? Who lived through the Great Depression of the ’30s, World War II that changed the whole psyche and map of the world, a Cold War, Joe McCarthy, Vietnam, the ’60s, that’s so often put down today and I think was an exhilarating and hopeful period, and, [...]

Estelle Reiner, Actress & Singer

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:04:25 +0000

“I’ll have what she’s having.” This simple phrased put the final touches on the most memorable moment of one of America’s most beloved movies, “When Harry Met Sally.” The woman who landed that pointed and memorable line was Estelle Reiner, mother of Rob Reiner and husband of Carl Reiner. Estelle Reiner passed away at her home in [...]

Support Groups in Oregon

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:05:42 +0000

Asking for help is one of the most important things you can do when you are grieving. Take the time to talk to people that may be able to help you through this process. Whether you talk to a friend, write your feelings down in a journal or take comfort in a support group, you [...]

End-Of-Life Care Study Shows Consistency

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:39:00 +0000

A study released by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Archives of Internal Medicine have concluded that regardless of mental or physical health, most senior citizens do not change their minds on how they would like their end-of-life care to be handled as they get older. “We found that the people who wanted [...]

Milton Katselas, Acting Teacher

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:19:44 +0000

We all have mentors or teachers that inspire us and make us better than we ever thought possible. For many of Hollywood’s finest actors and actresses, they lost that inspirational individual. On Friday, October 24, 2008, Milton Katselas died from heart failure at the Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was 75 years old. Gene [...]

Tony Hillerman, Mystery Author

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:25:33 +0000

How strange the world works. On Friday night, I picked up The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman from off of my bookshelf and started into the first couple of chapters. My father-in-law had given me the book to read several months ago but I had shelved it to finish reading some others I had purchased [...]

In Memory of James Thomas Carey

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Friends, family and children are remembering James Thomas Carey who passed away 21 years ago today. James was a strong Army man who served in the Korean War and Vietnam and was stationed all over the world. His legacy lives on in his five children. Our thoughts are with the Carey family as they celebrate the diverse and [...]

Anne Pressly, Our Thoughts Are With Your Family

admin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:01:49 +0000

Anne Pressly, the Little Rock, Arkansas television anchorwoman who was attacked in her home and beaten on Monday, has sadly passed away. She was hospitalized and sedated after being found in her home with severe head and upper body injuries. The motives of her murder are still not fully understood but were believed to be [...]

In Memory of Tobias Michael Spencer

admin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:06:11 +0000

Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents of Tobias Michael Spencer who passed away five years ago today. His life here was only a few short days but the impression he made on his family was eternal. We hope Tobias’ family as well as others that have lost a child find peace and comfort in [...]

Ben Weider, Bodybuilder

admin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:06:53 +0000

Canadian born Ben Weider passed away on Friday, October 17, 2008 in Montreal at the age of 85. Weider was famous for making bodybuilding a worldwide sport. His expertise have been credited with launching Arnold Schwarzenegger’s body building career in the U.S. Weider was able to take his love for bodybuilding into a billion-dollar business by [...]

Levi Stubbs, Singer

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:35:52 +0000

My cousin and I LOVED the oldies station growing up. Whether we were swimming at our grandma’s pool or driving to southern California for spring break, we always insisted on listening to whatever oldies station we could get to come in clear. We loved to sing along. We loved the simple melodies and seemingly cheery, [...]

Richard Blackwell, Fashion Critic

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:05:13 +0000

Fashion designer and critic, Richard Blackwell, passed way on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the age of 86 from intestinal infection complications. Blackwell was best know for his annual worst-dressed list where he called out some of Hollywood’s greatest fashion offenders. Blackwell started his critic career in 1960 while still working as a dress designer. [...]

Dee Dee Warwick, Soul Singer

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:02:58 +0000

Two-time Grammy Award nominee and sister of Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the age of 63. She entertained audiences from an early age as both a solo artist as well as in group performances with her older sister Dionne. Dee Dee passed away at a nursing home [...]

In Memory of Patricia Jean Breslow

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:03 +0000

It is hard to believe that it has almost been two years since Mom passed away. October 20th will be just another day for mostly anybody else on the planet. For me though, this day is a reminder that life is short, life is precious and life shouldn’t be taken for granted even for a [...]

In Memory of Carl Keith White

admin — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:06:04 +0000

Friends and family are remembering Carl Keith White today, the anniversary of his passing. Carl had a large family made up of traditional brothers and sisters as well as friends that were as close as could be to brothers. He left behind two beautiful daughters and a loving wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carl’s [...]