Thursday, August 24, 2017
Ruth Reitsma
Ruth Reitsma was a member of the Mazamas from 1956–1967 along with her husband Earl Reitsma. Together they were leader and co-leader of numerous climbs of various peaks in North America. Earl received his 36 peak award and Ruth received her 26 peak award. In June 1966 Ruth led a successful all-women’s ascent of Mt. Hood. Climbing partners included Dave Bohen, Edwin Rieger, Bill and Margaret Oberteuffer, and Jack Grauer. Other climbing friends included the Whittaker brothers. A lifelong outdoors-woman, her worldwide travels included living for two years in Afghanistan. Her appreciation of the outdoors was passed on to her children in numerous camping, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing adventures.
JM 'Jack' Samper | July 13, 1930–June 17, 2017
JM "Jack" Samper was born in Bogota, Colombia on July 13, 1930, the son of a prominent Colombian family and an American mother. He died June 17, 2017, in Prescott, Ariz.
He immigrated to the United States when he was 15 years old and graduated from Los Angeles High School. He attended the University of California at Berkeley for four years before being drafted during the Korean War. Years later, he graduated from Linfield College.
He married Evelyn Bohren on Sept. 1, 1951, after her graduation from Berkeley. His marriage produced five children, Anne, Robin, Karen, Tracy, and Mark. All either graduated from the University of Oregon, Oregon State, or OHSU. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with another expected in August.
He worked in the wood products field for California Plywood in Emeryville and Georgia Pacific in Berkeley, San Diego, and Portland. When Georgia Pacific announced it was moving to Atlanta, Jack left Georgia Pacific and went to work as a vice president for PacifiCorp in Portland. He retired after 10 years.
Upon retirement, he moved to Vancouver, Washington, Redmond, Bend, and finally Prescott, Arizona.
Jack had many friends among his co-workers and neighbors. He was active as a Scout Master and Explorer Post Advisor as well as serving on the Board of Goodwill Industries and as a climb Leader for the Mazamas in Portland. He successfully summited the 16 major Northwest peaks! He ran in the Portland Marathon. He traveled extensively to six continents to climb, hike, and explore both by himself and with his loving wife.
He immigrated to the United States when he was 15 years old and graduated from Los Angeles High School. He attended the University of California at Berkeley for four years before being drafted during the Korean War. Years later, he graduated from Linfield College.
He married Evelyn Bohren on Sept. 1, 1951, after her graduation from Berkeley. His marriage produced five children, Anne, Robin, Karen, Tracy, and Mark. All either graduated from the University of Oregon, Oregon State, or OHSU. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with another expected in August.
He worked in the wood products field for California Plywood in Emeryville and Georgia Pacific in Berkeley, San Diego, and Portland. When Georgia Pacific announced it was moving to Atlanta, Jack left Georgia Pacific and went to work as a vice president for PacifiCorp in Portland. He retired after 10 years.
Upon retirement, he moved to Vancouver, Washington, Redmond, Bend, and finally Prescott, Arizona.
Jack had many friends among his co-workers and neighbors. He was active as a Scout Master and Explorer Post Advisor as well as serving on the Board of Goodwill Industries and as a climb Leader for the Mazamas in Portland. He successfully summited the 16 major Northwest peaks! He ran in the Portland Marathon. He traveled extensively to six continents to climb, hike, and explore both by himself and with his loving wife.
Janet Martin Gadsby | Sept. 9, 1925–May 30, 2017
Janet Martin Gadsby died peacefully and quietly at home in Portland. She was born in the picturesque hamlet of Leavenworth, Washington, on the eastern slopes of the Cascades to Maida Witt Martin and William J. Martin. In 1943, she graduated from Wenatchee High School and was crowned Apple Blossom Festival Princess with her twin sister Vivian. They attended their mother's alma mater, Washington State University, and Janet joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
After the war, Janet and Vivian came to Portland at the invitation of their older sister, Virginia. Janet held several jobs including an administrative position at the Veteran's Hospital. She married Walter Gadsby, Jr. in 1949. They raised three daughters: Anna, Ellen, and Elizabeth. In the early years Janet was active in the Junior League of Portland and was a dedicated room mother and scout leader. From 1965-1968 the family lived in Tokyo and traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, a happy and invigorating period in Janet's life that opened many doors of cultural interest for her.
After returning to Portland, Janet joined the Portland Garden Club and followed her interests in flower arranging and native plants. She continued to study Japanese and also French. She took piano lessons, listened to jazz, and held season tickets to the Oregon Symphony for decades. She was a member of the Portland Art Museum and appreciated contemporary art, especially by local artists. She loved dancing and kept fit swimming, walking in the Hoyt Arboretum, and with aerobics classes.
Janet loved the mountains and enjoyed skiing, hiking, and natural history; she and Walter climbed Mt. Hood more than once in their younger years. She completed numerous field study trips across Oregon, and carefully documented the wildflowers, animals, and birds she observed and learned about. In the late 1980s, Janet became active in regional conservation issues, most notably campaigns to protect the Mt. Hood National Forest and, later, to preserve Neawanna Point in Clatsop County. Her excellent writing and language skills served these causes well.
In 1984, Janet undertook an Outward Bound course on the Rogue River. In 1989 she traveled to Nepal to join a women's trek up the Annapurna Valley to over 12,000 feet: at 64, she was the oldest member of the group, and the only one to reach their goal. In 1995, at nearly 70, Janet climbed Mount St. Helens to meet eligibility requirements and proudly joined the Mazamas. Walter accompanied her on numerous natural history trips including one to Alaska, which they enjoyed tremendously. Janet found beauty in all natural things, whether grand or small: she was able to derive joy from a bright autumn leaf or fallen feather.
Janet's twin sister, Vivian Martin; sister, Virginia McCutcheon Haynes; and brother, George Martin preceded her in death. Her husband, Walter; daughters; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews survive her, and will strive to carry her gracious spirit always.
After the war, Janet and Vivian came to Portland at the invitation of their older sister, Virginia. Janet held several jobs including an administrative position at the Veteran's Hospital. She married Walter Gadsby, Jr. in 1949. They raised three daughters: Anna, Ellen, and Elizabeth. In the early years Janet was active in the Junior League of Portland and was a dedicated room mother and scout leader. From 1965-1968 the family lived in Tokyo and traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, a happy and invigorating period in Janet's life that opened many doors of cultural interest for her.
After returning to Portland, Janet joined the Portland Garden Club and followed her interests in flower arranging and native plants. She continued to study Japanese and also French. She took piano lessons, listened to jazz, and held season tickets to the Oregon Symphony for decades. She was a member of the Portland Art Museum and appreciated contemporary art, especially by local artists. She loved dancing and kept fit swimming, walking in the Hoyt Arboretum, and with aerobics classes.
Janet loved the mountains and enjoyed skiing, hiking, and natural history; she and Walter climbed Mt. Hood more than once in their younger years. She completed numerous field study trips across Oregon, and carefully documented the wildflowers, animals, and birds she observed and learned about. In the late 1980s, Janet became active in regional conservation issues, most notably campaigns to protect the Mt. Hood National Forest and, later, to preserve Neawanna Point in Clatsop County. Her excellent writing and language skills served these causes well.
In 1984, Janet undertook an Outward Bound course on the Rogue River. In 1989 she traveled to Nepal to join a women's trek up the Annapurna Valley to over 12,000 feet: at 64, she was the oldest member of the group, and the only one to reach their goal. In 1995, at nearly 70, Janet climbed Mount St. Helens to meet eligibility requirements and proudly joined the Mazamas. Walter accompanied her on numerous natural history trips including one to Alaska, which they enjoyed tremendously. Janet found beauty in all natural things, whether grand or small: she was able to derive joy from a bright autumn leaf or fallen feather.
Janet's twin sister, Vivian Martin; sister, Virginia McCutcheon Haynes; and brother, George Martin preceded her in death. Her husband, Walter; daughters; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews survive her, and will strive to carry her gracious spirit always.
James Dawson Hurst | Aug. 29, 1926–July 24, 2017
Long time Portland resident James "Jim" Dawson Hurst slipped quietly into the good night July 24, 2017, at the age of 90. Jim was born in London, England, Aug. 29, 1926, the only child of Frederick and Gladys Hurst. Young Jim attended Kings College in London where he proved himself on the rugby pitch to be a swift and sure winger. When Germany's air war surged through Europe bringing nighttime bombing raids to London, 14-year old "Jimmie" and the family found refuge in the bomb shelter he helped his father carve out in their backyard in the London suburb of Surrey. He joined the London Home Guard at age 17 and enlisted in the British Royal Navy two days before his 18th birthday, serving on the destroyer HMS Pelican.
Shortly after the war, Jim immigrated to Canada coming ashore March 8, 1948. Following the ocean voyage he traveled by train to Vancouver, B.C. where he took a position as a trainee marine insurance broker with Durham & Bates of Canada. His prowess in rugby earned him a coveted spot as a winger on Vancouver's venerable Meraloma Rugby Club. There Jim met Bill and Al Fitzsimmons, who subsequently introduced the handsome Brit as a prospect for their dear sister, Aileen. The two married in 1952 and transferred to Portland with Durham & Bates. There they became American citizens and raised their family. Jim was preceded in death by Aileen in 1993.
Jim specialized in marine insurance during his 45 years with Durham & Bates. He rose within the company from sales to Vice President, President, and eventually Chairman of the Board, in the course of which he built the largest independently owned marine insurance brokerage in the region. He engaged with many of the local maritime-related companies as well as with vessel operators of national and international scale. Jim returned to London annually to represent his clients in the placement of their insurance protection. During his career, Jim was involved in many professional organizations including the National Association of Insurance Brokers, Japan-America Society of Oregon, the Propeller Club of the United States, Portland Shipping Club, the Maritime Law Association of the U.S., and the Portland Regional Expansion Council. He retired in 1993 and the legacy continues today.
Jim married Linda Mook in 1994 and their love remained as his keel to his last breath. His hobbies through the years included photography, squash, downhill skiing, hiking, running, fly fishing, and travel. He was also an active member of the Mazamas—bagging summits on most of the Pacific Northwest's premier peaks. Jim and Linda enjoyed many travel adventures in their retirement years, sailing the oceans, steaming through Panama and Suez Canals, and rounding the horns of Africa and South America on more than one occasion. He especially loved to soak in the sun on the cruise ships, and from the deck of their Portland residence overlooking the Willamette River.
Jim was a man with a generous heart who loved and cared for his family deeply, as they did him. He will be forever missed. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Linda; sons, William (Pamela) and Donald (Patti); daughter, Patricia; stepdaughter, Tiffany (Michael); seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oregon Public Broadcasting or the Oregon Maritime Museum.
Shortly after the war, Jim immigrated to Canada coming ashore March 8, 1948. Following the ocean voyage he traveled by train to Vancouver, B.C. where he took a position as a trainee marine insurance broker with Durham & Bates of Canada. His prowess in rugby earned him a coveted spot as a winger on Vancouver's venerable Meraloma Rugby Club. There Jim met Bill and Al Fitzsimmons, who subsequently introduced the handsome Brit as a prospect for their dear sister, Aileen. The two married in 1952 and transferred to Portland with Durham & Bates. There they became American citizens and raised their family. Jim was preceded in death by Aileen in 1993.
Jim specialized in marine insurance during his 45 years with Durham & Bates. He rose within the company from sales to Vice President, President, and eventually Chairman of the Board, in the course of which he built the largest independently owned marine insurance brokerage in the region. He engaged with many of the local maritime-related companies as well as with vessel operators of national and international scale. Jim returned to London annually to represent his clients in the placement of their insurance protection. During his career, Jim was involved in many professional organizations including the National Association of Insurance Brokers, Japan-America Society of Oregon, the Propeller Club of the United States, Portland Shipping Club, the Maritime Law Association of the U.S., and the Portland Regional Expansion Council. He retired in 1993 and the legacy continues today.
Jim married Linda Mook in 1994 and their love remained as his keel to his last breath. His hobbies through the years included photography, squash, downhill skiing, hiking, running, fly fishing, and travel. He was also an active member of the Mazamas—bagging summits on most of the Pacific Northwest's premier peaks. Jim and Linda enjoyed many travel adventures in their retirement years, sailing the oceans, steaming through Panama and Suez Canals, and rounding the horns of Africa and South America on more than one occasion. He especially loved to soak in the sun on the cruise ships, and from the deck of their Portland residence overlooking the Willamette River.
Jim was a man with a generous heart who loved and cared for his family deeply, as they did him. He will be forever missed. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Linda; sons, William (Pamela) and Donald (Patti); daughter, Patricia; stepdaughter, Tiffany (Michael); seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oregon Public Broadcasting or the Oregon Maritime Museum.
Lyle 'Doc' G. Nicholson | March 23, 1915–Aug. 9, 2017
Lyle "Doc" G. Nicholson passed away Aug. 9, 2017, at Providence Brookside Manor in Hood River, at the age of 102.
In 1948, he and his family moved to Portland where he established the Willamette Dog and Cat Hospital, one of the state's largest, small animal practices. He retired from active practice in 1970. Lyle was an active ham radio operator (AB7A), a charter member of the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club in Portland, and a member of the Mazamas and Trails Club.
He was preceded in death by son, Alan (1970); and wife Dorothy (2001). Lyle is survived by son, Craig and wife, Sue of Mount Hood; son, Bruce of Beaverton; and daughter, Jan of Twin Falls; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held in September.
In 1948, he and his family moved to Portland where he established the Willamette Dog and Cat Hospital, one of the state's largest, small animal practices. He retired from active practice in 1970. Lyle was an active ham radio operator (AB7A), a charter member of the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club in Portland, and a member of the Mazamas and Trails Club.
He was preceded in death by son, Alan (1970); and wife Dorothy (2001). Lyle is survived by son, Craig and wife, Sue of Mount Hood; son, Bruce of Beaverton; and daughter, Jan of Twin Falls; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held in September.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Don Eastman | Aug. 20, 1922–July 26, 2017
Don Eastman
Aug. 20, 1922–July 26, 2017
Dr. Donald C. Eastman, (94) passed away on July 26, 2017 in Hillsboro, Oregon. He was the husband of Priscilla Eastman. They shared 30 years together.Born in Nampa, Idaho on August 20, 1922, he was the son of Elmer Ivan Eastman and Marie Eleanor Benedict Eastman. He attended Pacific University and University of Washington. He graduated from Pacific Dental College. He served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps for 15 months. He was a dentist and supply officer for the United States Army, stationed in Virginia for 2 years. He discharged in 1948 with the rank of Captain. He opened his dental office in McMinnville, Oregon where he practiced for 40 years.
Serendipity brough Don to the Mazamas. In 1954, while hiking and fishing at Green Lake, Don and Jim Craig met a Mazama group climbing South Sister and Broken Top. Later, when the two arrived home, they made a quick trip to the top of the Pacific Building in downtown Portland where the Mazamas office was located at the time. They spoke to Don Onthank, known as “Mr. Mazama,” and signed up for a Mt. Hood climb with Phyllis Neuberger as leader. During the climb snow conditions were such that they did a sitting glissade down to Silcox Hut. They had become Mazamas!
Don enjoyed leading climbs and derived great pleasure from the detailed planning. He was a cautious leader and instilled trust in those who climbed with him. The people he met climbing, skiing and serving on committees he considered some of his best friends.
Some of the last major climbs Don and Jim made were in 1984. They summited the Gross Glockner, the highest peak in Austria, the Triglav, the highest peak in the former Yugoslavia and Mt. Olympus, the highest peak in Greece.
Don's involvement in the Mazamas was quite prolific. He served on the Budget Committee in 1965 and 1966, the Finance Committee in 1962 and the Long Range Planning Committee from 1965–66. He was on the Climbing Committee in 1959 and again from1967–69, and chaired that committee in 1969. Don served on the Mazama Executive Council from 1962–66 and again in 1975. Don was the Mazamas vice-president in 2962, treasurer in 1963, and president in 1964.
Don earned the Seven Oregon Peaks award in 1957, Sixteen Major NW Peaks award in 1959, 10 Peaks award in 1964, and was the first recipent of the 50 and 100 Peaks awards, in 1965 and 1967 respectively. Don won the 5-point leadership award in 1959, the 10-point 1960, the 15-point in 1961, and was the second person to win the Leuthold Leader Award in 1969. He was also awarded the Parker Cup, often described as the most prestigious Mazama award, for his service to the Mazamas.
Don’s love of the natural world and sharing that love with others continued after he stopped climbing mountains. He began his second professional career as a photographer after retiring from his dental practice.
After 50 years with the Mazamas, Don joined the ranks of Mazama Life Members in 2004. We were lucky enough to have Don visit the Mazama Mountaineering Center on June 23, 2014 at the age of 91, with his wife Priscilla, and Bill Mosser (Priscilla's son). They dropped in to check out the Don Eastman display case (see right). Don seemed to enjoy seeing the collection of some of his old climbing items as well as pictures of his time with the Mazamas.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in McMinnville, Oregon and Village Baptist in Beaverton, Oregon. He was a past president of the Mazama Mountaineering Club, as well as a member of Kiwanis Club, The Native Plant Society of Oregon, American Dental Association, The Nature Conservancy, the Oregon Natural Resources Council, and was for many years a member of the American Alpine Club, the Iowa Mountaineers, and the Swiss Alpine Club in Zermatt, Switzerland. He was the author of Rare and Endangered Plants of Oregon.
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Eastman; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Steven Henson; grandchildren, Melissa Henson and Matthew Henson. He was predeceased by his first wife Sibyl Hauser Eastman, parents, and sister Lorraine Burson.
The memorial service will be held on August 26, 2017 at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church in McMinnville (125 SE Cowls St). Memorial donations may be made to the Native Plant Society in care of Macy and Son Funeral Home.
- We published a feature article titled We Were Mazamas: A Profile of Don Eastman, penned by Bill Mosser, in the June 2014 Mazama Bulletin. You can read the article on our blog at tinyurl.com/MazDonEastman
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