Quincy Wa Class of 63
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Bill Brand

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The following letter  was sent to Bill's mother by his C.O.

It is with greatest  bereavement that I find myself writing this letter at a  time when sorrow is  deep within your heart, but the feeling of myself and  all men of "A" Company  must be expressed.

While on operation "Paul Revere," the platoon to which your son was assigned came under heavy enemy  fire, one of his fellow soldiers was wounded  by a sniper. William went  to the  aid of his comrade and was shot, 23 October 1966 by a hidden sniper.  William  died instantly suffering no pain. Your son  was a fine man and a dedicated  soldier. His devotion to duty and country were and still are in keeping with the  highest traditions of the military service.

Specialist Four Brand was a man whose memory will live in the hearts of those who knew him, a constant  reminder of the dacrifice that a true America will make so that not only his  family but all of the families of the world may live in  peace.

You are not alone  in your sorrow as each of us in "A" Company share some of this sorrow with you. With deepest sympathy we offer our condolences. 

Sincerely yours,
Ora L. Boss
Captain, Infantry
Commanding


Carol  (O’Donnell) Smathers

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Carol died Sept. 23,  2000 at her home in Albany,  Oregon. She was a devoted wife (husband Wayne Smathers) and mother (daughter Christine and son Doug).

After QHS graduation,  Carol attended WSU and graduated  in 1967 with a BS in bacteriology. She was  married in November 1967.

The family lived in San Jose, California before moving to Eugene, Oregon in 1975 where Carol served as finance director of Lane County Camp Fire Girls and Boys and volunteered as executive secretary for  parish priests for 14 years. After moving to Eugene, Oregon in 1989, Carol  became the human resources manager of Panolam Industries,  Inc.

Carol enjoyed  gardening, traveling, golf and her  family.

We remember Carol as  an excellent student and a very social person as well. She was involved in Camp  Fire Girls in Quincy for  many years, was a dear friend to many, and shared  enthusiasm for life with those whose privilege it was to be around her.

The class of 1963 will miss you, Carol!


Virgil Ray Solders

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Virgil Ray Solders, 63, of Quincy, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 10, 2008,  surrounded by his family at his home.

Virgil was born in Ontario, Oregon on  November 22, 1944 to Earl and Bonnie Solders. The family moved to Quincy when he was a young boy and he attended Quincy schools, graduating in 1963. He furthered his education at Wenatchee Valley College and received a B.A. In 1975 from the University of Washington,  majoring in
  education and minoring in art and shop. His college education  was interrupted
  from 1966 to 1970 with his honorable service in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in New York and Turkey. He taught junior high art and shop, later in Quincy.

Upon his father's sudden death In 1974, Virgil returned to Quincy where he and his brother, Arlen,  helped their mother run the family farm for several years; then worked at  the George Chevron station for many years.

In 2003, Virgil began  his  courageous battle with cancer, but enjoyed several years of remission. In  2006, his illness returned and he fought an even harder battle until Jesus  too  him home. He gave one last smile, assuring his family that all  was  well.

Virgil is survived by  his  loving mother, Bonnie Solders Pickthorn at home; his sister Bonnie Kaye Morton of Boise, Idaho; brother, Arlen Solders and wife, Dyanne, of Quincy; nine nieces and nephews, twenty-four great nieces and ephews; one  great-great niece; one great-great nephew, all whom he loved as if they were  his own; and, his special canine companion, Cocoa.

Virgil was a life-time member a the V.F.W. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Earl Solders, his dear brother-in-law, (Robert) Bob Morton, add his precious nephew, Steven Morton. 


 I
  remember all the horses  I’ve rode
And all the puppies I’ve  loved to hold;
And there’s the best friends
A man could ever have –

They’ve all  gone on ahead
To where you go when you are dead;
And I’m just waiting

For the angel to call.
By Virgil
Solders

Corda White

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On November 15, 2009, this  beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and business owner ended  her struggle  against cancer. Corda was born on June 10, 1945, in Seattle, WA.  She lived  in Seattle until 1951, when her family  moved to Winchester, WA, where  Carl and Charlotte (Lottie) White raised this young lady. Corda attended Quincy   schools, graduating from Quincy High School in 1963. She attended, as a  full-time student, and completed two years at Wenatchee Junior College, where  she met her husband, Larry, later fulfilling 44 and a half years of marriage.  Corda spent many years in the dietary field, completing a two-year  dietary  course at Spokane Community College, then becoming a longtime a  member of the  Washington State Dietary Managers' Association and the  National Dietary  Managers' Association. From 1979 to 1992, Corda was the  dietary manager for  Garden Terrace. Since 1992, she and her husband have owned and operated the Sub  Shop.

Corda was the loving mother of  four children, Tracie of Renton, WA and Bill, Allison and Lisa, all of East   Wenatchee; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her father and mother and one granddaughter, Alicia, preceded Corda in Death. She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy of Renton and Alice of New Castle; and a
  brother, Carl Jr. of Enumclaw. Her family and all who knew her will sorely miss Corda and her effervescent love  and laughter.

The Russell family gratefully  acknowledges the following  professional individuals and organizations: Seattle  Cancer Care Alliance and  the associated University of Washington  Medical/Hospital/Surgical staff; the ICU and Emergency Room personnel of Central  Washington Hospital, for their most thoughtful and caring assistance; the  Chemotherapy staff at Wenatchee  Valley Medical Center, who provided tender and  thoughtful professional care and made the monthly visits of  nearly a year more  enjoyable than a time of anxiety for Corda; and the entire staff of the Oncology  Department at  Wenatchee Valley Clinic was genuinely a friend of Corda and her  family, and  for this her family is most appreciative. 

Corda and her family  members could not and cannot fully express their love and admiration for the  outstanding competence, professional ability, knowledge and compassion that was   forthcoming and provided by Dr. Mandy Robertson, from June 2008, to the day of  Corda's passing; a time that Mandy shared her tears with our grief and we shared  our tears for Dr. Robertson and all the professional and personal  strength she  gave Corda and each family member who had the honor of meeting  and knowing Dr.  Mandy Robertson. You will always be loved and remembered by  this  family.

Donald Melvin Hardt

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April 29, 1945 ~ April 23, 2014  

Donald Melvin Hardt, 68, a long time Quincy resident passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Central Washington Hospital following an accident at his home.

He was born on April 29, 1945 to Melvin and Pearl (Phillips) Hardt at Ritzville, WA.
Don started school in Marlin school district before the family moved to Quincy in 1958, he attended school in Quincy graduating in 1963 from Quincy High School.

He entered the National Guard on January 29, 1966 serving until his honorable discharge on September 28, 1971.

Following his military discharge he returned to Quincy where he was employed in the fruit industry until 2 years ago when he retired.

Don was active in the Quincy Moose Lodge and the Quincy American Legion.
He was a good friend to all will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by is sister, Miriam (Brian) Hawkins of Lynnwood, brother, Duane Hardt of Quincy, step-sister, Peggy Thompson of Yakima and step-brother, Richard Cornwell of Yakima, 5 nieces and nephews and 4 great-nieces and great-nephews, many uncles and aunts.
 
( From
http://www.scharbachs.com/book-of-memories/1857323/hardt-donald/obituary.php)

Donald Eugene Simmons, M.D.

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June 18, 1945 ~ November 22, 2014  

Donald Eugene Simmons passed peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2014, in Yucaipa, CA, surrounded by his family.  

Don was born on June 18, 1945, in Wenatchee, WA to Don and Irene (Zimbelman) Simmons, while his father was serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Don grew up in Quincy and graduated from Quincy High School with honors in 1963. He then attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, where he graduated in 1967. Immediately upon graduation, he attended the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, graduating with his Medical Doctor degree in 1971. He met his wife, Barbara Abrams, while attending medical school. They married in June, 1969. Don completed his Internship and Residency in OB/GYN at the San Bernardino County Medical Center. While an intern, their daughter, Mara, was born. Three years later, during Don’s residency, they were blessed with their second daughter, Amy. In between his internship and residency, Don completed his service obligation to his country as a General Medical Officer in the United States Air Force at Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA.  

Don spent his entire medical career practicing in Southern California. He estimated that he delivered between 5,000 and 6,000 babies during his 43 year career. Don loved caring for pregnant women and delivering their babies… except in the middle of the night! Don retired from practice January, 2014. While practicing medicine, Don also enjoyed involvement in multiple professional organizations, such as The American Medical Association (AMA), The California Medical Association (CMA), The San Bernardino County Medical Society, and the American Medical Informatics Association. Don was also a Diplomate and a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).  

Don had many interests that occupied his free time. He loved electronics, woodworking, and computers, but among his favorites were airplanes, helicopters and trains. Along with his friend, Jack, he built a replica of the Galloping Goose from the D&RG Railway. He was hoping to build his own ultralight aircraft in retirement.  

Don is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara; his daughter, Amy and her husband, Brian Beran; Don’s pride and joy were his twin two year old grandsons, Jack and Nathan Beran; Don’s father, Don B. Simmons of Quincy, WA; his sister, Sue Gabales of Manteca, CA and her husband, Ted Gabales; Don’s brother-in-law, Ronald E. Abrams, M.D. and his wife, Marina Abrams, N.D., both of Seattle; and a niece, three nephews, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Mara, in 1994; his mother, Irene, in 2008; and his mother and father-in-law, Malvin and Vicki Abrams.  

Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.  


Services for Don will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014, in Yucaipa, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Donald E. Simmons, M.D., Memorial Scholarship Fund at Pacific Lutheran University, Office of Advancement, Tacoma, WA 98447. This scholarship has been initiated by Don and Barbara to support a pre-med student at PLU each year in perpetuity.
 
(from
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2014/nov/26/donald-eugene-simmons-md-in-memoriam/)


Ronald Roger Kissler

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Ronald Roger Kissler of Quincy, Wash. passed away on June, 27 2016. Ron was born in Toppenish, Wash. on June 24, 1945 to Ben and Dorthy Kissler. He moved to Quincy at the age of 7 where he attended school and later graduated. After high school Ron was drafted to Vietnam where he served from 1965-1967. After returning home he served as a reserve for several years. Ron would later go on to establish his own construction business in Quincy, Wash. He is survived by daughter Ronda Eubanks, son Dustin Kissler, sister Sharon Kirkpatrick, and sister Dianna Keppler. 
 
Services will be held at 2 p.m. July 11 at American Legion Post 28, Ephrata, Wash.



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Steve G. 
ps  I did post this on my Facebook page, June 28th, w/ am old picture of Ron and Mike. Its a great picture and I truly think it "captures" Ron's personality. Precious photo! I'm not sure who Ron his holding on his lap but, I think it might be his daughter.   I said this in my fbk post and I believe his family saw this statement...


Judith Carol ‘Judi’ Sutton

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Judith Carol “Judi” Sutton, 72, of Hillsboro, Ore., died Thursday, March 8, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer.
She was born March 22, 1945, in Wenatchee to Lester and Vivian Bepple, of Quincy, and was the firstborn of eight children. She attended schools in Quincy, graduating with the class of 1963.
She lived most of her adult life in the Portland metro area, where she raised her three sons, Brian, Chris and Bill. She worked as a secretary and outside salesperson for Coca-Cola, TRW and Earl and Brown – where she met many lifelong friends. Judi was a kind-hearted woman who offered help to anyone she saw who had a need. As the oldest daughter, Judi was often called upon and willing to help out her family; something all of her siblings are grateful for. She loved her three sons unconditionally and never had a favorite. She was always very accepting and would set aside time whenever any of them needed her wisdom. She always put her children first.
Judi enjoyed her friendships immensely after her retirement and spent much time with friends doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, going out to lunch, exercising and just enjoying one another’s company. She was very close with members of her high school graduating class and was looking forward to her 55 year class reunion in September. Her favorite place to be was at the beach, and she spent as much time as she could at the Oregon coast.
She was known for her courage, bravery and unconditional love, always lending a hand to anyone and an ear to listen without judgement. She was a positive person and had the ability to see the bright side of things and help others to see that too.
Judi donated her body for research to help find a cure for cancer.
She is survived by her sons, Brian Burns, Chris Burns and Bill Sweet, all of Hillsboro, Ore.; four sisters, Cindee Ford, of Turlock, Calif., Mary Siefken, of Lynn Haven, Fla., Jeanette Gallagher, of Parker, Colo., and Sheila Bierlink, of Quincy; one brother, Ken Bepple, of Mulino, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Kathie and Debi.
The family wishes to thank Patti Cooksie for her tireless care for Judi in her last days. A gathering will be held at a later date. Anyone interested in attending a gathering should email bill-sweet@comcast.net. You would be contacted when the event occurs.

 From Quincy Valley Post-Register (http://qvpr.com/obituary-judith-carol-judi-sutton/)

Theron Knapp Jr.

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Knapp Jr., Theron, 73, of Meridian, died Thursday, May 17, 2018 at his home.

5th reunion
I went to W.S.U. for one semester, then worked for an engineer for two months, then to W.V.J.C. for four quarters where I met my wife Laura. We were married the following year, September, 1965. Then to school at W.W.S.C. for one year the following fall. We moved back to Wenatchee in December of 1966. I am presently working as a Quality Control Manager for Kawecki Chemical Co. We have one son Mike, born February 25, 1967.
Family
Laura Knapp (wife), Mike, 46, manager with Micron Technology in Boise, married to Cathie for 27 yr. Mike's kids; Tom 25 married, supervisor for Wells Fargo, Rachael, 23, BSU grad, tech for Boise data management firm, Elizabeth, Jr at Univ. of Oklahoma, Caleb, 17, recent HS grad. Son, Jon, 43, married 16 yr to Joan, teaches at the college level, Joan is also a college prof, Ellery, 12 and 9 yr old twins Theron and Georgia.
 
What I’ve been doing for the past 50 years.
I was a manufacturing and factory manager for my nearly my entire career. I retired in mid-2011 after spending 13 years as the director of manufacturing for Idaho Correction Industries. I work part time in retirement as a manufacturing consultant to the manufactured housing industry serving the oil fields of northern Canada.
 
Accomplishments
Although a college graduate, what I am the most proud of is my family. I have been married to the love of my life Laura for 48 years. My sons are both college graduates with great families and they are both super dads.
 
Activities
I build furniture as a hobby and also sell some. I play in 3 softball leagues and play golf. Laura and I love to travel both in our RV and internationally.
 
Words of Wisdom
Make sure you have a good balance between your family and your career.
 

Other Classmates without Obituaries

Joe Villarrea — 1966?
Jim Darwood — 1980
Bobby Nitta — 1995


Thank you for visiting the 1963 Class of Quincy, Washington. Ray Ruppert is privileged to be part of this class and to sponsor this website.

Please take time to look at the books Ray Ruppert has published.

Reflections on Revelation
Three study guides on the Book of Revelation.
Reflections on First and Second Peter
Ray’s reflections while examining both First and Second Peter.
Battling Satan with the Armor of God
A practical guide to spiritual warfare.
999 Years After Armageddon – The End of the Millennium
A novel about life 999 into the Millennium Reign of Christ.
The Voice of Con
A novel about a con man who gets help from a voice.
The Horses of Carvecchio
Historical fantasy about an immortal wizard.
 
Visit Amazon.com to view his books
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