Elmer Francis Vandehey , 96, a longtime resident of the Gaston community currently of Salem passed away on November 15, 2021.

Elmer was born on September 17, 1925 in Forest Grove, Oregon He was one of eight children born to August  and Helen (Hendrickx) Vandehey. He was raised in Banks on the family farm and attended Banks High School graduating with the Class of 44.

He met his future wife, Vivian Lacey, while walking with his friend in downtown Banks. They soon began dating and following a two year courtship married on April 20, 1950 at St Francis Catholic Church in Roy, OR. They made their home in Gaston  and had seven children.

Elmer was a farmer most all of his life, he farmed the ground in and around Seghers Rd in Gaston. He was also a fabricator and machinist and had a reputation for fixing farming and logging equipment and tractors. During the winter Elmer was  a foreman for the US Forestry Dept and was a big part of replanting the Tillamook Forest.

Elmer enjoyed working with his hands and could build or make anything. He made dollhouses, furniture and remodeled homes. He enjoyed rebuilding old tractors, keeping a nice yard and enjoyed having coffee with friends. He was also a gifted artist and enjoyed painting with water colors. Elmer volunteered at his church, St. Anthony Catholic Church, he was on the maintenance committee, and always helped on the annual Turkey Dinner. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.  Vivien and Elmer where world travelers visiting, Africa, Europe, South America, Turkey, India and Asia.

He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter; Susan Erickson, a son Brett Vandehey, son in law Eric Erickson and two siblings

He is survived by his loving wife, Vivien, five children and their spouses; Verner and Karen Vandehey of Salem, Alan and Elizabeth Vandehey of Bend, Leslie and Doug Oglesby of Gaston, Greg and Cindy Vandehey of Bend, Kirk and Susie Vandehey, of Creswell, five siblings, sixteen grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews