Wilbur Cecil King Obituary (1926 - 2016)

Wilbur Cecil King, 89, a long-time resident of Baker City, died February 2, 2016, at Ashley Manor from complications after a series of strokes. Arrangements are being made through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel. Wilbur was born on September 12, 1926, in Hereford, Oregon to William and Beatrice (Van Cleave) King. He lived with his family on the King Ranch in Audrey, Oregon and attended the Big Flat and Hereford schools until moving to Aumsville, Oregon. After graduating high school in Aumsville and briefly working as a logger, he returned to Baker City. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Doris Jean Myers. "'Til death do us part", was never a more true or fulfilled promise. They were inseparable until Doris' death in 2014. Wilbur thrived in the mountains. If a man's wealth is counted in the quantity of huckleberries he possessed, he was a very rich man. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, mushroom picker, and reveled in camping and picnicking. He shared the joy of the outdoors with his family and untold hours were spent teaching the grandkids how to fish. His fishing buddies, George and Bill, took him fishing until he no longer could go with them. Some of his last thoughts were of fishing and the hope that Doris would know where all the good fishing holes were when they were reunited. He worked many years as the debarker operator at Ellingson's Lumber Co. and spent weekends mining in a hard-rock mine in Greenhorn. After retirement, he volunteered hundreds of hours at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Wilbur is very loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He was always quick with a smile and a hug. His last few months were spent in the exceptional care of the loving caregivers of Ashley Manor. They deserve appreciation that words cannot express. Survivors include his only child Doni Bruland and her husband Craig, grandchildren Ben Clair and his wife Nancy, Alice Clair, step-grandson Shan Bruland, two great-granddaughters, a brother and two sisters, and many brothers and sister's in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Doris, his father and mother William and Beatrice King, parents' in-law Ray and Alice Myers, and many other family members and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR 97814.