DENSLEY, David E.

The Record-Courier 16 Nov 2012 David E. Densley was born July, 14, 1922, at the first place on the left as you round the turn into Richland. He was the fourth of six children born to John and Belva (Simonis) Densley. His family history in Eagle Valley began over 130 years ago. The Simonis’s migrated to Eagle Valley in 1874 from Wisconsin when Dave’s grandfather, Fred Simonis, was eight, and just eight families were living here. One of those families was Fred’s maternal grandparents, Alexander and Elizabeth Furgason. John, Dave’s father was 13 in 1906 when his parents and four siblings moved from Cove, Ore., after migrating from Utah in 1904. By 1910, John was in the sheep raising business. His operation began during the open range era, grazing from Eagle Valley to Hells Canyon and the Wallowa Wilderness and Cornucopia. His shearing plant was in “the sag.” This was all part of Dave’s life. Dave was 4 when his father purchased the ranch where Dave spent most of his life. True to the times, besides sheep, the family had milk cows, chickens and pigs. Elementary education was received just a short walk from home at Sunnyside (still standing) and secondary education at Eagle Valley High School. There he played all sports and developed an undying love of football and basketball — but not at the professional level. He was definitely partial to high school and college sports. With his wife, Donna, he attended every Pine-Eagle football and basketball home game until no longer physically able. They also delighted in Denny Curtis’s Pine Eagle Music programs. Always a participator, Dave was an active and award winning 4-H’er – having steer, swine, and lamb projects. He won the beer showmanship at the Pacific International held in Portland. In 1939 he exhibited a steer at the World’s Fair held on Treasure Island. Throughout his life, he enjoyed reliving those adventures. 1940 found him as an Oregon State College freshman. Soon he was an Alpha Tau Omega fraternity member and he met Donna, a Delta Delta Delta sorority member. They married December 1943. Land grant colleges such as OSC required two years of ROTC. When Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1944 the War Department was anxious for those in basic ROTC to continue in advanced training and had what was called enlisted reserve. This eventually led to Dave being a First Lieutenant in the 89th Division. January 1945 at the age of 21, he was sailing to Europe to help re-enforce the “Battle of the Bulge.” When they landed at Le Havre they were transported in open semi’s in sub-freezing temperatures. April 27, 1946 he was sailing back to the U.S. from Le Havre on the USS Le Jeune. During that trip, a dachshund smuggled on board gave birth. From that time he was smitten with dachshunds. He shared his life with three of them. Dave did not freely talk of the horrors and hardships of World War II until he was in his 80′s. One of the continuing sadness’s of the war was the loss of his only brother, John. By 1947 he had completed his degree at OSC, and then returned to Richland and the ranch with Donna and their daughter. Dave and Donna were never idle. Besides ranch work, they regularly entertained family and friends with dinner parties, card games, and study groups. For a time both were 4-H leaders. Dave raised Herefords, purebred and commercial. He took an interest in all who worked for him and enjoyed following their lives. From the 60′s through the 80′s, Dave served — first on the Eagle Valley School Board, then on the first Pine-Eagle School Board where for a time he was its chairman. He was on the Baker County IED Board, was president of the Oregon School Boards Association, and for three years was on Gov. Hatfield’s Education Improvement Commission. Plus, he was President of the Baker County Livestock Association and Second Vice-president and Treasurer of the Oregon Beef Council and was its chairman. In 1987 while enjoying an evening playing poker he suffered a medical emergency. His friends administered CPR. That episode led to the discovery of the need for heart surgery. Ranching came to a halt. So needing to keep busy and being gregarious, he and Donna became avid golfers. By 1996 the ranch was sold and they began living in Baker City next to the golf course. They loved it! Wednesday evenings were spent dining out with another couple. Soon more and more friends were a part of this fellowship. It was a special part of Dave’s life. He thrived on being surrounded by people; visiting and telling his stories and jokes; and dishing out good-natured ribbing. Dave made a point to enjoy life; so when dealt with adversity, he adapted. When no longer able to play 18 holes of golf, he played nine, then less. Then when golfing became impossible, he made himself content to sit in his lounge chair and watch others golf. Plus, he pushed through aches and pains to maintain his independence and be Donna’s main caregiver. Computers enthralled him. He purchased one, taught himself how to use it. Each day while smoking a cigar and sipping a glass of wine, he checked and sent e-mails; and played card games. Fox news and sports channels were his favorite TV viewing. Politics never ceased to be of interest. He wished those who ran for public office could be statesmen; not politicians looking after their own interests. He was not hesitant to speak his mind, especially if he felt a wrong was being done. On Aug. 28 he became too ill to take care of himself. Donna passed Oct. 18; Dave on Oct. 21. They were married almost 69 years. Dave is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Janice and Tim Heater, two grandsons, two great grandsons (plus one soon-to be great grandson) nieces and nephews. Dave strongly requested no services. He did not want people to be inconvenienced. However, a celebration of life will be held for Dave and Donna in the spring. Thank you to the dear friends and relatives who continued to visit him when it would have been so easy not to do so. Thank you to Dr. Hofmann and the caregivers and staff at St. Alphonsus Hospital and Care Center. You are all deeply appreciated. For those who would like to make a memorial donation, the family suggests the sports or music programs for the Pine-Eagle School District or for scholarships presented by the Baker County Livestock Producers Foundation through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834.