ECKLEY, Joseph Ray

Joseph Ray Eckley, 61, passed away on July 10, 2014, at his home in the Keating Valley area of Baker City, Oregon. No services are planned at this time. Joe was born in Silverton, Oregon to Ben and Gloria Eckley on November 24, 1952. He married Lois Patchin on January 26, 1974. In 1979, they moved to Harney County where Joe worked for Turner Brangus Ranch for several years until buying property south of Burns. Together, they built an alfalfa hay and cattle ranch. In 2008, they sold the ranch and bought a small farm in Keating Valley. Joe served in the Army National Guard for 6 years , earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a past president of the Harney County Farm Bureau and a member of the Lower Powder River Irrigation District. Joe loved farming and took special joy in the challenges of working the land. He could fix anything and was endlessly creative when it came to making things work. He was quick to help a neighbor and was much respected by those who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, reading and gunsmithing. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lois, daughter Jennifer Schick and her husband Mark of Aloha, Ore., grandson Joseph Schick of Aloha, Ore., mother Gloria Eckley of Woodburn, Ore., brothers Stan Eckley and his wife Mary Pat of Tillamook, Ore. and Keith Eckley and his wife Corinne of Keizer, Ore. and sister Diana (Kingsley) Kelley of Central Point, Ore., along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by father Ben Eckley, brother Jim Eckley, and grandson Tyler Schick. Contributions in Joseph Eckley's name may be made to the Burns or Crane chapters of FFA through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. therconline.com 14 July 2014