Obituaries for Dec. 23, 2009

By Calvin Hall

The Sandy Post, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009

Lester M. Johnson

May 12, 1920-Dec. 14, 2009

Former Sandy resident Lester M. Johnson, 89, died Monday, Dec. 14.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church in Portland. Private inurnment was at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Lester was born May 12, 1920, in Sandy to August and Clara (Johnson) Johnson. The family moved to Washington state to follow work in the lumber industry. They later moved to Gresham, and Lester attended Gresham Grade School and graduated from Gresham High School.

As a young man, Lester worked in the shipyards as a welder. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and served overseas. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 26, 1945, with the rank of boatswain’s mate 1st class. After his discharge, Lester returned home and worked for Signal Oil Co. in the warehouse for about two years.

On Feb. 10, 1948, he married Jean Gallant in Vancouver, Wash. They lived in Wood Village, and Lester worked for Reynolds Metals in the rectifier room for 10 years. After being laid off from the plant, Lester returned to the family farm in Gresham in 1953 and built a home. He began his career as a berry grower, nurseryman and Blue Lake green bean grower. He enlarged the farm from 5 acres to 50 acres, which are still being worked today.

Lester served as president of the Federal Land Bank and was a member of the Gresham Co-op. He also belonged to Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon and elder for many years. Lester and Jean also traveled the world.

Survivors include his wife; sons, James Johnson of Philomath and Robert Johnson of Gresham; and three grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave., Portland, 97233; or to the Oregon Humane Society, P.O. Box 11364, Portland, 97211-0364.

Gresham Memorial Chapel handled the arrangements.

Janice “Jan” Wesley Hanks

March 9, 1932-Dec. 20, 2009

Estacada resident Janice “Jan” Wesley Hanks, 77, died Sunday, Dec. 20, at Providence Portland Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Sandy Funeral Home, 39551 Pleasant St. Private entombment will be at River View Abbey in Portland.

Jan was born March 9, 1932, in Portland to James and Iola (Clifford) Price. She was raised in Portland and attended Washington High School.

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