Timber Valley SKP Park of Oregon, Inc

Our Timber Valley Community was saddened by the news that our member, Ted Booth, passed away last Friday, February 21, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Graydon W. Booth, Jr., Lot 100, known by most of us as “Ted”, passed away February 21, 2025 at the age of 90 years. Ted moved into Timber Valley on June 01, 2010. Ted resided here at Timber Valley with his buddy Pug “Max.” He was very active in the community of Sutherlin, driving transportation vehicles for Dial-A-Ride and received many awards for his hours of service. Ted loved his candy, visiting the Office and proclaiming, “I’m a non-recovering chocoholic” as he picked his favorite candy from the bowl. And most of the dogs in the Park knew where Ted lived. He also served on the Landscape Committee, the PCM Committee, among others over the years. Ted was a kind-hearted soul. He will be missed.

Ted had an interesting life to say the least. He had been a sailor and spent a lot of time out in the Pacific Ocean. Five times he single-handedly sailed from Newport, OR to Hawaii with only the most basic navigation tools, a sextant and the stars, at his disposal. He had been a Building Inspector in California, a motorcycle police officer in Arizona, a scuba diving instructor in Florida, a maintenance manager at an apartment complex, and reportedly his last paying job was as a medical transport driver for Mercy Hospital right here in Roseburg.

Ted left no survivors and there will be no service. By his wish, his ashes will be scattered in his beloved Pacific Ocean.

To our friend, from John and Cindy Pierce (a poem found in Ted’s possessions):
“May the skies be blue
and the breezes fair-
The water smooth and clear-
May the sun shine bright,
not a cloud in sight-
On whatever course you steer.
May a pleasant harbor wait for you at the end of every day.
And may you find
true peace of mind
As you sail along life’s way!”

Our community was deeply saddened by the news that Thomas “Skip” Eytalis (#166) has passed away after a battle with cancer. Skip, as he preferred to be called, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 30, 2025.

Skip loved to camp using a tent and later moving up to a motorhome. His parents had a summer home in Wisconsin and he loved to take the family camping in that area. They traveled to 49 states in their RV and also traveled to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. He also enjoyed riding on a train and took the family on many cross country trips via Amtrak. Skip and Sue moved into Timber Valley on September 7, 2010 and both have been active members ever since. Skip was a Junior Achievement member as a teenager and later a leader. He was a boy scout leader, managed a youth baseball team and took them on to win a championship. In his spare time he was a volunteer fireman and a member of the ELKS where he received Elk of the year award for his outstanding volunteer work. He worked at many jobs from mowing lawns and shoveling snow as a teenager in Illinois to several sales jobs and management jobs in California. Years ago and on one of their many “road” trips they came to this area of Oregon and he said, “We are going to retire here.” Thus that is how they made Douglas County their home.

At Timber Valley, Skip was an active member of a number of committees, was elected to the Board of Directors, and was always ready to volunteer when there was a project to be done. His favorite volunteer job in Timber Valley was being a member of the Men’s Cooking Group where his specialty was grilling ribs and pork chops.

He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. In later years, he became a fan of the San Jose Sharks hockey team. They attended the opening game of the Sharks in San Jose.

Skip is survived by his wife Veronica “Sue” Eytalis, children Michele, Chuck, Julie and Mark. Eight grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, his sister Paula and brother Tony. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

At his request there were no services. The family gathered for a private service and raised a glass of beer in his honor at a local watering hole in Roseburg..

Sue would like to thank the Timber Valley community for your understanding and concern during this difficult period.

Timber Valley lowered the Member flag in honor of Frances Dean #74, who passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025. Fran, as she was lovingly known, was a cherished member of the Timber Valley community.

Fran and her beloved husband, Henry, made Timber Valley their home on December 27, 1993. After Henry’s passing on June 21, 2017, Fran continued to be a vibrant part of the park, actively contributing to many committees. She was also a 20+ year volunteer at the Sutherlin Senior Center where she made many friends. Her kindness and warmth were felt by all; she had a special talent for lifting spirits and bringing joy, often through her creative hats she donned for various occasions.

Fran is survived by her son, Hal Dean of Winston, and daughter, Juanita Simmons of Roseburg. Both Hal and Juanita are comforted by the thought that Fran has forever been reunited with Henry.

Fran’s bright spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  According to family, services are pending.