Chuck Cowles (Lot 130), In Memoriam

The Timber Valley Community is saddened by the news of the recent death of Chuck Cowles.  He died November 21, 2022. Charles “Chuck” Cowles and his wife Lillian moved into Timber Valley on October 24, 2002. Lillian passed away on July 30, 2006. Chuck will be remembered as the “coffee man” in early years, making coffee for almost every event. Chuck took part in numerous park functions. He was part of the “sound crew” helping with microphones when needed.

Chuck was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and moved to California with his family when he was 12 years old. He went into the navy at age 17 and served 4 years. Chuck was an electrician which may explain why he was so insistent that the clubhouse lights not be left on at night!

According to his sister Bev Spain, Chuck suffered from a bowel blockage and never recovered from the surgery. He moved from the hospital into Curry Manor in Roseburg and died five days later.

He is survived by his sister, Beverly Spain of Vallejo, CA a son, Charles, Jr., and a stepson John Bowman.

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Mary Woodell (Lot 35), In Memoriam

The Timber Valley Community is saddened by the recent news of the death of past member Mary Woodell. She died November 19, 2022.  Mary and Robert Woodell moved into Timber Valley (lot #35) on April 18, 2003. Robert passed away on January 5, 2009. Mary will be remembered as a quiet, shy lady who enjoyed lunches with her friends at McDonalds. Mary moved with Jaye Brame, (lot 28) into Linus Oaks in April 2020.

She is survived by a son, Roger Woodell of Gresham, OR., and a daughter, Roberta Adlard of Ridgefield, WA.

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A Thanksgiving Story

By Fred Prout

John Tucker died.

Outside of Ratcheds, it’s not news. You didn’t know him, why should you care?
But John Tucker’s life had meaning. As do all lives. The community of Ratcheds loved John Tucker. And it went both ways. John Tucker found us by accident and stayed with us for over thirty years. Before telling John Tucker’s story, a word or two about community as that’s half the story. Continue reading →

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Squirrel Droppings / Pumping Irony

By Fred Prout

As many of you know, the light of my life for most of a half century was legally blind. So I am not totally ignorant of the problems and how to get around them as best you can. The other day, a new resident of The Home for Senior Delinquents, mentioned that she couldn’t see her phone. We can all thank her as that inspired this story.
Continue reading →

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The Clubhouse Bell

Clubhouse BellIn September 1992 when Frank and Cathey Johnson #15 came into the Park the bell was an important part of the Park. The bell rang about 30 minutes before meetings. The Board, Jacks and Jills, or Memorials. Anytime members needed “to get together”.

The Bell was disabled because kids would come in a night and ring the bell then run away into the woods before anyone could catch them. The goal is to have the bell working again.

This will be discussed at the October 20, 2022, Board Meeting. Let us know what you think.

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David Sawaya, In Memoriam

By Jackie Deal

Dave Sawaya lived life to the fullest even after losing a leg to cancer in 1992. We knew him as a man on crutches hopping circles around us and laughingly piloting his electric cart wherever he wanted. He played games in the clubhouse and loved pot lucks.

Dave was born in San Francisco, February 4, 1942. In 1981 he met Pam at a Parents Without Partners event; they married one year later in Woodside, California. Dave lived in San Carlos, San Mateo and Redding, Oregon before he and Pam moved to Azalea, Oregon. In Azalea they had an emu farm and had 10 breeding pairs of emus. It was during that time in 1992 that Dave lost a leg to cancer.

He was a contractor and owned several rental properties in Sutherlin. He and Pam moved from Sutherlin to the Green District in Roseburg where he lost the ultimate battle with cancer. Dave and Pam enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Dave passed away Oct. 6, 2022. Those of us who knew him, will remember his ready smile and his cheerful nature.

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One Flew Over The Handlebars

It’s been a wild day in Ratcheds By The Sea. Shirley Shewill, incoming manager of The Ratcheds Senior Center, is conducting an audit of the books and an inventory of supplies. Apparently, some of the members were heisting bananas, coffee creamers and silverware. Shirley is intent on determining if this was due to kleptomania or a pushback against previous nickel and diming. Continue reading →

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In Memorium

Everyone here in Ratcheds, and elsewhere, is in mourning today. We learned of the passing of our beloved founder, Continue reading →

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Bees, Flowers, and How they Relate

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NIGHT WINDS

In the wink of an eye, my soul is turning

They start in the seconds between wakefulness and sleep. Continue reading →

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