In Memoriam: Barbara (BJ) Barry

Submitted by Ruby Bonham

Timber Valley is saddened by the passing of Barbara (BJ) Barry of Lot 23 on October 19, 2025.

BJ was born July 3, 1939. She and Larry Barry were married May 11, 1957. They were married for 68 years. They came into Timber Valley in 2006. They had a lot until 2018 when they built a home near Oak Hills Golf Course in Sutherlin, Oregon. They got on the Active Wait List again in 2018 and again became lease holders in 2022. Although they had a lot here they continued to live in their home near the golf course. They were very involved in the gaming in the clubhouse. BJ was a caring, cheerful person who many remember fondly.

BJ is survived by her husband Larry, a daughter, Tamara Remlinger of Eugene, Oregon and son, Brett Barry of Maryland. Larry says BJ was a loving and kind woman of faith who was never angry. She is greatly missed. Larry will continue to live in their home near the golf course.

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In Memoriam: Phyllis Fitch

Submitted by Ruby Bonham

Timber Valley is saddened at the passing of Phyllis Fitch of Lot 126 on October 11, 2025.

Phyllis was born February 26, 1932.  She had known Norman Fitch in high school but both married other spouses.  Phyllis had three sons, Dennis, David and Doug Mohler.  Phyllis had worked for the Lockman Foundation as a bible proofreader and also as a teller for Bank of America.  Many years later Phyllis and Norman reunited and were married July 7, 1990.  Norman was a long time minister.  He and his deceased wife had traveled in a motorhome doing mission work.  When Phyllis and Norman married they continued that mission work.  They got their lot in Timber Valley March 29, 2006.  They continued their ministry and Norman did Memorial services for park members.  Phyllis was an accomplished pianist.

Phyllis and Norman were married 35 years.  They had a loving and caring relationship and were seldom apart.  They moved to a facility in Roseburg in March but after a short time returned to Timber Valley.  They much preferred to have private time here at home.  Phyllis is survived by her husband Norman, her three sons and two step daughters, Roxie and Jackie.  Norman will remain here in the park close to his daughter Roxie.  Phyllis is remembered as a dear sweet woman who was much loved by her husband.

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Update from the Board Agenda Workshop – A Little Extra Awareness Goes a Long Way

It was reported at yesterday’s Board Agenda Workshop that there may be some unauthorized camping across the creek.

Law enforcement is aware and Randy has set up trail cams to keep an eye on our property in that area.

This is a good time to give your storage area rig doors and locks a quick check to help keep our park safe and secure for everyone.

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In Memoriam: Roy “Skip” Webber

Submitted by Ruby Bonham

Timber Valley is saddened at the loss of Roy “Skip” Webber of Lot 185 on September 29, 2025.

Skip was born November 3, 1944. He said he was from all over as his father preferred a nomadic lifestyle. He met his wife, Joanne, when they worked together. They were married in 1985 and would have been married 40 years in December. They hit the road after retirement in 2011. Their first trip took them to Livingston, Texas where they became SKP members. They visited a number of SKP parks. While working for four years as Park Hosts at Gold Beach, they started visiting Timber Valley and got on the Waiting List. They got their lot in 2019 and decided to leave the road. They were involved with the Lot Improvement Committee and with the Library until Skip’s health issues slowed their participation.

Skip is survived by his wife, Joanne, a daughter, Sandy, of Phoenix, AZ and a son, Michael, of Southern California. Joanne will be remaining in the park.

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In Case You Missed It: Snowbird Send-Off Prom Night!

Submitted by Rachael Smithey

Last Saturday Timber Valley members danced the night away at the Snowbird Send-Off Prom Night. A highlight of the evening was the crowning of Prom King and Queen Dick and Rockey! Congratulations to both for their well-deserved royal titles!

Safe travels to all our snowbirds as they head out for the winter. We’ll be ready to roll out the red carpet when you return!

Thanks to Chris Beith for organizing this fun event!

View the photo gallery

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Missing Parts

By Fred Prout

Somewhere around my tenth year, I had a brilliant idea. If I wore eyeglasses the gangsters in school would stop beating the crap out of me. It never occurred to me that my being a sickly kid with a smart mouth might have somehow had something to do with it. All I knew was it was somehow wrong to beat up on any kid wearing glasses. Especially me. So glasses I needed and glasses I got. Continue reading

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Monument Award

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Volunteer Recognition

by Sharon Elliott #36

I believe that when you see a volunteer go the extra mile, that person needs to be recognized for their service.

The green space behind my lot had a bad winter. The wind emptied the pine trees of rotted
limbs and cones. (If a pine cone is full of seeds, my trees shed a forest of them.) I used to be able to rake the hill and keep it ready for mowing but all I can do now is look at it and weep.

One day, there was a man picking up the sticks, than collected several large containers of
debris, off the steep hill . He raked the bank and now when I look out my window all is beautiful.

Tom Seliskar Space 43, thank you so much.

Sharon Elliott #36

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Better Rooftop Air Conditioners

provided by Marc Stalnaker, Lot 40

The RV world of rooftop air conditioners is in the process of switching to greatly improved products! For some time now, the home air conditioner market has had better technology. Some RVers have investigated and found a way to install home “mini split” air conditioners, although most RVs do not have the wall space to use these. It is now truly refreshing to see this new technology being introduced into the RV world of rooftop air conditioners.

A little background: RVs have used rooftop air conditioners for maybe 40 years! Until recently, these systems all used a “compressor” that either ran or not depending on what the thermostat called for. In many cases, they also had a 2 or 3-speed fan speed that could be selected. When the thermostat called for cooling, the compressor started and ran, blowing cold air until the set temperature was reached, then cycled off. This is key here…the compressor was either on or off, and the electrical draw was a fixed amount while on. (On a hot day, it could run all day long, without ever cycling off.) They also are quite noisy!

Recent developments.
Fast forward to today. We are now seeing RV rooftop air conditioners that use variable-speed compressors and variable-speed fans much like have been available in the home market. These have tremendous benefit over the older style, in that the compressor speed and fan vary depending on the “need”.

The benefits of this technology are significant:

  • Lower electrical power consumption. When this compressor is running at a lower speed, it draws less electricity…Since much of our electrical bill each summer is a direct result of air conditioners, this could be a significant benefit.
  • Lower noise. The compressor and fan running at a slower speed produce less interior noise.
  • Improved interior comfort level with better humidity control.
  • Less “strain” on the electrical grid system.
  • Some models even have a remote control with a thermostat in the remote.
    Some models also have a “heat pump” function.

If you are in the market for a new air conditioner, research the models and reach out to your favorite RV repair person to ask about this type of unit. It’s your decision.

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New Bookstore and Coffee Shop In Town

Hopefully you will find this newsworthy and add a notice to our Timber Valley website. We had a small independent bookstore-cafe that was frequented by a number of our Timber Valley Residents. It has been closed, I guess for almost two years, because of a fire. It has finally reopened and has a new name, Read the Room. It is a comfortable inviting spot with a diverse collection of books not to mention coffee, tea and espresso. Currently they are displaying 12 of my original, framed oil paintings. They also have a program where store credit is given for those who donate books. More details are available at the shop.

Thanks, Dennis Hellawell,  Lot 66

Details:
Read the Room Bookstore and Espresso
220 W. Central Ave, Sutherlin, OR 97479,
South side of the road by the railroad crossing

(541) 315-2166    10 AM – 4 PM Tuesday – Saturday

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