March 8, 1930 – July 16, 2015
Chester Orval Royer, 85, of Foster, died July 16, 2015. He was born March 8, 1930 in Dalton, Neb. to Chester Franklin and Hazel M. (Mauer) Royer.
His family moved to Oregon when he was 11 and settled in the Jefferson area and later in the Dever-Connor area. In 1949 he met Shirley Hagle at the Lebanon Skate Rink. They married on Oct. 22, 1950 and created their first home in the Foster area.
Mr. Royer loved flying, fishing, woodworking, kayaking and his Kubota tractor. In 1961 he, along with Wesley Marchbanks and Gene Rayner, won the Santiam Soak in 38 minutes – five minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.
Mr. Royer worked for Willamette Industries (Foster division) for 41 years. After work he would get on his Kubota to till, grade or mow on his property or for other people. He was a true farmer at heart; always providing for his family. Mr. Royer had a talent for witching for water. He could tell you where to find water and how far down it was.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Hope Center and was responsible for the remodeling of it into a functioning center. He was known as a “quiet doer that never expected a thank you,” earning him a VIP award in 1991 from the Sweet Home President’s Club. He was featured in The New Era as volunteer of the week in the Nov. 13, 1996 edition. He served as president of the Sweet Home Squarenaders and served as the occasional caller.
Mr. Royer helped build and was a member of the Evangelical Church. He volunteered his time for the church in many ways and sang in the choir.
He loved his family.
Mr. Royer is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, of Foster; children Jerry and daughter-in-law Charlene Royer of Salem, Gordon and daughter-in-law Dawn Royer of the Mackenzie River area; Laura Killian of Sweet Home, and David and daughter-in-law Toy Royer of Sweet Home; sister Louella Townsend of Lebanon; brother Arthur Royer of Crabtree; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ted Royer; sister Irene Townsend; grandson Luke Royer; and his parents, Chester and Hazel Royer.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. 1347 Long St.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Sweet Home Hope Center or Evergreen Samaritan Hospice.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.