Raymond “Mick” Blain, 73, of Lebanon died at his home on July 29, 2009.
He was born Jan. 31, 1936 in Tillamook, the son of Clarence and Gladys (Robertson) Blain.
He lived in Cascadia throughout most of his childhood, where he received his schooling. He served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic and operator during the Korean War. He then worked in the woods for several years.
In 1969, he began his work as a heavy equipment operator in power line construction through IBEW 659. He retired after 32 years in 2001. He has lived in the Lebanon area since 1961.
Mr. Blain enjoyed restoring cars, motorcycles, boating, scuba diving, crabbing, tinkering with anything he could fix and going to garage sales on Fridays with his daughters. More than anything he loved being around people and spending time with family and friends.
He was married to Della O’Connor in Winnemucca, Nev. on July 27, 1957.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Della of Lebanon; daughters Debbie Marvin, Sherri Craven and Susan Norris, all of Lebanon; sisters Mary Jane Gourley of Cascadia and Marylyn Gidley of California; brothers Bruce and Brad Blain, both of Eugene; eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Lawrence Blain.
A potluck gathering of family and friends will be held 1 p.m. Saturday Aug. 15, at the Lebanon Elks Lodge #1663.
Family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Diabetes Association c/o Huston-Jost Funeral Home 86 W. Grant St. Lebanon, OR 97355.