Arthur Gerald Van Alstine's Obituary
Arthur Gerald Van AlstineNov. 2, 1929 to Oct. 26, 2013Arthur was born Nov. 2, 1929 in Burns, Oregon to Virgil and Helen (Jones) Van Alstine. His sister Novella was born in 1931. Arthur graduated from Burns HS in 1947 where he played football, basketball and the trumpet in the band. He entered the US Air Force after high School, but was discharged for medical reasons. Arthur's parents divorced. Virgil married Alberta Rose in 1945. Alberta had a son Rex. The family worked together on the Alvord Ranch at the foot of the Steen's Mountains.Arthur met Betty McMains in Eugene, Or. They were married in 1953 in Reno, Nevada. They lived in Coos Bay, OR, Boise, ID, Roseburg, OR, Prineville, Or, Bend, Or and Salem, OR before settling in Garden Home in SW Portland, OR. They had 5 children Debra, Toni, Tammy, Brian and Holly. Arthur worked for Gold Bond and DuBois Chemicals during this time. Betty was killed in a car accident Jan. 1st 1975. Arthur moved to Oregon City in 1976. He met Janice Sulenes and they were married May 8th 1977. Janice has 3 sons Greg, Brad and Mark.Arthur served on the Oregon City School District Budget Planning Committee from 1995 to 2001. Arthur was active with The Beavercreek Lions Club. One of his favorite activities was collecting donations, delivering Christmas food and gift boxes along with Poinsettias. He was an active member of the St. Paul Episcopal Church and The Republic for the United States of America. He ran his own businesses S & K Industries, OEM Industries and his current business Corrosion Protection Services, LLC from 1982 to present and was a current member of the NFIB. Arthur loved to hunt, fish and grow his own garden. He was an active member in the OHA and NRA. He had a huge heart and loved to help others. Arthur cared for his father Virgil until his death in 2009 at 101 years old. Arthur loved his family and close friends that he considered family. He loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. And school activities. Arthur planned The Van Alstine Family Reunions every year. He attended the Harney County Picnic and his Burns Class Reunion yearly.Arthur passed away with daughters Tammy and Holly by his side on October 26th 2013 after complications and a long hospitalization from a Pacemaker implant. He was 83 years old.His wife Janice of 36 yrs survives Arthur. He is also survived by children Debra Pratt (Clay) of Mt Vernon, WA, Tammy DeHerrera (Joe) of Boring, OR, Brian Van Alstine (Nyla) of Prineville, OR and Holly Stone (Jerry) of Oregon City, OR. Step Sons Greg Sulenes of Oregon City, Brad Sulenes of Portland, and Mark (Candy) Sulenes of Portland. Daughter in law Robin Sulenes of Oregon City, OR, Brother in law Willard Hammock of Prineville, OR and Sister in law Donna Rose of Vancouver, WA. Nieces Patty Jones, Jenifer St. Marrs and Sharon Nelson. Nephews Don Rose, Brian Rose and Allen Rose. 23 Grand Children and 27 Great Grand Children.Arthur is preceded in death by his Mother Helen, first wife Betty, Step Mother Alberta, Step Brother Rex Rose, daughter Toni Pitzer, His Father Virgil, and Sister Novella Hammock.Memorial Service and reception will be held Saturday, November 9th 2013 at 1pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church 822 Washington St. Oregon City, OR 97045. Donations can be made in Arthurs name to The Lions Club Eye Bank.We would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this journey with our dad. He was loved by many and will be truly missed. We love you dad and though our hearts are heavy now we know you are in a better place. You will forever be with us in our hearts until we meet again.Let Freedom Ring!
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