Obituary
The Sandy Chapter lost one of it's oldest charter members with the passing of Maurice Bliss, 84,on March 16. Maurice was a quiet person and although not one to speak out at club functions he was always participating and there when needed and doing his share. I especially remember working along side Maurice during the Marmot Dam acclimation pond construction where this little guy, five years older then me, was working circles around me and not even stopping to take breaks. I admired his work ethnic and decided then and there to be his friend. Most members will remember Maurice as the little older guy that in his later years came to meetings, social functions, and picnics with his son John pushing his wheel chair. John tells me "Dad loved the Sandy Chapter Steelheaders. He was so proud to be a part of all the functions. He spoke highly of it's members. He was frustrated that his poor health, due to a heavy equipment accident, and his damaged breathing prevented his full participation in his final years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I see him in every thing at the family farm". Member Nick Galash, a neighbor of Maurice in Pleasant Valley, knew him well and shared some common hay farming experiences. Nick talked lots about Maurice's great hard working farm experiences and about the farm accident where Maurice was trapped and crushed under his tractor. This accident didn't stop Maurice but greatly slowed him down. Maurice was a life long farmer, fisherman, big game hunter. He was a life time member of the Gresham Rifle Club and a member of the Antique Steam Club of Brooks, OR. Maurice is survived by his sons John and Tim, seven grandchildren and nine great grand children. Memorial services will be held April 24, Saturday, 11:00 AM at Gresham Memorial Chapel, 257 SE Roberts, Gresham, OR 97080. Some of Maurice's favorite food will be served following the service and all members are invited.
Larry Beaver
[provided by Tim Bliss]
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Aft 1926 - 2010 (< 83 years)
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