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Charles (Pat) O’Connor, 84, of Corvallis passed away Monday at Regent Court in Corvallis. Pat was born in Marshfield, the son of George Hutton and Ellen Elida Enegren O’Connor. Pat’s early years were spent on his grandfather’s farm, delivering milk in milk cans to stores before attending school. Pat spent his freshman year of high school with his Aunt Aili in Erie, Pa. He played tennis while there. Pat graduated from Marshfield High School in 1945; he played football and basketball, and was student body president his senior year. He served in the U.S. Army from March of 1946 until March of 1947. Pat received his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering — agricultural from Oregon State College on June 4, 1951. On Oct. 29, 1954, he married Avis Davi in Corvallis. She passed away on Aug. 21, 1981. Pat worked at Modern Freeze at Adair Cold Storage, and then at Sunny Brook Dairy until retiring in 1989. He belonged to the Eagles Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He was on a Moose bowling league for 50 years, and received the highest honor of the Pilgrim Degree in the Moose Lodge. Pat married Dorletta Thoma on June 21, 1983, at Bellfountain Community Church. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, bowling, country drives, walking, painting, dancing, feeding his crows, mowing the lawn, watching “All My Children,” and especially family gatherings. Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Avis; and his much-loved aunt, Aili Knox. Pat is survived by his wife, Dorletta of Corvallis; his children, Ron and Mike O’Connor of Vale, and Karen Wood of Corvallis; stepchildren, Sheryll Kinney-Ballard (Bob) of Bellfountain, Gary Kinney (Norma) of Philomath, Brenda Hull (Ken) of Bellfountain, and Scott Kinney of Bellfountain; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and friends. There will be no service, per Pat’s request. Memorial donations can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Heartland Humane Society in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330. Pat was a very kind gentle soul, with a hearty laugh and always a big smile. When asked how he was doing, his reply was always “One foot in front of the other.” Pat’s ashes will be scattered on the farm at Coos Bay, and also inurned at Alpine Cemetery.

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Charles Dillon O'Connor

August 10, 1927 - October 31, 2011