Bernhard Ekman Obituary (1935

Bernhard "Bernie" Ekman (USN Retired RMCS), 75, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at his home. Bernie's wishes were to be laid to rest through the Burial at Sea Program with the US Navy out of Bremerton, WA. A remembrance of his life is being planned and will take place on Saturday, March 26 at the Gales Creek Fire Station from 2 PM to 4PM. Bernie was born on March 3, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the older of two sons born to Urho John and Catherine (Brennan) Ekman. He was raised and received his education in Hackettstown, NJ. Following his high school years, Bernie joined the US Navy. He served his country proudly for over 20 years and retired honorably as a Senior Chief. He was united in marriage to Patricia Fairfull in May of 1956. Following their marriage, they followed Bernie's career in the US Navy around the world until Navy retirement in 1971. They moved to Oregon, settled in Gales Creek and became owners of the Gales Creek Mercantile for several years. Bernie was instrumental in 1973 in establishing the Gales Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Bernie lived in Gales Creek until their divorce in 1984 and moved to Cornelius, where he owned and operated, "Bernie's Refrigeration & Appliance". He later retired from business and moved to Verboort for a short time before settling in Hillsboro. Bernie thoroughly enjoyed music, which included barber shop quartet music. He was a singing member of the Tualatin Valley Harmony Masters at one time. His other interests included; Ham Radio, Gunsmoke, regaling Navy memories with friends and family, his grandkids and his beloved cat, "Kitty". He is preceded in death by his parents and his Aunt Valma. Survivors include his four children and their spouses; John and Maria Ekman of Beaverton, OR, Correen and Mark Klouda of Woodland, WA, Kathy and John Overstreet of Nampa, ID, Janeen and Tony Sollman of Hillsboro, OR, a brother Edward Ekman of Virginia, twelve grandchildren, one niece and one nephew. The family suggests donations in Bernie's name to the Forest Grove Firefighters Association/Gales Creek Fire Dept and Loaves and Fishes/Hillsboro Center.