Wayne Leroy Ooley

Wayne Leroy Ooley, 93, a resident of the Forest Grove community passed away on December 13, 2020 at his home.
Wayne was born on February 19, 1927 in Wood River, Nebraska. He was one of two children born to Wilbur and Annie Elizabeth (Adamson) Ooley. As a child growing up during the Great Depression, Wayne's family moved around a lot trying to find work. They lived in Colorado and Idaho and then settled in Dilley, Oregon when he was a young teenager. Wayne attended Gaston High School and graduated with the Class of 1945. He was off to join the US Navy before he even received his diploma.
When he was on his way to the Philippines during WWII, the war ended. He then spent his time in the Philippines, helping with the post war effort. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After the Navy, he spent two years attending Pacific University where he also played football.
He met Lillian Keene, his soon-to-be wife while she was walking past his parents' house on her way to work. They soon began dating and following a short courtship, they married on August 8, 1948 in Forest Grove. They made their home in Dilley and Scoggins Valley and finally settled in Forest Grove in 1964. They had three children; David, Patti and Ron. Lillian passed away on June 11, 2016.
Wayne worked for Stimson Lumber Co. and Forest Fiber for 48 years. He started as a tree faller, worked his way up to purchasing manager and retired at age 68. During his free time, he was a commercial fisherman.
When Wayne and Lillian were young, they enjoyed square dancing and gathering with their friends to play cards.  After retirement they went on bus trips and also enjoyed camping in their RV. One of their favorite places to travel was Hawaii. Family always came first -- his greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He was his grandchildren's #1 sports fan. Wayne, husband, dad, grandpa, papa or friend, no matter what you called him, all would agree to his quiet, unassuming nature. His kindness and love were like sunshine, you could feel his warmth. He was always looking for ways to help others. When he could no longer help physically, he found other ways to bless people in need of a blessing. Simply put, his legacy is love.