A memorial will be held for member Gordon Ware on Sunday, February 23, at 2 p.m. in Eliot Chapel, with a reception to follow at 3:30 p.m. in Buchan Reception Hall. Longtime member Gordon Ware died on December 8 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 83. Gordon was a physicist, an … Continue reading Gordon Ware Memorial
A celebration of life for long-time member Martha Westgate will be held on February 24, which would have been her 90th birthday. Martha died on May 31, 2024. She was one of the founding members of our church's 7th Principle Group, now called Community for Earth. Martha and her husband John were active members of … Continue reading Celebration of Life for Martha Westgate
Member Michael Wade died on November 4, 2024, at the age of 73. He was diagnosed with cancer about 10 months prior and his illness progressed quickly. Michael was active in our Economic Justice Action Group here along with other groups. Toward the end Michael said “I guess my ride is here…” Michael leaves his … Continue reading Michael Wade Memorial
Congregant Joanne O'Connell died on March 4, 2025, at the age of 67. Joanne was active in the Pride group for many years. She worked for Multnomah County for almost 13 years as a specialist for various programs and most recently as the contract liaison for the community services Veterans Directed Care program. She always … Continue reading Joanne O’Connell Memorial
Long-time member Elizabeth (Liz) Julee died on March 21. Her daughter Tara Johnson-Medinger served as our Children’s Christmas Pageant director in past years. Join us in Eliot Chapel from 2 - 3 p.m. for a memorial service, followed by a reception in the Buchan Reception Hall until 5 p.m.
Julie Wheeler joined the church in 1971, along with her husband Andrew (who died in 2023). In her professional life, Julie was a teacher and a founder of Ceasefire Oregon. She died on February 12 at the age of 90. Read her obituary here. Join us in Eliot Chapel at 2 p.m. to celebrate Julie's … Continue reading Julie Wheeler Memorial
Member Pete Guest died peacefully on May 27 in the skilled nursing facility at Holladay Park Plaza, his retirement community. He was 84 years old. He was surrounded by his wife, Kristin, and his son, Andrew. Pete had declined over several years, was hospitalized in early April, and then moved to hospice at Holladay Park … Continue reading Pete Guest Memorial
Community member and Shower Project volunteer Paul Albrecht died unexpectedly in April 2025. His sister Sandi shared her gratitude that Paul was able to reconnect with their childhood Unitarian faith and with the Shower Project before his death. We hold Paul’s family, all who loved him, and those who benefited from his service to this … Continue reading Paul Albrecht Memorial
Member Mike Couch died early on the morning of June 25 at the age of 68, after living with Alzheimer's Disease for the past twelve years. Mike was a long-time member of First Unitarian, and leaves behind his wife Kathy, son Jack, siblings, and the many people who loved him. Join us in Eliot Chapel … Continue reading Mike Couch Celebration of Life
Member Barbara Fields died unexpectedly on July 23 at the age of 77. Barbara joined our church in 2020, was on the Nominating Committee and was also active in the anti-racist book groups. One friend described Barbara as a beautiful soul. We will miss her warm, caring personality. Join us on September 24 at 6 … Continue reading Barbara Fields Celebration of Life
Long-time member Margo Clark died on August 14 at the age of 71 after living with cancer for several years. Margo served in many roles here at the church. She was a member of our Music & Arts Committee, Leadership Council, was a Sunday morning usher, and for 11 years served delicious homemade soup for … Continue reading Margo Clark Memorial
Longtime member Toni Paget died on the morning of September 4 at the age of 85 after living with cancer in her last year. Toni was a retired school teacher and here at the church she was a part of our Quilts of Love group as well as the Alliance. She was a faithful attender … Continue reading Toni Paget Celebration of Life
Longtime member Carol Santesson died on May 17 at the age of 86. Carol was the daughter of longtime member Margaret Denison and mother of member Heather Santesson. Join us in Eliot Chapel at 2 p.m. to celebrate Carol's life, followed by a reception in Buchan Reception Hall.
Member Judy Wilder died on Monday, October 6, at the age of 83. Judy was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer just a few weeks before her death. Judy joined our church in 2017 and was involved in our Community for Earth, the Sojourners Group, and our Alliance. She leaves two daughters and we hold them … Continue reading Judy Wilder Celebration of Life
Member Jean Robinson died on October 10 at the age of 90. She was a member since 2004 and in recent years mostly watched services online. Jean was a teacher at Vernon Elementary School and Jefferson High School. Join us in Eliot Chapel to celebrate her life, followed by a reception in Buchan Hall.
Long-time member Carol Touchet died in February 2026 at home. Carol joined the church in 2001 and was a faithful member of the Alliance, helping with memorials; an active member of our "T" Time group; and an usher for many years. Join us in Buchan Hall at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6, to celebrate … Continue reading Carol Touchet Celebration of Life
