Kenneth E. Aldrich

Kenneth E. Aldrich, age 80, of Union, died May 6, 2012, at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at the Union United Methodist Church. Committal and interment will follow at the Union Cemetery.

Kenneth was born on November 8, 1931, the son of Everett and Grace (Blize) Aldrich in Haines, Oregon. He grew up in Union and graduated from Union High School with the class of 1950. He served his country with the United States Navy on the USS Essex in Korea for four years. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Boeing as a Heliark Welder. He then returned to Union where he was partners with his brother Frank in the Aldrich Bros Chevron. He later worked as a bus driver and custodian for the Union School District before becoming an equipment operator for the Oregon State Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1994.

He was married to Urcelle Crossland on June 18, 1955. They lived in Everett, WA, briefly before moving back to Union where they lived and raised their three children. They later divorced in 1994. On August 28, 1999, he married Wythel (Delaney) Bronson in Union. Kenneth enjoyed fishing and hunting. He served on the Union Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and was a lifetime member of the VFW High Valley Post 4060.

Survivors include his wife, Wythel Aldrich of Union and her children, Sherrill Teeter of Pasco, Washington and Carole Smith of La Grande; his children, Kristy (Romer)Moore of La Grande, Danny Aldrich of Medford, OR, and Duane Aldrich of Banks, OR; siblings, Glen Aldrich of Union, Betty Griffith of Prineville and George Aldrich of Cove; several grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, Frank and Elmer Aldrich, his mother Grace Aldrich and father Everett.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the VFW High Valley Post 4060 or the Union Methodist Church in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Those who wish may sign the on-line guestbook or leave a message for the family at www.danielsknopp.com

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