This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Wedel, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/6667/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Times, Newport, OR 97365 Oct 3rd, 2013 Harold 'Bud' Wayne Wedel Harold 'Bud' Wedel died peacefully two days shy of his 88th Birthday at Willamette Valley Hospice, Tokarski Home. Bud was born into the renowned Wedel family that founded the Salem Hospital. Youngest of four brothers he was preceded in death by his brothers Irwin, previous director of Salem Hospital, Paul and Milt. Bud became a pilot in the Army Air Corps at age 18. While in the Army Air Corps/Air Force he flew fighters and bombers in the South Pacific in WWII, jets in the Korean conflict and trained Korean jet fighter pilots, did mid-air refueling for fighters in the Vietnam conflict, tactical tankers supporting strategic air commands of nuclear bombers and aerial mapped all of the 'Free World'. Bud retired as Lt. Colonel in 1969 and moved his family back to Salem. He ran a family farm in Fruitland and a gas station. He was also a farrier and drove busses for the Salem School District until 1990 when he officially retired. Bud was a great mechanic and loved Model A automobiles so much that at one time he had three complete and running. He was President of the Willamette Valley Model A Club from the late 1970's till the 1990's. Bud enjoyed ocean fishing, hiking and camping at the many lakes in the Oregon Cascades, and river rafting. Bud re-married his second wife, June, in November 2001. They enjoyed many happy years and adventures traveling including to Air Force reunions, Model A Club activities and split their time between homes in Arizona and Keizer, OR. Bud was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley, and son Jerry who died at birth. He is survived by his five children; Connie of Salem, OR., Danny of McMinnville, OR., Ginny of Independence, OR., Jeffrey of Salem, OR., Eric of Lincoln City, OR.; 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. The Family would like to thank Senior Helpers and Willamette Valley Hospice for their amazing and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Mid-Willamette Valley Hospice, Salem Hospital, and Keizer Fire Department. A private military funeral service with honors will be held on Friday,October 4th, 2013. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fruitland Community Church, 813 63rd Ave NE, Salem, OR on October 19th, 2013 at 10 am which all are welcome to attend. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.