John Kampmeier of Hines died on Sept. 5 in his home after a short battle with cancer. After Kampmeier graduated from West High School in Illinois, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He then moved to Alaska and worked on the pipeline and gas line from start to finish. Kampmeier went to work at a sawmill, and continued until the mill shut down. He then moved to Burns to reunite with a former friend from Alaska.

Kampmeier was a part-time custodian at the Harney County Courthouse, a painter and a jack of all trades. He enjoyed fishing, flea markets, garage sales, professional football (especially the Oakland Raiders) and his dog and companion, Lacy.

The great love of his life was music — he wrote and sang country music. He was also a big fan of the Burns Hilander girls basketball team.

Kampmeier is survived by his sisters, Sally Waldsmith and husband Richard, Joanne Ballard and Nancy Heckelsmiller; nieces and nephews, Bob and Connie Kampmeier, Greg and Mary Kampmeier, Quintin Kampmeier, Michael Waldsmith, Kathleen Barton, Linda Waldsmith, Brad and Debi Kampmeier, Diane and Frank D’urso, John and Heather Kampmeier and Cindy Kampmeier. He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews and friends, Dennis and Liz Ruskin of Hines.

Kampmeier was preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. Kampmeier and Loretta (Bowler) Kampmeier; brother, Robert L. Kampmeier; brothers-in-law, Harlow Ballard and Ron Heckelsmiller; and nephew, Vince Verdina.