Ralph J. McLain, 59, died on July 21.

He was born on June 5, 1949 in Burns, to John D. McLain and Rose Marie McLain.

McLain attended Burns Union High School, where he enjoyed and received awards for the wrestling team.
He married Loretta R. Hickey on June 28, 1968.

McLain joined the Marines 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine in 1968 and served until 1970. His decorations included National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Rifle Expert Badge, Vietnam Service medal and Combat Action Ribbon. His specialty title was Rifleman.

When McLain returned home from the Marines, he was welcomed by his wife and new baby girl. He worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company for 14 years. When Edward Hines closed their doors, he furthered his education by attending truck driving school. The remaining time of his career he drove truck and, including driving for John and Doris Patton.

McLain was an outdoor man and was very serious and dedicated to hunting and fishing; but his real passion was the freedom he felt when he was out on the open road with his Harley.

McLain had many friends and always made more every place he traveled.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Loretta R. Hickey of Burns; daughter, Peggy Yarbor and husband Paul of rural Burns; granddaughters, Tiffany J. Yarbor, Steffany L. Yarbor both of rural Burns, and Cassandra M. Yarbor of Caldwell, Idaho; father, John D. McLain of Burns; brother, Allan McLain and wife Vickey of Hines; sisters, Sandra Schatz and husband John of Eugene and Patsy Klawuhn and husband Carl of Bonney Lake, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

McLain was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Marie McLain.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 29, in the Burns Cemetery. Contributions in his memory can be made to Oregon Disabled Veterans in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.