Oren Keith Aldrich died on Aug. 16.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1925, in Eugene to Walter R. and Lula (Edwards) Aldrich.

Aldrich attended school in Milwaukie, and upon graduation from Milwaukie Union High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

He was a World War II veteran, serving as a radio-man on the battleship USS Iowa and the destroyer Wiley.

During the time he was assigned to the USS Iowa, President Roosevelt was transported to the Tehran Conference. His assignments took him into action in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.

Aldrich was a cable maintenance trouble shooter for the telephone company for 36 years. He was a dedicated employee who loved his work and the challenges it presented. His primary work assignment was the McKenzie and Blue River areas, but through the years his work took him all over the state, particularly during times of severe rain and ice storms. He also spent time in San Francisco, Calif., and New York City assisting crews.

On May 10, 1945, he married his wife, Helen, in Vancouver, Wash. They were married for 65 years.

Aldrich was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Bend, serving as a layman. He served as president of the Telephone Pioneers in Eugene and the Eugene Moose and Mates Square Dance Club.

He volunteered at St. Charles Medical Center, working at the S.P.I desk and in the library. He also donated over 5,000 miles driving cancer patients residing in the outlying areas from Redmond to Gilchrist, to and from their treatments. He was also a volunteer at the High Desert Museum.

Aldrich was a poet and his poetry reached many people at many different levels. His poems showed his deep faith and trust in the Lord, his love of family, people, nature and his sense of humor.

Aldrich is survived by his daughters, Susan and husband Don of Princeton and Julie and husband Cliford; son, Tom; and companion, Tuffy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joy.

A celebration of life service will be held on Aug. 30, at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 680 NW Bond St. in Bend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aldrich’s memory may be made to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701, or to a charity of one’s choice