(Reprinted from a notice published June 9, 2010, in the Appeal Tribune, part of the StatesmanJournal)

Jan. 20, 1958 — Feb. 14, 2010

BAKER CITY — Vernon Koos, 52, was born Jan. 20, 1958, in Silverton to Henry and Elaine Koos, and passed away Feb. 14, 2010, in Baker City, following a three year battle with cancer. He grew up in Molalla and graduated from Molalla Union High School in 1976.

Survivors include his wife, Tori Koos; and children Kaylalynn and Tyler of Baker City; parents, Henry and Elaine Koos of Molalla, sisters and brothers-in-law Marlene and John Daniels; Cheryl and Scott Parks of Molalla; and Mary Ann and Dan Schweizer of Colton; and brother and sister-in-law George and Renetta Koos of Baker City.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010, at Silver Falls State Park, Shelter E, with a potluck reception for friends and family. Vernon loved the annual family reunion that has been held at Silver Falls State Park for over 20 years and asked to have the celebration held at one of his favorite places.

(Published in the Baker City (Oregon) Herald February 22, 2010.)

Vernon H. Koos, 52, died Feb. 14, 2010, at Meadowbrook Place with his family by his side after a three-year battle with cancer. There will be a celebration of Vern’s life at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Armory, 1940 Campbell St. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception afterward at the Armory.

Vernon was born on Jan. 20, 1958, at Silverton to Henry and Elaine Koos. His childhood years were spent at Molalla, where he attended school. He was a 1976 Molalla Union High School graduate.

After graduation, Vernon went to work in the logging and sawmill industry while serving an enlistment in the Oregon National Guard. After completing his enlistment, he moved to the Vale area where he worked in agriculture and drove truck.

In 1988, he moved to Baker City where he worked with his brother cutting timber and then in construction. Through the following years he worked at various trades.

Vern always enjoyed making the trip back home to Molalla to visit friends and family. It was on one of those trips in 1993 that he met the love of his life, Regina “Tori.”

Vern and Tori were married in 1995 and settled in to raise a family in Baker City. Vern was very family oriented and enjoyed visits from his extended family members, with the youngest ones bringing the most joy to his day.

Even in his last days, the babies brought a smile to his face, family members said. His time with the kids, the life-lesson talks — he always had a way to make everyone laugh or smile, they said.

Vern enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life, beginning with family camping trips as a child and continuing with fishing, camping and some hunting as an adult. His family was an important part of his life and they were included in these outings.

Deer Creek was a favorite site as was Silver Creek Falls State Park. Barbecuing and gardening were among his favorite backyard activities.

“The flavor of a fresh-off-the-vine red, ripe tomato was his favorite,” family members said.

Survivors include his wife, Regina “Tori;” his daughter, Kaylalynn, and son, Tyler, both of Baker City; parents, Henry and Elaine Koos of Molalla; sisters and their spouses, Marlene and John Daniels, Cheryl and Scott Parks of Molalla and Mary and Dan Schweizer of Colton; a brother and his wife, George and Renetta Koos of Baker City; two aunts, three uncles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made in Vern’s name to Tami’s Pine Valley Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834 to help the family defray funeral expenses.