Summer 2023
Volume XIV, Issue 3
Raymond D. William
October 1, 1946 – July 23, 2023
Arleigh Isley
January 5, 1933 - August 10, 2023
Ralph Hart
August 12, 1928 - September 2, 2023
Floyd Bodyfelt
May 9, 1937 - September 17, 2023
Raymond D. William
October 1, 1946 – July 23, 2023
Ray William was born to Ray and Betty (née Elizabeth Andersen) William on October 1, 1946 in Denver, Colorado. With his family, he moved to Washington state in 1955.
He graduated from Sumner High School in 1964. He was very active in 4-H with projects in horticulture, leadership, communications, and large and small animals. He worked at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center beginning in high school.
He was granted a B.S. degree in Horticulture by Washington State University in 1968. He was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, president of the College of Agriculture, and was named Aggie of the Year in 1968.
Afterwards, he participated in the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) in Ceylon, later renamed Sri Lanka, for 6 months.
He married Nancy Garber on June 21, 1969, a recent WSU graduate. He was granted a M.S. in Horticulture, and after 2 years’ research in Brazil, he was also granted a Ph.D. in Horticulture by Purdue University in 1974.
His initial professional position was at The Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) near Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). He and Nancy lived at the center for 2 ½ years.
He served on the faculty at the University of Florida for 3 years.
Ray joined the faculty as a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University in January 1980. He and his family lived in Malawi while Ray worked at the Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station (BARS) from 1986-1988. They returned to Corvallis where he resumed his work at OSU.
Ray was an active member of the professional associations: American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA).
After retiring in January 2007, he increased his volunteer activities to include Furniture Share, Stone Soup, Corvallis Sister Cities in Uzhhorod, Ukraine and Gondar, Ethiopia, Benton Habitat for Humanity Repair, and church.
He and Nancy moved to Sun City Roseville, California in July 2020.
His survivors include his wife, Nancy; daughter Kamala (Brad Stewart Antelope, CA) and sons, Andrew and Alex; daughter-in-law, Monica (West Bloomfield, MI) and children, Haven, Miriam and Danielle. Their son, Brian, predeceased him in 2019. His brothers, David and Tom, and many cousins also survive him.
He created the Raymond D. William Teaching Innovation Fund at WSU Vancouver. Memorial contributions can be made to student scholarships in the Horticulture Departments at WSU or OSU, or to First United Methodist Church Roseville. Ray was a body donor to UC Health School of Medicine.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 20 at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Roseville, CA.
Arleigh Isley
January 5, 1933 - August 10, 2023
Arleigh Isley’s passing Thursday, August 10, after a brief illness. Arleigh, 90 years of age, retired from the OSU Extension Service in 1993 while serving as county livestock agent in Wallowa County. Prior to working in Wallowa Co., Arleigh had also served in Lake, Jackson, and Grant Counties as an OSU Extension Service county agricultural agent. The memorial service was held on Friday, August 18, at 2:00 pm at the First Christian Church, La Grande, OR.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Arleigh’s name to either of the following organizations:
- Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland;
- the 4-H program in the county you serve;
- or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries:
Ralph Hart
August 12, 1928 - September 2, 2023
Ralph Hart was born in Buhl, Idaho on August 12, 1928, and passed away on September 2, 2023.
He went to school in Buhl and Filer, ID and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Idaho.
He married Phyllis Mumau, “his Northern Idaho girl” in Tensed, Idaho in 1950. They had 3 children, Diane, Doug, and Dan. He farmed until 1958; then worked as a 4-H Extension Agent in Caldwell, ID and the Livestock Agent for Union County in LaGrande. He retired in 1989. After living in LaGrande for 48 years they moved to WA.
Ralph enjoyed hunting, golfing, and spending time with his family, Diane and Dave, Doug and Mona, Dan and Dana, along with their 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ralph’s name to the Blue Mountain 4-H Center, 10507 McAlister Ln., LaGrande, OR 97850.
Floyd Bodyfelt
May 9, 1937 - September 17, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of one of our dearest friends, Floyd Bodyfelt. Oregon State University Professor Emeritus Floyd Bodyfelt, born May 9, 1937, left us on September 17, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched into our beloved industry.
Floyd's dedication to the dairy industry was unwavering. He was a true champion of our industry, contributing his expertise and passion to our cause for many years. His legacy will forever be etched in the history of ODI, and his impact will continue to shape the future of dairy in Oregon and beyond.
In his final months, Floyd received exceptional care and support at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and healthcare professionals who cared for him.
In honor of Floyd's life and his invaluable contributions to ODI, we invite you to consider making a donation to the ODI Bodyfelt Scholarship Endowment. This endowment, established in Floyd's name, supports aspiring students pursuing careers in the dairy industry. Your generous contributions will help ensure that Floyd's legacy continues to inspire future generations of dairy professionals.
Gifts can be made online at give.fororegonstate.org or mailed to OSU Foundation, 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333.
Your support, whether through a donation or a heartfelt memory, is a meaningful way to honor Floyd's memory and his dedication to Oregon's dairy community. Let us celebrate his life and the positive impact he made, as his legacy is sure to continue to inspire and guide us as we carry on his work.
Please note that there will not be a funeral, but please keep Floyd's family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.
