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- Ontario - Marcos V. Veristain, 81, passed away Dec. 24, 2007, after a long illness, at his residence in Ontario, Ore. He was born on March 15, 1926, in Bates, Ore., to Ventura and Rita Veristain. He was the youngest of six children who grew up on the family’s ranch in Willowcreek, near Vale, Ore. During World War II, Mark proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and then returned to graduate from Vale Union High School in 1947.
He was married to Dixie Lewin of Vale, Ore., from 1949 to 1972, and they had five children, Lynda Dallman, of Hood River, Dorothy Elliott, of Hermiston, Diana Jensen, of Oxbow, Rev. Marcos V. Veristain II, of Idaho City, and Barry Veristain, of Portland.
His second marriage to Adealia “Dee” Barrentine (Ego) of Ontario, Ore., in 1974 brought the addition of two daughters from Dee’s previous marriage: Charlene Hirschi, of Logan, Utah, and Kay McPheeters, of Vale, Ore.
Mark worked for the Idaho Power Company for over 35 years. He started his career as a lineman in Vale, Ore., in 1950 and retired as a dispatcher in Payette, Idaho, in 1985. He was a life member of the Ontario Elks Lodge.
He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and boating well into his retirement years. His motor home travels with Dee took them through 49 states, highlighted by sightseeing trips to Washington, D.C., and Yellowstone and salmon fishing excursions in Alaska and on the Oregon coast. Mark was an avid gardener throughout his life, growing fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers that he loved to share with his beloved family members.
In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his sisters, Juanita Bashford, Avelina Bigelow and Petra McCrary; and one granddaughter, Heather Veristain.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years and will be dearly missed by all of his seven children, 22 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and his two sisters, Filomena Crisman, of Baker City, and Santa Hill, of LaGrande.
The family suggests that remembrances be made to XL Hospice in Payette, Idaho, in care of Lienkaemper Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Ontario, OR, 97914.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at the Lienkaemper Chapel in Vale.
In the spring, Mark’s family will gather to celebrate his life near the north fork of the Malheur river, the site of many family outings and treasured memories.
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1926 - 2007 (81 years)
