Obituary of Wesley Holdridge

Wesley Vernon Holdridge of Eugene passed away July 11, 2013 at the age of 86. Wes was born January 27, 1927 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Stanley Owens Holdridge and Pearl Hatcher (Holdridge). His mother passed away when he was 6 days old. He had an older brother Adelbert Stanley and an infant sister, both preceded him in death. He moved to Oregon with his father and brother around the age of 6. His father operated the small grocery store on Monroe Street in Eugene and married Zella Barnes (Holdridge) in Oregon. She was a wonderful step-mother to Wes.Wes attended school in Eugene and Springfield, graduating from Springfield High in 1947. He left high school to proudly service in the Navy and returned to high school after an honorable discharge to earn a diploma. His father felt a diploma was very important. During his Naval service he operated Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP) in WWII.Wes belonged to Local #290 - United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitter. He was a proud member for over 60 years.Wes loved the outdoors. Be it fishing, hunting, or camping he enjoyed it all. He had more fishing poles than he knew what to do with! And, he enjoyed watching Duck football.He was a man of sterling qualities as proven by his dedication to his family, loyalty to his brotherhood and service for his country. His failing health did not lessen any of these qualities.He is survived by his wife Margie of nearly 35 years, whom he loved dearly, in addition to his children Vernon Holdridge and Kristy Holdridge, both of Sweet Home and John Gaddis and Carrie Mason both of Eugene. He had 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to his caregivers for their love, care, and friendship.Services will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2pm at Lane Memorial Gardens Chapel.Arrangements entrusted to Lane Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com