Bert LeRoy Chaffin's Obituary
Bert LeRoy Chaffin, 88 of St. Helens, Oregon passed away Friday, October 17, 2014 in Idaho Falls, Idaho at Pine Brook Assisted Living Center. Bert was born May 9, 1926 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Alma Leroy and Margaret Emmeline (Wilson) Chaffin.
He was raised in the Rose area during his childhood except from 1931-1933 when they lived in Jackson, Wyoming on a ranch where his father was a farmer of one of Pete Hansen’s ranches. Bert was injured in an accident which left him partially paralyzed, but it never seemed to slow him down. One of the best times he had was floating down the Snake River in a canoe with a brother-in-law from Jackson, Wyoming to Blackfoot, Idaho.
Bert was a member of the LDS Church. He held many positions from ward teacher, Young Men’s Organization to Scout Leader. His early education was in Rose and Moreland, Idaho. Then Collage at ISU and Ricks College with a BS in Elementary Education and a Minor in History. Later received a Masters in Education.
He married Flora Humble August 29, 1951. They had 3 children, 2 boys, 1 girl, in Idaho. Bert taught 6th and 7th grades in Math and Athletics in Basalt and Mackay, Idaho for five years. They then moved to St. Helens, Oregon where a 4th child, a girl, joined the family. Bert taught school in Warren, Oregon and St. Helens schools for 29 years. He was involved in Local Education Activities and continued his education to an equivalent to Doctorate’s Degree and became a life member of NEA. He retired from formal teaching after 35 years.
Bert was divorced and later married Marion Philips Fox in 1968. He remained in St. Helens, Oregon area except for his last two years where he was close with his son and grandkids/great grandkids in Idaho. Bert loved camping, the outdoors, and helping his sister and brother-in-law show draft horses at fairs. He became a judge of mules and horses all over the Western States. His many draft horse and mule certifications included ADMS, ADA, AMA, and NMDA. At the time he was one of the only draft horse and mule judges in the states to be certified in all areas of judging.
He was preceded in death by two children, Bert LeRoy Jr. and Edith Emmeline, His parents Alma and Emmeline and his wife Marion.
Bert is survived by his siblings: Alan Chaffin, Melba Armstrong, Evonna Hammon, 2 Children, Michael Chaffin (Lynne), Nancy Singleton (Warren), 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
A Grave Side memorial will be held in Scappoose, Oregon at the Columbia Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, October, 21 2014 at 1:00 PM.
What’s your fondest memory of Bert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bert?
Share a story where Bert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bert you’ll never forget.
How did Bert make you smile?