Gyda Anne Haight

Gyda Anne (Embree) Haight, age 87, of Cascade Locks, OR, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022, in Happy Valley, OR. Gyda Anne was born on June 16,1935, in Portland, OR, to parents Iven and Genevieve Embree. She graduated from Cascade Locks High School, and later married her high school sweetheart, Donald Haight, on November 22, 1953. They were married for more than 68 years, until Don passed away in March 2022. Don was the love of Gyda Anne’s life. Their son, Stephen, was born in 1956, and passed away in 2018.

Gyda Anne and Don lived all over the world—Greece, Israel, Brazil, Venezuela, the Philippines, Hong Kong—for his work on various development projects. While abroad, they graciously hosted family and friends from back home. They also sponsored a Chinese student, and kept up a relationship with him and his family for years. Gyda Anne loved to share stories about life overseas. She decorated her home with art and artifacts from other countries, and accessorized her stylish outfits with bold jewelry from her travels.

Eventually, Gyda Anne and Don returned to the Portland area, and later moved back to Cascade Locks, where Gyda Anne was active and known in her community. She participated in civic life through many committees, volunteered as an elementary school reading tutor, and led efforts in support of the local youth sailing program. She and Don were recognized by the Columbia Gorge Racing Association for being the “driving force” behind fundraising that paid for lesson scholarships, boats, and community sailing; because of them, the association said, “many local kids can say ‘I know how to sail.’” Gyda Anne was an intelligent, passionate person who was dedicated to serving the people, places, and causes she cared about.

Wherever she lived, Gyda Anne cultivated beautiful gardens. She enjoyed animals, especially her cats; welcoming family and friends into her home; and researching her family’s genealogy, including their Norwegian heritage. She wrote her loved ones long letters full of underlines and all-caps exclamations, often including cut-out newspaper articles or recipes she thought they might enjoy. She was witty, engaged, opinionated, and energized any room.

Gyda Anne is survived by her brothers-in-law, Adolph and Roger (Joan); several nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and close friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Stephen, her husband, Don, and her two younger siblings, Myrna and Tom. Gyda Anne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Per their request, a combined service for Gyda Anne, Don, and Stephen will be held in the place they cherished, Cascade Locks, later this year.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Haight family.