Henry Lee Kercher

"I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family- and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that, actually". - Frank Sinatra.

Henry was born in Portland, Oregon to parents, Theresa and Herman Kercher, and was a proud Oregonian his entire life. Henry was the baby brother to six older siblings, Bernard, Leona, Bill, Robert, Marry Ann, and Patricia.

Dad was loved dearly and shared many memories of his childhood growing up in such a large family. Being the baby, everyone took care of Henry, he was their little guy and he spoke often of his life as a young kiddo and of having so much love not just from his parents and siblings but also from his beloved Aunt Olinda and Uncle Jens who helped raise him.

Henry attended Lynchwood Grade School, and later Graduated from Centennial High School class of "69". It was in his study hall class that he met his forever sweetheart, Linda. Momma was on the dance team, and Daddy played football. They were true High School sweethearts, and that love spanned into a life built together with so much love. Daddy and momma married in 1970, and started their family adopting two daughters, Carrie Anne and Brenda. Expanding his family and gaining two new loving parents, Mead and Joan Lofland, was a delight to Dad, and he worked alongside grandpa Mead at Transco Industries Inc. faithfully for 43 years until retirement.

Daddy was a phenomenal provider and devoted husband to Linda for fifty two years. Daddy set an example for his family and was a hands on father and husband always. Henry put his family first. Henry was a steadfast man, and a man of his word. If Daddy said he would do it or be there, he meant it, and would offer the best of what he had to give. Henry loved to travel and go camping. Daddy was an avid hunter and fisherman. He would plan yearly trips to the coast, and camping all over Oregon with his family and friends.Dads fourth of July fireworks displays were the stuff of legend. Dad taught his children and grandchildren a love of nature, horses and the simple pleasures of life. The memories we all have of those times together with him are precious without measure.

Daddy has 6 grandchildren, Liza Jane, Drew, Devin, Liviya, Arin, and Kasey. Dad always said he had all girls, even the dog...is a girl, he would just grin and say I'm a lucky guy. Daddy not only got the scales balanced a little with Devin, but also inherited by marriage two sons, Matt and Josh, both of whom Dad loved to joke with about surviving with so many women surrounding them.

Henry loved music and with his sweetheart on his arm loved to dance. Daddy and momma have enjoyed in retirement dances with school chums at baby boomers events and dancing together has been a lifelong pursuit. While we all as family and friends share in the sorrow of Henry’s passing, he would not want us to focus on it. Daddy was never one to waste time on sad things he was even keel, steady so very strong. Oh how he loved to laugh! Our family wishes for Daddy to be remembered that way. Dads ashes will be spread in a special place he adored in Rockaway Beach, his place of peace. Henry was a quiet man and not one to mince words. His family wishes for you to know that he showed his love to those in his life by his actions. In his last days with us the end of every sentence was an I love you. He will be deeply missed beyond what any words could ever express. We love you beyond Daddy.

All our love Always until we are reunited with you your “Girls”

- Linda, Little One, and Sweet Pea.

"It is an extraordinary thing to know your grandparents. It is even more special when you get to spend a large amount of time with them. I was so lucky to have spent as much time as I did with my grandfather, Henry. Though, now it does not seem like it was enough time at all. But I guess that’s how loss goes. You reflect on the past and wish for more time.

I have been thinking of what to share about my experiences with my grandfather. What could I share that would give you an idea on how kind, and sweet he was? Or how much he taught me about life? There is not a way to express it all to you. But one memory comes to mind that may give you an idea.

I was fifteen years old, and it was summer in Gresham. I was upset and feeling lost because I had found out I would be moving away to Nevada with my family. My grandfather had picked me up while my parents were at work to grab some dinner with him and my grandmother. He was driving my grandmother's car and had taken the T top windows out. He had on his baseball cap and sunglasses and was blaring Pink Floyd on the radio. I got in and he started to drive. He did not drive slowly and steady as he usually would have with me in the car. He took off and cut around corners at high speeds till I was breathless and giggling with excitement. I asked, “where are we going grandpa?” He replied, “nowhere in particular.”

We drove in content silence for a long time, through heavily wooded areas. All I remember were the colors of the sun, and trees. And his smile as he sang along with the radio. He stopped up at the top of a large hill and said, “I am going to miss you kiddo.” I gave him a hug and he gave a gruff huff as a reply. We never said a lot to each other. Grandpa did not have to say a lot for me to know that he loved me. He always showed me."

-Liza Mathews