Ralph W. New

Ralph William New, 79 of Damascus OR, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2011. He was born on July 7, 1931 in Milton Freewater, Oregon to Roy E. and Gladys Pearl (Dinwiddie) New. He graduated from Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle WA, served in the U.S. Army and received his Bachelor of Science from Walla Walla College. He married Bernece Mae Olson on December 8, 1957 in Battleground, Washington and moved to the Portland area in 1966. He worked as a registered nurse for 33 years with Adventist Medical Hospital before retiring in 1992. He was a member at Rockwood Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he was the church organist and also built the church organ. He also built church organs for many other churches in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. He was an accomplished craftsman and enjoyed woodworking and building homes. He loved cars, steam engines and traveling.

He is survived by his wife Bernece of Damascus OR; sons Gary New (Phyllis) of Portland OR and Lonney New of Damascus OR; daughter Cheryl Barbusca (Andy) of Elk Grove CA and grandchildren Amy Hill of Kennewick WA, Christopher and Matthew Barbusca both of Elk Grove CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clifford and Kenneth New and sister Rosella New.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 and Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd in Gresham. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011 at at Rockwood Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1910 SE 182nd Avenue in Gresham. Contributions may be made to the church.