Vince Furlott

Vince Furlott was born in Antigo, Wisconsin on March 22nd, 1923 to Charles and Elsie Furlott. He was married to Marie Pries on April 24th, 1948 and the couple moved to Oregon soon after where they lived together until her death in December 2005.

Vince continued on in the second home he had built for them in Salem with his most faithful companion, Angel, until she too succumbed to illness and left him alone. Determined to remain independent until the very end, Vince made the necessary changes to his house that would allow him to safely stay there such as building ramps for a wheelchair, installing a hospital bed and designing a shower for easy handicapped access. The plan worked and with the help of his extraordinarily devoted caretaker, Melini, Vince was able to live in his own home up until the week before he passed away at age 90.

A true artisan, Vince developed a reputation in the custom wood working and antiques restoration business for his fine craftsmanship. Over the course of his career, he worked for five Oregon governors, among others. In his spare time he started a commercial fishing business, became an active member of the Willamette River Power Squadron, enjoyed camping and hunting with friends, learned to play the piano in his 50's, and could often be found in his garage working on some new invention.

Of all his accomplishments, the one of which he was most proud was serving in the 25th Infantry Division of the Army in the South Pacific for four years during World War II. A flag still flies in his front yard as a tribute to the courageous veterans who have so honorably served our country and the world.

Of the many trips he was able to take including journeys to Europe and Latin America, Vince's favorite was a four week adventure to Alaska with his daughter, Sheri, to whom he had given the trip as a graduation present. Watching the Northern Lights, working with a team of sled dogs, fishing on the Kenai River, panning for gold, and trying to keep one step ahead of the Kodiak bears made for the trip of a lifetime about which he often reminisced.

In addition to his passion for service and the outdoors, Vince was a devoted friend and neighbor who believed in community and cultivated deep, lifelong friendships with those around him. Never one to shy away from hard work or a challenge, Vince spent much of his time helping friends and family to accomplish their various goals. Indeed, using his ingenuity to somehow make life a little easier or more rewarding for those he loved was truly a trademark of this most loyal and determined man.

Vince is survived by his daughter Sheri of Washington, DC and his sister Phyllis of Springfield.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, July 25th, at 11:00 AM at the Salem Evangelical Church. Arrangements made by Howell Edwards Doerksen Funeral Directors.