Eric “Byrd” Koesling was born January 6, 1922 to Ethel Byrd Koesling and Eric William Koesling of Osborne, Kansas. Byrd passed away on November 2, 2020 in Beaverton, Oregon. He is survived by his wife Frances of 55 years, two daughters Juanita Koesling of Newport, Oregon and Susan Skidmore (Bert) of Reno, Nevada, five step-sons Jim Fullan (Karen) of Portland, Oregon, Terry Fullan (Lorraine Ortiz) of Nehalem, Oregon, Dennis Fullan (Kathi) of Oregon City, Oregon, Sean Fullan (Lucinda) of New Windsor, New York, Eric Fullan (Krista) of Beaverton, Oregon, as well as six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Byrd’s family immigrated to the Willamette Valley during the Dust Bowl years, along with other friends and family that found the fertile green pastures of the McMinnville area a pleasant place to call home after suffering through drought and depression in the early 30s.
Byrd worked for Boeing Aircraft during World War II and finished his studies at Linfield College in 1948. He ultimately settled in Del Norte County where he met and married Fran in 1964. He made his living as an office manager/accountant in the lumber industry. Byrd retired after a 30 year tenure with Simonson Lumber in 1985. He and Fran enjoyed good music and dancing regularly with their 40+ Dance Group and at the Elks Club. They enjoyed traveling during the early years of their retirement and getting together with friends. In 2013, they returned to Oregon making their home in Beaverton in order to be closer to Fran’s children there. Byrd most recently resided at Maryville Nursing Home in Beaverton.
A service will be held at Peggs, Paxson, & Springer in Beaverton, Oregon on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 10am. Burial to follow at Belcrest Cemetery in Salem, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.
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