A LASTING TRIBUTE

Northeast Oregon Now
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Honor Tree Ceremony
Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation Executive Director Bob Green speaks with Joyce Fitch, center left, during an Honor Tree ceremony at Good Shepherd Medical Center. Joyce Fitch dedicated a tree in honor of her late husband, Luther.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD SHEPHERD COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION

[quote style=”2″]Family Memembers Honor Loved Ones with Trees[/quote]

A lasting and meaningful tribute was paid on Friday to several people who’ve made a difference in the community.

During a quiet ceremony on the grounds of Good Shepherd Medical Center, Richard Lindner, Ben and Joe Thomas, Evangeline (Vange) John, Charles Edwin Denton, and Luther Fitch were honored with a tree and plaque.

Kristine Lindner
Kristine Linder stands next to the plaque honoring Richard Linder during Friday’s Honor Tree ceremony.
The Honor Tree program is run by the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation (GSCHF) is an opportunity to memorialize a loved one who has played a significant role in one’s life by naming a tree in their honor. A plaque is placed on the walking trail next to the designated tree for all to see. Friends and family can choose an Honor Tree from the 31 trees which were planted along the hospital’s walking trail in the fall of 2013.

“I think that everyone in every family has a special story about someone that they would like to share,” said GSCHF Executive Director Bob Green.

An Honor Tree may serve as a memorial for a deceased person or as a tribute to someone still living.

An Honor Tree can be designated through a $1,000 donation to Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation on behalf of the honoree. Upon receipt of the first $500, GSCHF will order the Honor Tree plaque. Monthly payment options are available for the remaining 50 percent of the donation.

An Honor Bench may also be selected with a donation of $2,500 to Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation in behalf of the honoree. The bench will have the name of the honoree inscribed and be placed along the walking trail of Good Shepherd Medical Center. The order will be placed upon receipt of the first $1,250 and payments can be made for the remaining 50% of the donation.

Donations to GSCHF help support programs such as Healthy Communities Coalition, Hermiston Public Library, Hermiston Warming Station, Agape House Food Pantry, and Umatilla-Morrow Head Start.

Previous Honor Tree recipients have included Dr. Marvin John, Drs. Bruce and Virginia Till, and Bob and Ginny Marshall.

For more information on the Honor Tree Program, call the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation at 541-667-3419.