C. Kaye McAtee died on Oct. 27, 2018 at his home in Echo at the age of 85.
He was born on Nov. 29, 1932 in Pendleton to Cyril G. and Doris Done McAtee.
Kaye was raised in Pendleton and then Echo, where he attended school and graduated in the class of 1950. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska until his honorable discharge, when he returned to Echo. Kaye attended Oregon State for a year before transferring to Oregon Tech, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in agriculture. He was united in marriage to Jessie Boyer on June 18, 1959 in Pasco, Wash. They leased and operated a farm outside Echo and helped other area farmers with custom harvesting for many years until Kaye went to work for Glenn Rohde’s farm, where he was still working at the time of his death.
He enjoyed fishing, sports, working and visiting with family and friends. Kaye was involved in many community organizations, including serving on the Echo School Board for over 25 years, Echo Fire Department Board, Echo Cemetery Board, Little League president and coach. He received the Conservationist of the Year award in 1972 for his farming practices. Kaye had an extraordinary memory with a wealth of local history and knowledge that he was always excited to share.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jessie McAtee, Echo; daughters, Donna (Fred) Bradbury, Pendleton, Brenda (Larry) Hunter, Echo and Pamela Haney, Baker City; sons, Ted (Sharon) McAtee, Pendleton, Robert (BJ) McAtee, Echo and Scott McAtee, Pilot Rock; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kaye was preceded in death by his parents; son, Greg McAtee; grandson, Tyler Campbell; and a brother, Larry McAtee.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial with military honors will follow at the Echo Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Kaye’s memory to the Tyler Campbell Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
