He was born on Sept. 16, 1928 in Bernie, Mo., to Dale &and Mamie Ward. Dink grew up in Missouri and when he was 13, moved to Michigan to manage two restaurants. He later traveled to California met his wife Helen there. Cleatus and Helen were married on Sept. 7, 1948. Dink continued his education going to night school to become an electrical maintenance supervisor for Kaiser Aluminum and Brick Plant in Moss Landing, Calif. He returned to Hermiston in 1981 after a few years off he went back to work at SK Farms in Boardman.
He loved working in his garden and sharing the vegetables with family and friends. He was a member of the Church of Christ &and was a Mason. He loved to fish but his greatest enjoyment was his grandkids and great-grandkids. He made many wooden toys and bowls in his woodshop.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Thula Taylor; four brothers, Kile, Si, Peter, and Darrel Ward.
Dink is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Michael (Linda) Ward; daughter, Sharon (Dennis) Mock; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family burial of cremains will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston.
Please sign the guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
