Scott David Kemper of Boardman, longtime Salem resident, died on March 25, 2025 in Hermiston at the age of 64 after a blessedly brief battle with lung cancer.
He was born on Aug. 25, 1960 in Silverton. A husband, father, grandfather, son, and volunteer, Scott will be remembered for his good nature, bright smile, and dedication to serving others.
He was the youngest child of David and Marge Kemper and the brother of his older siblings, Kay and John. Scott served as a volunteer firefighter in Silverton in his younger years and as a volunteer with the Boardman Food Pantry after retiring in Eastern Oregon. His career ranged from wastewater management to bus driving with Salem-Keizer Mass Transit District (Cherriots), where he met his second wife, Linda, who he married on June 4, 2016.
Scott is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Kristy Kemper Hodge (Aaron Hodge) and Terra Kemper (Brandon Peura); his stepchildren, Cynthia Lopez and Thomas Way; his mother, Marge Kemper; siblings, Kay Brandon (Jim) and John Kemper (Patti); as well as his six grandchildren, Kylee, Isaiah and Landon Way, Briar and Ivy Peura, and Giovanni Lopez; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Kemper and step-daughter-in-law, Tara Way.
Memorial services for Scott will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 3 p.m. at Silverton United Methodist Church and on Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m. at the Boardman Senior Center. All are welcome at either or both services.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Scott’s heart of service, the family asks that donations be made to the Boardman Food Pantry so that his spirit may keep on giving back to the community.
The family also would like to thank the team at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston for lovingly caring for Scott in his final months.
Please share memories of Scott with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
Wow….sorry to hear about Scott; I always enjoyed his smile and his humor; a great guy to be around and all-around enjoyable for us co-workers…along w/his wife of course….I sometimes rode my bike or walked past their house in Keizer on my way home and if they were there, always a friendly hello….Due to my own med problems I don’t see many from work any more….sadly missed you folks.
Prayers for peace and comfort for his loved ones.