Donald Wayne Bedard of Pilot Rock passed away on May 15, 2025 at the age of 75.
Born on June 27, 1949 in San Angelo, Texas to Elsie Ericksen Bedard and Jerald Bedard, Wayne later gained a stepfather, Luke Leukuma. He proudly served in the United States Army before beginning his career as a supervisor at Lamb Weston, where he met Nancy, the love of his life. He later worked for the Oregon State Highway Department until his retirement.
Wayne enjoyed wild horse racing, hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. Deeply involved in his community, he served for many years on the Pilot Rock Bike Pit board and found great joy in volunteering for Little League. From the time his sons began playing ball, Wayne coached, umpired, and encouraged countless young athletes, always bringing enthusiasm, fairness, and fun to the game.
He will be remembered for his willingness to help a friend, his gift for storytelling, and his contagious laugh.
Wayne is survived by his sons, Jason Bedard (Kim) and Justin Bedard, both of Pilot Rock; grandchildren, Tanner Bedard and Rylee Bedard; and siblings, David Bedard of Kennewick, Wash., Linda Huber of Germany, Cheri Keeney of Boise, Idaho, Greta Leukuma-McClendon of Tri-Cities, Wash., Janet Bedard, and Jerri Bedard of Lewiston, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather, and siblings, Roy Bedard and Cheryl Williamson.
Nancy Lou Corey Bedard of Pilot Rock passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 72.
Born on April 4, 1953 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pendleton, Nancy was the daughter of Thelma Grace Keil Corey and Delmer Elmer Corey. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside siblings Daryl “Butch” Corey, Pat Corey, Sherry Corey McDaniel, Jim Corey, and Judy Corey.
A 1972 graduate of Stanfield High School, Nancy excelled in athletics, earning recognition as the #1 singles and doubles tennis player and as a talented softball pitcher. She attended Blue Mountain Community College with dreams of becoming a physical education teacher.
While working at Lamb Weston, Nancy met Wayne, and the two were married on Nov. 15, 1974 at Hope Presbyterian Church in Stanfield. She later worked in retail, serving customers with a smile at Quisenberry’s, Fred Meyer, and Walmart in Pendleton.
Nancy’s joys in life included time with her children and grandchildren, gardening – especially collecting driftwood from the beach to decorate her yard – camping, ocean walks, tennis, volleyball, and horseback riding. Her faith in Jesus was central to her life, and she found great comfort in attending church and singing her favorite hymns, including I Can Only Imagine, How Great Thou Art, and Amazing Grace.
She is survived by her sons, Jason Bedard (Kim) and Justin Bedard, both of Pilot Rock; her siblings, Daryl “Butch” Corey (Marjean) of Adams; Jim Corey (Bonnie) of Hermiston; and Judy Corey of West Pasco, Wash.; and her grandchildren, Tanner Bedard and Rylee Bedard.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters, Sherry McDaniel and Pat Berry.
Nancy will be remembered for her love and kindness, her quick humor, and her unwavering faith.
Together in Life and in Legacy
Wayne and Nancy were loving, supportive parents who cherished time outdoors with family and friends. Many happy memories were made during co-ed softball games, camping trips, hunting and fishing adventures, and, in later years, cheering on their grandchildren at athletic events and performances. Their partnership was built on love, laughter, faith, and a deep devotion to family. Their memory will be cherished by many, both within and beyond their family circle.
A memorial service honoring Wayne and Nancy Bedard will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at Life Church, 222 S.W. Third St., Pilot Rock, with a potluck gathering to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pilot Rock Little League.
Please share memories of Nancy and Wayne at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
