I remember sitting around the campfire beside the Little Naches River with extend family listening to embellished stories that my mother’s Uncle, John Newbill, would tell of his adventures growing up on a northeastern Oregon ranch. He was known by my family members as a “rootin’ tootin’” cowboy. 

His white hair sparkled in the firelight on top of his green transparent visor as he smoked his pipe and told us, with animated body language and a twinkle in his eyes, about hunting cougars. Sprinkled throughout the stories, Aunt Abbie, his lifelong wife, would say, “Oh John, stop it, you’re scaring the kids.”

Of course, he didn’t stop and we didn’t want him to. These somewhat tall tales were actually based on his youthful adventures and provided some drama and a lot of laughter by everyone.

I sorely miss these long-gone family members and the times we spent together. 

Ken Kaiyala
4-25-18