Obituary of Wyatt Foster Jeanfaivre

August 9, 1950 ~ January 14, 2010 Wyatt Foster Jeanfaivre left his earthly home on January 14th, 2010 at the age of 59 after a determined and courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on August 9, 1950 in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of George “Gene” and Cynthia (Chrizio) Jeanfaivre, the family moved to Southern California in 1955. Wyatt graduated from Van Nuys High School and was attending Pierce College when his education was interrupted by the draft. He was stationed in Germany where he earned the sharpshooter designation and came to Oregon shortly after discharge. Living in and around Lake Oswego he met and married Kristine DeVoll on December 10, 1977. Although their marriage later ended, the relationship produced the pride and joy of his life; daughters Sarah and Emily. He later met and married his best friend and soul mate, Patti Wright of McMinnville on September 14, 1991. The couple moved to the community of Ballston, south of McMinnville in 1995. Wyatt was able to complete one of his lifelong ambitions by building a new home there, which he and Patti moved into just one short year ago. Wyatt worked in the construction trades for over 35 years and was an extremely skilled craftsman. He worked primarily in residential construction, but as a journeyman carpenter was able to advance his abilities working on several large commercial projects. At the time of his death he was employed by Arbor Homes of Portland as a field superintendent, a position he truly loved and considered his dream job. In addition to his woodworking hobbies, Wyatt loved the outdoors. Whether it be camping, fishing, or hiking he enjoyed communing with God in a natural setting and was looking forward to showing his grandson the wonders of nature. He had bowled for years on a local league and was saddened when his illness ended this pastime. He and Patti had started traveling the past few years and often talked about their favorite vacation which was 3 weeks in Alaska. In addition to his wife, Patti, Wyatt is survived by his daughters, Sarah Jeanfaivre-Melton, and her husband Jeff, Emily Jeanfaivre and fiancé Chris Hudson; mother, Cynthia Jeanfaivre; sister, Leita Fromme and her husband Martin; Wyatt had one grandson James; 2 nephews, Jon and Sean. Wyatt was preceded in death by his father, “Gene”. A celebration of Wyatt’s life will be held on February 13th, 2010 at the Church on the Hill (Nazarene) in McMinnville at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Willamette Valley Cancer Center or Legacy Hospice Services, both of McMinnville. Online condolences can be made at www.ANewTradition.com Arrangements entrusted to Crown Memorial Center ~ Milwaukie