Vernon Golar

On May 21, 2026, Vernon C. Golar, 86, died in the warm light of a Baker City evening with family by his side. He didn’t want much of a fuss made when he passed, so there will be no public services. However, friends and family are invited to a potluck to remember Vern on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. under the pavilion at the Sumpter Fairgrounds. Please bring a favorite dish and story to share.

For as long as those who knew him can remember, Vern Golar would say he’d rather be in the mountains of Northeastern Oregon than anywhere else. In a way, he was partially raised by them, creating elaborate miniature sawmills in the dirt to entertain himself while his dad logged, and eventually helping with jobs when he was old enough to do so. Indeed, his idea of a fun summer vacation was waking to leave at 5 a.m. to join his dad for a long day of work. Lucky for him, he went on to spend his adult life in the forests, as well. While he was fortunate to spend his last moments on earth at home, he would have been just as happy being left in the woods—though family had to remind him they weren’t allowed to do that.

Born on November 5, 1939, and raised in Baker City, Vernon C. Golar spent part of his childhood in a logging camp, with especially fond memories of his time in Maxville, Oregon, where the Wallowa Mountains were his backyard. A 1957 graduate of Baker High School, he kept busy participating in several clubs, serving as a Yell Duke, working at the Baker Garage, playing classical violin with the St. Francis School of Music Cecilian Ensemble and the All-State Orchestra, and fixing up cool cars like a Ford Fairlane 500 he affectionately dubbed “The Wanderer.”

After high school he continued to work with his father, including spending a summer in the Elkhorns helping to survey and build the road over Marble Creek Pass for Tony Brandenthaler. Later he enlisted in the National Guard, shipping out to Fort Ord, California. He met his wife, Valerie, a few years after he had returned home. At that time, he worked for the City of Baker Public Works Department but started doing logging jobs on his days off. It wasn’t long until he owned an entire logging outfit that would operate throughout the Blue Mountains for several years. In the late 70s he volunteered his time and heavy equipment to help with the Sumpter Valley Railroad renovations, including picking up a tender car to deliver via parade through Baker City to McEwen station, and hauling a water tank to its current spot at McEwen station, as well. In 1980 a serious logging accident interrupted his work for a bit, but his dogged, stubborn spirit led him to a remarkable recovery; his way was to just keep moving forward. After retiring he enjoyed spending time with family, refurbishing heavy equipment and classic pickups, and having a daily hamburger and Coke, two of his favorites. His family remembers him as a kind, loyal, hardworking guy who would do the right thing even when no one was looking.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Estelle Golar, son Todd Golar, sister Evelyn and her husband Ron Hogg, and nephew Mike Hogg.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Valerie Golar; son Jeremy Golar; daughter Staci and partner Robert Garcia; younger brother Lee Golar; grandsons Bradley, Brenden, Braxton, and Breyton and their mother Christine Golar; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com