Obituaries

Recent Obituaries
In Memoriam Archive

Ellis Bischoff ’42

A picture of Ellis Bischoff and members of the Reed Ski Team in 1940

Ellis Bischoff ’42, right, with members of the Reed Ski Team in 1940, Gorder Facer ’41, David Smith ’41, and McGregor Gray ’41. Courtesy of Special Collections, Eric V. Hauser Memorial Library, Reed College.

Ellis Bischoff ’42, December 31, 2013, in Des Moines, Washington, from cancer. A Portland native, Ellis followed his brothers, Jerome G. Bischoff ’31 and Theodore M. Bischoff ’37, to Reed, where he studied for two years. He then transferred to Oregon State College (University), and completed a BS in forest engineering in 1943. During World War II, Ellis served as a naval officer aboard PT boats in the South Pacific, and after the war he returned to the Pacific Northwest, where he was involved with the formation of, and became a partner in, the Mountain Fir Lumber Company. During his long career in timber, he testified before Congress concerning the timber industry, reports his cousin Edward Kessler ’50, who provided details for this memorial. In Portland in 1946, Ellis married Mildred Haugen, who was the love of his life, says Edward. Ellis and Milly had three sons, and enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends, and taking a scheduled break from Pacific Northwest weather in the California desert. A love of boating led to Ellis’ association with yacht clubs in Portland; in Port Ludlow and Everett, Washington; and in travels to Alaska. He also enjoyed fishing and photography. Ellis is remembered as a bright, warm, witty, and sensitive man, full of love, and a friend to all. In addition to Edward, survivors include Millie; sons Kenneth, Robert, and Lawrence; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Appeared in Reed magazine: June 2014

comments powered by Disqus