Sid Schechtman

1917 - 2011

Sid Schechtman

June 26, 1917 - June 25, 2011



SALEM - Sid was born on June 26, 1917 in New York City to Eastern European immigrant parents, Anna and Bennett Schechtman. Filled with more Grace, Love and Gratitude than this daughter could have imagined, he left us just before 11 PM on June 25th.

He lived in NYC until he was 18 and in about 1935 he and his older brother hitchhiked, via California, to Oregon to visit their older sister who lived in Coos Bay. Sid remained in Oregon until he was drafted into WWII in about 1941.

During the War he spent time in both Alaska and the Philippines. After being discharged from the service in 1945 he was briefly in NYC and then came west again to Oregon--this time to stay. He first opened a used furniture store in downtown Salem, perhaps in the late 1940's. At some point he purchased Geb's, a furniture and appliance store on Portland Road and later changed the name to Sid's Furniture and Appliance. The location of Sid's Furniture in Salem changed several times throughout the years eventually moving to its current downtown Court Street location. Over the years Sid also owned furniture stores in Corvallis and Albany bearing various names.

In the early 1950's Sid met and married Rose Pavlov and together they raised Rose's two children from a previous marriage as well as a son and daughter of their own.

Sid was well known by other business owners in Salem and Albany and was often found during the lunch hour at his favorite Thai, Chinese or Italian restaurants all within walking distance of his Court Street business. In his younger days his passion for golf was well known and many evenings he was found at Illahe on the links or the practice range. In the last twenty years he was an avid member of the YMCA. I don't know if he ever actually 'worked out', but I know he loved the steam bath and massages!

Dad loved Oregon. He never ceased to be entranced by the abundance of fresh air, trees, flowers, and fresh fruits and vegetables that dotted Salem and the surrounding area. The rain that Oregonians often complain about never bothered him. He never thought twice about playing golf or driving to the mountains to ski even in the worst weather.

He loved people of all types and loved to engage everyone in conversation. He traveled widely visiting many foreign countries always relishing a new adventure. Sid loved life and his work and never wanted to retire. Rose and his four children survive him.

A Celebration of Life in Sid's honor will be held at 5 PM on July 10, 2011 at the Salem Friends Meeting House, 490 NE 19th St. All are welcome. For more information contact Carolyn Schechtman: 971.218.6798.