Erlin Lamen

1927 - 2012

Erlin Mylo Lamen

December 14, 1927 - November 8, 2012

SALEM - Born in Niobe, North Dakota to Casey and Millia (Sabbe) Lamen. His older brother's name was Clemith, he was called Sonny. So when Erlen came, his mother named him Erlin, he was called Buddy - Sonny and Buddy. It stuck till high school when Sonny became Clem and Buddy became Bud.

Bud's early years were during the Great Depression. A terrible time for grown-ups, but a great time for small boys in a town of less than 100 people. Buddy was able to run all over town wearing only his coveralls. Restrictions were the railroad tracks and the railroad bridge trestle.

A few years later Buddy was able to stay with this Auntie Helen and Uncle Everett Stenhjem on their farm and Grandma and Grandpa Sabbe's house in Maddock, North Dakota. On the farm Buddy got to help his Grandpa haul hay. During grain harvest, Everett put Buddy on the binder (harvester) to help him cut the grain and make bundles. He was only 10 - the next year he drove Everett's tractor and pulled the combine. Big deal for a kid 11 years old.

On Sundays Buddy went to church at Immanuel Lutheran with his Grandparents. A big treat was when the services were in Norwegian.

After his Father's death in 1939, his Mother moved with her boys to Eugene, Oregon.

Bud received a B. of architecture from U of Oregon in 1953. The work experiences he learned as a boy in North Dakota gave him the initiatives to work at many jobs to earn money for school. The last the opportunity to take advanced air ROTC which gave Bud a commission in the Air Force plus money each month. It carried the obligation to serve on active duty after graduation from architectural school. Bud's prior military service included 1 year in the Army Air Corps as a medic - he was stationed at the hospital on Hamilton Field, California.

After the military Bud moved to Salem and practiced architecture. He met Donna Savage skiing. They were married for almost 46 years. Cut short by Donna's death in the winter of 2009. Those years were filled with fun happening. 2 trips to Europe, all over western USA in their pickup and camper RV. Hunting and fishing trips. Trips to the national finals rodeo in Oklahoma City and Las Vegas. From May till August they went to local rodeos, as well as Calgary and Cheyenne. They made many friends at the rodeos. Early in their marriage they built a fine house in the woods, south of Salem. Flower garden, vegetable garden, an orchard and home for the birds and animals. A fine, fun place to live.

Bud and Donna are survived by cousins, nephews, and nieces.

No public services, interment services at Belcrest. Arrangements by Keizer Funeral Chapel.