Charles Alvin Kesterson

Charles Alvin

Kesterson

Age 84, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. He was born, raised and lived his entire life at the family ranch near Elkton. Alvin grew up alongside his father, Keith; mother, Myrtle; brother, Virgil; and sister, Vera. After marrying his beloved wife Wanda, together they raised five children: a son, Charlie; and four daughters: Charlene; Kathie; Shirley; and Linda. Alvin felt endless pride and joy in experiencing six generations of his family living and working together on his family ranch, and their legacy of hard work and strong family bonds. In addition to his core family, Big Al was known to offer and provide his loving home to others in need.

Alvin was a partner in Kesterson Brothers Logging Company, livestock rancher, farmer, timber manager, hunting and fishing guide, community leader, and served on several service organizations and boards throughout Douglas County.

At age 64, Alvin fulfilled a lifelong dream by building and opening a destination resort on his family ranch, The Big K Guest Ranch and Guide Service. Over the past 20 years, thousands of Big K guests have been welcomed to the ranch by Alvin's warm smile, sparkling blue eyes, and powerful but gentle handshake. Al's heart and stature were not only big, but so were his many wonderful tales of his adventures working and hunting on the ranch, and fishing the famous Umpqua River Loop. His love, understanding and relationship with nature was evident throughout his life.

Alvin loved the small town, country lifestyle and committed his life to the stewardship of his family ranch. After 84 years, few in this world can claim that they took their first and last breath in the same room - in his case, within the century-old family farmhouse located near the entrance of the family ranch.

Alvin was a rare individual who was not only a dreamer and visionary, but also had the extraordinary ability to make things happen. As a result, he generated an endless circle of friends and family who respected and trusted his wisdom. His legacy and memories will live on in their hearts forever.

Alvin is survived by his daughters: Kathie Kesterson Gray and Husband William Gray of Roseburg, OR; Linda Garrick and Husband, Art Garrick of Oakland, OR; son-in-Law, Larry Magee of Oakland, OR; son-in-Law, Dale Payne of Elkton, OR; brother, Virgil Keith Kesterson of Elkton, OR; sister, Vera Baimbridge of Elkton, OR; grandchildren: Carie Majors of Eugene, OR; Seth Williamson and wife, Amber of Elkton, OR; Quintin Magee of Elkton, OR; Michael Payne and wife, Maressa of Texas; Gary Williamson and wife, Emily of Eugene, OR; Melissa Hoyle and husband Ben of North Carolina; Jacob Kesterson of Sutherlin, OR; Corinne Shepherd and husband, Remington of Elkton, OR; Christopher Crawford of Oakland, OR; Joshua Kesterson of Sutherlin, OR; Hallie Kesterson of Medford, OR; eleven beloved great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by wife, Wanda: daughters: Charlene Payne and Shirley Magee; and son, Charles (Charlie) Kesterson.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Big Al will be held at the Big K Guest Ranch Lodge near Elkton on Sunday, July 28; at 5 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Elkton High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.