Two long time Oregon Horsemen, Ron Belland and Larry Cermack passed away this last month. They will both be missed...

Ron Belland was a hard working quiet man who was known for taking good care of his horses and those he loved. Our heart goes out to his family and especially to his long time companion, Sonja Young who always worked tirelessly beside him. The following obituary appeared in The Oregonian for Ron...

Ronald William Belland died April 11, 2008, at age 76.

Ronald William Belland was born Feb. 13, 1932, in St. Paul, Minn. He served in the Army in the Korean War. He moved in the late 1980s to Molalla and was a self-employed horse trainer for more than 20 years. He also worked for the Valley Landfill site in Woodburn.

Survivors include his daughters, Marie Margl, Sandra Klande and Roseanne Schermak; son, Frank; companion's daughters, Kim Lee and Heidi Charlton, and sons, Robin Young and Ross Young; sisters, Joyce Tyler, Elaine Pierce, Dorothy Thibault and Florence Parenteau; companion, Sonja Young; 11 grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Larry Cermack passed away quietly at the home of his sister with Patty and his family close around him. Larry died Saturday afternoon about 3 p.m. on April 19, 2008.

Larry had been a farrier for many years, shoeing mostly at Portland Meadows and Longacres. After deciding to retire from shoeing Larry started training his and Patty's, (his long time companion) horses. Larry and Patty raised and raced several horses which they both dearly loved.

Patty has told me there will be a Memorial service for Larry at a time yet to be decided. We will let you know when that will be.

Both of these men will be missed and we wish Sonja and Patty our heartfelt sorrow at their loss