Wifred (Sonny) Becker 85

Wilfred “Sonny” Becker Passed away on June 9, 2018 in Albany Oregon. Sonny was born in Alpena South Dakota on April 15, 1933 to Wilford Becker and Nellie (Johnson) Becker.

Sonny served in the United States Airforce for two years during the Korean war and was honorably discharged. Sonny worked in the mining industry for many years, working in various mines in Idaho’s Silver Valley, as well as a short time in New Mexico. Sonny transitioned to working with the Department of Interior as a Mine safety and health inspector, after the Sunshine Mine Fire of 1972, where Sonny was awarded a Medal for Valor for his part in the rescue of the 2 surviving miners. Sonny completed his career as a Mine Safety Inspector retiring in 1995.

Sonny was an avid outdoorsman, a hunter and fisherman for most of his life in Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. Sonny enjoyed doing outdoor activities like snow and water skiing, boating, with his family and friends as well as motorcycling, snowmobiling and traveling with his wife Mary Jane. Later in life Sonny developed his hobby of wood working and created many items which he gifted to his family and friends.

Sonny is survived by his wife Mary Jane (Conklin) Becker; children, Steve Becker (Eugene OR); Teresa (Becker) VanZandt (Clarkston WA); Douglas Becker (Albany OR); Sheila (Martin) Becker (Clarkston WA); William “Kelly” Becker (Albany OR); Sibling Glenn Becker (Calder ID); 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.