John Ambrose passed away peacefully at home March 26, with his loving wife, Wendy, at his side.

He was born to Frank Ambrose and Betty Wicox Nov. 4, 1947, in Portland.

At the age of 4, John contracted polio and spent many years in and out of Dornbecher Children’s Hospital. Through many surgeries and hardships, John was determined to not let his disability slow him down, and it didn’t. He did a lot of work requiring heavy physical labor. He found he had a natural mechanical ability. Working jobs from the state roads department, volunteer fireman in La Pine, ranch work, asbestos removal, and construction to the tearing down of the Crane greenhouse, and everything in between. He worked at the Hines mill until it closed, and he then did ranch work, building fences etc. He enjoyed the outdoors.

John was once an avid hunter, and enjoyed halibut and salmon fishing. (Not enough fight in trout.)

John is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Rose Marie Kalin of Portland, Frank Ambrose of Halsey, Betty Smith of Depoe Bay, Art Ambrose of Portland, Mary Ann Manchine of Depoe Bay, Carol Chambers of Sunriver, and Dee Fleming of Lavonia, Mich.; many, many nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. All that knew him loved him for many reasons.

He is also survived by two sons, Mark, and his wife, Stephanie, their daughters, Jordan, and husband, Scott, twins, Sydnie and Lauryn, stepdaughters, Alyssa, and Grace of Weaverville, Calif., and Scott, of Las Vegas, Nev., his wife, Andrea, their daughter, Emily, and son, Jakob.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life memorial service was held April 3 at the home of Roger and Dorothy Williams, where Wendy’s family and many friends gathered to remember John’s life.

Contributions to help with final expenses may be made at Umpqua Bank in Burns. Donations in his honor to Dornbecher Children’s Hospital would also be welcome.