Former Blair resident Homer "Duke" Armstrong, 81, died Sept. 13, 2008, with his family by his side in Salem, Ore.

A celebration of his life is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the City View Cemetery in Salem.

Mr. Armstrong met his wife, Betty Ann, in Blair, and the couple lived in the Blair area for several years.

Mr. Armstrong moved with his family to Salem in 1958, where he worked for Judson's Plumbing for 44 years. He also found time to teach the plumbing apprenticeship program at Chemeketa Community College for 30 years, and taught CPR to his students.

He was a member of the Oregon Scottish Society, volunteered for the Republican Party, enjoyed the First Baptist Church choir, and had proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II.

His family will remember him as an extraordinary man of exceptional integrity with a sense of humor that was infectious. He never met a man, woman or child that his soul did not recognize and welcome into his life, heart and world. He will remain a rare man to everyone who had the honor to know him, and will be greatly missed by his family and his community.

He is survived by his wife of 52 year, Betty Ann; their four children, Debra, Peggy, Liz and John; grandchildren, Jason, Jenny, Samantha, Jessica, Jamie, Ryan, Alexa, Kylie and Aria; a great-grandson, Jesse; and a sister, Sally Anderson.

Memorials are suggested to the Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 431, Salem, OR 97308-9953.