Longtime Eagle Creek resident, Joel Twist died on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Portland V.A. Medical Center in Portland after a long battle with Leukemia. He was 69.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12 at Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring.
Joel Kevin Twist was born on August 11, 1942 in Buffalo, New York to Jack and Katherine (Donavon) Twist. He was raised and received his schooling in Buffalo. Shortly after graduating from high school, he entered the U.S. Coast Guard on February 8, 1961 in Orchard Park, New York. While on leave, Joel married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Brooks on August 24, 1963 in Port Huron, Michigan. Joel and Sharon then moved to Buffalo, New York where he was stationed until his discharge on February 7, 1967.
Joel and Sharon lived in various areas throughout New York and began their family there. Joel farmed for a time until he felt the call of God upon his life and was called into the ministry of sharing the Gospel. Joel and his family then moved to Dallas, Texas where he furthered his education and received his training in the Gospel. Shortly after graduating, they moved to Oregon and made their home in Eagle Creek where Joel and Sharon started a Church and School. In the years that followed, Joel impacted many lives throughout all of the various things that he set his hand and heart to.
Joel loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. For many years, he and Sharon raised Labradors. He was a “family man” and held strong to traditions and treasured times spent with them.
Surviving is his wife Sharon; his son, Matt Twist of Sandy; his daughter, Jennifer Hamilton of Gresham; his sisters, Mary Twist of New York and Kathleen Gallagher also of New York; his brother, Michael Twist of Arizona and 4 grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society.