Inga Clare Himes

Born March. 1st, 1943 to Mary Monica and Erich Paul Schwandt in Paso Robles, CA. The youngest of five children, Inga was christened Linda Clare but her closest brother James (Jim) had trouble saying her name so it sounded like “Inga”…the nickname stuck! She attended Paso Robles Elementary and Mission Valley Catholic High School. After graduating high school she went to Coalinga Jr. College and received and Associate Degree in Science. She then matriculated to a gratis program at UCLA in Pathologic Cytotechnology: a career she enjoyed and worked steadily in for 44 years. The last 20 of which were for Providence St. Vincent Hospital in SW Portland, OR. Inga met David L. Himes in Coalinga, CA while attending college and they married in 1967. They divorced in 1989 and had two children while living in Fresno, CA: Katherine Elizabeth Himes, born Sept. 11, 1970 and Chrisman David Paul Himes, born Aug. 4, 1972. They soon moved to Portland, OR where she raised her kids in health and happiness. She returned to work in 1976 while David became an entrepreneur. Inga was predeceased by her son Chrisman in Nov. 1999 due to unfortunate circumstances. However, he fathered two children, Erica Jean Himes and Chrisman James Himes, now 20 and 18. They were very close to Inga all their lives and she and her daughter Katy were integral in raising these healthy, beautiful children. Inga’s granddaughter Erica brought Aubrey Jean Himes into the world Jan. 21, 2014; this great granddaughter brought untold joy into Inga & Kat’s home and hearts. After a brief and painless battle with lung cancer, Inga passed into the next life at home, in peace, with her family surrounding her. She leaves behind a legacy of family, love and joyful memories to treasure. Family and friends will forever miss her bright, wonderful, intelligent and funny personality. She was a caring Matriarch that was always good for an interesting chat, good advice, and something to share that was positive. Her intelligence, and sense of humor, mixed with her common sense and wealth of knowledge makes her an unforgettable friend. She would want everyone to remember all the good stuff and to “Always remember: the most important thing is not to panic!” A Memorial Celebration of her life and relationships will be held at the Metzger Park Clubhouse at 8400 SW Hemlock St., Portland, OR 97223. The gathering is for all who knew her, loved her, and would like to share memories and good food! Memorial & Potluck on Sat. 8/8/15 from 12-3pm at Metzger Park. “If love could have saved you, you would live forever. But when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure” unknown