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Lincoln Charles Link Briery
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Lincoln Charles ‘Link’ Briery, 95, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at his home in White City, OR.

He was a former resident of Riverbank. He was born in Sabine Parish, LA to John Henry Briery and Clara Iva (Waddle) Briery. He was the seventh of 12 children and the only of his siblings to be born outside the state of Kansas. The family returned to Western Kansas shortly after his birth, and he spent most of his childhood living in Kansas and Eastern Colorado.

During the depression, Mr. Briery began a plumbing apprenticeship in Denver, which continued into a stint in the CCCs at Mesa Verde. He remained a plumber his entire life and was a 54-year member of Local 114.

In 1937, he married Frances Loleta ‘Lita’ Appling in Riverbank, where they eventually settled.

He became a member of the local school board and was active in many of the building programs that still serve the school district today.

He was a charter member of the Riverbank Lions Club and held nearly every office in that club, including President.

As their sons began leaving home to start their own families, he and his wife did some moving, following plumbing work and trying out new places. They lived in Twain Harte, Santa Maria, Grover City, and Oceano before finally retiring in White City, OR in 1977.

He is survived by his sons, Gary (Sharron) Briery of Oakdale, Gig (Sammie) Briery of Camden, AR, Ron (Sandy) Briery of Eagle Point, OR; sibling, Nellie Anderson of Hillsdale, MI; and a large number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lita in 2003; five brothers; five sisters; and foster son, Lee Quigley who was considered an important member of the family.

There will be a graveside celebration of his life at Plainsburg Cemetery near Le Grande at a future date.