Jeffrey McCauley Cheyne

Jeffrey McCauley Cheyne, beloved husband, loving father, loyal brother, and dedicated attorney, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2016. He was born September 13, 1946, in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Leland and Bonita Cheyne. Jeff grew up on the family farm affectionately called the Squirrel Ranch. Jeff had three younger brothers, Greg, Lee, and Gary. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, graduated from Mt. Angel Seminary High School and the University of Oregon. He worked as a Juvenile Corrections officer in Trenton, New Jersey, and then did graduate work in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1975 he graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law. He opened his law practice in Escondido, California, and obtained an L.L.M. in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1984. He was active philanthropically in his community and served on the Board of Managers of the Palomar YMCA and as Chairman of the Board for the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. Jeff and his wife, Debra, moved back home to Oregon in 1991 and built their home in the rural Sherwood area. Jeff practiced in the areas of estate and trust law, business and real estate planning, and was licensed to practice in Oregon, California, and Washington, as well as the United States Tax Court. A partner at the law firm of Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP, Jeff was a prolific speaker, instrumental in the passage of important legislative revisions to the Oregon Estate Tax law. He gave educational presentations to lawyers and certified public accountants throughout the state. Jeff wrote carefully researched articles for various publications of the Oregon State Bar. Until his death he served on the Portland Estate Planning Council, was a member of Wealthcounsel, an ACTEC Fellow, Past Chair of the Oregon State Bar Estate & Trust Committee, served on the Endowment Committee for the American Rhododendron Society, was Past President of the Tualatin Valley Chapter of the ARS, was a former officer of the Beaverton Sunrise Rotary, and a member of the Procurement Committee of OMSI. Jeff was a wonderful mentor to the young attorneys in his firm and a friend to everyone with whom he worked. He was a true professional. He is survived by his wife, Debra K. Cheyne, son Paul Cheyne, stepson Paul Pace, his brothers and their families: Greg Cheyne, Gary & Denise Cheyne, Lee & Mary Cheyne; nieces and nephews Jess Cheyne, Tracey Cheyne, Kevin Cheyne, Cari Metcalf, Erika Duval, Michael Cheyne; great nieces and nephews Terrance Cheyne, Connor & Mason Metcalf, Helena & Hannah Cheyne, and Bryson Aaron & Carter Cheyne. Jeff’s kindness and compassion for his family, colleagues, friends, and neighbors has given strength to all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of good, wise, and courageous leadership. He will be greatly missed. A burial ceremony will take place Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Mt. Laki Cemetery in Klamath Falls, Oregon. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 22, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at The MAC Club, in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Oregon Humane Society, the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, the National Court Reporters Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.

Jeffrey McCauley Cheyne

September 13, 1946 - July 5, 2016