Robert Oscar Larson (Bob), born in Astoria on March 6, 1927, was a lifelong resident of Grays River, other than his 1945-1946 World War II Army service. Bob was the youngest and last survivor of the six children of Victor and Ida (Swanson) Larson. Bob grew up working on their farm along the banks of Grays River, adjacent to the Historic Grays River Covered Bridge. Bob always had a farm dog, and its name was almost always “Sport.” While still in High School, Bob was drafted into the Army and was sent to the island of Shemya in Alaskan Aleutians. After the war, Bob went back to high school and obtained his diploma. Soon he met a very pretty dark eyed farm girl from Wheaton, Minnesota – Ila Mae Delores Jacobs, who became his wife on August 8, 1948. Together they ran the dairy operation for many years, switching to raising cattle as they retired.

Bob was extremely community minded. Even though his own farm had a very ample water source, he dove head first into what started as a Grange project to obtain a community water system for the Grays River Valley. Over the next few years, he devoted countless hours and innumerable long distance phone calls spearheading the project, which ultimately came into being as the Western Wahkiakum Water System and was turned over to the Wahkiakum PUD.

Bob was also a very strong supporter of the local 4-H program and provided many calves to 4-Hers for fair events. Bob was a long term member of the Grays River Grange, American Legion Post 111, and the Grays River Methodist Church. He also served on the Western Wahkiakum Telephone Company Board of Directors from 1985 through 2018.

Bob is survived by his three sons, Robert Douglas, (known as Doug), Mark and Brian. His grandchildren are Jason and Brandy Larson, Donny and Kelly Miller, and Aaron Larson. He also had eight great grandchildren.

On Saturday, July 13th, there will be a short 2 p.m., graveside service at the Grays River Cemetery followed immediately by a memorial service at the Grays River Methodist Church, 3624 SR 4, Grays River, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either the Grays River Cemetery in care of the Grays River Grange, P.O. Box 124 or the Grays River Methodist Church, P.O. Box 52.

Dowling Funeral Home of Cathlamet is in charge of arrangements.

SUPPORTING THE GRANGE’S SERVICE COMMITMENT

Our Grange is sustained by members. We also receive support from Wahkiakum West, Rayonier Timber, Robinson Brothers Construction, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Appelo and individuals who see the difference we make.

Grays River Grange is a voluntary association. We provide public services at no costs to taxpayers.

Our next fundraiser is hosting the salmon dinner at this summer’s Finnish American Folk Festival. (Special mention to Granger, Wahkiakum County commissioner and commercial fisherman Mike Backman for donating fish.) In the meantime, we are conducting a capital campaign to fund our ongoing work. Here is a list of some of our needs:
• Pay for regular mowing at our cemetery and parks

• New signs for our parks and cemetery

• Finish interior remodel.

We Grangers pledge to be quiet and peaceful folks going about our community service group. This is one of those occasions where we want to make a little noise. We are 100 percent volunteer and our expenses go towards our commitments. Please consider making a financial contribution to our efforts.

Our goal is to raise $5,000. If you are a member, thank you so much for your support and active membership. Your participation keeps our Grange viable and helps us continue serving our community. If you have not been to a meeting for a while, or are someone interested in the Grange, please visit us. Our meetings are a great place for fellowship and keeping connected with what is going on in our part of the world. The Grange is a non-partisan group and we welcome people from all walks of life. Our meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 6:45 potluck dinner, 7:30 meeting.

Thank you, Members of the Grays River Grange

Checks can be mailed to. Grays River Grange #124 PO Box 124 Grays River, WA 98621  Phone: (360) 465-2268 or email —spelled out to discourage robot spammers (grange -at- wwest.net).

OUR STORY

At the turn of the last century, civic minded folks in Western Wahkiakum County started the Grays River Grange. They built a hall for members and the community alike. Lifelong bonds were built in the Grange Hall—in a way that continues. Grangers also were active in starting the county fair, bringing the first agricultural agent west of the Mississippi, founding a cemetery, and many other endeavors to elevate the quality of life in our corner of the world.

We want to get folks up to date with what we are doing and how you could help. Following are some of the projects we are engaging.

GRANGE HALL

Our historic hall is in good shape and sporting a new paint job. The western part of the hamlet of Grays River is really looking good. If you recall, our hall was next to severely neglected / blight properties. Our Grange iniated the acquisition of the land and after $12,000 in local contributions the eyesores were removed. Last year we replaced our ancient oil furnace and now have a modern propane heater. We are now focusing on the interior. We also host a local 4-H group who are nice and warm with our quiet and effcient new heater.

CEMETERY

Our cemetery was established by the Grange in 1914. As we do every spring before Memorial Day, a volunteer Granger work crew cleans up the Grays River Grange Cemetery in anticiption of all of the visitors for this important day of remembrance. We scrub headstones, cut limbs and make repairs. Plots are available to Grange members for twentyfive dollars. We are happy to offer non-members lots for $200.00

AHLBERG & MESERVE PARKS

These five acres are maintained for agriculture and public use. The park is next to Washington’s only covered bridge is owned by our Grange. We are happy to provide this space for public enjoyment. We find people visiting from around world— places like Tel Aviv, Israel and Sidney, Australia! We have hosted weddings and a rest stop for a cross country bicycle rally. If you are interested in renting the park— let us know! Otherwise, please visit on a nice summer day to relax like so many others.\

COUNTY FAIR SPELLING BEE

Our Grange sponsors the Spelling Bee at the county fair. We give out $300 in prizes to participating grade school ages. We do this to continue the educational mission of the Grange.

GIVE TODAY!!!