New Sign Tagged

Sigh!!! Our new sign at the cemetery was spray painted likely Friday evening May 22. The person who did this was really mean, as Memorial Day Weekend is the busiest time of the year for visitors. If you have any information about who defaced the sign—please let us know?

Who is Izzy?

Futurewise seeks board members.

Futurewise

Hello, my name is Ginger Wireman.  I’m on the board of the statewide organization Futurewise.  We are the group that brought the Growth Management Act to WA to prevent urban sprawl and protect farms and forests.  In the last several years we’ve added affordable housing and transportation to our focus because they are directly related to sprawl, habitat loss, and climate concerns. 

Futurewise is 30 years old and we are working to build a board that is both culturally and regionally diverse.  

We have no representation from SW Washington. I spoke to the WSU Extension Chair in Clark Co. a while ago and he suggested reaching out to Granges. 

I recieve the WSU Magazine and know your Grange Master Mr. Novoselic has done projects related to conservation and wonder if there are others who have a similar conservation bent in your group (recognizing he is probably already very busy)!

If you can think of anyone in your Grange or another in your region, please feel free to share this inquiry.  

Thank you so much and stay safe!  

Ginger Wireman 509-518-9377

Cemetery Sign

Grays River Grange Cemetery
Established 1914


Family care and maintenance of grave sites is encouraged. This includes removal of real or artificial flowers. Do not use glass vases / ornaments. Items on grave sties may be removed in the course of mowing and maintenance.

Report any suspicious activity.

This non-profit cemetery is a project of Grays River Grange #124. We are a volunteer community group. Help Us Maintain this Beautiful, Serene Space with your financial support.

Checks can be mailed to:
Grays River Grange #124
PO Box 124
Grays River, WA
98621

Contact Information:
Tele: 360-465-2268
Email: grange -at- wwest.net

Masks

Even though Grays River Grange is not meeting regularly, Grangers are still busy with community service projects. Our current project, for the sewers amongst us, is making washable masks.  Wearing masks is now recommended for everyone when you do have to leave home. Wearing masks is not only to protect ourselves but to protect others in our community. These masks are available for community members by contacting Grays River Grange at grange@wwest.net or 465-2268 or ask any Grange member. We do remind everyone that staying home is the best defense against the virus. The Grange would also like to express our appreciation for all those essential workers that are keeping us healthy, safe, and fed.

Be Safe – Stay Home – Wear A Mask

Robert Larson 1927-2019

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.

Serving Western Wahkiakum County Since 1902