LaGrande, Oregon
Powell Graham, 87, of La Grande died June 6 at his home. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday June 10 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St. Burial will be private.
Mr. Graham was born April 25, 1919, to Harry and Dora Powell Graham in Milton. At the age of 16 he received his Eagle Scout Badge from Mayor La Guardia and Jimmy Durante in New York City. He earned a degree in pharmacy from Oregon State University, and owned Graham Drug. In September 1940 he married Marjalee Purdy of La Grande. He served in the Navy and was ship photographer aboard the USS Randall.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge, playing in golf tournaments and serving as exalted ruler. He became the Grand Exalted Ruler of Oregon. He was also a member of the La Grande Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed local sports and for many years broadcast La Grande sporting events on the radio.
He was president of the Oregon Board of Pharmacists, and taught pharmacy at OSU. He was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia Award from Wyeth and the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Survivors include children and their spouses, Gary and Patti Graham of Pendleton, Jude Graham of Portland, and Debra and Robert Wright of Blackfoot, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife and a son, Don Graham, both died earlier.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oregon Heart Association or to OSU for a pharmacy scholarship fund in care of Daniels Chapel.
The Observer Online, Obituaries for the week ending June 10, 2006, Published June 8, 2006