Oran Greager

Oran L. Greager
February 18, 1927 - December 31, 2014
Oran was the fifth child born to Rudolph (Dewey) Paul and Essie Beach Greager. Growing up in a large family, he was the youngest of nine children having three brothers, a sister, three half-brothers and a half-sister. Oran grew up primarily around Norwood, Colorado and graduated from Norwood High School. He was a football and boxing athlete and during his senior year won the Colorado Golden Gloves Boxing Championship in Denver.
Oran enlisted in the US Army and served from 1944 - 1948. During his enlistment he was selected to attend the Army's School of Finance where he graduated from the school with the rank of sergeant. After serving his country, Oran returned to the western slope of Colorado and pursued breaking wild horses for the Bureau of Land Management with his brother, Howard, guided hunting expeditions, began ranching, and before long bought into the ownership of the Lone Cone Café with his brother, Floyd. Later he bought Floyd's portion of the restaurant.
Oran married Janice Maureen Raley on May 15, 1955, and they resided in Norwood for 40 years as restaurant owners, ranchers, and engaged in breeding and running quarter horses. They had two children, Pamela and Mark (deceased).
Oran is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter, Pamela Greager (Shauna Atkins) of Longmont, CO, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and dear friends.
Oran was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, business man, and ski enthusiast who took his family on ski vacations in the Colorado Rockies. He enjoyed his active life, many friends and most of all his family.
Oran spent many years in leadership positions in local and state organizations and was a strong advocate of bringing business to Norwood and the surrounding area. He is listed in the Historical Encyclopedia of Colorado, as a native son of San Miguel County, for his achievements in business, ranching and community involvement. He was an officer for the San Miguel Rodeo and Race Association for 15 years, a member of the Lions Club, a founding member of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, a Director of Colorado United, and a Director of the Colorado Quarter Horse Association during his years in business.
In the late 1970's Oran worked in Zaire, Africa for Morrison Knutson Construction during the installation of the trans-continental power line where he ran the commissary and food operations for 148 construction workers. He was promoted and the company planned to transfer him to organize and manage the commissary operations for the power line installation in Iran in 1979 as the Zaire project neared completion. Oran declined the transfer to Iran as that was during a time when the political unrest in the country made it unsafe for Americans. He completed his contract in Africa and returned to Norwood. In the mid 1990's Oran and Jan retired from business and ranching and moved to Grand Junction where they have enjoyed living on the high desert close to other family members and friends.
At his request, no services will be held at this time. A private ceremony will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans Administration Hospice, 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.