Richard Grant Obituary

Richard Hawley Grant

November 27, 1935 - March 27, 2013

SALEM - Richard Hawley Grant, 77, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on March 27, 2013, in Roatan, Honduras, while cruising the Western Caribbean.

Dick was born in Portland, Oregon to Russell Grant and Ruthellyn Hawley Grant on November 27, 1935. He graduated from Beaverton High School '53 and University of Oregon '57. He was a beloved Health and PE teacher and coach at The Dalles High School '57-'60 and Centennial High School '57-'66. At Centennial, he met Joanie Felbick, a fellow teacher; they were the talk of the halls and were married in 1962.

In 1967, Dick earned a Master of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley and earned a doctorate in Health Education from University of Oregon in 1969. He was a professor of Health at San Diego State from '68-'72. He moved his family to Portland to work for Oregon Regional Medical Programs at OHSU in 1972. Eastern Oregon Health System Agency was responsible for planning of health care services in the eighteen counties east of the Cascades, Dick was executive director from '76-'79. Governor Victor Atiyeh appointed Dick to serve on his cabinet to direct State Health Planning and Development Agency until 1987. He later returned to OHSU as deputy director of Area Health Education Centers and retired in 1996. Dick also served on the Willamette Valley Hospice Board from 1984-1991.

After retirement, Dick and Joanie became avid world travelers. His appreciation of the world's wonders, respect for cultural diversity, and love of all kinds of food made him an enthusiastic visitor wherever they travelled.

Dick's warm heart and comforting nature made him a treasured person to all family, friends, and anyone who needed a hand, an encouraging word, or a huge bear hug. Dick is survived by the love of his life of fifty years, Joanie; children Carolyn Elfstrom (Toby), Richard (Megan), James (Karen), and grandchildren, Katie, Hanna, Ian, Eliza, Kevin, and Emma; brother, Robert (Louise) and sister, Faye Holbert and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OPB, All Classical 89.9 or a local Food Bank. A Celebration of Dick's life will be held at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem on April 28 1-3 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Apr. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Grant

11 Entries

Marcia DeCaro

April 26, 2013

So sorry to hear. Dick was a wonderful person who I enjoyed working with while he was with AHEC. I have only fond memories of my interactions with him.

Patty Petersen

April 26, 2013

Dick Grant was the epitome of what I would call a class act. I met him in 1992 when I first interviewed for a position to work with him in AHEC. He had a warm heart, an amazing sense of humor and was so well-liked by all who knew him. My prayers go out to all his family - I know he will be missed.

Jan Sonniksen

April 19, 2013

I am very saddened by Dick's passing. What a wonderful human, who contributed so much to so many. My prayers are for all who loved him !

April 16, 2013

What a great person. Dick was a neighbor when I was growing up. He, and his brother Bob, were inspirations to me. Dick treated everyone with respect and dignity. I hope he realized how much people like me appreciated his warm and accepting nature. I think of Dick and his wonderful family often. Thank you, Dick, for taking the time to make a little kid feel special.
Ron Stassens

Ruth & Don Unruh and Family

April 15, 2013

We were sorry to hear about Dick's death. Remember all the good time's we all had at Diamond Lake with everyone. My dad Vac and him are sitting around a lake up there having a grand old time sitting by a campfire or out on the lake.

Joanna Olson

April 15, 2013

I've known Dick since 1951, when I met him as a classmate at Beaverton High School. Even back then he stood out among the others. He always was a classy gentleman, and will be missed very much by his family, friends and acquaintances. My sincere condolences to the Grant family.

Dana Lacey Fry

April 15, 2013

Always greeted with a huge smile and a big bear hug, he will be greatly missed.

Lori Olson-Flock

April 15, 2013

It will be hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can help you through. I only knew Dick a short while when I was a teenager through his daughter Carrie. I always thought how lucky she was to have such a wonderful father. My thoughts are with all of you.

Gayl Cunningham

April 14, 2013

Dick was such a kind and genuine human being. He had a great sense of humor and a way of making people feel happy. He was a very "special classmate" from elementary school through high school. He will be missed at our get-togethers.
Gayl Benson Cunningham

Diane and Larry Gibson

April 14, 2013

Dick was a great guy. We had many fun times with him at kid's baseball games and neighborhood parties. He will be missed.

Bob Grant

April 14, 2013

My beloved brother will leave a big hole in my heart. Dick and I were very close, but I have come to the realization that he died doing what he loved to do, with his love of his live Joanie, travel and be adventurous. Brother Dick, I love you and will forever be thankful for your being my older brother.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results