Arnold "Cap" Myer

Arnold "Cap" Myer, beloved father and grandfather, and one of La Grande's oldest residents, died on Sunday, February 8, 2004. He had been living at Wildflower Lodge in La Grande. He was 99 years old.

Funeral services honoring his quiet, but remarkable life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley with Pastor Mouse McKinney officiating. Interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

"Cap", the son of William and Cora (Kincaid) Myer, was born October 18, 1904 in the tiny sawmill town of Burner, West Virginia. One of three brothers, he worked in a glass factory, in sawmills and did a tour of duty in the United States Navy where he saw much of the world.

He married his wife, Beulah (The 'girl next door') in 1925 and they were married just short of 70 years. He later moved his family to Detroit, Michigan where he ran a riding academy and served as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff.

After surviving the Great Depression, often working for one dollar per day, he and his family moved to La Grande in 1942. Soon there after, he joined the La Grande Police Department where he rose to the rank of Captain and interim Chief. He served the department for 26 years until he retired in 1970.

"Cap" was an avid hunter and an accomplished gunsmith, offering his expertise and experience to the citizens of La Grande. "If you wanted a gun to be fixed right, you took it to "Cap".

He was an active member of the Elks for many years. An expert marksman, he won several medals in state-wide shooting contests and many local 'turkey shoots', usually bringing home a Thanksgiving bird.

"Cap" and his wife, Beulah, were accomplished musicians. With "Cap" on the guitar and Beulah on the piano, they enjoyed playing for many dances. The Myer household, whose members were talented musicians, enjoyed musical home jam sessions during most of "Cap's" life.

He was a devout Christian man and Sunday was his time for his favorite TV evangelists. He played on a daily basis and he exercised loving kindness, forgiveness and a fondness for all those around him.

"Cap" loved squirrels all of his and could always be seen feeding one, or a dozen, especially during his latter years at Wildflower Lodge.

He is survived by sons, Russ Myer and Theresa Smyth of Red Bluff, California, Robert and DeeAnn Myer of La Grande, Jim Myer of Boise, Idaho and daughters, June Pierce and her husband, Roy of Longview, Washington and Barbara Duncan of Vancouver, Washington. He also leaves 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 17 great great grandchildren.

His wife Beulah, a son, Edward Lee, and two younger brothers, Forest and Hobert died earlier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Fire Museum in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh, La Grande, Oregon 97850.