Claude "Swede" E. Morrison

Claude ‘Swede' E. Morrison, 87, of Rufus and formerly of La Grande, died Aug. 6 at Biggs. At his request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will begin at 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the John Day Dam Park near Rufus.

Claude was born Feb.2, 1923, to Claude and Mabel (Burgess) Morrison in Weiser, Idaho. Claude served with the Army with the H&S Company 302nd Engineer Battalion. After his honorable discharge, he had the rank of Tec-5 Construction Equipment Operator.

Claude received the Asiatic Pacific Service, Good Conduct, Victory and Philippine Liberation medals and a Purple Heart. Claude was a longtime member of the American Legion.

In 1947, he married Barbara Deboie of La Grande. They lived in Kamela before moving to their longtime residence in La Grande. In 1974, he married Charlotte Johannes of La Grande.

Claude retired from Boise Cascade and moved to Rufus in 1989. He worked for the sheriff's department helping stranded fishermen. In his spare time, he would build fishing poles and sinkers for other avid fishermen. Claude spent most of his time either hunting with his sons or fishing for the biggest sturgeon in the Columbia.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheral and her husband, Joe Curtiss, of La Grande; son, Mike, of Irrigon; son, Pat, of La Grande; stepchildren, Cathy, Kenneth, Theresa, Phillip and Chuck; more than 20 grandchildren; more than 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; wife, Charlotte; and siblings, Neva, Babe, Edna, Jean, Ralph and Fred.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Mike Morrison, 360 NE Ninth St., Irrigon 97844.

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