Gary Lawson Webster

Gary Lawson Webster, 75, of La Grande, died Sept. 5 at his home surrounded by his family. A private burial was held Sept. 13 at Island City Cemetery.

His memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at First Christian Church, 901 Penn Ave. in La Grande. A dinner will be provided in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

Gary was born Nov. 19, 1934, in La Grande, to Lawson A. and Goldie B. (Redman) Webster. His great-grandparents migrated to the Grande Ronde Valley on the Oliver Wagon Train in 1864. He attended Iowa School, a one-room school located on the present-day corner of Hunter Lane and Mount Glenn Road. He later transferred to Imbler and Greenwood Elementary schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1952 and Eastern Oregon University in 1956.

On Sept. 4, 1955, he married Bernice Mae Howard of La Grande. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary one day before his passing. They had two daughters, Victoria Lane and Stacia Jo.

Gary was a local rancher and farmer who was very involved in his community. He was a 12-year member of the La Grande School Board, Union County Farm Bureau and South Forty Club, Blue Mountain Barbershoppers,

La Grande Knife and Fork, and the Oregon Geographic Names Board since 2008. Gary was a member of La Grande First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ since 1958. He served in various positions including congregational moderator, elder and he sang with the Chancel Choir for over 50 years.

Gary was extremely proud of his pioneer heritage. He spoke to local fourth-grade classes and various community organizations about pioneer history and "The Legacy We Dare Not Lose." The Oregon Trail passed through his mountain pasture west of La Grande and Gary reveled in guiding interested parties along "his" section of the Trail.

He loved playing a boisterous Santa Claus for the annual Soroptimist Festival of Trees, and school holiday programs, often stopping by the homes of neighbors on the way to his official appearances. He was central in coordinating regular class reunions for the LHS Class of 1952. Gary started planning for the next reunion the day after the last one concluded, and these reunions stretched over days - not the more typical weekend events. He remained close with many of his classmates and was touched by their frequent contacts during his illness.

But mostly he was a happy family man. His wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him the most joy. He didn't miss a recital, school program, awards assembly, dance recital, speech tournament or community event that his family was involved in. Those who knew him say he was always so proud of his family and their participation in various events.

Gary is survived by his wife, Bernice; daughter, Vicky Brogoitti and her husband, Pat, of La Grande; daughter, Stacy Webster of La Grande; three grandchildren and their spouses, all of La Grande; five great-grandchildren, all of

La Grande; an aunt, Marge Redman of Canyon City; uncle, Roy Redman of Portland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church music fund, the Union County Historical Society or Grande Ronde Hospital Home Health/Hospice.

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