George "Bud" Grover

George "Bud" Grover, age 97, of La Grande, and formerly of Deer Lodge and Hamilton, Montana, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at his home. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with Father Hank Albrecht officiating. An additional memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton, Montana.

George was born on July 7, 1907 in Frenchtown, Montana to George S. and Eugenie (Lauzier) Grover. He attended grade school there and was a member of the first class to graduate from Frenchtown High School in 1923. Following graduation he worked for the Forest Service and played semi pro baseball and worked in the mines in Butte, Montana. He entered the University of Montana in 1927. He graduated from the University in 1931 with a B.S. degree in Pharmacy. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity and Kappa Psi, Pharmaceutical fraternity. He was a member of Silent Sentinel, a Bear Paw and a member of Central Board. He also was a 4-year letterman in Track and was intercollegiate boxing champ in lightweight division in 1929-1930. He received ROTC commission from University of Montana. He married Hazel Mumm in 1935.

In 1934 he opened the Deer Lodge Drug Store in Deer Lodge, Montana and operated that store until selling his interest and retiring in 1967 at which time he and his wife moved to Hamilton, Montana. During his years in Deer Lodge, "Bud", as he was known, was active in many community affairs. He was president of the Rotary Club, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, an honorary member of Future Farmers of America, he was instrumental in establishing the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge, of which he was a member and was active in the Chamber of Commerce. During his first years in Deer Lodge he played baseball and softball on city teams. He worked with the Boy Scouts and also taught classes in boxing to members of FFA and at the State Penitentiary. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish in Deer Lodge.

Bud served four years (1959-1961) on the State Board of Health. He was always interested in athletics and served as an official at track meets in Deer Lodge and Hamilton. Bud was an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. When moving to Hamilton in 1967 he was a part time pharmacist at St. John Drug and devoted most of his time to wild life preservation on his ranch west of Hamilton. He was a member of St. Francis Church and Knights of Columbus in Hamilton. In 1999, with his wife Hazel, he moved to La Grande, Oregon to be closer to family. He has been described in various accolades as being "trustworthy, loyal, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful, thrifty, brave and reverent". He gracious manner and friendliness endeared him to many.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel, of La Grande; Dr. Joseph Grover, his only son and daughter-in-law, Carrie Grover of La Grande; grandchildren, Kevin, Kelli and Kirsten; one great grandchild, Gabriella Grover and other relatives and friends. His brother, Archie Grover of Hardin, Montana preceded him in death.

Those who wish may make contributions to the University of Montana School of Pharmacy Scholarship Fund, the American Cancer Society or the charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.