Lawrence "Vern" Cathey

Lawrence "Vern" Cathey, age 75, of La Grande, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 27, 2004. A celebration of life will begin on Friday, December 3, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Life Center (behind Shop ‘n' Kart). Burial will follow at the Summerville Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Vern was born on September 26, 1929 to Hugh and Laura Ray Cathey at Spearfish, South Dakota. He moved to Baker, Oregon where he joined the United States Army during the Korean War. He was in the Signal Corp when he was discharged. He joined Labor Union #682 where he worked as a cement finisher in building and road construction. He laid pipe and was foreman at Wild Dish Construction and Salem Sand and Gravel. On August 6, 1955 he married Maxine Kimball.

Survivors include his mother, Laura Cathey of Ontario, Oregon, his two sons and their spouses, Larry and Kathleen Cathey and Calvin and Kerry Cathey, of La Grande; two sisters and their spouses, Verla and Bill Boles of Baker and Sharon and Harley Derrick of Ontario. He is survived by 5 grandchildren.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Vern to the Oregon Cancer Society, 0330 SW Curry, Portland, Oregon 97201.