Manuel "Chip" Lee Oliver, Jr.

Manuel Lee "Chip" Oliver, Jr. age 54 of La Grande, died January 5, 2005 at his home of natural causes. A celebration of life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2005 at the La Grande Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Brent Clapp officiating.

Chip was born on May 5, 1950, the son of Manuel L. and Pearl "Wanda" (Wood) Oliver in Baker City, Oregon. He attended schools in Baker City and The Dalles and graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland. He came to La Grande in 1978 from Molalla. On September 24, 1983 he married Deborah Lumsden. He worked as an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad, loved carpentry, woodwork. He also enjoyed remodeling homes, managing investment property and was a handyman. He loved traveling and was well read. His greatest joy came from time with his family and he had a true passion for life. Chip was an outdoorsman and enjoyed sailing, white water rafting, skiing, and golfing.

Survivors include his wife Deborah Oliver of La Grande; children, Shelly Oliver and her husband Dan Hill of Hillsboro and David E. Oliver of La Grande; grandchildren, Nathan and Josephine Hill of Hillsboro; brother and sister-in-law, Garland "Kip" and Gay Oliver of Woodland, Washington; mother, Wanda Oliver of Woodland, Washington; father and his wife, Manuel and Nellie of Warrenton; nephews, Gart and Gabe Oliver and Zack Shaw; niece, Meghan Shaw and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Chip to the Make A Wish Foundation in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.