Powell Graham

Powell Graham, age 87, of La Grande, died Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at his home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. A private interment will be held.

Powell was born on April 25, 1919, the son of Harry and Dora (Powell) Graham in Milton, Oregon. He took great pride in his native state. At the tender age of 16 Powell represented Oregon very well as he traveled to New York City to receive his Eagle Scout Badge from New York Mayor LaGuardia and Jimmy Durante.

Powell joined the ranks of the proud Beavers and earned his degree in Pharmacy from OSU. He dedicated his career to being a Pharmacist and owned and operated Graham Drug, which was a local landmark for years. In September 1940 he married Marjalee "Marj" Purdy of La Grande. The happy couple enjoyed 52 years of wedded bliss before her death in 1992.

After enlisting in the Navy as an officer, Powell served on the Haskell Class Attack Transport USS Randall in the Pacific Theater. As ships photographer he was able to record life at sea and the war around them through his amazing photographs.

Powell enjoyed the Elks Lodge, playing in their golf tournaments and serving as Exalted Ruler. He eventually became the Grand Exalted Ruler of Oregon. He was also a member of the La Grande Masonic Lodge. Powell loved the local sports scene and for many years was recognized as "the" voice on the radio broadcasting of La Grande sporting events.

As President of the Oregon Board of Pharmacists, he taught Pharmacy at OSU. Powell made his mark in the pharmaceutical arena through his participation in local, state and national pharmaceutical associations. He was recognized for his accomplishments when he won the Bowl of Hygeia Award from Wyeth and the American Pharmaceutical Association. Award recipients are acknowledged for devoting time, talent and resources to their industry.

Survivors include his son and his wife, Gary and Patti Graham of Pendleton; daughter, Jude Graham of Portland; daughter and her husband, Debra and Robert Wright of Blackfoot, Idaho; thirteen grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Don Graham and his wife, Marj Graham.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Oregon Heart Association or the OSU Pharmacy Student Scholarship Fund in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.