R. Dale Hoverson

Richard "Dale" Hoverson, 54 of La Grande, died Jan. 22 at Saint Anthony Hospital in Pendleton. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 4th St.

Mr. Hoverson was born December 27,1950 to William Dale and Elizabeth Hoverson in Seattle, Washington. In 1954 the family moved to Portland where he graduated from David Douglas High School in 1969. He earned an associate degree in survey engineering from Mt. Hood Community College. In 1976 he began a 27 year career with Union Pacific Railroad, first as a survey engineer and then as a locomotive engineer until 2004. In 1981 he married Mary Gary in Lake Oswego and the couple moved to La Grande later that year.

Mr. Hoverson enjoyed golf, motorcycling, camping, hunting, target shooting, riding ATVs and snowmobiles. He especially enjoyed playing music with his friends. He was known for his sense of humor and his quick wit.

Survivors include his wife of La Grande, his mother, a sister, Christy, a brother, Gary and other relatives. His father died earlier.