Samuel 'Sam' N. Shorb

Samuel N. "Sam" Shorb, 91, died Feb 3 at his home in La Grande.

He was born in Redmond, Ore., and moved to La Grande as a young boy. He attended La Grande schools and graduated from LHS in 1941. After graduation he went to work for Boeing in Seattle. In 1943 he enlisted in the US Air Force. He served in the European conflict during World War II as a waist gunner on a B-17 bomber until his discharge in 1945, earning 3 Bronze Stars and an Air Medal.

Sam married Roberta Jordahl, the love of his life, in 1947. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary two days before his death. They had three children, Katie, Janelle and Paul.
Sam worked for the family-owned newspaper, The Eastern Oregon Review and Shorb's, Inc. He later went to work at Eastern Oregon University until he retired. After retirement, he worked part time for B&K Auto Salvage. Roberta accompanied him on many of his towing jobs and they often spoke of the fun they had on their adventures.

Over the years Sam was active in a number of local clubs and organizations, including the Drum and Bugle Corps, Old Car Club, Toastmasters, VFW, American Legion and The Elks. He had been a volunteer fireman and attended the First Baptist Church.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and instilled the love of the outdoors in his children and grandchildren. He was a rock hound and every young person who visited his "shop" would leave with a polished rock from his collection.

Sam is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughters Katie Shorb (Gary Adcock), Kennewick, WA; Janelle Shorb (Tom Lowe), Redmond, WA; son Paul Shorb (Debbie), La Grande; sisters Beverle Kerns, Portland and Connie Struck of La Grande. Three grandchildren, Heidi (Joe) Daniels, Kennewick; Jennifer (Chad) Hampton, La Grande; Will Lowe, Redmond, WA and 4 step-grandchildren; Karen Shorb and Jana Lesko both of Portland; Beth Spicer, Cove and Mike Spicer of Idaho. Seven great-grandchildren Brian, Brookelyn, Cody, Camie, Hanna, Tyler and Chase.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who took such good care of Sam.

A Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, February 16, at the First Baptist Church in La Grande. A private burial was in the Grandview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice in Sam's name. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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