Terry G. Kelley

Terry G. Kelley, 74, of Sammamish, Wash., and formerly of La Grande, died Nov. 17 at his home after a long battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held Dec. 6 at Carillon Point in Kirkland, Wash.

Terry was born Feb. 4, 1934 in Portland. He grew up and attended schools in La Grande, including two years at Eastern Oregon College. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in business. He then attended the management program at the University of Washington and also completed the executive program in Health Policy Planning & Regulation at Harvard University.

Terry was a member o0f the Army National Guard in Oregon and then in Washington, retiring as a major in 1994.

His desire was to contribute to the "betterment of mankind" and with that goal started and built two companies related to the medical field.

He married his high school sweetheart LaVerta Benham in 1954 and was devoted to his family.

He loved boating, traveling and building models.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years; two daughters, Kathy Kelley and Patty Bick; son-in-law, Robert Bick of Sammamish; four grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Lota Kelley of La Grande.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Evergreen Hospice, 12040 N.E. 128th St., M.S. No. 5, Kirkland, Wash., 98034/

.