1930
2021
RICHARD ALAN GRANGER, SR.
September 14, 1930 ˜ March 25, 2021
Born in Everett, WA, Sept. 14, 1930, Richard ‘Dick’ Alan Granger, Sr. passed away March 25, 2021, at the age of 90 in Indian Wells, CA. Dick enjoyed a full and eventful life. Early on, he displayed a preview of his lifelong drive and determination by achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Following his high school graduation in Madera, CA, he left for Oregon State University where he received his degree in Business Administration. While there, Dick met the love of his life, Mary Petersen, on a blind date. They married shortly after Dick graduated from college. Soon thereafter, Dick left to serve his country. He was stationed aboard a Navy ship during the Korean Conflict. Following his return, Mary and Dick moved to Joseph, OR, where he managed Chief Joseph Lumber Company. It was there the two of them raised their family of five children. After the sawmill was sold in 1968, Dick and Mary loaded up their family and moved to Vancouver, WA. Shortly thereafter, Dick ventured down a new career path. In 1970, he ran for, and was elected to, the office of County Commissioner in Clark County. Midway through his second term, Dick set his sights on obtaining a seat in the US House of Representatives. After winning in the primary, he fell short in the general election. It was then he decided to return to his career in the wood products industry where he launched Granger Company. His new business provided regional paper mills with wood fiber needed to manufacture paper products. After his first mill in Umatilla, OR, was sold to Boise Cascade Corporation, Dick broke ground on a new mill in Clarkston, WA. Under his leadership, the operation immediately prospered. Nearly two decades later, it was purchased by Clearwater Paper Corporation in 2012. Never afraid to pursue new endeavors, Dick simultaneously owned KVAN Radio, which he purchased in 1992. The news/talk/sports formatted station focused on delivering local news designed for Clark County listeners; a segment he felt was being largely ignored by Portland media. He employed many workers over the years. A remark made by many was how they were treated with respect and fairness. They also knew he would never ask someone to do a job he wasn’t willing to do himself. Even though Dick was a driven entrepreneur, he never lost sight of the importance to give back to his community. Along with his wife, Mary, who founded the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, Dick donated generously to many of the Foundation’s causes including ‘I Have a Dream,’ a program designed to provide a college education to local students from underprivileged neighborhoods. Dick will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, country and OSU Beavers. His success in business and life can be attributed to his mantra, “Never give up!” This was never more apparent when he lost his ability to speak clearly following a stroke at the age of 63. There were those who gave up on him as a business professional, but he inspired many by never giving up on himself. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Granger; and son, Dick Granger, Jr. (Pam). He is survived by brothers, Ken Granger, Jr. and David Granger; his daughter, Janis Granger; sons, David, John, (Lisa) and Mark. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Brian (Ayaka), Allison (Jon), Andrew, Jaymie (Luke), Jason, Kristen, Jack, Evan and Marin. Dick will be laid to rest along side his wife, Mary, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 17.
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2 Entries
I was a news reporter when Dick was on the Clark County Board of Cmmissioners. He was great to work with: honest, straightforward and had a sense of humor. I'm sorry to read of this passing.
Betty Sue Morris
Acquaintance
April 15, 2021
I knew Dick from Vancouver Rotary club when I first joined in 1975. He has always been very nice to me when ever I saw him. I have enjoyed saying hello to him multiple times over the last few years when I ride my bike by his home in Desert Horizons, Indian Wells. He was always smiling and remembered me. He was a good man and will be missed.
E. C. Duke Simpson
Acquaintance
April 7, 2021
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