Gary Grieb of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Dec. 8, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 78.
He was born on July 23, 1940 in Spokane, Wash. to Bert and Gertrude Grieb.
Gary grew up on the family wheat farm near Hatton and attended schools in Lind, graduating from Wa-Hi in Walla Walla, Wash. He spent most of his teenage years showing cattle across the Northwest. As an adult, he farmed in Condon and Stanfield before settling on the current family wheat farm north of Lexington. He later moved to Hermiston, where he did custom haying until his retirement.
Besides farming wheat, Gary was a well-respected Angus cattle breeder. He raised and exhibited numerous champions at cattle shows throughout the country. He always encouraged his kids as they showed cattle at the county, state and national levels. He was a member of the American Angus Association, Morrow County Cattleman’s Association, Morrow County Grain Growers board and the Oregon Wheat League. He was in the stands for as many ball games as he could attend to watch his children and then grandchildren, and was an avid supporter of Heppner and Hermiston athletics.
Gary married Virginia Nelson in 1959; from this union three children, Ken, Julie and Geri, were born. The couple later divorced. Many years later he married Sue Riddle, and they later divorced.
He is survived by his son, Ken (Carri) Grieb; daughters, Julie (Mark) Weimar and Geri Grieb; and six grandchildren, Paige, Logan and Claire Grieb, and Halle, Parker and Brandon Weimar.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dan Grieb.
At his request, no service will be held.
Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Heppner Booster Club, P.O. Box 917, Heppner, Ore., 97836.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of final arrangements.
