Roger D Grady

Roger Donovan Grady

May 12, 1942 - September 18, 2023

“In loving memory of Roger Donovan Grady: husband, father, “Papa”, brother, uncle, friend, advocate, and ally who filled multiple roles in many of our lives.

We know him as a pilot, storyteller, mentor, joy- spreader, adventurer, collaborator, whittler, musician, protector, provider, businessman, crab ring puller, equipment operator, and twinkly-eyed prankster. As we continue to hold him dear, we acknowledge a few of the things that mattered most to him:

•Family and friends

•Strangers – who were rarely strangers for long

•Picking out a tune on a harmonica – in his chair or around a campfire

•New buds on his trees in the spring

•Traveling and exploring

•Navigating the skies in his Piper Tri-Pacer or, later on, his Cessna 182

•Digging holes, then filling them back in

•Building a warm, cozy fire

•Shortcuts’ through the woods

•Stepping up to offer support in repairing worn or broken things (whether they be systems, objects, plants, animals, or human beings)

•A big bowl of freshly made, buttery popcorn

•All kinds of books

•Learning, then sharing that knowledge in service of others

•A neck-and-neck game of cribbage

•Good stories and warm laughter.

One of his proudest accomplishments is his 13½ years of sobriety.

He embodied his strongly held belief that - given the opportunity - people will do the right thing, whatever that might be. We are confident that those he has touched will continue to aspire to prove him right at every opportunity.

During his years as a citizen of the Waldport community, Roger was president of the local chapter of the Jaycees, a Pee Wee Basketball coach, a Boy Scout Troop leader, a business owner, and an enthusiastic member of the Beachcomber Committee. In the 1980s and 90s, he served on both the Lincoln County Planning Commission and the Lincoln County School Board.

Roger was also an innovator in the grocery business, successfully developing both a service-deli and a smoked meat program at Grady’s Market. More recently, he served as a Board Member for Lincoln County PAADA and was involved in the ASPIRE mentoring program at Waldport High School.

Roger passed, peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on September 18, 2023. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 60 years, his loving children and grandchildren, and all those who appreciated his presence in their lives.

“One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin.” Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

Per his wishes, a public ceremony is not planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting someone in their sobriety or donating your time or other valued resources to PAADA (Partnership Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse), Waldport High School (mentoring and scholarship programs), Seashore Family Literacy Center for Learning, Food Share in Waldport, Waldport Public Library, Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Central Coast Humane Society, or other worthy causes that might benefit from your generosity.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger D Grady, please visit our floral store.