Warrenton

Oct. 6, 1942 — Nov. 26, 2023

Terry Gramson was born in Seattle to Harold and Ann (Gilbert). At age 2, Terry moved with his parents to Warrenton. Along with them came an older brother, and even older sister, to help keep an eye on them both. Over the coming years, three more brothers would be added.

Taking advantage of the wilderness around them, Terry and his brothers shared many adventures together. Terry’s family lived in the corner house just across the street from the grade school. Terry spent much of his time in the old gymnasium, honing his shooting technique. As a three-sport athlete throughout school, Terry especially excelled at basketball.

In 1961, Terry married Mary Ellen Buchanan. Together they had two children. They later divorced. At the time, Terry was a member of the Warrenton Fire Department. Leaving the fire department, he took on the role of single parent to his son.

In 1971, Terry married Dorothy “Dot” Hollaway, later welcoming into the family two children of their own.

At age 29, Terry became the manager of New England Fish Co. in Warrenton. He had a long, successful career in seafood processing. Terry had a strong work ethic. To get out a big order, he could sometimes be seen working alongside those he managed.

Locally, or traveling to Eastern Oregon with his brothers, Terry was an avid hunter. Terry never traveled too far, but when he did, he usually had a trailer behind him. He enjoyed pulling the many trailers he owned over the years around the Pacific Northwest. One of his favorite campgrounds was Big Eddy near Vernonia.

In his 30s, Terry enthusiastically embraced long-distance running. Routinely competing in races throughout the region, he acquired a vast collection of colorful event shirts.

From his days as a teenager, Terry was a golfer. After retiring, his love of the game compelled Terry to join the “men’s club” at Gearhart Golf Links, where he made many new like-minded friends.

Always athletic, Terry hunted. He dug for clams. On the trails of Fort Stevens, Terry bicycled and walked late into his life. Retirement also gave Terry and Dot an unencumbered opportunity to enjoy their lives together. The ability to be a part of their grandchildren’s lives brought them both unending joy.

Terry is survived by his son, Mitch, and his wife, Debbie (Vanderveldt); daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Andy Norton; daughter, Heather, and her husband, Nate DeRoss; son, Harold, and his wife, Tara Humphrey; grandchildren, Niles (Ashley), Tyler (Loretta), Drew (Katie), Hannah (Kyle), Talia and Ryker; great-grandchildren, Anika, Myleigh, Niles, Abigail and Lucy; sister, Viola; brothers, Gilbert, Roderick, Loren and Kevin; and many nieces and nephews.