A. R. Dick Grabenhorst, 88, of Naselle, Wash., died in Longview, Wash., Friday, June 30, 2010.

He was born April 4, 1922 in Flasher, N. D.  

He attended Onalaska (Wash.) High School . He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He graduated from the University of Puget Sound and later obtained his master’s degree from the University of Washington.

 He married Shirley McGee on Sept. 12, 1943.  She preceded him in death in August 2008. 

He began his career in education as a teacher and coach at Onalaska High School.  In 1953 he moved to Naselle to become principal of Naselle High School.  A year later he became superintendent of the Naselle-Grays River School District, a position he held for over 30 years until retirement. 

 During his professional career, he was active in the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association and served as association president and secretary and was inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame as a leader.

He was a member of the Naselle Post of the American Legion.  He was active in Boy Scouts and had achieved a Silver Beaver ranking.  Over the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, reading and spending time with his family.  He was a long-time member of the Community Congregational Church in Naselle.

  Survivors include his daughters Cheryl (Mike) McIntee of Sacramento, Calif., Joan Johnson, of Naselle, and Melissa (Paul) Ralston of Vancouver, Wash.; son, Scott (Tammy) Grabenhorst of Silver Lake, Wash.; brother, Gene Grabenhorst of Lincoln City, Ore.; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

 Memorial service will be held at noon Wednesday, July 7, in the Community Congregational Church of Naselle.  A reception follows at the church.  Private family committal service will be held at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle. 

Memorials may be sent to the Naselle Community Congregational Church, PO Box 186, Naselle, WA 98638.  His guestbook is available at www.penttilas chapel.com.

Penttila’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.