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Richard H. Granstrand lived in Yakima until moving to Ellensburg in
1939. In 1936 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, serving three
years. During that time he worked on many projects in the Cascade
Mountains near Yakima. At one time he was stationed in the fire lookout
on top of Little Bald Mountain.
Dick was in employed by the Ellensburg Telephone Company at the start of
World War II and would have been exempt from the draft. When his boss
gave him a $.25 a month raise, he walked across the street and enlisted.
He and Rosan Carey were married on May 28, 1942. Three days later he was
sent to Europe and did not return for thirteen months.
He distinguished himself in World War II as a tailgunner in a B-17. He
shot down three German fighters in the air battle over Lyon, France in
1942. He flew fifty missions over France, North Africa and Italy. He
was then stationed in Las Vagas, NV, and taught at the Army Air Corps
gunnery school.
Dick started working for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company in 1945
after returning to live in Yakima. In 1972 he was transferred to Seattle
where he and Rosan lived on Bainbridge Island and commuted to work on the
ferry. He retired from PNB in 1978 after thrity-three years.
In his retirement he enjoyed golfing with Rosan and friends. They split
their residence between Yakima and Mesa, Arizona.
After his death on November 17, 1993, his ashes were scattered on top of
Little Bald Mountain on the east edge of the William O. Douglas
Wilderness Area, at his request.
Facts about this person:
Christening
Telephone company employee; World War II Veteran
Burial 1939
Got out of CCCs
Baptism 1939
Started work for Ellensburg Telephone County
Confirmation 1942
Joined Army Air Corps (see notes)