Dr. Herbert Arthur Spady

Dad was born July 17, 1929, in Portland, Oregon to George and Lucretia (Gapsch) Spady. After high school, he attended the University of Oregon and Washington University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1951 and ultimately his medical doctorate in 1955, dedicating a career as an orthopedic surgeon for over 30 years in Salem, Oregon. He served honorably in the Navy in San Diego after completing his medical residency.

He married Betty Jeane Worthey in 1955 and together they raised three children. After Betty passed away in 2002, he remarried Edith Pledger in 2005. Dad is survived by his wife Edith, his children Kevin (Shirley), George (Anne), and Kimberly (Rick), 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Dad was passionate about rhododendrons. He loved working outdoors and growing beautiful things, developing two beautiful personal rhododendron gardens during his life. He was a champion of preserving, hybridizing, and developing the rhododendron species and served as president of the Willamette Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and the president of the Rhododendron Species Foundation. He was a committed volunteer at the Cecil and Molly Smith and Crystal Spring Gardens, devoting countless hours to ensuring these special places remain for future generations.

A memorial service for our father will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Ridgon-Ransom Funeral Directors, 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Willamette Chapter American Rhododendron Society (Care of: Dana Malby, 3910 Brooks Ave. N.E., Salem, Oregon 97303).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Spady family.