Jack Orlan Sweek, 84, of Monument, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008 in Bend. Graveside services were held Oct. 3 at Monument Cemetery.

Mr. Sweek was born Nov. 9, 1923 in Hamilton, to Earl Ernest Sweek and Myriam Fair (Cork) Sweek.

He attended school in Long Creek and Monument, graduating from Monument High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operations, and was a member of the American Legion for the remainder of his life.

He worked for Columbia Power Co-op for 36 years, starting in 1951 by obtaining the rights of way for the power lines which were later constructed. He threw the switch that brought the first power to Columbia Power’s area on Easter Sunday, 1953. He worked up from lineman to purchasing agent to manager for the last 11 of those years.

Throughout his life, he was an outdoorsman, an avid fisherman and hunter. He lived nearly all his life in Grant County.

He was always active in community affairs, serving on the school board, city council, and as mayor of Monument for many years. He was also one of the founders of the Monument Senior Citizens Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Pauline; his sister, Neoma; and his brother, Clayton.

Survivors include his wife, Grace; sons, Doug and Randy; daughters, Sonja, Tacie and Megan; sister, Carol (Jerry) Meyers; 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR, 97845.