George "G" Edwin Royes, Jr.

George Edwin Royes, Jr. was born on Christmas day, in 1937, the first child born to George Sr. and Elizabeth (Huron) Royes. He was raised on the Royes farm near Summerville and attended Imbler schools. After graduating with the class of 1956, he attended Oregon State University, Gonzaga University, and Eastern Oregon College before entering the U.S. Army.

G, as he was best known, married Valerie Eisiminger on March 16, 1963 at the La Grande First Presbyterian Church.  They were married for 62 years before her death in October of last year.

In addition to running Royes Farms, G was an owner of Blue Mountain Seed Company in Imbler and served the Oregon seed league in several capacities, including president.

G was a very active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry for many years, several as the Senior Warden.  He served many years on the Imbler School Board and the Union County Education Services District board.  

Relatives who remain are his children and their spouses: Sam Royes of La Grande, Mary & Ken Lujan of White Salmon, Washington, Nancy & Dan McDonald of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Rustin & Savannah McDonald, Wade McDonald and Anika & Braxton Bisenius, Sadie & Kobe Wells, Henry & Claira Royes, Cora Royes, and Stella Lujan.

Besides his parents and his wife, G was preceded in death by his sister Jacqueline Bonner, a brother Dick Royes.

G passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the hospital in La Grande at the age of 88.

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of G. Royes to the Eastern Oregon University Foundation, One University Boulevard, La Grande, OR  97850.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in McKenzie Theater in Loso Hall on the campus of Eastern Oregon University. Committal and interment will follow at Summerville Cemetery.  A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Summerville Oddfellows Lodge.