Dear Steve,

It is true that there is a 50 year rule in Oregon, however a direct family member can be exempt from that rule. Have you tried writing to Oregon vital records directly?

Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Vital Records
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
Tel: 503-731-4095 (Recorded message-how to order)
503-731-4108 (To order by phone)
Fax: 503-234-8817 (To order by fax)

Include the fact that you are related to the decendant.
Another option for you-contact Willamette National Cemetery and ask them which funeral home took care of Claude. The funeral home will have all the information regarding the deceased-much more than a death certificate (usually).

Willamette National Cemetery Entrance: north of Mt.Scott Blvd. on SE 112th Avenue, Portland, OR (mail address: 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR 97266) 503-273-5250

As to your question regarding the VA hospital...the major VA hospital serving the region in Eastern Oregon was in Walla Walla Washington.

Another source of information is to contact the East Oregonian and ask where you can obtain an obituary for him...since you have his date of death. The East Oregonian is a Pendleton paper, but do publish obituaries from around the county.

How to Contact us:

211 S.E. Byers
Pendleton, OR 97801

333 E. Main St.
Hermiston, OR 97838

541) 276-2211 - Pendleton
(541) 567-6211 - Hermiston
1 (800) 522-0255 - Toll-Free

I hope this helps with your search! If not, let me know and I will try to find some other sources for you.
Laura