John Savoy

John Savoy was born December 19, 1933 in Opelousas Louisiana. He was the 3rd child of seven children born to Josephine Alexander and Jeff Savoy. In his early youth, he attended Noteleyville School in Louisiana.

In November of 1953, John married Herlena Chenier. They were blessed with four children, Diane, Donald, Kenneth, and Rachel. John moved to Oregon in 1960 to provide better opportunities for his family. While working for the shipyard, he was informed of an opening at Portland General Electric. In November of 1963, he was hired as PGE’s first African American employee. Over the next thirty three years, John became a mentor and valuable employee until his retirement in 1996. John retired at age 62. In order to be successful at work, John offered these four suggestions to new and younger employees: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, set a goal and work to accomplish it, be honest, and come to work on time every day.

John’s hobbies included: fishing, cooking, traveling and bowling on local teams. John was a member of the Gamblers and the PGE retirees bowling leagues. John was also a member of and held a 33rd degree mason title of the Masonic Lodge. He served as a prominent member of the R.O.M.E.O Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out). On December 17th 1990, John received the first Pioneer African American Award from PGE.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Herlena; companion Jean Amerson; three brothers Albert, Alton, Wilbert; three sisters Rosalie and Rosella, and son Claude Thomas. John departed from our lives on February 4th 2012. He is survived by his daughters Diane Savoy and Rachel Broughton (Frank); his sons Kenneth Savoy and Donald Savoy (Bonnie) all of Portland, Oregon; his brother Melvin Savoy (Doris) of Beaumont, Texas; his grandchildren; Nicole Simmons, Frank and Savannah Broughton, all of Portland Oregon; granddaughter Shametra Thomas of Beaumont, Texas; his great grand children Jayden and Londyn Watson and Jonathan Eby (step grandson) all of Portland, Oregon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611