This obituary was published by Argus Observer from Sep. 16 to Sep. 21, 2024.
Lawrence “Larry” E. Link November 17, 1939 – August 20, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Larry E. Link, age 84, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, where he was surrounded by family. He was born in Spokane, WA on November 17, 1939, to parents Clarence and Anna (Reiland) Link. At the age of four, the family moved to Idaho living in Weiser, Brownlee and Boise. In 1957 he graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in Boise.
After graduating from high school at the age of 17, he entered the US Army and served from May 1957 to August 1960. In the army he was in the 101st Airborne, where he was part of the infantry and paratrooper units. He then transferred to a special forces unit and traveled to Laos.
After three years in the army, he entered college at Boise State and received his bachelor’s degree from University of Idaho. He taught high school business in Waitsburg, WA for two years while attending graduate school. He received his master’s degree of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA.
On a bus ride in Washington State in 1966, he met the love of his life, Patricia Ring. Excited to start their life together, they married in Pomeroy, WA on June 24, 1967. In 1969 they moved to Ontario, OR for Larry’s teaching position at Treasure Valley Community College and in 1971 they moved into their lifelong home several miles outside of Ontario.
In October 1978 he started a 26-year career, becoming manager in February 1979, with the Idaho-Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Idaho Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, the Idaho Apple Commission and the Idaho Cherry Commission.
As the manager of these associations, he worked extensively on promotion, statistical surveys, transportation, association membership efforts and onion regulation compliance. He was able to travel with committee members to national product trade shows at least twice a year to cities in California, Florida, Illinois, Texas and even Japan.
After retiring in 2005, he worked seasonally for six months each year with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industries, traveling around to valley orchards to monitor invasive pests. He also worked in the winter months as a substitute teacher in Payette, ID.
One of his favorite roles in life was being a father and grandfather. He was adored by his kids and grandchildren, and always could make them laugh or teach them something new. He loved taking his daughters camping, fishing and hiking, and taught them to play many games including blackjack and roulette. He was always there to support his children and grandchildren at a sporting or music events. His other hobbies included raising calves, panning gold, playing guitar and piano, singing, and playing poker.
When not working and spending time with family, he enjoyed spending time at one of his favorite places on earth, Sumpter, OR. Over the years, the family took numerous road trips together visiting national parks and family in North Dakota. In the early 2010s, Larry visited several countries including Greece, Spain, Morrocco, Gibraltar, Italy, Portugal and The Netherlands.
He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Jennifer (Shawn) Exon of Boise, ID; daughter, Lynnetta (Kevin) Doellefeld of Newberg, OR; daughter, Melissa (Roger) of Dallas, OR; grandchildren, Haley Exon, Selena Exon, Kendall Exon, Madelyn Doellefeld and Rowan Doellefeld; brother-in-law, Walt Potter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Anna Link; and siblings, Jack (Theresa) Link, Clarence (Lorna) Link, Dorothy (Bob) Fraundorf and Betty Potter.
A service for Larry E. Link will be held on Friday, September 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 842 Alameda Dr, Ontario, OR. Reception to immediately follow.
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