Our family mourns the loss of Lawrence Black, Jr., 72, of The Dalles, who passed away on July 26th.

Larry Black, Jr. was born to Lawrence Sr and Barbara Black, July 23rd, 1952, in Renton, WA, joining big sister Meredith.

When his dad left Boeing for civil service, the family moved to Alaska, where Bonnie was born. Next, they were called to Guam, a young boy’s paradise, where Larry played “Mowgli” in the jungle! Meredith remembers being proud as Larry bravely went forward to receive Jesus as his Savior and asked for baptism at eight years old. He never wavered in his faith in God. Littlest sister Lori Ann remembers him always giving her a ride whether it be by piggyback, horseback, or on a bicycle. He taught her to ride bikes and ponies with the best of ‘em!

Moving to The Dalles, OR, after his Dad went into real estate, Larry became a “jack of all trades,” as he helped his folks with the rentals.

Larry’s love of animals led him to raise and show German Shepherds and sheep in 4H. A great passion of his was riding spirited horses and motorcycles. Naturally mechanical, he tinkered on bikes, vehicles and tractors his whole life.

Larry, Jr. graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1971, going on to Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. He became a welder and skilled heavy equipment operator, excelling in the field. At one point while working as a foreman in Madras, Oregon he was offered an great opportunity but it meant moving the family to Montana. He chose to stay close to family and continued life in Oregon where he had met his sweetheart Sharon Brace. They met in 1972 and it wasn’t long after they were married at a little church in Cannon Beach, Oregon in 1975. They were blessed with six children, Charissa, Larry III, Andrew, Davin, Sharyl and Alvin. Son Davin was tragically lost in 2007.

Larry was always very proud of his children and their accomplishments.

His grandchildren, Rylee, Taevin, Koby, Serenity, Casey, Alexia, Lilyana, Ariana, Samantha, Alejandra, Briana, Sterling and Alvin, Jr. were a great source of pride and joy. Larry enjoyed a big family BBQ, horseplay with the grandkids, and would most times end up with one of the littles falling asleep on his lap.

Larry loved to read, researching many topics such as natural health, which he shared in hopes of helping others. He was helping Bonnie on a project when the Lord called him home. Larry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Go rest high on that mountain, Larry.

Larry is survived by his spouse Sharon, children Charissa & Terry, Larry III & Tiffany, Andrew & Carolyn, Sharyl & Oscar, and Alvin & Seth, grandchildren Rylee, Taevin, Koby, Serenity, Casey, Alexia, Lilyana, Ariana, Samantha, Alejandra, Briana, Sterling, and Alvin, Jr.; siblings Meredith, Bonnie, and Lori Ann; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Sr & Barbara Black, brother-in-law Alan Hare, and beloved son Davin Black

A visitation will be on August 17th from 1-3 p.m. at Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home, followed by a memorial gathering at Bargeway Pub from 4-6 p.m. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery at a later date.