Obituary: Lawrence Black, Jr., 72, of The Dalles

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.

Death Notice: Alfred “Al” K. Barteld, Jr., 86, Hood River

Alfred “Al” K. Barteld, Jr. passed away on March 10, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Al was born on December 1, 1937. He was 86 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, Murdock

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr.

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, of Murdock, Washington, crossed the silver glass on May 15, 2023. He withstood cancer for two years and defeated it by crossing at home, listening to poetry read by his wife and son.

Born on May 7th, 1953, in Winchester, Massachusetts, he was the son of Mary and Donald T. McDermott, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Delano, who said “I do” on the shores of Little Pleasant Bay in 1989. His aunt, Barbara, his stepmother JoAnne, his siblings, David and Anne Marie, their children, and his son Connor also celebrate his memory.

Don, or “McD” as he was affectionately known, loved the Columbia River Gorge. In summer, you could find him sailing or kitesurfing until sunset, coming in off the river with a gleaming grin just as the light dipped below the hills. In winter, he would be up in those same hills, skiing down the slopes and grabbing a quick peanut butter sandwich—on his classic homemade bread—before hitting the slopes again.

In the shadow of the Columbia’s basalt cliffs, he and Sarah put down roots, and together carved Scorched Earth Vineyards out of the desert. They were active members of the Columbia Gorge Winegrower’s Association, which grew this region into a full-blown American Viticultural Area.

Although multi-talented, Don’s final career was as a real estate agent. He specialized in large parcels and loved hiking property lines with the many bird dogs he raised and trained. As part of this work, he brokered deals that helped many local businesses bloom.

Don was also a public servant. As president of the Dallesport-Murdock Community Council, he stood up for the people whenever they needed a voice and worked late into the night researching and debating the best pathways for his community.

Don McDermott was a scholar, a hooligan, and a daring dreamer.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The family will be hosting a traditional Irish Wake on March 17, 2024, time and place to be determined. Please come and celebrate McD with us.

Kindly RSVP to mcdswake@gmail.com mcdswake@gmail.com

Death Notice: James John Weeks, Jr., 77, The Dalles

James John Weeks, Jr. passed away on October 21, 2023, at the Oregon Veterans Home, in The Dalles, Oregon. James was born on October 6, 1946 and was 77 years old at the time of his passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Obituary: Paul Ellsworth Adkison, Jr., Yakima

Paul Ellsworth Adkison, Jr. was born in Yakima, WA on September 21, 1931 and peacefully left this earth on July 5, 2023 at the age of 92 years old.

Paul graduated from Goldendale High School in 1949 and went on to marry the love of his life Barbara Jeanne Zumwalt, whom he had known since he was 4 years old. Paul and Barbara had three children: Steven (Carol) Adkison, Ryan (Sandra) Adkison and Coralee (Dan) Knippel.

Paul and Barbara traveled all over Oregon and Washington while Paul worked in management at Safeway. In 1972 they finally settled in Vancouver, WA where they lived until they retired to Dallesport, WA in 1998 to be closer to family.

Paul loved his family and was likewise adored by them. He had 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was happiest when his family was gathered around. Paul’s family will remember him through all the little nicknames he gave them, his ability to make them believe the most unbelievable story (with a twinkle in his eye) but most of all they will remember his deep love for each of them.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Paul, Sr. and Cora Adkison, his step-mother Sarah Adkison, his sister Betty Clark, his grandson Daniel Adkison, his great-grandson James Adkison and his great-granddaughter, McKenzie Ellingsworth.

A memorial service will be held on August 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at The Dalles Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Kenneth Walter Royer, Jr., Cascade Locks

Kenneth Walter Royer, Jr. passed away October 2, 2022 at his home in Cascade Locks, Oregon surrounded by family. 

Ken was born on January 12th, 1942, and was 80 years of age at the time of passing.  Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Seth Aaron Popper, Jr., The Dalles

Seth Aaron Popper, Jr. passed away February 3, 2022, in The Dalles, Oregon.  Seth was born on January 19, 2000.  Seth’s untimely death leaves much heartache amongst family and friends services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com  to leave a note of condolence for the family.