Larry Douglas

Larry died on Sept. 18 after a courageous 5 month battle with cancer. During the course of his illness he exhibited keen strength and valor, focusing with gratitude on the good and wonderful life he led, being grateful to the medical staff working so compassionately with him. He was a true inspiration to those of us near and dear to him.

Larry was born in Sisseton, South Dakota, the home town of his mother, Lillian Douglas. Lillian was an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe. At the time of Larry’s birth, his father, Leo Douglas, was serving in World War II in the South Pacific. After the war and his father’s return, the family, along with Larry's sister Karyn, moved back to Browning, Montana, home of the Blackfeet Nation, his father’s tribe, and the Tribe in which Larry was enrolled. Larry was raised and attended school in Browning. After high school, Larry attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, Mt. Following graduation, Larry taught school in Montana and South Dakota. He then made the shift to management with various Chambers’ of Commerce in the West and Midwest. He then worked for the US Chamber of Commerce. He left his US Chamber position to return to Montana and manage the family ranch and to provide care for his elderly aunt and uncle. After they passed on, he returned to Chamber work in Montana, and Eugene, Oregon. The last 10 years of his professional life he was employed with the National Indian Child Welfare Association in Portland, cherishing his work in “Indian Country.” He enjoyed his post-retirement job as an Escort Pilot.

Larry was a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation. Larry, aka “Mr. Wonderful”, had a passion for life. He had a love of “being on the water” and was involved in some type of sailing, or cruising for over 40 years. For years he was an avid sail-boat racer in the Great Lakes and Caribbean. He loved to travel, an interest in understanding other cultures. He was very appreciative of his many opportunities to travel in this country and abroad. He had a way of savoring life, of noticing the smallest details, seeing and perceiving much that others may not have noticed. Those close to him consider him a “handy-man extraordinaire:” building, repairing, designing and sewing on homes, boats, or cars and trucks. He was a man of deep spirituality, living with clear principles, and gratitude for his many blessings. Larry cherished and maintained his friendships that he had built over the years. His quick wit and delightful humor were refreshing.

Larry is survived by his wife, Suzanne Tiddy of Gresham; his sister and brother-in-law, Karyn and David Cissell of Palm Desert, CA. He has numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family is most appreciative to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital and the competent and compassionate care they provided to him over the month and a half he was hospitalized.

Larry will be deeply missed. He has left us with so many lessons on how to live life in the moment, to take in all the richness that surrounds us, to laugh and love and live with gratitude.

A celebration of his life will be held at Tyee Yacht Club, 2929 NE Marine Drive, in Portland, on October 8th at 11:00.

Please consider any donations to Oregon Food Bank, Portland Rescue Mission, or Native American Organizations.

Arrangements under the direction of Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, Gresham, OR.