Larry Lee Wilson

Larry Lee Wilson passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. He was home with his wife and partner in life of nearly 60 years, Sally. His 84 years were lived focused on care for his family, friends, students, and customers.

Larry Lee Wilson was born in 1940 to William Harold and Ruth Kay Wilson at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He lived his earliest years in the Proctor neighborhood in Tacoma and shared memories of times on Vashon Island with his parents and Ethel (Minna). Watching WWII airplanes flying above Richmond Beach north of Seattle would foster a lifelong interest in aviation. He also recalled wonderful visits with his uncles and Norwegian grandma, affectionately called Ma, who cooked fattigmann for him.

He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Redmond, Oregon. His family moved there to run the Redmond Hotel, a property built by Larry’s uncle and originally managed by his aunt Fan. He spoke fondly of Fan buying him cowboy boots as a small boy and he enjoyed daily tea and crumpets after school with grandma Minna.

He graduated from Redmond High School and enjoyed reunions, visiting the fair, and camping with lifelong friends. His connection to Redmond was lasting and he maintained strong friendships throughout his life.

Larry was proud of being a trained barber and had his own shop in Roseburg, Oregon. It was during that time he was introduced to Sally Eileen Johnson by mutual friends. Larry asked her parents for permission to take Sally on a blind date and they said yes. Although she lived in Portland, distance didn’t detour their courtship. They married on January 31, 1965.

Larry and Sally relocated to Tacoma, Washington where Sally attended Pacific Lutheran University and Larry worked at the lumber mill on the Tacoma tideflats while serving in the Army reserves at Fort Lewis. Eventually the couple moved back to the Portland area. Larry earned his Bachelor's in Education from the Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon University) and his Master’s in Education from Lewis and Clark College. He attended classes at Portland State University and experienced great pride in these educational accomplishments.

Larry worked as a 4th grade teacher at Lynch View Elementary in the Centennial School District while continuing his barbering career in the evenings and Saturdays. Maintaining these two careers, while exhausting, was motivated by his earnest desire to provide the best life for his family.

He had two daughters, Heather (Anthony) and Heidi (Matthew), and grandchildren Isabella, Helen, Kaden, and Camille. Larry had two younger sisters, Teri (Hank) and Geri (Jai Hari), wonderful sisters in law and their husbands, Beverly (Gordon) and Betty (Richard), and many beloved nieces, nephews and their children.

While Larry enjoyed a variety of activities, he had an affinity for fishing, camping, traveling, and model airplanes. Larry grew up tying his own flies and exploring central Oregon. He loved fishing in local lakes and rivers and treasured several opportunities to fish in Alaska. Spending time in nature camping and adventuring was important to Larry and many friends and family are fortunate to share these special memories.

He collected American Junior airplane kits and built planes from scratch with balsa wood, paying great attention to detail. He spent time as a member of model airplane clubs and made lasting friendships.

Larry was a legacy member of the Freemasons and enjoyed the brotherhood and support.

He traveled across the United States with Sally in their truck and trailer, stopping to visit friends and family along their journey. Larry also loved spending time in Canada, primarily Victoria, as well as Hawaii, favoring Kona.

Larry adored his family and friends. He was very sentimental and enjoyed sharing stories. He made friends wherever he went and mentored young adults in his life who shared a love of cars. Later in life he enjoyed discussing investment strategies to help people. Larry felt it was important to share his acquired knowledge with special people in his life.

Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to SnowCap Community Charities, https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SnowCapCommunityCharities/DonateOnline.html