Louis William Lazoff

LOUIS W. LAZOFF, better known as Grampa Uie, 81, of Portland, OR, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2012.

Dad is survived by his children Mark, Gary, Annette, Pam and granddaughter Keelee. Sisters Kathy, Dorothy, Juanita and and brothers Vasil and Chuck, 3 nieces – Patti, Susan and Karen. 4 nephews – Gregg, Michael, David and Phillip who we also lost way too soon. He has 10 great-nieces and nephews.

Dad was born April 7th,1930 in Portland. He graduated from Benson Tech and went on to Van Port College.

Dad married his beloved Helen on January 19,1952 in Fairview, OR. They were married for 43 years, 4 months and 12 days. Their 3 children – Mark, Gary and Annette were the center of their universe. They enjoyed camping at Beverly Beach in their 16’ camping trailer Helen won in a Safeway scratch-off contest. It even came equipped with a real “ice box!” Dad loved fishing and could do it patiently for hours. Together they were the rock-hounds of Beverly Beach. No one could find bigger or better agates.

Dad was on Submarine duty for the U.S. Navy from 1952 – 1954. He was also in the Naval Reserves from 1946 – 1952. He was active-duty for 2 years and operated out of Pearl Harbor. He spent several years operating between Russia and Alaska. After the service he spent several years working for Sunnybrook Farms as a Milkman. After that he was a Restaurant Manager for 29 years. Most recently he served as an accomplished and dedicated Grandfather.

Dad’s fathers’ name was – Vasil Lazo Dimoff. He came to America from Bulgaria in 1925. It was somewhat customary for the immigrants to change their names upon entry to the U.S. His father changed his name from Vasil Lazo Dimoff to Vasil Lazoff – and so the story begins. He was lucky enough to discover his future bride in nearby SE Portland. It was a family arranged marriage for Anna Vocana who at 16 years old accepted 29-year-old Vasil’s proposal of marriage in 1928.

At 17 years old Gramma Lazoff gave birth to Dad, the first born of 4 siblings. His brothers Dick and Vasil were next respectively and just when you thought Gramma Lazoff would have only the 3 boys – along came Kathy!

In 1996 dad became a grandfather. It was an exciting moment when he first heard his granddaughter’s heartbeat – he never missed a check-up or any other event in her life from that day forward. He became a mall-rat too, when at the age of 8 Keelee started figure skating at the Lloyd Center. Everyone knew him as he always enjoyed watching and supporting her skating. He was always known as the grampa who wore the submarine hat.

In 2004 the family took a vacation to Hawaii. Dad was most excited about a tour of Pearl Harbor. The USS Bowfin submarine was there for touring. It was so impressive, and made us very proud to watch and listen as dad described what everything inside the submarine was for. Even strangers stopped to ask him questions. He was the new “tour guide” and would have stayed there all day if we let him. His niece Patti treated him to a royal Hawaiian birthday while we were there – a fabulous time he would never forget.

Dad was a mentor in the garden. Not only did he continue the Lazoff Garlic tradition, passing on the heritage stock from Gramma Lazoff to us all, but he collected and nurtured his own array of about 75 fuchsias - Mark saw to it he was well stocked and Annette made sure they were artfully displayed outside the front door. He loved working in the garden and had a beautiful strip of roses he cherished for many years.

Dad and his friend Keith Hutchins were always referred to as the "aald boys" by mother-in-law Shirley. They fished together in a little row-boat while sitting in plastic lawn chairs - a sight to behold for sure! They never caught a fish and if they did they would not have had room to bring it back. They baked cookies together and went to an occastional Trailblazer's game. Camping was always an adventure - Dad, Shirley, Keith, Pam, Keelee and Kacee the dog shared one motorhome with 3 beds and lots of good times for sure.

Grampa Uie will be missed more than words can say – he was so loved.

If any of you would like to drop a phrase or thought you might have into the printed memento that will be handed out on Tuesday – please place it here in the guest book or email: [email protected]

Funeral arrangements will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21st - 10:00am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 11801 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Gate 9, Portland. 503-771-1117. Graveside service to follow at 11:00am.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.