Lawrence “Larry” E. Link, former manager of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee as well as numerous other organizations, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, surrounded by his family.
Services are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 842 Alameda Dr, Ontario, OR, with reception to follow.
Born Nov. 17, 1939, in Spokane, WA, on Nov. 17, 1934, to Clarence and Anna (Reiland) Link, Larry was a longtime resident of the Treasure Valley. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, to who he had been wed for 57 years, as well as three daughters – Jennifer (Shawn) Exon of Boise, ID; Lynnetta (Kevin) Doellefeld of Newberg, OR and Melissa (Roger) of Dallas, OR. Larry is also survived by grandchildren Haley Exon, Selena Exon, Kendall Exon, Madelyn Doellefeld, and Rowan Doellefeld; brother-in-law, Walt Potter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry’s background is one of travel, adventure, and service. When he was four years old, the family moved from Spokane to Idaho, living in Weiser, Brownlee, and Boise. In 1957 he graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in Boise.
After graduating from high school at the age of 17, he entered the U.S. Army and served from May 1957 to August 1960. In the army, he was in the 101st Airborne, where he was part of the infantry and paratrooper units. He then transferred to a special forces unit and traveled to Laos.
After three years in the army, he entered college at Boise State and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. He taught high school business in Waitsburg, WA, for two years while attending graduate school.
Larry received his master’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA.
On a bus ride in Washington State in 1966, he met the love of his life, Patricia Ring, and the couple married in Pomeroy, WA, on June 24, 1967. In 1969 they moved to Ontario, OR, for Larry’s teaching position at Treasure Valley Community College, and in 1971 they moved into their lifelong home several miles outside of Ontario.
In October 1978 he started a 26-year career, becoming manager in February 1979 of the Idaho-Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, the Idaho Apple Commission and the Idaho Cherry Commission. As the manager of these associations, he worked extensively on promotion, statistical surveys, transportation, association membership efforts and onion regulation compliance.
Larry traveled with committee members to national product trade shows at least twice a year held in California, Florida, Illinois, Texas and even Japan.
After retiring in 2005, he worked seasonally for six months each year with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industries, traveling around to valley orchards to monitor invasive pests. He also worked in the winter months as a substitute teacher in Payette, ID.
In his online tribute at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/argusobserver/name/lawrence-link-obituary?id=56317531 , his family wrote, “One of his favorite roles in life was being a father and grandfather. He was adored by his kids and grandchildren, and always could make them laugh or teach them something new. He loved taking his daughters camping, fishing and hiking, and taught them to play many games including blackjack and roulette.
“He was always there to support his children and grandchildren at a sporting or music events. His other hobbies included raising calves, panning gold, playing guitar and piano, singing, and playing poker.
“When not working and spending time with family, he enjoyed spending time at one of his favorite places on earth, Sumpter, OR. Over the years, the family took numerous road trips together visiting national parks and family in North Dakota. In the early 2010s, Larry visited several countries including Greece, Spain, Morrocco, Gibraltar, Italy, Portugal and The Netherlands.”
The tribute added, “He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.”
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Anna Link, and siblings Jack (Theresa) Link, Clarence (Lorna) Link, Dorothy (Bob) Fraundorf and Betty Potter.
Onion Business extends our sincerest condolences.
