Larry Queen

Larry grew up in Tiffin, Ohio and always considered it to be his home town. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and served on the USS Eversole and the USS Hancock, becoming a veteran of the Vietnam War and a black belt in Karate during his 8 years of service. Upon leaving the military and after worldwide travel he felt he had found a place where he belonged and made his home in Oregon.

Larry was proud that he shared his birthday with his Grandpa Queen and told stories to his family of those summers spent as a child in Kansas. His proudest accomplishment was holding the position of President/CEO of the State Employee's Credit Union of Salem, OR. His military background in computers and a tenacious work ethic provided him the opportunity to step into his lifelong career. This is where he and Lynda, his wife of 40 years, worked side by side growing the small nonprofit credit union that benefited and gave back to the community through support of various charities including Credit Unions for Kids and the Oregon Food Bank. This belief was firmly held by both of them as they shared their careers together. Larry’s passion of helping people and achieving his fullest potential of a job well done was fulfilled through the successful merger with First Tech Federal Credit Union just before his retirement in 2008.

Words that described Larry well were family, work and home. He loved a good party. He especially enjoyed fireworks because he was born in July and most family gatherings ended in a beautiful display. He also enjoyed gardening, sports, coin collecting and lots of laughs.

Some of Lynda's fondest memories with Larry are of lifelong friendships with their Credit Union friends, gardening and canning fresh salsa together. They also enjoyed traveling, taking walks and working together on their wooded 3 acre home of 38 years.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Lynda Queen, Son Brian (Janet) Queen, Daughters Heather (Pete) Quest and Carrianne (Jerreme) Rhodes, 9 grandchildren Arissa, Connar, Kendall, Ryann, Maddy, Elijah, Indigo, Isaac, Shiloh and Great Grandson Logan. He is preceded by Father Marion Queen, Mother and Step Father Edith and Rule Egbert.

Funeral arrangements are being made through Howell Edwards Doerksen Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2013, 2:30pm at South Salem Church of the Nazarene. Graveside Services following are at Restlawn Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or Doernbecher Children’s Hospital (www.ohsu.edu).

Please share your fond memories, stories and condolences with the family at www.larryjoequeen.com