Lawrence Raymond Tarnovsky

January 26, 1932 – May 6, 2026

Lawrence (Larry) Raymond Tarnovsky, age 94, of Portland, Oregon, peacefully passed away in his sleep on May 6, 2026. He was born on January 26, 1932, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Philip and Rosa (Kolva) Tarnovsky, who immigrated to the United States from Kyiv, Ukraine.

Early Life and Resilience

In 1935, the family moved to Nyssa, Oregon, where they lived on a sugar beet farm. In 1936, they moved to a small cabin in Oakland, Oregon. To survive the Depression, the family sold milk and eggs to Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg. Around 1942, the family moved to Vanport, Oregon and eventually settled down in Sellwood in 1945. Growing up during this era taught Larry the value of a dollar and the importance of hard work.

Education and Military Service

Larry attended Sellwood and Josiah Failing Elementary Schools. He graduated from Washington High School in 1950. Before his military service, he worked for a newspaper company and later at Doernbecher’s Furniture, earning just enough money to "chase the girls". From November 1952 to November 1954, Larry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Stationed at Fort Ord, California. He received the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals.

Professional Career and Dedication

Following his military service, Larry attended Portland State University before transferring to the University of Oregon where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He spent two years working in Washington, D.C., where he was tasked with solving a notable fraud case before moving back to Portland to start his career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD/FHA) in 1961. He retired in 1987 but continued to share his expertise as a contractor for many years.

Family and Legacy

In 1965, Larry married Barbara (Emery) Tarnovsky, the love of his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was thoughtful and generous. He was known for his extremely sharp memory and steady, reliable nature. Larry was famously the family's "Greatest Fan," attending every game or match played by his children and grandchildren. A lifelong Oregon Ducks fan, he was a dedicated football season ticket holder. He was also a world traveler, exploring every inch of the globe with Barbara and continuing his travels independently after her passing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents; and his three sisters, Irene, Lillian, and Carol. He is survived by his four children, Joanne Dixon (Mike), Dwayne Latta, Steven Tarnovsky (Sarah), and Jerry Tarnovsky (Julie); eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Service Information

A memorial service for Larry will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd Gresham, OR 97030. Following the service, lunch will be served for family and friends.

Burial Information

Larry’s burial, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Willamette National Cemetery

11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086