Larry Ray Blackledge

Oregon near the end of World War II before settling on the farm with his family in Gresham,

Oregon. Larry graduated from Gresham High School in 1955 and married Diane McNabb in

1957. Larry and Diane raised their family in Portland, spending most of their years in the Lents

neighborhood.

Working in the carpentry trade for over 60 years, Larry’s legacy is in the bones of homes, offices,

and many other buildings throughout the Portland area. Larry was a highly-skilled general

contractor carpenter that was proficient in all areas of the trade and was enthusiastic to share his

knowledge and his craft with his friends, family, and his community. As a mentor and leader,

Larry was an active member of the Carpenters Union holding positions in leadership throughout

his 47 years as a union member. Although Larry retired in 2006, his work ethic and passion for

carpentry never truly let him leave his vocation. In his last years, he worked on small, yet

detailed woodworking gifts for his great-grandchildren, and in the summer of 2020, he wrapped

up his final major carpentry project building archways for a furniture store.

As a natural creative, Larry expressed himself in the written word, writing hundreds of poems,

stories, songs, and plays over years. Larry treasured his membership in his writing groups where

he explored and deepened his love for creative writing. When he wasn’t writing his next play or

busy in his woodshop, Larry loved to travel and especially enjoyed time with friends and family

at the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, and Arizona. After seasonally frequenting Arizona, Larry and

Diane moved from Portland to Sun Lakes, Arizona in the late 2010s where Larry got to enjoy life

on a permanent vacation as a retiree.

Larry made friends wherever he went and valued time with friends and family. With a great

sense of humor, Larry was always eager to tell you a funny story or a joke or two. With his big

heart and desire to share experiences with his loved ones, Larry will truly be missed.

Larry passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, in Sun Lakes, Arizona. He is preceded in

death by son, Mark Blackledge; mother, Lula Pearson; father, Dossie Blackledge; brother,

Douglas Blackedge; and sister, Sue Bloomquist. Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Diane

Blackledge of Sun Lakes, Arizona; sisters, Linda Robbins, Nancy Blackledge, and Cyndi Kelly;

brother, Michael Blackledge; children, Sherrie, David, Molly, and Don Blackledge;

grandchildren, Lindsay, Rachael, Whitney, Thomas, and Megan; and great-grandchildren,

Magnus, Mina, Felix, Dash, Anders, and Constance.

A memorial service will be held at noon, January 8, 2022, at Lincoln Memorial Park, 11801 SE

Mt. Scott Boulevard, Portland, OR 97086. Interment will be private.