Lynn Lamvik

Lynn Karl Lamvik passed away February 18, 2011, finding peace after enduring a lengthy battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with Frontal-Temporal Dementia. Lynn was 52. Born the youngest of four children by Alice and Norolf (Knute) Lamvik on April 17, 1958 in Portland, Oregon, he lived a full but shortened life.

Lynn grew up in the Rose City Park and Parkrose area of Portland where he, from a young age, cultivated a life-long passion for basketball and athletics. While attending Parkrose High School, he excelled as a point guard, catching attention from local colleges. After graduating from Parkrose in 1976, he went on to play for Central Oregon Community College (1976-78) and St. Martin’s University (1978-80); there friendships were forged with teammates that lasted until his final days. Lynn then attended Portland State University and finally Western Oregon State College, graduating in 1985 with a degree in Corporate Fitness.

Professionally Lynn was able to combine his love for athletics with helping others. For twenty-one years, he took pride as the Recreation Therapist at McLaren Youth Correctional Facility, working to rehabilitate Oregon’s troubled youth.

As passionate for athletics as Lynn was, the love of being a father to his three children was his driving force. He made coaching his kid’s various athletic teams, and assisting in the classroom a priority.

Lynn’s unique zeal for life, friends, and family was emphatically present until his last breath. He developed many close bonds with classmates, former teammates, co-workers, and early morning gym friends that was confirmed by unwavering, selfless support of Lynn after his diagnosis. His warm smile and kind ways - even as the disease progressed - brought out the best in all who came in contact with him. The love for his children gave him daily strength. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father Knute Lamvik. He is survived by his mother Alice Lamvik, daughter, Aleya Jacquline, sons Riley Knute, and Keaton Cole, sisters Eileen Holt (Thomas), Shirley Smith (William), brother Jon Lamvik (Andrea), nephew Brian Holt (Kelly), niece Allison Holt, aunts, cousins and many lifelong friends.

A memorial will be held Friday March 4, at 1PM, at Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR 97266.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter in Lynn’s name, or Oregon Humane Society in honor of his love of animals.

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