Loren Irvine “Larry” Stoddard passed away on Sept. 6, 2019 at his home in Echo at the age of 83.
He was born on Jan. 4, 1936 in Everett, Wash.
Loren graduated from Everett High School in January 1954 and joined the United States Marine Corps in March 1954. He served for 22-1/2 years, including the Vietnam War, before retiring as a gunnery sergeant E-7. He moved from Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he spent his last tour of duty with his family in Arlington, Wash. Loren worked briefly for Bayliner Marine before going to work for the Everett Post Office. In 1983, he moved his family to Hermiston. Loren worked full time as a rural route mail carrier while continuing to work a small farm.
Loren was described by his grandchildren as loving to fish, scuba dive, golf, travel and spend time with his family and pets. He was proud of his military service and his job with the post office. He had a big heart, an even bigger smile, and always had a bear hug for his loved ones. Rest in peace, Marine, Semper Fi!!
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverly Stoddard; aunt, Doris Allen; brother, Paul Givler and wife Sheila; nephew, Paul and wife Carol; daughter, Debra Pugh and husband Pete; son, Donald Stoddard, M.D. and wife Marie; son-in-law, Terry VanDyke; and 10 grandchildren, Brandon and wife Melissa, David, Marissa and Daniel Pugh, Zachary and Courtney VanDyke, Mia, Kristoffer and Stephen Stoddard. He also leaves his beloved dog, Sadie and four cats.
Loren was preceded in death by daughters, Sheryl Ann, Darlene Patricia and Sandra Louise VanDyke; son, Duane Allen; and his parents.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Eastern Oregon Humane Society, 1844 N.E. Geer Road, Hermiston, Ore., 97838 or the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots.
Please share memories of Larry with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
