Leonard R. Aldrich passed away on October 24, 2026 at the age of 98 in Hermiston, Oregon.
He was born on August 26, 1928 to Glynn Earl Aldrich and Mila Mildred Peterson Aldrich in Eddyville, Oregon.
Aldrich’s family moved to Irrigon in 1930, where he grew up and attended school, where he was an avid basketball and football player. He graduated in 1946. It was there where he met the love of his life, Eunice Miller and they were married on September 22 1948.
Their daughter Barbara was born in 1950, and son Bruce followed in 1953.
They moved to Hermiston in 1960 where he and his brother-in-law Lyle Robertson raised melons, hay, and ran cattle. They expanded the cattle venture into a 1000 head feedlot.
In 1968, they took on another partner, Jack Zabransky and formed ARZ, raising potatoes and running a potato packing shed. In 1977, they sold out.
In 1982 he then partnered with Walt McDevitt and Richard Betz and they raised potatoes. Agriculture was always in his heart and loved watching things grow.
Leonard also had a poetic side to himself; writing many poems to his wife and family members. He also enjoyed hunting, playing golf, and life in general.
He is survived by his daughter Barbara Dames (Gordon), son Bruce Aldrich (Lavon) granddaughters: Jennifer McCartney and Mandi Langton and grandson Trevor Aldrich, 6 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, Eunice, his mother and father, and sister Echo Nelson.
Per Leonard’s request, there will be no services.
Please share memories of Leonard with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
