Larry George Lydon

Larry George Lydon passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 12, 2015. Larry was born on April 8th, 1918 in Maltby, WA to Patrick Lydon and Charlotte Boch. He graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1936. He was offered a track scholarship to the University of Portland mid-term in 1937 where he joined his brother, Patrick, who was already on the team. Larry met the love of his life, Bette Marcum, in 1938. She was just starting her Bachelor's of Nursing Degree program at the University of Portland. In 1940, Larry was encouraged by his uncle to enlist in the Navy prior to our entrance to WWII. Within a year, he received an appointment to the U.S.N. Reserve Midshipman Program and was commissioned Ensign in May of 1941. His first assignment was to the USS San Francisco at Pearl Harbor just prior to the December 7th attack. He served in 5 major Pacific Battles including the Battle of Guadalcanal. He served on the USS Harding and USS Steamer Bay through the remainder of the the War and rose to Lt. Commander. He married Bette on Thanksgiving Day in 1942. They have 3 children, Mike Lydon, Patric Lydon and Karen (Lydon) Loid. They have 7 grandchildren, Anne, Eileen, Jackie, Sara, Cindy, Jon and Becky. They have 14 great-grandchildren with their first great-great grandchild due in January. After the War, Larry returned to the University of Portland where he received his Bachelor's degree in History cum laude in September of 1946. He began a teaching and coaching career that spanned from the 1940's through the 1990's that included teaching at Evergreen High School from 1950-1955 and McLaughlin Middle School from 1956-1964. In 1965 he moved the family to Duvall, WA and taught, coached and administrated until he retired. He was proud to have taught all of his grandchildren that grew up in the Carnation/Duvall area. Larry taught a variety of classes and coached every sport for both boys and girls. He earned his Master's Degree in Education Administration and Counseling from Seattle University in 1970. He retired as and associate principal and counselor from Tolt High School in 1977, but continued to substitute teach until the early 1990's. Larry and Betty ran Lydon's U-Pick Blueberry Farm in Duvall, WA in addition to his teaching profession. They sold the farm in 2000 when the moved back to Vancouver. Many wonderful summer memories of family picnics and reunions were created there over those years. Their farm was an annual destination for many of their patrons. In addition to teaching, coaching and running their blueberry farm, Larry became a representative for his Teacher's Education Association, he was the Fire Commissioner for district #45 and an active member in the Carnation/Duvall VFW and American Legion associations. He was a life long Catholic and attended mass every Sunday and was known for his service to others. Once back in Vancouver, Larry was a member of the local Pearl Harbor Survivor's Group and he and Bette were faithful members of Holy Redeemer and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes. Larry enjoyed dawning his Naval Uniform every Pearl Harbor and Memorial Day and attended numerous events over the years. Fleet Week for the Portland Rose Festival was one of his favorite events. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his steadfast faith, undying loyalty to Bette and service to his country and community. His Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, September 21st at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery at a later date. A celebration of life will be held in Carnation, WA as well.

Larry George Lydon

April 8, 1918 - September 12, 2015