I knew Larry when we were both in College and worked for Standard Oil in the service stations in Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks. We both worked summers while we were going to college. The summer we were in the Grand Canyon, we hiked across from the North Rim to the South Rim stayed over nignt and flew back across the next day. When we made it to the bottom of the South Rim and started up the mile of switchbacks, we would have to stop every few hundred yards where Larry would lay right down in the trail. That evening, I woke up in the middle of the night and drank a gallon of water that I had at my bed side.

Larry and I remained friends as colleagues and democrats through all of the years; I had a chance to visit with Larry and Jerry, sample several of his wonderful wines and enjoy a night out with dinner.

Larry was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.

Larry's Obituary

Larry H. Malmgren died peacefully on 12/15/2018, after fighting several recent health issues, most significantly chronic heart failure and myelodysplasia.

He was born on 9/25/1937 in Nephi, Utah to Edwin Herben and Reva Malmgren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, a brother and his son. He is survived by two brothers, three daughters and 10 grandchildren. He married Jerolyn Brown and her three children, Mark, Erin and Pam in 1964. Together, Larry and Jerry had a fourth child, Stacey, in 1965.

His early years included many hardships, but he did his best to put those times behind him and lived his life to the very fullest. His death leaves behind an incredible number of good friends, from places near and far and a variety of lifestyles.

His passions included family, friends, travel, social injustice, his grandchildren's sports and endeavors, attending and cheering for the University of Oregon sports team events, history and wine.

He began his teaching career in 1961 at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the family move to Sacramento in 1965, he became a Professor of Sociology at Sacramento City College for many years. Throughout his teaching career and beyond, he made a great impact on numerous lives. A move to Hood River in 1973 found Larry, Jerry and some of their community ahead of their time in opening a coffee/tea/collectibles shop named Waucoma and implementing organic gardening at their homesite. He then went on to develop and direct work programs for the mentally challenged at the Columbia Gorge Rehabilitation Center. His final move to Eugene in 1978 is where he founded, owned and operated Verk Consultants, his beloved vocational rehabilitation firm, until he retired in 2007. He is a recognized champion of the Americans with Disability Act in Oregon and nationally and was a leader of the Oregon Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector.

Larry's family continues to receive numerous accolades for his understanding and encouragement in helping so many with their life journeys. He fought any battle, anytime, anywhere if he believed an injustice had been brought about.

He was a very special guy - extremely outgoing and befriending of so many. He was one of the most generous, giving people this world has ever known. He also stood his ground, fought for what he believed in and alienated some. His great wit, sense of humor and honest, down to earth dignity will be cherished by many. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Larry was, and his family is, very appreciative of the wonderful care he received at both RiverBend PeaceHealth Hospital and the staff at Oregon Medical Group (especially Wanda). Thanks so much to all of you.

An open house Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 10th at J. Scott Cellars between the hours of 3p.m. - 6 p.m.

Published in Eugene Register-Guard on Jan. 27, 2019

February 12, 2019 - Just learned this morning of Larry's passing. A great friend and better person. We had so many good times tailgating at Duck games for the past 30 plus years; he will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
RICK BREWER, Lebanon, OR

February 11, 2019 - I was so surprised to see this and saddened. A wonderful man with a good and pure heart. I will miss seeing him. I know he is on to the next adventure somewhere.
Nancy Crider-Hamilton, Albany, OR

January 29, 2019 - Well dang. Larry was a heck of a guy. Need more like him. Adios.
Doug Curry, Eugene, OR

January 27, 2019 - To the family of Larry Malmgren: Donna and I have so many special memories with Larry and Jerry over the years at Duck games and at their house or ours. I grew to appreciate fine wine after being educated by the Master, Larry. It was good doing business with him and he always operated with integrity with consideration of his clients best interests. What a wonderful legacy.
Randy Springer, Lebanon, OR

Written by Larry - February 19, 2011 - Love - Hi, I am now in Napier, a city destroyed by earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in art deco motif. What an intersting place. I am here during the annoual celebration where it is difficult to get aroud with thousands if visitors and hundreds of vintage autos, people dressed in wonderful clothing from that period. God knows that I am blessed. Off to the remote drive for five nights along the east coast and returm to Te Aroha where I will farm tend for my friend Stacey march 1-8 and rent another car and go north before returning home on March 24.. Love to all Larry aka The Boy Downunder