Larry Ross Gowdy

We are sad to announce that Larry Ross Gowdy 84, passed peacefully at his home in Longview surrounded by his family on June 10, 2023.

Larry was born September 23, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska to Ross and Glenna Gowdy. He lived in Hallam, Nebraska, a small railroad town, where he was the only student in the first grade. Singing was one of his talents. His mother had him record a song and hoped he would pursue a career in entertainment. His family moved to Lincoln where he attended Lincoln High School. He quit school to work and, eventually, joined the Navy. He served as a radioman traveling the world from the North Pole, to Africa, to Australia and all parts in between. He was fun-loving and loved being at sea. He received an honorable discharge in 1959.

His love of the ocean drew him to the PNW where he has lived since 1968. Here he got hooked on fishing. He would often make it a family event where his daughters grew to appreciate and respect the beauty and wonders of the water.

Larry pursued a career in construction as a drywall finisher. He later found his calling as a counselor at the Community Alcohol Center. He was there 10 years but went on to retire from NORPAC in 2001.

After retirement, he and Adele enjoyed traveling. Not only did they travel from Hawaii to New York and Alaska, their journeys took them to many countries where they explored the cultures of Japan, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Mexico.

He was an avid reader and developed an interest in photography. At middle age, he found a new love in motorcycles. He made many long-distance road trips. He traveled across Canada to the East Coast and back several times alternating the northern and southern routes. He was always checking out new bikes and inevitability found them thousands of miles away, which provided an excellent opportunity for a new adventure.

Larry was blessed with seven daughters: four with his first wife, Margie McIntosh Chapman married in 1957, and three stepdaughters with Adele Dadian Gowdy married in 1978. They are Lorie Gowdy of Orcas Island, Michele (Paul) Merz of Selah, Wendi (Gary) Maupin of Winlock, Traci (Tony) Howard, Juliann McIvor, Shannon (Robbie) Snellman, and Kellie (Aaron) Trimble all of Longview. In addition, he left behind 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Larry will be deeply missed but will live on in our hearts forever.