In Memory – Larry Oya
EF&B/NAC is saddened to report the passing of long-time member, Larry Oya.
Larry passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with lung cancer at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington.
Larry was born in Bella Bella, B.C., and raised in Namu and Vancouver. He attended John Oliver High School and Vancouver Community College. He began his career at Odeon as an usher and worked his way into theater management in Vancouver and Victoria. After marrying Shirley in 1984, his career took the family to Toronto and later Los Angeles, where he managed the Beverly Center Cineplex and eventually served as a regional general manager. He later worked with Pacific Theaters (Decurion) and was proud to earn a purchasing certification. In 2012, Larry became Director of Purchasing for Food & Beverage at Dodger Stadium and retired in 2016.
Larry and his family were longtime members of The Congregational Church of Northridge, where he sang and served on the finance team. After 35 years in Los Angeles, Larry and Shirley moved to Birch Bay, Washington, in October 2020 to be closer to family.
In retirement Larry enjoyed cribbage, bingo, hummingbirds, music events, and above all time with family.
Larry is remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, creative problem-solving, and his desire to help others in any way he could.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley; daughters Jennifer (Jen) and Allison (Allie); mother Yoshie Oya; and brothers Robert and Kevin.
Services will be private (for friends and family) at the request of the family. (Saturday March 21 at 1pm in Richmond, British Columbia – contact Shirley for details 818.359.0274)
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to help with final medical/nursing home expenses via :
CLICK HERE TO READ THE OBITUARY
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