Vuryl Martin Landreth
June 12, 1936 - June 10, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009 10:08 AM PDT
Little Valley, Ore.
Following an accident on an ATV, Vuryl Landreth went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at his ranch in Little Valley, Ore. He was doing what he enjoyed and died after saying his goodbyes to loved ones, including his wife, Dinah.
Vuryl was born July 12, 1936, in Astoria, Ore. His parents were Riddell Keddy Landreth and Irma Scott Landreth. He was the second of their four sons, and his mom had two more boys in a later marriage.
Maybe it was all the practice he had in being a great brother, but Vuryl served as a brother, friend and father figure for many people throughout his life. He was tolerant, kind and openhearted.
Vuryl faced many trials in his life.
As a boy, he was badly burned in a fire, and one leg was covered in grafts. As a young father, he was injured in an auto accident and spent over a year in hospitals.
He was told he would never walk again, but he never gave up. He did walk.
He wore braces and used his arms and shoulders to do the work his legs couldn’t do.
Over the years, many noticed that Vuryl Landreth was more “able” than most able-bodied people.
After living, working and raising a family in the Seattle area, Vuryl moved to Harper, Ore., in 1998 after losing his wife of 37 years, Barbara Ann. He married Dinah in November of 2004, and, together, they created their welcoming home in Little Valley.
Those who had the pleasure of meeting Vuryl immediately felt his generous, patient and trusting nature. While he was a shrewd judge of character, Vuryl chose to expect the best of people ” and usually got it.
He had to deal with pain and daily challenges for most of his life, but Vuryl never lost touch with his inner child. He laughed often and had a delightful, sometimes dry, wit. And he very rarely complained.
Vuryl believed we are all as happy and thankful as we allow ourselves to be.
His loving smile and generous heart will remain with us always, and may his many survivors and friends choose to live a happy and thankful life just as he did.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Harper High School.
A reception will follow at the Harper Ladies Club.
Remembrances may be sent to the club’s scholarship fund.
Another memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at the Berean Bible Church, 2345 N. 185th St., in Shoreline, Wash.
