La Grande, Oregon - Larry Espinola, 78, of La Grande passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at his home in La Grande, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones.

Larry was born on October 24, 1947 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon to Manuel Cunha Espinola and Sarah (Ferreira) Espinola. He was brought home from the hospital to a new home that his dad had recently built for the family in rural Stanfield, Oregon. He lived there all of his early life, attending all grades of school through his Senior year and graduated from Stanfield High School in 1965. Larry was always active in sports, playing baseball and football, and was very active in 4-H, serving as a member and officer in FFA throughout high school. While a junior in high school, Larry met and started dating Clare Phelan on December 7, 1963. Who knew that she would be his future bride.

Growing up on the farm, Larry became well-acquainted with farm chores, feeding animals, milking cows, bucking bales and irrigating fields. At age 14, he even went to work during the summer for another farmer, driving a swather for him. Larry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, especially when they would fish on the Columbia. He also enjoyed all of the celebrations and get-togethers with his many family members. He was especially proud of his Portuguese heritage, as his mother and father had immigrated to this country from the Azores Islands.

In September 1966, Larry and Clare married at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston, Oregon. The couple eventually moved to La Grande where they spent their next 59 years in their "forever" home. Larry went to work for Boise Cascade Particle Board plant and worked there over 40 years. He was actively involved in their children's school and church groups, served on the Budget Committee for the school board for a couple of years. He also helped for over 10 years, Larry spent many hours coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also volunteered many hours as a great umpire for both programs.

Larry is survived by his wife, Clare and 2 of his 3 children: Bea Espinola-Crampton (Bryan) of Corvallis OR; and Ronnie Espinola (Tina) of Winnemucca NV; 7 grandchildren: Brynna Farley (Tyrel), Carlton OR, Brandee Noel (Scott), Coquille OR, Bradley Crampton (Jesse), Corvallis OR, Nico Espinola (Bonny), Klamath Falls OR, Bailee Espinola-Crampton, Corvallis OR, Olivia Espinola, Winnemucca NV, Braylon Espinola-Crampton, Corvallis OR; 6 great grandchildren: Ajax, Tayla, Ivy, Morrie, Colt and Bodie, 2 sisters: Rita Bowman, Heppner OR, and Joeann Murphy, Eugene OR. Also, numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends and neighbors. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Sarah Espinola; his daughter, Laura Lynn Espinola; two sisters, Gloria Clapper and Dolly Murphy and his brother, Mike Espinola.

Larry, also known as Papa-Kid by his grandchildren, was a hard worker, always willing to help others, dedicated a lot of time to volunteer work and devoted to his family. Every one of his grandchildren came to see him before he passed. Papa-Kid, the king of all dad jokes, will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, La Grande, OR on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com