Larry Gene Aitken

Our father, brother, and friend, Larry Gene Aitken, passed away on October 13, 2025, at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center in Springfield, Oregon — the same hospital where he was born 66 years earlier. Larry and his twin brother Gary were the first set of twins ever born at that hospital, to Marvel Larea Aitken (Hays) of Naponee, Nebraska, and Lawrence "Bud" Aitken, Jr. of Plattsburg, Missouri who were themselves new residents of Springfield.

Larry grew up with a strong competitive spirit and a love for sports that carried through his entire life. As a young man, he stepped into the boxing ring and made a name for himself, earning a national ranking of sixth in his division. He competed in the 1974 Junior Olympics and later proudly won a Toughman Contest in Eugene, Oregon, by knockout. Later, he poured that same energy into city league softball, playing on men's and co-ed teams throughout his 20s and 30s, where he made lifelong friends and plenty of memories.

He worked hard throughout his life — in local mills and as a site foreman for many years at Industrial Adhesives in Eugene, and later in the silk-screening and sports apparel industry, where he eventually retired. Larry brought the same dedication to his work that he did to everything else he cared about.

Larry had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. He was the perfect balance of serious and comedic — someone who could make you laugh in the middle of a tough day, or say exactly the right thing when you needed to hear it. Those who knew him best will always remember his humor, timing, and big heart.

He is survived by his twin brother Gary, sisters Janet and Nancy, nephews Scott, Jason, Cory, Larry and Steven, sons Christopher and Ryan, daughter-in-law Bethany and grandchildren Kayden and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Steven, and nephews Robert and Jeremy.

Per Larry's wishes, the family will not be publicly sharing details of his final arrangements. Instead, we invite all who knew him to remember him in their own way — maybe by sharing a story, a laugh, or a moment when he made life a little brighter.

He will be deeply missed, but his humor, strength, and spirit will stay with all of us who loved him.

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