Larry Wirkkala

Larry W. Wirkkala, 63, a lifelong resident of Ilwaco, died in Longview, Washington on July 18, 2011. The son of Warner and Grace ((Tyacke) Wirkkala he was born September 21, 1947 in Astoria. Larry grew up in Ilwaco and was a graduate of Ilwaco High School. At age 4 Larry began working with his father learning the mechanic trade. By age 12 he was a journeyman mechanic, having built his first engine when he was a mere 8 years old and by 14 he built his first truck. Larry was port engineer in Alaska for a number of years while employed by Bumble Bee Seafoods. Later he and his twin brother Gary operated a marine and automotive repair shop in downtown Ilwaco until illness forced Larry's retirement. From the 1970s through the 1990s Larry also hauled boats. He helped his good friend Bill Bredfield build the original Chicos's Pizza Parlor in Seaview. Larry enjoyed working on vintage cars and was a charter and current member of the Beach Barons Car Club. He also enjoyed basketball and spending time with family and friends. From 1964 to 1965 he was a driver in drag racing. Always active in the community, Larry was instrumental in starting the Peninsula Youth Soccer Program, coached Summer League Basketball for over 20 years and helped re-surface the basketball court at Hilltop School. Larry bought the original 30 second clocks installed at Ilwaco High School and throughout his life was an avid supporter of Ilwaco Fishermen athletic teams. Additionally, Larry started the Adult Volleyball Program on the Peninsula, sponsored the Wirkkala Mechanics Town Team in the 1960s and designed and helped build the Ilwaco Sports Boosters concession trailer. Larry married Lois Worthington on March 24, 1972. She survives residing in Ilwaco. Also surviving are children Amy, Wendy, Larry Jr., Mandy and Brandy; twin bother Gary and brothers Ken and Paul; sisters Andrea Marsh and Shelley Wirkkala; grandchildren Marcos, Nisa and Kiya Mendoza; , Roger, Chad, Tyler and Kyra Baker; Natasha Stein; and Ethan Hayes and soon to arrive Lillian Hayes; 13 nieces and nephews; 24 great nieces and nephews and one great great nephew. He was preceded in death by his first granddaughter Cynthia Mendoza and nephew Eric Wirkkala. Memorial service will be Saturday, August 6, 2011, 2:00 PM at the Peninsula Church Center in Seaview with a potluck reception immediately following. Memorials are suggested to the Larry W. Wirkkala Memorial Fund at Raymond Federal Bank to assist the family. Larry's guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.