Idaho State Journal, 06/11/09


BAKER CITY, Ore. - Larry McCullough, 71 of Halfway, Oregon, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, in Baker City, Oregon.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at a graveside service on Saturday, June 13 at noon at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah.
Larry was born in Montpelier, Idaho, October 21, 1937, to Harold and Doris McCullough. He spent his youth in Garfield and Magna, Utah, where he enjoyed playing with his cousins and sleigh riding with his sister. Larry received one of the first Kennecott academic scholarships upon graduating from Cyprus High School.
In high school he gained a love of golf and experienced his first hole in one at the Magna Copper Club, a story he always loved to tell. He then attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he received both his bachelor of science and master's of science in psychology. After graduation Larry moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where he spent the next 32 years counseling and teaching at Idaho State University.
On a small acreage in Chubbuck, Idaho, he made his home, where he owned horses, dogs, and cats. Larry rode with the Bannock County Mounted Sheriff's Posse, participated in barrel racing, horse racing, and chariot racing and was on the board of the World Championship Chariot Races for many years.
Watching sports on TV, especially golf and basketball was a favorite pastime often accompanied with a large bowl of ice cream. He enjoyed traveling and often returned to his favorite destinations, Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Yellowstone Park, where he spent time with his family as a youth. Larry loved visiting the Oregon Coast and seeing new places.
He had a wonderful sense of humor, a brilliant mind, and a caring, generous spirit. He enjoyed telling stories and was quick to point out when questioned, that telling a good story was far more important than getting the facts right.
His nephews, Brian, Paul, and Todd Breinholt, held a special place in his heart as did so many of his family. His love and care for his stepson, Christopher Reed, was a special gift. He was pleased to see Chris pursue his education and his dream of living and working in Japan.
Larry is survived by his wife, Julie McCullough; stepson, Christopher; sister, Doris Ann Pierson and Jud, her husband, of West Valley City, Utah; his three nephews and their families; three aunts, cousins, and many friends from childhood to the last years of his life.
His journey ended in Alzheimer's disease. Those closest to him honored that journey and now celebrate his release from it.
Those who wish to make a donation in Larry's memory may do so to the local Halfway/Richland/Oxbow Search and Rescue through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Ore. 97834.