Larry R. Bright was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming to James and Viola Bright. He passed away of natural causes on November 1, 2025 at the age of 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Gloria (married 25 years), sister Doris O., niece Kristin B. (great-nephew Hayden, great-nephew Camillo – preceded him in death) and his two children Jonielle B. (Joseph B.) and Patrick B. (Vickie B.). He has one grandchild Acacia P. (Cowan P.) and two great-grandsons with one on the way.
When his dad got out of the Army, they landed in Woodburn, OR and his dad started the first blueberry farm in Woodburn. He graduated from Woodburn High School in 1957. He went on to go to school at Oregon State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Fish and Wildlife Management with a minor in Range Management.
Larry joined the Coast Guard in 1959 and served until 1967, which included serving in the reserves. He was a sharpshooter both with a rifle and pistol. Larry worked for Oregon Fish and Wildlife for 28 years and then retired, so we thought. He did some ranch work in 1993 and then joined the Forest Service starting in 1995 in Washington, Oregon and then Arizona. He retired again in 2009. He couldn’t stay away from work that long and did some volunteer work in OR for another year from 2013-2014.
Larry was also proud of his heritage, being part of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. He sat on a few councils and supported land management based on his professional experiences. He was passionate about preserving the land and animals, which included the natural cycle of things.
He was a quiet man, unless you got to know him and then his sense of humor took over. He taught himself to play the guitar and the Native flute. When they moved to Stevensville, you would find him on Wednesday nights at Cowboy Church, strumming his guitar.
He requested no services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any non-profit of your choosing in his name. In the spring, the family will gather in John Day, OR to have a celebration of life. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com