Obituary of Larry Dunham

Larry D. Dunham was the third son born to Benjamin and Anna Carey Dunham, August 12, 1950 in New York City. Larry grew up in New York's Lower East Side's culturally rich community. His big heart grew from the love of his parents and his brothers Clifford, John, and Ben in a blessed home creating art and music. During high school he became disenchanted with his teachers and the ways of city streets. Though discouraged by his oldest brother Clifford, Larry joined the Army November 17, 1967. He was 17. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division and was sent to Viet Nam where he was assigned to the 173rd Airborne division. His time in Vietnam offered the double edge of loving the lush verdant beauty of the country with the horror of war which greatly influenced the rest of his life. To insure his younger brother would not be drafted and endure the same experience, Larry volunteered for a second tour in Viet Nam and spent the rest of his life suppressing the horrific memories of war. He left Viet Nam October 28th, 1970 with medals for gallantry and was greeted by spitting protesters upon his return to the United States. March 12th, 1971 Larry was introduced to 17 year old art student, Adriene Cruz. With so many artists in the Dunham family Adriene was warmly welcomed by them. During their courtship Adriene's Mom was charmed by Larry's flute playing and the couple married February 18th, 1977. Larry and Adriene made their home in Park Slope Brooklyn until they relocated to Portland Oregon April 12th, 1983. They were blessed with their first daughter, Tasnim Safiya March 7, 1985. Their twins, Ola Kamali and Kumalo Osaze , were born September 17th, 1988. Sadly their son was stillborn. They raised their daughters in NE Portland and Larry loved to inform folks that though Adriene became a textile artist, he knew how to sew and crochet long before she did! While in New York, Larry worked as a cab driver, a security guard, in a health food store, as a housing manager, and took courses at Medger Evers Community College. Sometimes three jobs at a time to quiet his mind. In Portland Larry made futons for the NW Futon Company and took courses at Mt. Hood Community College. He became interested in video production and was hired as video producer for Rogers Cable television, where his work on the Stevenson inquest earned him an Ace Award in 1986. He was encouraged by his friend Lenny Edwards to apply for a position at Jefferson high school where he inspired many young people to reach for their best. He also taught at Harriet Tubman Middle School where he retired in 2005. Larry, always on the go, became a bus driver for Tri Met and Eco-Shuttle Transportation until illness forced him to retire February 23, 2011. Larry enjoyed playing his flute, listening to music, long walks, dancing, kung fu and sci-fi movies and especially being in nature. His greatest source of joy was helping others, young folks in particular. His big heart was greater than his reach. Though divorced in 2006, Larry and Adriene reunited as a family February 10, 2010. They celebrated 40 years of knowing one another and remained close until his last breath July 27, 2011.Larry's life was taken by lung cancer induced by Agent Orange exposure during his time in Viet Nam. He is survived by Adriene Cruz, daughters Tasnim and Ola Dunham. Brothers Clifford, John and Ben Dunham, Sister's-in law Rosemarie Dunham, Leslie Cruz and Deborah Dunham and numerous nieces and nephews along with many extended family members and dear friends whom he greatly loved. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support with a special thanks to Avel Gordly, Dr Steven Bailey. Joyce and Paul Harris, Art Alexander, and Chisao Hata. A celebration remembering his life will be held on his birthday, Friday, August 12, 2011 at Billy Webb's Elks Lodge 6 North Tillamook Street. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to come and remember the big hearted man we greatly miss.