Arnold Lawrence "Larry" Spray 1944 - 2018 

By: Sheryll Ruecker and others

     It is with deep regret, that we announce that one of our long standing members, Larry Spray, passed away on Sunday October 14th. after a year of year long battle with lung cancer. He was 73. Survivors include his wife Julie, brother Ron Jagow, many cousins, sons Chris and Tim and grandchildren Chelsee, Cody and Jacob Jackson.

     Larry spent much of his working career with Union Pacific as a yard master, and conductor for both freight and passenger trains. He performed many behind the scenes jobs for the Metro and PIPEX shows in Portland since the late 1990s. He was co chair, with the late Ron Sumner, for PIPEX 2009 which was held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. Later, he was the floor manager, dealer liaison and security manager for PIPEX after the show was moved to the Red Lion on the Columbia River. He will be remembered for having a way with dealers which encouraged them to come to the shows, which promoted mutual respect, and cooperation, as well as a lot of fun had by all.


    Larry's main collecting interests were the Falkland Islands and King George VI. While not an exhibitor, he did make a page for
the Oregon Stamp Society's club showcase exhibit for PIPEX, and SEAPEX 2017, his chosen letter "G" standing for King George VI. He also enjoyed reading, especially military history, and collecting antiques. After retirement, he and his wife Julie, traveled the world.

    Larry liked to tell the story about the best stamp that he ever found. He looked for years through thousands and thousands of stamps from the Falkland Islands Sc151a, and then actually finding one.  Even though his Falkland Island's collection was impressive, he decided to sell it at auction. At that time, it realized approximately $11,000.

    Over the years, Larry served on the boards of the Oregon Stamp Society, Northwest Philatelic Library, Portland Philatelic Expositions and First Stamps. His most recent accolade was a special award, given at PIPEX 2018, in recognition for his work as floor manager, bourse chairman and other services to philately.

      He helped others by giving rides to the clubhouse on meeting nights. He kept an eye out for other members collecting interests and contributed to the Oregon Stamp Society archieves with finds of PIPEX covers and programs. His participation, and guidance, in the remodeling of the first floor of our clubhouse was a major reason why it was successful. He is one of the  main reasons why we have a nice updated facility to promote philately.

      Larry was a kind, and generous, man. He is one reason why many of us have some of the treasures that we have in our collections. We will miss him and offer our sincere condolences to his wife of 36 years and family.