Lawrence Howard Soberman

Lawrence "Larry" Howard Soberman

Larry Soberman of Eugene, Oregon, passed away in his home on February 28th, with his family by his side, after living courageously with pancreatic cancer. His open heart, humor, warmth, smile and laughter brightened the lives of everyone around him, and he will be profoundly missed.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 2nd, Larry lived his life by playing, learning and helping others.

At 21 Larry and Denise made their way to Oregon in a VW van, living in the forest of Stump Acres, outside of Roseburg. They made friends, built a cabin, started a family and lived on the land until moving north to Eugene.

Larry earned his degrees, including his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon, forming a lifelong bond with the university and the 4J community. Throughout his career as a teacher and principal, Larry inspired generations of students through his compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of public education. His leadership and kindness left a lasting mark on the schools, teachers and students he served.

A city boy who enjoyed the outdoors, Larry found joy in the woods, on the river, at the ocean, in the desert and on the golf course. He was an avid traveler who golfed and hiked all over the world, embracing adventure and making friends wherever he went. At home in Eugene, he could often be found socializing at the Saturday and Farmer's Market, riding his bike through the city or visiting local farms in search of the perfect peach.

For 38 years, Larry was a proud and active member of a 12-step program. Through honesty, humility, and generosity of spirit, he helped others find hope and strength in their own journeys of recovery.

Larry is survived by his wife, Colleen "Coco"; daughter, Ember (Durel); son, Jesse (Veda); grandchildren, Rafal, Rahsaan, and Kaela stepson; Duncan (Katie); mother, Sally; sisters, Reva (Robert), Marcia (Roger) and Linda; many beloved nieces and nephews and his best friend of 57 years, Denise. He was preceded in death by his father, Nathan, and his brother, Charles.

Larry was planful in his death, taking the time to personally say goodbye to those he loved. In keeping with his wishes, no public service is planned. His family and close friends will celebrate him privately in Eugene and Detroit.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff of Willamette Valley Cancer Institute for their loving and compassionate care throughout Larry's illness, and to the remarkable team at Cascade Hospice for enhancing his life with comfort and dignity.

Thank you to everyone at Tokatee Golf Club and to his golf buddies, Kevin and Greg, for all the great shots, laughter, and memories. Larry soared with happiness on the course and felt truly at home among friends. A lifelong golfer, he was especially delighted to have played at the historic St. Andrew's - a dream fulfilled.

Heartfelt gratitude to his closest friends in recovery for showing up, one day at a time, - your companionship carried Larry through life and his walk at the end. As "one of the lucky ones" the impact you had in his life is immeasurable.

To Ray, Jack, George and Dan S., we are grateful for the love you gave and for standing strong when we needed you most.

Larry asks that you "pay it forward" by performing an act of kindness each day in his memory. The day before he died, he asked for a root beer float…we raise our glass to you, Larry, rest in peace, your long walk is over. We all have the same destination differing only in our carrier and time of arrival. But neither matter, as living in the moment. We miss you deeply and will love you always.