Lauriano Uriona

Lauriano "Larry" A. Uriona, 84, of Mountain Home, died at his home on Sunday, June 8, 2008.

A celebration of Lauri's life will be held on Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Those who wish are invited to share a short story or fond memory to honor Lauri. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home.

Lauri was born on Sept. 6, 1923, in Mountain Home. He was the son of Juan and Felipa Arriaga Uriona, immigrants from the Province of Viscaya, a Basque region of Spain. His childhood was spent in Grand View with his older sister, Louisa, and younger sister, Sofia, where their parents instilled values of honesty, hard work and frugality, his family noted.

"The heritage Lauri leaves will be cherished," his family said.

While still in his teens he tended sheep during the summers.

After graduating from Grand View High School, where he was active in sports, he joined the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge, Lauri returned to Grand View, where he worked for the Wood Creek Sheep Co. and later for Bill and Jean Smith.

He met Angelita Barinaga in Elko, Nev., and they were married there on Nov. 26, 1947.

After living in Grand View for several years they moved to Mountain Home, where Lauri began working in the construction field operating heavy equipment. He had a part in the building of numerous roads in southern Idaho and Nevada, including the road to Anderson Dam.

Although he and Angie later divorced, they remained life-long friends.

Lauri is survived by: his sister, Sofia; ex-wife Angie; his children, Gloria, Irene and Phillip, numerous nieces, nephews, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Louisa.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lauri's memory to the Euskal Lagunak Basque Association of Mountain Home or to a charity of choice.