"It's a different kind of a person who lives in Corbett" laughs Larry Diebert. "People really do care, and do have the time to talk with you. "He is quite happy to have made the move in 1994 despite the tragedy that began his journey to the community. Having lived in Troutdale for 26 years, Larry and his wife Diane were ready for a bit more space between their home and the neighbors, so went to Corbett to look around. Finding a home in foreclosure that Diane just loved, they put down their earnest money. Within days of this, Diane wasn't feeling well and went to the doctor. In less than a month, she had passed, never having gotten the chance to live in the home. Larry had three sons from his first marriage to Bev (she passed from Leukemia) and two of them, Kim and Lou helped Larry to renovate and paint the Corbett house. It took Larry six months to actually move in. Once settled, he loved the peaceful and quiet acreage, solitude and fresh air. It was very relaxing and healing for him. Larry is currently married to Suzanne, and they have both helped out with the Helping Hands Food Program at the Corbett Grange. Larry owns several large trucks and pieces of equipment, so is a driver for the pick up of the food donations from around the city of Portland. He enjoys and appreciates being able to help feed the community with the food salvage program. Larry was actually once a neighbor to the current director of the program, Arnold DuFresne. They both lived in Portland and never met until volunteering together at the grange! Larry was the first in his family to be involved with the military, and his son Cary followed suit. Larry went to Army flight school and became a pilot. He also went to Jump School, Jungle School and Helicopter Training School. Eventually Larry retired with 26 years of military service. In 1968, he went to work for a Yellow Pages publisher, and ten years later started his own business in the same industry. After twenty years of owning his own business, Larry retired. Although he is now officially retired, rarely will you see Larry "resting." He is still actively involved in military activities and travel as well as spending time with his grandchildren!
