Lloyd Oxentenko

Lloyd R. Oxentenko passed away on October 29, 2022, at Abby’s Adult Family Home, Lynnwood, Washington. Prior to that he had been living at Cogir of Mill Creek since returning to the Pacific Northwest from North Dakota in the summer of 2020.

Lloyd was born at home on the family farm near Kief, North Dakota on January 31, 1928. He was the third child born to Martha and Mike Oxentenko, but the first to survive past early infancy. This shaped Lloyd throughout his life facing challenges as a fighter, a survivor, but keeping a positive attitude. As the oldest of six, living through the harsh conditions of prairie life; without indoor plumbing or electricity, during the Great Depression Lloyd learned early the value of hard work. He told many stories of working from a tender age on neighboring farms, and riding his horse Katie to school, once through a blizzard. His family lost their farm and were forced to move to Minot when Lloyd was not yet a teenager. Lloyd had to continue to work and help support the family.

At age 17 Lloyd joined the Navy where he was a cook. His ship traveled to the South Pacific first to Hawaii, then to Japan as WWII was ending. After one year Lloyd returned to Minot, graduated from Minot High School in 1947, and attended Minot State College for one year. Lloyd worked several jobs including an apprenticeship with his cousin as a shoe repairman. He spent 40 years working for the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad.

On February 11, 1954, Lloyd married Beverly Remington from Burlington ND. His “Princess”, they were married for over 65 years until Beverly’s passing in 2019. In January 1959, the young couple moved to join other extended family in Washington state. They lived in Washington until 1992 when they returned to Burlington, ND to enjoy a quieter lifestyle for their retirement years.

Lloyd loved nature, being outdoors, the Midwest prairie, the mountains, forests, and ocean of the Pacific Northwest. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and digging for clams. He was very physically fit, and at 80 years old would still lift weights and run or walk up to three miles a day. He also loved tending his vegetable garden and fruit trees and working in his meticulous, award-winning yard.

Lloyd was a people person. He was an excellent cook and loved to entertain family and friends. His own children were especially fond of Saturday morning pancake breakfasts. Lloyd made friends wherever he went, and kids adored him. They enjoyed his kindness sincerity and sense of humor. It was common for the neighbor kids to come and ask, “Can Lloyd come out and play?” Lloyd was the kind of father that took time to read to his kids, make up stories, sing songs, and tell corny jokes. He enjoyed outdoor adventures with them as well.

Lloyd is survived by his three children; Pamela Oxentenko, Joan Oxentenko, and Vance Oxentenko (Robin), brother Michael Oxentenko, three grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lloyd was a loving husband, wonderful dad, grandpa, uncle, “Bud” and friend to all. We were so very lucky to have you in our lives. We miss you and love you.