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08/10/2021 - Boise, Idaho, USA

Hilario (Larry) John Arguinchona, 77, of Boise, Idaho, died Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise. A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, August 20, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (OLR) followed by a visitation. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Cathedral with graveside services following at Dry Creek Cemetery.

Larry was born on September 13, 1943, in Boise, to Laura and Hilario Arguinchona. He grew up in Boise with his older brother, Henry, in the family’s Basque boarding house, the Delamar. He attended Central Grade School, North Junior High, and graduated from Boise High School in 1961. Larry graduated from Boise Junior College in 1963 with an Associate Degree, and the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1965.

Larry learned to work hard at a young age. He would come home from elementary school during lunch to do chores. When it snowed, his father would wake him in the middle of the night to shovel the boarding house parking lot. He ran errands for boarders and accompanied many Basque-speakers when they went to take their driver’s license test. At 10, he started working with his brother cleaning office buildings at night. When he did have free time, he and his friends would play hide and seek on the downtown rooftops. Basketball, tennis, running, and working out were a part of his life for decades… and he was a sports fan! Larry was proud of his heritage and, on the occasion that he got mad, the angry Basque eyebrows were a dead giveaway.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Karen Lee Wennstrom, on January 26, 1963, at St. John’s Cathedral, and they began a beautiful lifelong adventure together. They brought four children into the world: Teresa, Tony, Daniel, and Nichole and adored each one of them. As a husband and father, he was simply the best. His love for Karen and his joy in their life together was evident in every decision he made. Larry’s connection with each of his children, including his son-in-law Nick, was deep and irreplaceable. His four grandsons, Jordan, Keenan, Brandan, and Jaiman were his pride and joy. He loved supporting them in their passions: basketball, photography, music, medicine. He enjoyed treating each of them to breakfast one-on-one to spend time together, tell stories, and share wisdom. He taught them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a fish and treasured those outings. Larry valued family time together at their place in McCall, at their suite for Bronco football, and at their home for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. He spoiled his family and shared all the fruits of his hard work and business success.

After college, Larry worked for the State of Idaho in several departments including Highways, Education, Health and Welfare, and the Supreme Court before taking the leap in 1980 to join the management of the Student Loan Fund of Idaho, Inc. (SLFI). He worked with lenders and schools developing the guaranteed student loan industry and loan servicing in the state. In 1986, he realized his dream of founding his own company, Idaho Financial Associates, Inc. (IFA). IFA developed custom computer software systems to originate, guarantee, and service student loans and was a secondary market for student loans. He loved his company and appreciated the many good people who worked for him over the years. He previously served as the President of Idaho Federal Credit Union and the Student Loan Fund of Idaho Marketing Association, Inc. He also served as a board member of SLFI, Syringa Bank, and Nelnet, Inc.

Larry spent his life in service of God, his family, and his community. He was admired and respected by his peers. Larry was a true friend, a quality beyond measure, someone you could always count on. His generosity knew no bounds. He and Karen funded the creation of Catholic Charities of Idaho; they provided substantial support to build OLR; and backed the good work of St. Vincent de Paul as well as other parishes and charities. Larry was active in parish life. He served as President of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and OLR, volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, was a lector, and taught confirmation classes.

Season ticket holders for over 50 years, Larry and Karen generously supported Boise State University (BSU) in Honors scholarships, athletic programs including football, basketball, and volleyball, and more. He was proud of the Arguinchona Basketball Complex for the support it provides for student athletes. Larry and Karen were enthusiastic benefactors of Gonzaga University and contributed to University of Idaho, College of Idaho, and Lewis-Clark State College. He served on the board of the BSU Foundation and as President and board member of the Bronco Athletic Association. Larry received the Bronze Bronco award for his contributions to the athletic department and was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award for his impact on the university.

Some of his most treasured time was spent fishing Idaho rivers and streams with his brother and his sons and golfing with his best friends. Larry was a great storyteller and kept people entertained with his sense of humor and colorful recall of events

Larry is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Nichole Arguinchona, Daniel Arguinchona, and Teresa and Nick Baptista; his grandsons, Jaiman, Brandan, Keenan, and Jordan; his sister-in-law and nieces and nephews; cousins; and much-loved friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Arguinchona; his brother, Henry Arguinchona; his parents, Hilario and Laura Arguinchona; aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Tony Arguinchona Memorial Scholarship, Gonzaga University, Office of University Relations, 502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA, 99258, or a favorite charity.

(published at Cloverdalefuneralhome.com)