Troy Duane Lavey

Troy Duane Lavey, 52, passed away at his home on September 26, 2021. A native to the Longview and Kelso area, Troy was born on April 28, 1969 to John and Linda (Smallwood) Lavey and was the oldest of two children. In 1982, he was baptized and confirmed into what is now the Cowlitz Valley Community of Christ Church.

Troy attended Longview public schools and graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1987. The August following his high school graduation, Troy started his career with what was then Commercial Office Machines, now Ricoh-USA. He was employed there as a technician and remained there until his death.

On July 27, 1991, the day of his parent’s wedding anniversary, Troy married his high school sweetheart, Verna Palm. The couple made their home in Kelso, Washington and on November 21, 2000, they welcomed the birth of their first son, Travis. On August 8, 2005 their son Alex was born.

Troy was born with a servant’s heart and a desire to serve his community and in 2000, he joined the Kelso Police Department as a reserve police officer. He served the city of Kelso until 2018. Some of his favorite events to volunteer for were the Kelso High School Football games, Kelso Highlander Festival, and the Shop With A Cop program. Troy, however, was always ready to help at any event that needed assistance. Troy had formed many friendships during his years with the police department and after retiring, he continued to support his fellow officers in any way he could.

Troy lived a full life and enjoyed several hobbies. While in high school, he developed a love for woodworking and had made many items over the years, including an oak chess game table, a dart board cabinet, and a picnic table, which he made with his grandfather for his parents.

Troy’s second love was for the outdoors. He had a close group of friends that he enjoyed hunting and fishing with and on one occasion, he even won a local fishing contest by reeling in a 45 ½ lb salmon. Camping was another favorite pastime and many cherished memories have been made from trips taken with family and friends. Troy loved to hike and most often, his adventures would take him to trails that led to waterfalls that he would photograph and use to create calendars. He was always on the hunt for a waterfall more spectacular than the next. When the weather was nice, he would take to the road on his motorcycle, along with fellow bikers; he really enjoyed the road trips they ventured out on.

Troy was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Audrey Smallwood and Daniel and Naomi Lavey, his father-in-law, Donald Palm, his mother-in-law Marlene Palm, and his brother-in-law Roger Ylen. He is survived by his wife Verna and two sons, Travis and Alex, by his parents John and Linda, a sister, Keri Hill (Lavey), and sister-in-laws Denise Palm Ylen, Elaine (Tony) Cataldo, and Donna (Chris) Huetler, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Troy’s sudden passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, but his legacy will remain in the memories that his family and friends will carry in their hearts forever.

Cremation arrangements have been provided by Steele Funeral Chapel at Longview Memorial Park. A celebration of life is planned for the spring of 2022.