Lawrence "Larry" Holden Humphrey's Obituary
Lawrence (Larry) Holden Humphrey was born on June 2, 1934 in Fall River, MA and he died peacefully on April 19, 2014 in Tacoma, WA. Larry began his journey growing up on Nanaquaket Pond in Tiverton, RI. He attended St. George’s Preparatory School in Newport, RI and he earned a BA degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.
Larry married Natalie Flather from Providence, RI in 1957. Shortly afterward they started a family and had four children. After a long and successful career with Weyerhaeuser Company, Larry built Humphrey Lumber, a successful wholesale lumber company in Lakewood, WA. He served for many years on the board of the National Wholesale Lumbermen’s Association.
Aside from family and friends, community was important to Larry. He served on many boards including The Red Cross, Annie Wright School, Pierce Transit, Community Healthcare, Northwest Commercial Bank and Lakewood Historical Society. Larry served for six years as a member of the original Lakewood City Council, and he was an active member of Little Church on the Prairie.
Larry loved to travel and he enjoyed many outings with family and friends backpacking and sailing in the PNW and relaxing in Borrego Springs, CA. Travels with Natalie were always an adventure and the two of them explored the world together during their 57-year marriage.
Larry had a winning smile and kind word for everyone he met and he loved meeting and learning about people and the world around him. Most of all he loved his family, especially his wife Natalie. A devoted husband and father, he leaves behind wife Natalie Humphrey, daughters Laurie Humphrey and Dede Powell (Pat), sons Lance Humphrey (Shaina) and John Humphrey. Larry’s grandchildren are left with many happy memories of Grampa: Todd Clancy, Chase Clancy (Amy), Jay Clancy, Charlie Humphrey, Max Humphrey, Maddie Humphrey, Sebastian Humphrey, Alex Powell (Alison), Natalie Powell and Olivia Powell. Larry is survived by his two brothers Bill Humphrey (Marilyn) and Peter Humphrey (Marjorie), and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, Lewy Body Dementia Research, Community Healthcare or Little Church on the Prairie Endowment Fund.
Larry’s family extends their thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Weatherly Inn where Larry received loving care the last year of his life.
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