Larry C. Meyer, 89, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident and owner of the Maple Lane Mobile Estates, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2009.
He was born on July 24, 1919 in Luck, Wisconsin.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II, driving a supply truck in Company H of the 3768th Quartermasters Truck Company in Guadalcanal and the Philippines.
After the Army, Larry worked for the Beaver Fuel Co. in Ballard, WA.
Handy with a hammer and saw, he then trained to be a carpenter and worked constructing buildings in the Seattle area.
Larry was united in marriage to Evelyn Drew in Montana in 1943. They lived in south Seattle, Ballard and Alderwood Manor before settling in Sedro-Woolley in 1980. But loving the warm weather, the ‘Snowbirds’ drove to Apache Junction, AZ every winter. Evelyn preceded him in death in 1995.
Larry always was a hard worker. His idea of recreation was to cut down a tree then split and stack the wood. He drove a taxi part-time, for a few years he had a paper route, he grew strawberries commercially and he sold woodwork frogs, tulips, butterflies and roadrunners as lawn decorations.
He loved to do woodworking and spent many hours in his shop, covered with sawdust and paint. There were few things he couldn’t make or repair, with either a car inner tube or a roll of white adhesive tape. He devised many items, such as an electric garage door opener, that would later be ‘invented’ by someone else. He read numerous newspapers ‘cover to cover’ and loved to discuss world events and politics with anybody.
In 1996, on a trip to Canada sponsored by the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, he met Leatha Snyder. Friendship became romance, and the two of them joined their lives and families. Years of good times followed; traveling, visiting friends and playing cards.
At age 86, Larry had a stroke after a day of repairing fences around his mobile court. Despite being air-lifted to Seattle’s Harborview Stroke Center, his symptoms worsened and he lost use of his right side. After months of hospitalization and rehab, Larry returned home with the help of Leatha, a stubborn desire to recover, and a four-legged cane. Larry worked hard to recover his ability to walk, talk and regain his former skills. He was always cheerful, appreciative of everything that was done for him, and never complained about his troubles.
Larry loved his family and friends, and always had a ready smile for all. He loved to have fun, and had a reputation for having a ‘lead foot’ when he sped around in his electric scooter.
He is survived by his companion Leatha at the family home. His son and daughter-in-law, Terry & Kathy Meyer and daughter and son-in-law, Susan & David Becker. His grandsons, David & Tim Wyatt and Josh Wyatt and his wife Denise. A daughter, Reba Sines and 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth & Judith Snyder and Don & Jan Snyder and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Larry enjoyed the fun and affection that his extended family brought and delighted in being ‘Grandpa’.
At the families request and in honoring Larry’s wishes, no immediate services will be held. In late July, when Larry would have turned 90 years old, a Celebration of Life potluck will be held at the recreation room at the Maple Lane Mobile Estates. Family and friends are encouraged to bring and share memories and photos. For information about the Life Celebration or to be notified when plans are finalized, please e-mail either Susan at sbecker45@gmail.com or Terry at tandkinmuk@msn.com. The family extends their love and gratitude to all the friends who graced Larry’s life. Your affection and support is appreciated more than we can express.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.