Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Larry Dean Saldivar Memorial
Larry Dean Saldivar Memorial

Larry Dean Saldivar

Larry Dean Saldivar

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017

Larry Dean Saldivar, 57, a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on March 17, 2017 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

Not only did our family lose a husband, son, dad, brother and uncle–the UW Huskies lost their biggest fan.  Always clad in the purple and gold, Larry loved baseball, (he trained to be a professional umpire at the prestigious Harry Wendlestedt Umpire School), football and one of his greatest joys was watching the Huskies play.  He was a star S-W Cub football and baseball player himself and was looking forward to coaching his sons before illness took the big guy down.

He also was known for his love of kids.  He started his own family later in life but he was THAT uncle to Jerimy, Dustin, Heather, Matt, Melissa, Jared and Haylee.  His first child, Brooke, he scraped all the money he had to his name to adopt and when asked ‘why?’ he said “I need her to know that someone cares”.  He was then blessed with five more children; Larry Jr., Lexi, Alex, Hayden and Thomas.

His greatest joys were taking trips to Idaho to visit his much-loved mother-in-law, Margaret Walton, and spending countless evenings, Sundays and summers with his wife Stacie, and his lovely children at His Place Church working in the many camps and children’s activities.  Studio A on Wednesday nights was a family favorite.  Larry was also a “mom and daddy’s boy” in the best sense.  He always stayed close by and a week wouldn’t go by where he didn’t go see his parents.  He had a deep love and respect for his family and they for him.  A special thanks to his sister Deb who was there when needed, his many His Place Church friends who helped with kids, well-wishes, food and support as well as the nurses at his beloved U of W Medical Center where he spent the last week of his life.

He is survived by his wife who was the light of his life and who will miss him more than any will know, Stacie; his six children (mentioned above).  His parents, Virgina and Manuel Saldivar, Sr. of Sedro-Woolley; his brothers, Manuel Jr., and wife Sheri of Mount Vernon, Rick and Karen  of Sedro-Woolley, and Arthur  of Sedro-Woolley;  sister Debra of Mount Vernon as well as his nephews and nieces (listed above) and many grand nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held at His Place Church in Burlington on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 1:00 PM followed by a potluck fellowship. The family requests that purple and gold be worn in his honor. In lieu of flowers consider donating to His Place Children’s Church.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Guestbook

  • Alex Saldivar

    He was a great dad, and although I felt betrayed at first (at god, not dad) I made such a great score with Dad! I am one of his sons. But I got a Dad who loved me!I love you daddy, you’ll be in my heart forever! I used to be a ungrateful kid who couldn’t say thanks to anyone, but since your passing, I have turned into a better kid. A grateful, thankful kid. I’ve made friends with my enemies, Thank you so much for changing my life, I love ya, pal.

    -Alex Saldivar, son of Larry Saldivar

  • Lance Simshauser

    It has been a very sad discovery to read about Larry’s passing. I send to all his family and friends my deepest condolences and prayers to all of you, and will be a constant going forward through this difficult time. Reading through all these memorials & tributes about Larry has been very touching, but not at all surprising. Larry was always a good friend through grade school and knowing what a good man he became, with love of wife, children, family and God, it touches the spirit deeply. Sadly too, we hadn’t seen each other since after graduation.
    Our family moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1968, just before 3rd grade started for Larry and I. Everyone got to know Larry at some point. He was funny, extremely likable and you knew there would be immediate laughs involved at some point (many). He and Steve Cargile had laughs like no two other people on this green earth, but I think the strongest memory I have of Larry was when he would come over to our house after school in 6th grade and we’d go into the kitchen and eat something before Mom got home from work. He used to always plop himself down at the round oak table and look at me the same every time, with the same question always: “what are we gonna eat today Lance?” I remember making sandwiches, cinnamon toast and digging into the 2.5 gallon vanilla ice cream with a couple of spoons…
    Couple of growing boys eating healthy and staying out of trouble…!

  • gary frizzell

    the saldivar family have always been first class larry,s life for jesus is was no exception .. thank you larry for the example of what it is to be like jesus and go huskies

  • Susie Wardell

    Larry was a favorite of mine whenever I would see him in the clinic( which wasn’t often) His happy go lucky spirit & smile I will remember . You have a wonderful family , take good care Stacy ❤Your Faith & family will carry you through ??

  • Karen Brokaw Wood

    I haven’t seen Larry in about 40 years. I have prayed for him and his family everyday since learning of his diagnosis of this insidious disease. I am thankful he is now free of pain.
    Even after all these years I remember his wonderful laugh and how his whole face lit up when he smiled. I remember watching Vida Blue and the Oakland A’s playing in the World Series with Larry and playing baseball at the field down by the river (along with Manuel and Rick). I remember a guy who hated his 8th grade yearbook picture because it made him look mean and how the other students lined up to have him sign their yearbooks. I remember picking cucumbers in the fields and Manuel making Larry carry my bucket up to the foreman for me. I remember what a hard worker he was – baling hay in the summer so he could earn money for football camp; his hands were so calloused. After we moved from Sedro Woolley he wrote me wonderful long letters, what a charmer! I remember a sweetheart.
    To his family, especially his wife and children I offer my sincere heartfelt condolences. I’m so glad he had you all and I’m sure that made it so hard for him to let go. Of course he will be with you always, but it takes awhile for the tears to turn into laughs.
    I wish I could make it to the memorial, I would love to see the pictures and hear the wonderful stories. Thank you for the beautiful online memorial that gives me a brief look into Larry’s life.
    All my love and prayers,

    Karen Brokaw Wood

  • Scott and Jo Cruse

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Larry, at the same time as our our loss of Michele. We grieve along side you, for these two school mates, who left us far too soon, and who now unite the town in sorrow at their loss.

  • Darlene Sjodin Bock

    What stands out most for me in all the years of school with Larry is the fact that he was an athlete and popular but how thoughtful and kind he was to me. He always made me feel like I fit in and he was such a gentleman. His parents raised him well and they should be proud of the husband and father he became. It was great to see him and Stacie just a couple few years back and it was easy to tell what a strong connection they had. I’m so glad he found someone who cherished him and made him so happy.

  • Mike Stewart

    I’m very sad to hear of Larry’s passing. I ran into Larry a few years ago at a restaurant in Mount Vernon. I hadn’t talked to Larry in many years. One of my favorite stories with Larry was in high school on the football field. We were playing Monroe at Greene Memorial Field in Sedro-Woolley. Larry played Linebacker and I was a Corner Back. Monroe was beating us in a very close game. Monroe had driven the length of the field and they had the ball inside our 5 yard line and they were in position to score. It was so foggy that you couldn’t see across the field. Spud Walley, our Athletic Director was at the back of the end zone and he yelled my name and I turned to see what he wanted. He yelled, “Be ready, their coming your way.” At the snap, sure enough Monroe swept to our side. As I stepped up to make the tackle, my helmet knocked the ball loose from the ball carrier. The ball went straight up in the air. Somehow, Larry appeared and caught the ball on it’s way down. Larry ran the length of the field for 99 yards for a touchdown and a win for the cubs. Larry had that big smile of his and that signature laugh. He was completely out of breath as we celebrated. It was a great moment for Larry.

  • Don Rich

    I was a classmate of Larrys in jr and sr high schools. His smile would light up the room and he was a friend to all. I was not a popular kid but Larry treated me as a friend and that never changed throughout our school years. Very sad to hear this news. My condolences to his family.

  • Lisa Dellinger

    Larry was a class mate of mine and a friend in school. He was always having fun and making people laugh from his jokes and funny antics. Larry was super athletic, a man of God and well respected by many. Larry will be missed by all who knew him. Larry carried a special light in his soul. My condolences for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Sheri Saldivar

    Larry,
    I will miss your hugs and smiles and belly laugh. I am also very thankful you are no longer in pain and discomfort. You shared many times these last months how tired you were of being sick. You also held close to Jesus and I know he is holding you close now…and for this I am happy. Thank you for leaving such beautiful, loving children. I am treasuring their stories and shared times. You did good, Larry.

  • Arlen Tofslie

    Stacie,
    You have always had, and will continue to have a special place in my heart. I grieve with you in Larry’s loss, yet rejoice in knowing we’ll be with him in Jesus presence soon. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psm 116:15).
    Blessings and lov,
    Pastor Arlen

  • Franki Shannon

    We are all blessed for having known Larry. My condolences to Stacie, The Kids and Family.

  • Mandy (Burnett) Nelson

    I ran into Larry in the store a couple of years ago and he talked proudly of Stacie and his children, his family. I was SO happy he found love and happiness. He was a favorite neighbor, playmate and classmate. Always upbeat, smiling, giggling, fun. A VERY sincere and nice person. Gosh. My sympathy for your loss.

  • Debby Malarchick

    I knew Larry for many years (20+); first as a co-worker, then as a friend. He was one of those few and far between friends that you could not see for a while and when you meet up again it is like no time had passed! He had a gentle and caring soul; a person you could not help but like. My heart is sad at his passing, but I celebrate his arrival at the throne of God, being wrapped in the loving arms of our Savior!

  • Shane Walton

    Stacie my heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve his passing into the presence of the saints above and our Lord. I wished I could have met him as I know he was a great man husband and Dad. Blessings to you all during this time of sorrow. Jess and I are here for you for anything!!!!

  • Lisa Soneda

    So sorry to hear of Mr. Saldivar’s passing. His beautiful children come to our school. They are sweet and kind and obviously the product of loving parents. Please know that many people at our school are thinking of and praying for your family at this difficult time. Much love to you all.

  • Mel and Shirley Messina

    What a wonderful dad-father-christian and a example to all who knew him.

  • Arlen Tofslie

    Stacie,
    You have had and always will have a special place in my heart. I both grieve with you in your loss, and yet rejoice with you in knowing Larry is with Jesus, and together we’ll join him sooner than we think. You have my love and prayer as you walk through the days in front of you. Blessings! Pastor Arlen
    “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psm 116:15)

  • Tina

    Your dad and I are sorry we never got to get to know the love of your life. We love y’all and will be praying for you and the children and the rest of the family. May God keep you and comfort you today and always

  • LeathAnn Johnson

    I didn’t know you that well but your kids are amazing. I’m thankful that our kids know each other. You will be greatly missed. Prayers to your family.
    Love, LeathAnn, JJ, Tanner, KayLee, Maddie, and Gage Johnson